Sun is shining
With all the sweetness it can bring
A new day is beginning
And all my fears have vanished
Sunlight through the trees
On the water
Deep inside
A change is coming
I use all my senses
I am fully receptive
Oh hope is coming
And all my past is fading away
Change is Coming, Winter Woods
The banjo surely has to be one of the happiest instruments. It brings a lovely warmth and momentum to this song, which begins in a quiet, contemplative way, building towards a foot-stomping chorus and that holler-worthy refrain, ‘A change is coming’.
Although the seasonal references in this song make it a more obvious choice for a spring-themed playlist, the metaphor works all year round, and seems particularly relevant at Christmas when we celebrate the arrival of hope and light on earth. (And I like to think that angels play banjos as well harps...)
One of my favourite things about Christmas is re-reading the nativity story over the advent period, because it always refreshes my sense of hope. Prophecies are fulfilled, songs are sung, and an epic journey is under-taken in these exciting gospel passages; it’s the beginning of a wonderful spiritual awakening across the world.
‘Change is Coming’ captures this atmosphere of anticipation brilliantly, “I use all my senses, I am fully receptive”. This is exactly the effect of God’s hope in our lives; not only at Christmas time but every single day of the year. It’s a wonderful way to live…our fears start to vanish, our past mistakes fade away, and each day is a new beginning. In the words of ‘O Holy Night’…
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices For yonder breaks a new glorious morn
This is part of my LittlePonderings series: "Unseasonal Songs: An Alternative Advent in Song Lyrics". You can find out more here.
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