Wade in the Water

The Cinch Review

Wade in the WaterTomorrow evening marks the beginning of Passover, and today was Palm Sunday and the kick-off of Holy Week for many Christians like myself (although for those observing the Eastern Orthodox calendar, Palm Sunday will arrive very much later on April 28th). So I take this opportunity to wish happy holidays and observances to all, and may God have mercy on every one of us.

In the spirit of thinking of songs that in a certain sense span the Judeo/Christian story, I happened to think of “Wade in the Water” today. It is of-course a famous Negro spiritual, and has been performed too many times by too many people in too many variations to even begin a litany. I love the song for its mysteriousness. I guess the one fundamental observation that can be made about it is that it blends the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea with the Christian belief in baptism by water. The chorus (which is the one thing that is consistent amongst the many versions) goes: Continue reading “Wade in the Water”

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

The Cinch Review

The clip below features the venerable and yet-to-be-equaled song by Isaac Watts, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. It is sung by The NBA, which I strongly suspect means something different in England versus what it means in the United States.

Today is Palm Sunday on the calendar of church-going Christians (both Western and Orthodox this year); it is the day of Jesus’ welcome arrival in Jerusalem, only days in advance of his crucifixion. What an exquisitely strange religion this is. As Mr. Watts knew and expressed so well.

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died;
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.