Thanksgiving Song mp3 From Sojourn, and Thoughts From Songwriter Jeremy Quillo

Last week we posted Thanksgiving Resources: Classic Poem, Scripture Reading & Thanksgiving Hymn.  In the Sojourn community we believe, as do Christians everywhere, that our entire lives should reflect a spirit of thanksgiving to God for who He is and what He has done, particularly in sending His Son to save and transform us through His death on the cross.

Of course, in the United States, the fourth Thursday of every November is Thanksgiving Day, a national holiday built upon the desire to thank God for His blessings.  And so for your reflection and personal, family or church congregational worship on that day and the days ahead, here is one of our favorite songs of thanksgiving — a song called “Mourning Into Dancing,” written by Sojourn worship leader Jeremy Quillo and recorded on our CD entitled These Things I Remember:

"Mourning Into Dancing" mp3

I’ll print the lyrics and chords below, but first, here is a testimony from Jeremy, regarding this song:

So basically the song “Mourning Into Dancing” came, lyrically speaking, from two of the Psalms, chapters 30 and 42. I have always loved the image in Psalm 42 of being tossed in a sea and being surrounded by chaos and darkness, then being comforted by the very presence of God, Who brings salvation and peace. That speaks to God saving us for the first time, but it also speaks to the day-in, day-out workings of our lives. We mess up or get attacked by the enemy, the “storm” begins to shake us and we start to drown. Then our Savior in His great mercy rescues us even though we don’t deserve it. His “waves” of love are stronger than our faith (or lack thereof) could ever be.

The main theme of the song comes from Psalm 30:11-12 “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.”

From a musical standpoint, I see the chord patterns and rhythm of the song as sort of a throwback to the old Sixpence None The Richer albums like “This Beautiful Mess” where most of the songs have this driving beat that is covered by really melodic progressions and melodies. Not too “happy” but not too dark-sounding either. That seemed to fit well with the words to the song. When we recorded the final version, the chord progressions in the verse ended up changing a bit, as did the rhythm, but it still retained its basic feel.

A little side note, the title for the album that this song ended up on These Things I Remember also comes from Psalm 42:

“These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.”

It really is a song of thanksgiving after all.

Mourning Into Dancing, CCLI #4201247
words and music Jeremy Quillo 2003; Psalm 42, Psalm 30:11-1

(Can be played w/ capo on 2, in E)

Intro: Eadd6 - Badd6 - Aadd6 - F#m
A F#m C#m
When my soul was dry, oh God, Your Spirit came like water
To drown me with Your love, and cover me with life
And Your waves were stronger than my faith could ever be
A F#m C#m B
But your current was faithful then, to pull me into You

E B E B
You turn my mourning into dancing, my sadness into laughter
A
My sorrow into joy,
E B B7
“Halleluiah” is my song

A F#m C#m
When our souls were dry, oh God, Your Spirit came like water
To drown us with Your love, and cover us with life
And Your waves were stronger than our faith could ever be
A F#m C#m B
But your current was faithful then, to pull us into You

F#m B E
As the deep calls out to deep,
we are calling out to You
Now we set our hope in You,
and we live unto Your name.

Artwork above entitled “While Still Sinners,” by Christy Harner.  More images at sojournvisualarts.com