Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning - Shenandoah Christian Music Camp

62,792 views • Sep 4, 2018

Description

"Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning" Spiritual, arr. Andre Thomas. Sung at the 13th Annual Choral Festival 2018 of Shenandoah Christian Music Camp (VA). Conducted by Lloyd Kauffman.

The Historic Faith · Hymn Companion

Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning

Written 19th centuryTune KEEP YOUR LAMPS

Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
the time is drawing nigh.

Children, don't get weary,
children, don't get weary,
children, don't get weary,
till your work is done.

Christian journey soon be over,
Christian journey soon be over,
Christian journey soon be over,
the time is drawing nigh.

Story Behind the Song

“Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning” is a traditional African American spiritual, preserved through oral transmission and therefore found in several textual and melodic variants. Its imagery comes chiefly from Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish virgins, using the burning lamp as a call to watchfulness, endurance, and readiness. The song has been widely adopted in hymnals and choral repertory, with many later arrangements including well-known concert settings.

Scripture

Found In

African American Heritage Hymnal, Lift Every Voice and Sing II, Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal