If God Is Love w Alfalpha

jiguma

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Description

This track came from a (for me) complex guitar sequence that I've been battling to learn for a week or two - and the realisation that it was perfect for a "Christmas" song (jiguma style). Lyrics appeared (as they do) and I set about recording it. The string quartet is by Alfalpha - I am very pleased to have someone with Alf's skills living just up the road. You can expect more Alf/Jig songs in the near future.
There is one acoustic guitar track, one lead vocal track and one harmony vocal track. The Japanese percussion is made up of standard GB loops, sliced and edited. I've kept compression to a minimum and have slight reverb on the whole track. The strings are 2 violins, a viola and a cello from JP4 - courtesy of Alf.

I hope you all have a happy Christmas and a joyous 2007 ....................... oh yeah, and world peace!

Neil

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Lyrics

If God Is Love
© Neil Porter 2006

Jesus Christ was born on Christmas Day
A day in late December
Jesus was a man of peace they say
That I do remember

I’d like to see a happy Christmas
I’d love to see a peaceful year
To see a safe and happy Christmas
A time of peace and joy and cheer

If I was a man inclined to pray
What would I be saying?
“Peace on earth forever from this day”
That’s what I’d be praying

Will we see a happy Christmas,
Or just another day of tears?
I’d really like to see this Christmas
Bring joy and hope and ease our fears

When I was young they told me “God is love”
And that he came from “up above”
I wonder what he sees up there
Sometimes he doesn’t seem to care

If Jesus Christ returned to earth today
What would he be thinking?
Would he turn his back and walk away?
Watch his land of birth just sinking

If he was coming home this Christmas
If he was coming home this year
Do you think he’d see a happy Christmas?
A time of peace and joy and cheer

Song Stats

Hits: 3570
Comments: 54
Fans: 12
Plays: 383
Downloads: 142
Votes: 18
Uploaded: Dec 17, 2006 - 08:17:44 PM
Last Updated: Jan 23, 2007 - 03:15:55 PM Last Played: May 22, 2013 - 04:37:13 AM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Song Actions

Keywords:

christmas (274), peace on earth (2), goodwill to all (1), string quartet (11)

Hardware:

Seagull S6 acoustic guitar
Rode NT3 mic
Behringer UB802 mixer/preamp
iMac G4
Alf's keyboard and iBook

Software:

Logic Express 7.1 (Neil)
Garageband 2 (Alf)

Comments

	said 2348 days ago (December 17th, 2006)
	I wouldn't expect... anything less... Neil, this hits me as an honest heart felt song. Questions... in the form of a song that any person would, and probably should, ask that cares about what goes on in this world. The simplicity of the well produced music just reinforces its sincerity. Cheers and best wishes during this Christmas season. Fav'd and DL'ed.

jiguma

jiguma said 2348 days ago (December 17th, 2006)

Thanks Jack .....
... for the kind words. I hadn't really planned to do a "holiday" song, but it seemed to fit the guitar part. I have to admit that I don't get how so much awful stuff seems to happen in the name of religion - of whatever flavour.
Best wishes for 2007,
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/27228"> If God Is Love - with Alfalpha</a>

Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

Mcboy	Mcboy said 2348 days ago (December 17th, 2006)
	a new addition to the tradition of christmas songs........wonderful composition and performance...again its a heady , thinkng man's song......but valid nonetheless......bravo! Check out my latest song called Bluesphemy (MJRF 2010)

jiguma

jiguma said 2348 days ago (December 17th, 2006)

Just thinking out loud!
I sometimes regret that I can't write your average pop lyrics - but mostly not : ) Best wishes to you and yours this Christmas and in the new year Mcboy - thanks for listening to this and my other songs during 2006. Aja says "Hi!".
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/27228"> If God Is Love - with Alfalpha</a>

Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

alfalpha	alfalpha said 2348 days ago (December 17th, 2006)
	a very enjoyable collab... ...the words to this song are so appropriate for the situation/s in the world today and the music too reflects this so whimsically. It was truly a pleasure to be part of this project. Many Thanks Neil, I had fun working on this with you...Here's to many more projects to come! Check out my latest song called Mania- w/DavisAmerica-The 'Sprout' Remix

jiguma	jiguma said 2348 days ago (December 17th, 2006)
	Pesky Likewise Alf - I sorted that pesky cello part out - not sure how that happened. Will have to keep following the black line : ) Neil --- <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/27228">If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)</a> Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

Ed_Moran	Ed_Moran said 2348 days ago (December 17th, 2006)
	Merry Christmas Neil The quality of your production keeps getting better with each song. Simple yet powerful. I want to thank you for sharing your time and talents with me and everyone at MJ. Happy and healthy 2007. Ed Check out my latest song called Cowboy (WIP)

jiguma

jiguma said 2348 days ago (December 17th, 2006)

Thanks Ed
.......... for listening and leaving a note. It's been a real pleasure helping out with different people's songs this year. Yours in particular hit a chord (pardon the pun) with me. Best wishes to you and yours these holidays and also for the new year,
Peace,
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/27228">If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)</a>

Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

	said 2347 days ago (December 18th, 2006)
	Thank you for this one What a great Christmas song...I love it you 2 have done wonderful job with this nice tune....And special you, Neil. Merry Christmas and I hope 2007 be good for you and your family. Take care Kenta

jiguma	jiguma said 2347 days ago (December 18th, 2006)
	Thanks Kenta Really glad you liked this - thanks for your positive presence here at MJ this year. All the best for Christmas and 2007. Peace, Neil --- <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/27228">If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)</a> Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

stevel	stevel said 2347 days ago (December 18th, 2006)
	Very nice Neil I like the acoustic guitar and percussion, it kind of reminds me of XTC circa Senses Working Overtime. Nice tune overall....very good mix Cheers Steve Check out my latest song called Whatever...

jiguma	jiguma said 2347 days ago (December 18th, 2006)
	XTC Never did hear much XTC (they were around in my "musical wilderness years") - must check them out. Glad you liked the tune. Have a great Xmas and all the best for 2007. Cheers, Neil --- <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/27228">If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)</a> Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

ktb	ktb said 2347 days ago (December 18th, 2006)
	deep Neil, poignant and deep message, but your voice & the instrumentation envelop it in a warm fuzzy holiday tone. Loved the overall vibe the instrumental bed developed. Your voice fits it like a glove. Check out my latest song called Blackwater (by Tokai)

jiguma	jiguma said 2347 days ago (December 18th, 2006)
	Alf sure can ...... ..... play those strings. Alf moving to a town only 10 minutes away has opened up the use of keyboards for me. His work on the strings here really made the song so much better. Glad you enjoyed it. All the best for Christmas and the new year John. Peace, Neil --- If God Is Love (with Alfalpha) Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

Jim Bouchard	Jim Bouchard said 2347 days ago (December 18th, 2006)
	Great Song! And really well done...really really well done. I don't know what else to say, this is really powerful lyrically and yet really subtly done with the music. Downloaded! Check out my latest song called Big Yawn (Apogee One mic demo)

jiguma	jiguma said 2347 days ago (December 18th, 2006)
	Always ......... ...... appreciate your comments Jim, and I'm really pleased you had a listen and left a comment. Hope you enjoy Christmas and have a happy 2007. Cheers, Neil --- If God Is Love (with Alfalpha) Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

Macaudion

Macaudion said 2347 days ago (December 18th, 2006)

Hey Buddy!
You always know just how to awaken us all to what might be, goin on... The words to this resonated to me especially so, Neil - I'll need to scoot this one right on up to the top of my fav X-mas songs - If I were a man who might sing a Xmas song, I'd attempt to have it share the sentiments of this little ditty -

Something interesting about it was that the fact that it was kinda like watching the types of movies that I really enjoy - You know the ones - As your watching, your not sure if something was meant to be sincere, insincere, funny, good, bad truthful or not - They sometimes end up being dark, but in the end, you know that it reflected alot of what goes on all around you -

Many unanswered questions that make you grab ahold of letting go... And reminding yourself to just do what you can to affect things around you in away that brihtens the darker side of light...

