Another Advent song that I love is, “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” from Godspell, the musical adaptation of the Gospel of St. Matthew. This video [2'52"] is from the 1973 film version [with Portuguese subtitles.] I look at how dated it all seems – though the music is great – and I think, “Yuck. I used to have big hair and polyester clothes just like those people in the movie!”
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Godspell is one of my favourite musicals and I saw it many, many times. The music really speaks to me and especially “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” as it is so joyful. Perfect for Advent. Fr. Paul, I so enjoy beginning my day with People for Others.
My question for you today: Did you have a polyester safari suit?
God bless,
Lynda
Lynda,
Thank God, I had enough shreds of dignity left that I never went the safari suit route, but I could have passed for a second rate John Travolta…
Paul
Godspell is one of the albums that made it to CD when that technology changed. This cut is going to make it onto my iPod. Love it! BTW, wasn’t the 70s zoned for polyester and big hair?
Meredith,
Zoned or not, it was a terrible aberration. I look at photos from that time and think, “What? Were we all high?” And then I quickly turn the pages in the photo album…
Paul
I love that song! Thanks – I needed something like this to perk me up today.
As for big hair and polyester… pictures please!!
You can’t blame me for asking, you did bring it up!!
Fran,
If I ever had photos of that time, I’ve destroyed them. My sister, however, could do irreparable harm to my already less-than-sterling credibility…
Paul
Hmmm, note to self, figure out out to reach Paul’s sister! (tee hee!!!)
O.K. I’ll admitt it I never saw the movie or a live production. I do know the sound track inside out though because my Mom played it so often when I was a kid.
I love the joy of this song. Would that all of our hearts we would be so filled this Christmas season.
P.S. fortunately I can blame all fashion nightmares from the 70′s on my parents choices. But saddly that’s no the case for the 80′s. My sisters and I can do significant blackmail damage on eachother with the mile high bangs etc.
Alright, must confess that everyday I face a picture of me and my daughter during the ’70′s. She around 2 or 3, I am in my 20′s However, I have on the fringed suede jacket, bell bottoms and buffalo toe-ring sandals. More hippie than hip, I guess. We look like two orphans. I did do the polyester thing for dressup, and that included platforms. Does anyone remember the Hukapoo shirt. Fabulous!!!
The song is wonderful and will always be a favorite of mine.
m.
P.S. John Travolta????
I had a polyester leisure suit. Everyone I tell that to laughs.
Thanks for the toe tapping music and for making me smile today. I love People for others.
This song is totally infectious in its joyousness. My mother loves to take out pictures taken of my brother at this time her point being “He should have listened to his mother.” And he agrees!
I have never seen Godspell.
However I have heard this song played at the beginning of Mass by both of our folk groups.
I love the way these musicians play this song.
At the evening Mass with the lighting, the procession with the Advent candles, and as I glance around I see the pews filled, I find it uplifting, inviting and it touches my heart.
I enjoy this style of music. I am a folkie at heart.
My daughter is a singer in one of these groups.
How Blessed we are.
Not to give Paul’s sister (or anyone else’s!) sibling any ideas, but my brother found such pictures of all six of us taken at Christmas from that period and posted them on Facebook! My kids saw them first…Irreparable damage, indeed, but lots of laughter!!
It is to know you were like that and are like you are today.
O.K. I’ll admitt it I never saw the movie or a live production. I do know the sound track inside out though because my Mom played it so often when I was a kid. I love the joy of this song. Would that all of our hearts we would be so filled this Christmas season. P.S. fortunately I can blame all fashion nightmares from the 70′s on my parents choices. But saddly that’s no the case for the 80′s. My sisters and I can do significant blackmail damage on eachother with the mile high bangs etc.
It is to know you were like that and are like you are today.