In the summer of '96, I worked at a camp outside of Columbus, Ohio. I'd just graduated high school the year before and was floundering. I came to know Jesus Christ in a way I never had before right before the summer started. My friend Jason Pope and I spent that summer exploring themes of faith and what it meant to be a follower of Jesus.
The themes of the famous "love chapter" in 1 Corinthians chapter 13 formed the basis of our discussion, which turned into a prayer, which turned into this song, over the course of that summer. We played it for staff meetings, but for one reason or another, it never ended up on any of my albums in its original state.
So glad to present it here, and especially with my friend Damien Horne singing with me on it.
lyrics
My plans had been the furthest from Your will
You've drawn me to Your side and closer still
This childish heart is full of my own dreams
The time has come to put off earthly things
We see a dim reflection in the glass
But one day, face to face with You at last
The knowledge that, for now, is incomplete
Will then be known as I am known by Thee
And I might move the mountains to the seas
And I might give my body up to be burned
But if I do not have Your burning love in me
I've missed the greatest lesson
To be learned
And teach me how to edify Your bride
And make us all one body unified
Saturate Your Spirit in our hearts
And help us in all things to stand apart
But if we lose our light along the way
Help us look up to the Author of our faith
For by our futile efforts we will fall
But by the Savior's strength we conquer all
And I might move the mountains to the seas
And I might give my body up to be burned
But if I do not have Your burning love in me
I've missed the greatest lesson
To be learned
(Don't wanna miss this lesson)
The voices of ten thousand angels sing
Proclaiming Jesus Christ as King of kings
The music would fall deaf upon these ears
But for me, He hopes, believes, endures all things
And I might move the mountains to the seas
And I might give my body up to be burned
But if I do not have Your burning love in me
I've missed the greatest lesson
And I might move the mountains to the seas
And I might give my body up to be burned
But if I do not have Your burning love in me
I've missed the greatest lesson
And I might move the mountains to the seas
And I might give my body up
credits
released February 12, 2021
words & music by Phil Laeger & Jason Pope
keys, programming, lead vocal — Phil Laeger
guest vocal — Damien Horne
acoustic guitar, bass, drums — Marty Mikles
additional tracking & editing — Jeff Cain
Recorded at The Beautiful Meadow, Hillsborough, NJ; and The Perch, Brooklyn, NY
Modular synths sparkle amidst piano, vibes, and other organic instruments stringing together constellations of sound. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 22, 2023