Maybe it was just meant to be a simple little xmas song, and maybe I think too much... Nah...

Thanks Neil! D

Check out my latest song called Pavel

jiguma

jiguma said 2347 days ago (December 18th, 2006)

A big thank you ..........
........... to you Mr Macca. In your brief time here at MJ - this last month or so - since you joined - recently I mean - you have been so very supportive of what I've been doing. It almost seems as though you've been here before - under a different name perhaps : )
Thanks for your kind comments and a helpful ear when I've asked. But mainly thanks for being such an important part of MJ - through your sense of fun, your great ears and your complex and interesting music (no, that was someone else).
All my very best wishes for Christmas - hope you have a happy and satisfying 2007.
Peace,
Neil

---
If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)

Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

thoddi	thoddi said 2347 days ago (December 18th, 2006)
	Wow The guitar is very good Neil. I love the perc. And the strings gives it a new dimension. Great song all around! Check out my latest song called And here comes Christmas Eve

jiguma

jiguma said 2346 days ago (December 19th, 2006)

I practised and practiced ......
.... that guitar part! Thanks for noticing. Alf's strings are just wonderful - to sit and watch him manipulate the black dots was an ducation for sure. All my very best wishes for 2007 and the "silly season". Thanks for listening to this and all the others in 2006.
Neil

---
<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/27228">If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)</a>

Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

bug67	bug67 said 2347 days ago (December 18th, 2006)
	This is really cool But, that's more than an understatement. Some really nice sonic elements going on. You choices for percussion are very well thought out and add greatly to the overall performance. Great job, guys! Merry Christmas! Check out my latest song called Cowboy's Song

jiguma	jiguma said 2346 days ago (December 19th, 2006)
	I guess you'll ........ .. have a white christmas up there Dave! Thanks for the kind words, and for the listen. Have a great winter - I will be thinking of you in our summer heat : ) Cheers, Neil --- <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/27228">If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)</a> Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

SecaMode	SecaMode said 2346 days ago (December 19th, 2006)
	poignant My favorite line, "I wonder what he sees up there, Sometimes he doesn%u2019t seem to care." This really resonates with me. Great job! Check out my latest song called Deux Cents

jiguma	jiguma said 2345 days ago (December 20th, 2006)
	Thanks Sergio I appreciate you taking time to listen and leave a comment. Have a great 2007! Neil --- <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/27228">If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)</a> Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

caroline	caroline said 2346 days ago (December 19th, 2006)
	ouch!! happy, merry, joyful and big loves to you both and your families - hugs and kisses from me and the bear xox Check out my latest song called i'm a reunion maid MJRF 2010

jiguma

jiguma said 2345 days ago (December 20th, 2006)

Happy Cheltenham Christmas Caro
Told you we'd do somthing together! I really enjoyed working with Alf - he's very talented (and can read the black dots too) and a barrell of laughs. Having the same birthday has been interesting - there are some scary similarities between us (and I don't just mean the beards.
I hope you and yours have a fantastic Xmas and a brilliant 2007. Thanks for listening!
Neil

---
If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)

Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

Feter	Feter said 2346 days ago (December 19th, 2006)
	Real Groovey !! such great song ....veruy creative and Unique ... your singin is outstanding ..the indian set behind you realy says it all ..so 60s peace feel hmmm surely the stings set very nicely put .. well done my friends ...just a top rated one !! Check out my latest song called Roll with it

jiguma	jiguma said 2345 days ago (December 21st, 2006)
	All the best ...... ..... for a safe and peaceful 2007 Feter. Thanks for your comment and for listening and commenting on so many of my songs - I appreciate it! Take care, Neil --- If God Is Love (with Alfalpha) Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

racerat

racerat said 2346 days ago (December 20th, 2006)

jiguma
Nice track. It reminds me of some of the more pastoral works of XTC. The strings are magical and the lyrics, poinant. My favorite line is "watch his land of birth just sinking", nice. Your production is constantly improving and the levels are perfect. The orchestral sound effects and japanese instruments add a great depth to this seemingly simple track. Good work.

Check out my latest song called My Broken Sky

jiguma	jiguma said 2345 days ago (December 21st, 2006)
	Cheers Philip I appreciate you having a listen, and even more that you enjoyed the song. Best wishes for you and yours over Christmas and on into 2007. Peace, Neil --- If God Is Love (with Alfalpha) Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

Sumo Sisters	Sumo Sisters said 2345 days ago (December 20th, 2006)
	jiguma Awesome tune with great lyrics. I liked the Japanese percussion - it surely has a good effect. Thank you, and happy holidays to you. Aya Check out my latest song called Love Comes in Any Shape

jiguma	jiguma said 2345 days ago (December 21st, 2006)
	Thank you multi-facetted Sumo Sisters! Thanks for the comment Aya - I'm really looking forward to hearing more from the Sumo Sisters Project next year. Best wishes for peace in 2007! Neil --- If God Is Love (with Alfalpha) Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

Willywagga	Willywagga said 2345 days ago (December 20th, 2006)
	Lovely Song Great stuff Neil, Very crisp mix. Touching lyrics poignant and thoughtful. If we need to reflect during this season your song lands us right there. Terrific. Peace to you and yours. Check out my latest song called The Jes on Sea Road

jiguma	jiguma said 2345 days ago (December 21st, 2006)
	Reflection indeed I get a little peeved at this time of the year to look at the mess in the Middle East created by "people of faith". Just trying to touch a few nerves Will. Thanks for the comment - best wishes to you and yours (and Ruairi Egan) for the silly season and 2007. Peace, Neil --- If God Is Love (with Alfalpha) Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

Scott Carmichael

Scott Carmichael said 2345 days ago (December 20th, 2006)

very different
Exellent... a very different and interesting meter in the verses.. i like how that works very much... it feels like there is a turn-around at the end of each phrase... a very somber and sober look at the world for this holiday.. and rightfully so... I'm hearing you juxtisupose hope against resignation... the piece sounds a bit to realistic to hope too much, but still hope nonetheless

I have often thought that he would have the same trouble that He encountered when He came the first time... He refused to comply with the expectations of "The Messiah" so he went unrecognized by the religious... And the "Religious" of this day who claim to speak for HIm, might not even recognize HIm if he snuck in unannounced... Our failings seem so consistent and inevidable as we look back through history...

I just depressed myself... but I agree... peace

Check out my latest song called Dogwood

jiguma	jiguma said 2345 days ago (December 21st, 2006)
	It's pretty easy ...... .... to get depressed about the world situation at the moment unfortunately. Thanks for the kind words and for listening to my other tunes as well as this one Scott, and thanks for posting those beautiful songs of yours. Peace, Neil. --- If God Is Love (with Alfalpha) Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

rtcooper	rtcooper said 2345 days ago (December 20th, 2006)
	BUT, Isn't He? God being Love, that is? Philistines come in all colors and stripes, it seems. When He comes, I Fear He's gonna be Mad! As You point out, our Job is to put the "Other" aside and fill Hearts with a tangible, palpable "Love". BRAVO, Good Friend. And Merry Christmas to You. Cooper Check out my latest song called The Loon and the Hula Moon (mstr)

jiguma

jiguma said 2345 days ago (December 21st, 2006)

May I quote ...
... "When He comes, I Fear He's gonna be Mad!". That's so apt! As usual Coop, all the very best for the coming celebrations and hopefully a more peaceful new year (can you have a talk to George about that??). Appreciate all your comments, listens and support over 2006.
Best wishes to you and yours,
Neil

---
If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)

Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

mvh9591	mvh9591 said 2344 days ago (December 21st, 2006)
	wow -- Thank you very much for sharing. Very Nice. mvh : ) Check out my latest song called 01-15-13 Not sure where it's taking me.

gregd	gregd said 2344 days ago (December 21st, 2006)
	Unexpected and cool I'm not much for christmas tunes usually, but I like the melancholy and hope in this tune. Smooth and evocative. -g Check out my latest song called 08nov08

j2morrow	j2morrow said 2344 days ago (December 21st, 2006)
	Neil, A solid, reflective song on the holiday. A nice twist away from the overly romantic view of Christmas. Terrific arrangement and great vocal delivery. Kudos. Have a great holiday and a wonderful 2007. Check out my latest song called CAPTURE THE RAPTURE

