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Jerusalemma by sschedra [Email]

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SONG STATS:
Hits: 340
Comments: 21
Votes: 3
Plays: 48
Last Played: Sep 22, 2008 - 08:02:04 PM
Downloads: 21
Fans: 7
Uploaded: Mar 06, 2008 - 01:06:44 AM
Last Updated: Mar 06, 2008 - 01:06:44 AM
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Description:
I went on Sabbatical a few years ago to the Kwa-Zulu Natale province of RSA. My buddy Butch and I went there to help build orphanages. While there we met the most wonderful children in the most heinous of circumstances. Both of us being the fathers of daughters, we were particularly heartbroken for the young girls in that part of the world. As their immediate family deteriorates due to aids, they have no protection. They are savaged in every way possible and yet they hold on to their faith, their joy and their hope. The girls in this picture are from an orphanage up north in Melelane. A testament to these girls is in the picture here. They make all these decorations from garbage that people throw away. Mostly it is from wrappers from "sweeties", candy. It reminds me of the psalm "I will give you beauty for ashes." This is a secret of the universe. The downtrodden of the earth come to the Lord and he gives them beauty for the ashes of their life. I guess we outsiders can only see the terror of their lifestyle because we can't see with spiritual eyes. At night when I would come back from the new construction site, the girls would greet me. "Brudda Steef you play, you play!" They would make motions and play air guitar to indicate that they wanted to have a sing along. In typical adult fashion, I would smile and wave them off. "After dinner." I would tell them. Then later before bed we would get together and sing lots of songs, but this one was the girls' favorite. The boys would fall silent as the girls and I gave this rendition. You have never heard such souls as these when they open their hearts to sing. This song is an attempt to imitate their singing. It does not have the same effect I assure you as when you hear it in person and your heart just bursts asunder.
Loops for percussion,Midi bass, my faithful guild acoustic guitar, and imaginary angel voices and me singing in the foothills of Melelane.

Lyrics:
Jerusalemma (Language: Zulu)

Jerusalemma
Jerusalemma
Jerusalemma U muzi okhanyayo
(Jerusalem the city that shines)

Imizamo yami yophela
Mla ngifika kuwe
Jerusalemma U muzi okhanyayo
(My work is over
When I reach you
Jerusalem the city that shines)

Hardware:
Guild D-40, M-Audio Mobile pre interface, Imac

Software:
Garageband
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Precious !!! &mdash 03/06/08 - 01:24:30 AM
Stephen this is more than words can describe.
the most music can do in life is to create
something true and move peoples life .you did
alot here .. the sound the singing just totaly
moved here ... God Bless this is such a special
work realy respected !!

thank you for sharing such gem !

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My Brother &mdash 03/06/08 - 06:44:04 PM
Thank you for your sincere appreciation. There are many stories from this trip. Maybe some unwritten songs too.

Stephen

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Very moving story- Song. &mdash 03/06/08 - 06:11:16 AM

Hi Stephen
Awe I knew you were a very special person when ~I named you
the 'Angel of the Internet' Stephen. I loved this and I was all the way out there with you on this one too. I know how hard it must have been for them and yourself too. No words that I have can describe, as Feter says
can describe this beautiful track.
It is so very special and a great work of art. Thank you so much for sharing this and all your wonderful creations.

Peace
Dee

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I am blushing &mdash 03/06/08 - 07:55:22 PM
Dee thank you so much. As I told Feter, my short time there bred many stories. I'll tell more of them someday. The kids were amazing though. Sadly some of them are no longer with us. Little ones might not inherit the guilt of their parents sins, but they sure get the circumstances.

Stephen

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Very humbling &mdash 03/06/08 - 06:41:52 AM
and leads me to repent of my unthankful heart whenever I'm reminded of how the downtrodden of the earth remain steadfast in rejoicing in the Lord. These little girls are a true testimony of the faith. Thank you for spreading that message around the world by this song, as we await the new jerusalem.

