Learn to Dance
Music by Ron KlusmeierWords by Walter Farquharson
Tune Name: SASKATOON
Lyrics as Poetry
Sometimes when we are waiting,
singing hymn or saying prayer,
the Word of God is spoken,
we’re taken unaware.
The Word calls us to action,
commands us to advance;
we have to face the conflict,
we have to learn to dance.
Learn to dance, Learn to dance,
Learn to dance, Learn to dance.
We have to face the conflict.
We have to learn to dance.
The children of the Hebrews
awaited news of God.
but word had come to Moses:
“Take up the shepherd’s rod.”
The people must go forward,
their feet must all get wet.
Salvation doesn’t come to them
without their share of sweat!
Learn to dance, Learn to dance,
Learn to dance, Learn to dance.
We have to face the conflict.
We have to learn to dance.
We know there is no magic.
faith grants no guarantee.
God, help us set in motion
the truth that makes us free.
God calls us now to labor
for promise of the Son,
so mercy must be practiced
and justice must be done!
Learn to dance, Learn to dance,
Learn to dance, Learn to dance.
We have to face the conflict.
We have to learn to dance.
Words by
Walter FarquharsonCopyright © 1979 by Walter Farquharson
Administered by Hope Publishing Company
Carol Stream, Illinois • USA
Audio Sample
LEARN TO DANCE
One Verse & Refrain
played on piano by Ron Klusmeier
Scripture References
- Exodus 14:10-15
- Exodus 15:1
- Exodus 15:11-13
- Exodus 15:19-21
- Philippians 2:12
- James 2:14-26
Season, Theme
or Subject
- Dance
- Intergenerational
- Justice, Human Rights
- Life∶ living life
- Moses
- Water∶ parting of water
Presentation Suggestions
Not yet available for this title. Contact us if you are a subscriber (or purchaser of this title) and need this item.
Projection Images
Not yet available for this title. Contact us if you are a subscriber (or purchaser of this title) and need this item.
Accompaniment Recordings
Not yet available for this title. Contact us if you are a subscriber (or purchaser of this title) and need this item.
-
Subscribe To All Titles
unlimited annual access to everything on this site
-
Purchase
This Title
unlimited access to all versions of this title
-
unlimited access to an individual version of this title
Purchasers and Subscribers
Click links below to download your versions.
Versions Available for This Title
Melody Line Versions (includes transposing instruments)
-
Melody Line: 'C' Instrument or Vocal
-
Melody Line: 'C' Instrument 8va
-
Melody Line: Bass Clef 'C' Instrument
-
Melody Line: Alto Clef Instrument
-
Melody Line: ‘Bb’ Instrument
-
Melody Line: ‘Eb’ Instrument
-
Melody Line: ‘F’ Instrument (high)
-
Melody Line: ‘F’ Instrument (low)
Bulletin Masters
-
Bulletin Master: Letter-size 1-up
-
Bulletin Master: Letter-size 2-up
-
Bulletin Master: Legal-size 1-up
-
Bulletin Master: Legal-size 2-up
Hymn-style Vocal Harmonizations (accompany with any piano versions)
-
Hymn-style: SATB voices
-
Hymn-style: SAB voices
Piano Versions
Guitar Chords & Bass Progressions
-
Guitar & Bass: Full chords in keyboard key
-
Easy Guitar: Basic chords
Comments About Song
BY WALTER FARQUHARSON
Upon leaving Egypt, the Hebrew slaves had not gone far before they encountered a major problem: the sea. Behind them they could already hear the rumbling of Egyptian chariots.
They cried for Moses, their leader, to do something. The word which comes to Moses from God in response is not what either he or the people expect to hear: “Tell the people to go forward.”
An action of faith is required. Ancient rabbinic tradition says that the waters did not part until the last of the Hebrews had their feet wet.
Wholeness comes to us as we act upon the promise. We pray for global peace and justice, but these do not come until we become active participants in the process.
“Salvation doesn’t come to them without their share of sweat.” Personally, I think that is scriptural. Again and again we read of Jesus requiring an acted out response. He says to those he freed, “Wash your eyes in the pool,” or “Take up your bed,” or “Go show yourselves to the priests.” Personal response in any of these incidents could not have been easy.
“We have to face the conflict. We have to learn to dance.” The immediate inspiration for this thought comes from the dance Miriam led when, safely across the sea, the people celebrated their deliverance. This dance, like many folk dances, would likely have incorporated the main events of the story, including the fearfulness at the water’s edge, the tenuous movement into the water, the realization of firm footing available, the advance, and the successful crossing. The story danced out probably would have given way to a joyful and uninhibited dance of thanksgiving.