Tadashi Togawa	Tadashi Togawa said 2343 days ago (December 22nd, 2006)
	Peace. I feel that this song is a prayer to peace. The percussion instrument is effective. The photograph is beautiful. Check out my latest song called Mexican taste

jiguma	jiguma said 2343 days ago (December 22nd, 2006)
	Peace ..... ...... to you and your family in the new year Tadashi! Neil --- If God Is Love (with Alfalpha) Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

	said 2342 days ago (December 23rd, 2006)
	top notch a joyfull heartfelt song, I realy like your singing on this..excellent!

bud	bud said 2342 days ago (December 24th, 2006)
	Wonderful production I really like the rhythm track - very original. and everything else here is top notch - the writing, playing , singing. Thanks for this treat. Check out my latest song called ditto

said 2336 days ago (December 29th, 2006)

God is indeed LOVE...
...unfortunately HUMANS are often anything but. And therein lies the rub. But I do empathize with the honest questioning herein. And I must say that this is a very beautiful piece of work Neil. Not the usual holiday fluff (there are only a very few Christmas songs that I like). Thank you for not posting something shallow and saccharine my friend!

God rest you merry gentleman!

jiguma	jiguma said 2336 days ago (December 29th, 2006)
	Thanks Mike .... ... for the visit and heartfelt comment. I appreciate the fact that you listen to my point of view even though you don't always agree with it. Cheers from Oz! Neil --- If God Is Love (with Alfalpha) Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

SmokeyVW	SmokeyVW said 2336 days ago (December 29th, 2006)
	better late than never trying to catch up on tunes i missed here on MacJams... and came across this gem! someone mentioned XTC - i agree there's a quality of that here. i really like the use of strings to fill it out. and the lyrics are thought provoking - hypotheticals are often interesting, but this is excellent. thanks Check out my latest song called RUOK

caroline	caroline said 2334 days ago (December 31st, 2006)
	i have no idea... how i missed this until now - happy new year guys - a lovely project oxox Check out my latest song called i'm a reunion maid MJRF 2010

echoroom

echoroom said 2333 days ago (January 1st, 2007)

That voice, Neil...
is fab, reminds me quite a bit of Luke Haines from The Auteurs (one of my favourite singers). The lyric and theme of this track is excellently executed - not overly sentimental, not preachy, almost observational ('Watch his land of birth just sinking' is a killer line).

Everything, production, playing, is top notch ... what I love about this is you've taken an original perspective and really nailed it. Top marks.

Steve

Check out my latest song called Sweet Isolation

1ozmuso	1ozmuso said 2305 days ago (January 29th, 2007)
	cool songmate nice honesty, and it's good to see someone challenging religion abit too and they're usual christmas carols... rock on Check out my latest song called tainted

	said 2242 days ago (April 2nd, 2007)
	8 ) This is BEAUTIFUL Neil .. What a great song I especially love the beginning & all the funny sounds ! Your Voice is GREAT here Thankyou : )

Joanna	Joanna said 2217 days ago (April 27th, 2007)
	aww A Christmas song in April is just what I needed. Great song, loved the subtlety of the vocal performance. Wonderful song! Check out my latest song called 20 Years

	said 2076 days ago (September 15th, 2007)
	Very Nice ! Mr. Neil this is very nice song, so nice to hear you in songs with Dr. Alf, this is wonderful song, from the lyrics it's very heartfelt, from the music it's very nice! Welldone in this song ! Enjoyed Take Care ============== Yeman Auf Al-Rawi

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Artist Info

Name: Neil Porter
Location: Pambula Beach, Sapphire Coast NSW Australia

My old bio page looked pretty out of date, so it’s time for a new one: For the full story, see my interview in the MacJammer Blog "The Jiguma Is Up" by Tobin Mueller. I started to learn guitar when I was about 10 – but didn’t last lon... [see more]

Check out some of my other songs:

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More songs in Acoustic Rock:

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