Josephine Cameron: Music

• MP3 short clip, hi-fi play (broadband)
• MP3 short clip, lo-fi play (modem)

Hymns and gospel music were constantly playing in the house I grew up in, and I just seem to have developed an innate love for some of these old tunes. This particular tune always interested me because of a certain sly honesty in it. I used to think of it as just one of those happy-go-lucky wide-eyed blind-faith tunes. But when you really listen to it, you can hear this discouraged, despairing voice trying to reach out for some spark of hope. The song opens, “Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come?” It’s the same question that we all ask in our dark moments. Why? My mother was always trying to tell me that faith is worthwhile, even if it’s “the size of a mustard-seed.” That’s what this song reminds me of. Reaching for that small speck, and hoping against hope that it will be enough to get you through the day.

Why should I feel discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart feel lonely
And long for Heaven and home?
When Jesus is my portion
My constant friend in need
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches me
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches me

I sing because I'm happy
I sing because I'm free
For His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches me

"Let not your hearts be troubled"
His tender words I hear
And resting on his goodness
I lose my doubts and fears
Though by the path he leadeth
But one step I may see
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches me
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches me

I sing because I'm happy
I sing because I'm free