Years ago, I wrote a song, “Teach me, my God, the songs they sing to You in the heavenlies.” I am almost certain a few of those songs are on this “Thank you” album by Glen Galaxy.In every way, “Thank you” reminds me of David, the David that had some issues with a guy named Goliath. This David, as a young boy, spent a lot of time out in the hill country, looking after sheep. I can see him now, after the sheep have settled down for the night, sitting near a fire, looking at stars as big as light bulbs, listening to the sheep dogs barking nearby and maybe a wolf howling in the distance. He takes out his lyre, starts strumming and singing his heart out toward the heavens…singing songs to God that contain honest sentiments… with real melodies and heartfelt, intelligent, poetic lyrics. Those songs were written to and for God alone. None were written for praise and worship albums or compilations or for congregations. He was just a boy pouring-out his heart to his Father, a Father Who was attentively listening to His son.
When you hear Glen’s awesome rhythms and lyrics, like “I saw the river of crystal-clear water, flowing out of the throne and of the Lamb” on “Waters Of Life,” with Glen even laughing in the middle of the song and having way too much fun, it really feels like someone is giving us a glimpse of David singing, crying, laughing, and silent by the fire.
When I hear “Great Is The Lord and GREATLY TO BE PRAISED,” it makes me think that Glen has had an open window into heaven itself, or maybe even visited the place, and has seen something deep and lovely. He seems to be almost unrestrained in his worship. He may have forgotten himself for a minute, maybe like David did when he danced before the Lord.
In “Glory In You,” he declares he is done with bragging about his smarts, his muscles, his cars, his dreams, and has given himself to bragging about knowing God, the God of mercy and kindness and justice…and brag he does…on and on about his Maker.
In the song, “Mighty Rushing Wind,” there is the lyric “united as one.” I was thinking how nice it would be to go off with my wife, Marian, and dance a slow dance to this song…slowly and tenderly. We love dancing. David loved dancing before the Lord. My guess is that Glen Galaxy loves it too.“On the bells of the horses write ‘Holiness to the Lord,’” we sing on “Holy.” Can it get any better than this? Somebody must have spent years studying at least the 66 books.In “All Authority,” Glen is just having way too much fun, as he celebrates what a great job Jesus has done…such an awesome, complete job that He deserves to be the “boss,” and He is…but a boss who washes the dishes while he sends his guests out on the porch to relax.
Lots of Christians are waiting to die and go to heaven. Glen seems to already be in heaven! “I see You now, Dayspring from on high.” “Open your eyes, open your eyes,” he pleads with us. “So, rise, shine, your light has come.” Surely the Holy Spirit’s Presence is here with us NOW. I love this stuff! I knew it, but now I can actually feel it. Are feelings o.k?
In “Baptize,” Glen asks “Almighty God and Father” to baptize him with the Holy Ghost and fire. But first, he yields himself to God. Then he declares “this is the generation that will seek Your face.” I certainly hope so. My own generation has decided to “take care of business,” and plan for either retirement or leaving the earth. What about the mission?
The lines, “In the stillness, in the quiet, in the place where I don’t speak ‘til you speak to me. In the perfect rest, under the shadow of Your wings,” take me away to that secret place…leaning on the same beating heart that young John once leaned on: “Thump! Thump!”
I put this album up there with Ted Sandquist’s “Courts Of The Kings,” Phil Driscoll’s “I Exalt Thee,” and Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.” It makes me remember Mississippi John Hurt and Elizabeth Cotton. If you like Dylan’s “Slow Train Coming” and Danielson’s “Ships” and Sufjan’s “Seven Swans” and, maybe, “Deep Calls To Deep,” you’ll love “Thank you.” I wish I could just send one to everyone at my own expense. Then you’d know exactly what I am trying to say. In fact, maybe I will.
– Lenny Smith
