It might seem a bit cheeky, but I thought that since rewrite for this week’s traditional hymn should focus on women and we’ve had a Women Rock service at West Hill several times, that I’d use the tune Toplady to which Rock of Ages is most often sung so here it is!
This year, in addition to focusing on women for International Women’s Day, our Women Rock program has Stephanie Baptist working with several women from the congregation, getting us prepared to sing back-up for our upcoming TrainWreck pub night! We’ve having a blast, learning how to really rock, and “building our brave” in a fun and safe environment where we know we will have nothing but support.
But that isn’t so for all women and most face challenges far greater than learning to sing back up for a rock band. From physical and sexual abuse to the tragedy of genital mutilation, enslavement as sex workers, and the indignities of grueling poverty, women in the world build their brave every day. This one is for them and everyone who brings their own brave into the game on their behalf.
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p style=”text-align: center;”>Women Rock
Tune: Toplady, Redhead 76
Traditional Hymn: Rock of Ages
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p style=”text-align: center;”>Women free and women bound
join to turn this world around!
In your laughter and your song,
Speak your truth to the wrongs!
Every woman, every girl:
time to rock, and change the world!
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p style=”text-align: center;”>From the stories from the past
we can free ourselves at last.
Share the table, share the bread.
Share the wine ‘til all are fed.
Every woman, every girl:
time to rock, and change the world!
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p style=”text-align: center;”>Women with their courage strong
walk a road that’s been too long.
Struggling for the right to choose
much to win and more to lose.
For the rights of every girl,
women rock, and change the world!
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p style=”text-align: center;”>‘Til the last can walk with pride,
arm in arm and side by side,
without fear, their heads held high,
half the shoulders holding sky,
every woman, every girl,
we will rock, and change the world.
© 2015 gretta vosper