In the Darkness (Ps. 42)

I heard a Ukrainian folk song and became quite taken with its haunting melody.  After contemplating it for a while, I realized that the words and raw emotions of Psalm 42 could fit the mood of the song.  What follows is my first draft.  The lead sheet for this is at the bottom of this page.

In the darkness, apprehension comes and ends hope;

With the starkness of my sins I falter and grope.

Then Your promise comes to open up my eyes wide,

And like Thomas, I am bid to touch Your side.

I remember God, my God, my Rock and Tower—

Dying ember, longingly to seek Your power;

But You're still God, with my tongue and voice I'll praise You;

You I will laud, for You're holy, just and true.

Why so downcast? O my soul, fear not and tremble.

God is steadfast—He will hear me from His temple.

I will praise Him, He will lift me up to His throne.

And with glad hymns, He will claim me as His own.

Here is the youtube video of a mother / daughter duo playing banduras and singing the song in Ukrainian.

The lead sheet contains some suggestions for the intro and possible accompaniment.  It is not complete.