Knowing the Words Helps

Technically, one plays the music the way it’s written; holding notes and cutting them according to the composer’s intention.  Keeping exact time for every bar of music is also part of a musician’s skill.  There’s also something besides, which is inherent in our minds.  It is the rhythmic beat that carries the music along and helps to give expression to its message.

Along with this, is the benefit from knowing the words for the song you are playing because they keep you intent on the line of music.  Playing the words is far more satisfying than just playing notes, and if it’s a hymn that’s being played, the words, known as the lyrics, will carry a message that is even more understandable than the words of a well thought-out message of a practiced minister.

That is what I want to relay to you.  It is the need to remember when playing this beautiful hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” that I’ve loved since I was a boy, that music is a language everyone understands.  Think of the words you are playing, and that your bagpipes are singing while people are listening.  Some people will hear the words in German, others in Spanish or French, or some other language, depending on the language that is familiar, and yet, each time when your pipes are playing, the words may be in English, but someone else is hearing them in his or her own native language.

In this hymn, think as you play, “What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.”  Those who know the words will hear those words.  “Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?”  Think as you play, “Oh, what needless pain we bear, because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” “In His arms He’ll take and shield thee; thou wilt find a solace there.”

There is so much depth of feeling and emotion in this hymn, and you are telling those who listening, that you know Jesus personally, the One person who knows your deepest sorrows and weaknesses, and He has promised to share your burdens.  In your effort to share God’s wonderful promises with others, you will probably feel deep emotions yourself, and be assured that the time will come when “there will be no need for prayer,” for it will be in glory, that you will meet your Saviour personally.  Here are the words to that beautiful hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”  Play them with all your heart for others to listen.