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Amen &mdash 03/06/08 - 07:58:49 PM
This trip was where I learned the truth of earthly circumstances not being spiritual reality. Of course seeing it through a cracked door as you're running by is not the same as walking through the door into the full truth, but its a start.

Stephen

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Brilliant &mdash 03/06/08 - 05:16:41 PM
I love African music it's so rhythmic and full of catchy melody, thanks for sharing this little gift....

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Hey &mdash 03/06/08 - 08:02:06 PM
dave, If you ever get to this part of the world you will be shocked at how everyone can sing. Everyone finds a harmony, every one sings in his own voice. I think we have lost something in our culture because we tend to be passive, leaving the singing to the choir and the speaking to the learned.

Stephen

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deeply touched... &mdash 03/07/08 - 08:03:17 AM
Your description of the living conditions and behavior, and the continued optimism of the girls, really touches this dad too... I have nothing to say after reading that, except that the music is well done, and re-captures the melody, and a bit of the mood, that I can imagine from your story. Wow.

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Much Appreciated &mdash 03/09/08 - 03:48:10 PM
Always thankful for your encouragement and appreciation.
Stephen

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Mixing it up a bit &mdash 03/07/08 - 01:37:19 PM
Very original. Love the African feel.
Keep up the good work. You're great.

LL

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Hey! &mdash 03/09/08 - 03:50:31 PM
Thanks man, I have a million stories from this trip. Every Zulu can sing harmonies without even trying.

Stephen

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Very cool &mdash 03/07/08 - 11:44:41 PM
Once again you demonstrate the depth and breadth of your range. I think every track you've posted has been in some way totally different. This is very cool, and the backstory lets you just picture the scene. Great song and great performance. I am never disappointed when I stop by one of your posts, and this is no exception. Nicely done, my friend. Peace.

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Thx &mdash 03/09/08 - 03:52:57 PM
Dave, Your appreciation and encouragement are important to me as I am one of your biggest fans.
Thanks again,
Stephen

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stephen &mdash 03/08/08 - 08:12:59 AM
man this is a heart tugging keeper.... bless you man ... pretty speechless am i .... and very cool r u

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Hey man! &mdash 03/09/08 - 03:55:44 PM
Jack, when I was in RSA I had many speechless moments. As I told Rox, the truths I was exposed to were a reality to some of my young friends, but I was only passing by.

Thanks for your genuine remarks,
Stephen

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This is Marvels... &mdash 03/11/08 - 09:54:21 AM
An outstanding piece of work, I shouldn't say work....
Because nothing this good is ever Work....
It's just to bad that a few greedy men dictate these
unfortunate conditions.
And too sing about a city, that is rapt in turmoil....
where some people are experimenting, with there new weapons
so they can show the world.. how good they work.
Well... You've done your part.. a good thing, by helping....
And bringing a smile to there Face's.
My Respect.... goes out to you.... Ma.. Man.....

I..........LIKE IT............

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WOW! &mdash 03/11/08 - 12:15:55 PM
I absolutely LOVE this. You really nailed it here, on every level. This is so COOL! I can't stop listening to it! Stop me before I listen again!! (oh - that's what the download button is for!) You're great - thanks!

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Awesome &mdash 03/11/08 - 12:18:39 PM
Kinda like this music:) Lovely song:)

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Such truth and love ... &mdash 03/12/08 - 04:17:48 PM
of God speaks volumes in any situation,dire or otherwise.You've been busy Stephen since arriving here.Love those swelling voices of joy and the infectious pulse of tribal music displayed against the backdrop of the stark realities for so many ignored and forgotten ones.Wecome aboard brother and thanks for sharing this.

Daniel

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Fantastic song - &mdash 03/17/08 - 09:30:37 PM
I can't believe that's you singing here - what an amazing job of getting the tone and feel of those girls. The story you tell is heart wrenching and uplifting at the same time. Ain't that the way it is sometimes. Glad I stopped by.

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