Witness

arr. Hall Johnson, orch. Nicholas Hersh

Sung Texts

Oh Lord, what matter of man is dis?
All nations in Him are blest;
All things are done by His will,
He spoke to da sea a’ de sea stood still. 

Now ain’t dat a witness for my Lord?
Ma soul is a witness for my Lord. 

Now dere was a man of de Pharersees,
His name was Nocodemus an’ e’ didn’ believe.
De same came to Chris’ by night,
Wanted to be taught out o’ human sight.
Nicodemus was a man desired to know
How a man kin be born when he is ol’.
Chris’ tol’ Nicodemus, as a frien’,
“Man, you mus’ be born again.”
Said, “Marvel not, man, ef you wanter be wise,
Repent, believe, an’ be baptize.” 

Den you’ll be a witness for my Lord?
Ma soul is a witness for my Lord. 

You read about Samson, from his birth
Stronges’ man dat ever lived on Earth.
’Way back yonder in ancien’ times
He killed ten thousan’ of de Philestines.
Den ol’ Samson went wand’rin’ about;
Samson’s strength was never found out
Till ’is wife sat upon ’is knees.
She said, “Tell me where yo’ strength lies, ef you please.”
Now Samson’s wife, she talk so fair,
Samson said, “Cut off-a my hair.”
Shave my head jes as clean as yo’ han’
An’ my Strength will ’come lak a natchul man. 

Ol’ Samson was a witness for my Lord,
Soul is a witness for my Lord. 

Da’s another witness,
Ma soul is a witness for my Lord!