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He stands a beggar

from Like the river by Alex MacDonald

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about

Lachlan MacKenzie was an eighteenth century preacher in Lochcarron. He once preached in Aberdeen and the more sophisticated citizens of Aberdeen thought his appearance somewhat uncouth. But he began his sermon by telling a story, and by the time he finished you could have heard a pin drop. I thought it worth turning into a song.

lyrics

He stands a beggar at your door

The preacher came from the western wilds
To the wealthy town by the sea
They looked askance at his homespun clothes
His hair was shaggy and long
They smiled as he climbed the pulpit steps
But his voice was clear and strong
Every eye was turned and a stillness fell
And this is what he said

Chorus
He stands a beggar at your door
Will you open and let him in?
Or will you turn him away my friend?
It's your heart he wants to win.

A great clan chief had a daughter dear
It was time that she should wed
To a feast in the castle he did call
All the finest in the land
O daughter dear, today's the day
To choose the best young man
O Father dear, I'll choose today
I'll choose the best young man

But in the early morning mist
Before the guests arrived
A beggar came an asked to see
The daughter of the chief
She was much too busy, the servants said
To see the likes of him
They shut the door right in his face
And told him to be gone

The beggar lifted up his crutch
And laid it to the door
At this the dogs began to bark
And they made such a roar
That high above in her castled room
The daughter asked the cause
It was only a beggar, her servants said
Though he asked for her by name

The chief's daughter came down the stair
With her servants all around
"What can I do for you, my man?"
She asked as her servants frowned
The beggar looked her in the eye
And this is what he said
"I come to ask for your hand in mine,
"For you and I will wed."

The lady then held out her hand
And the beggar held it firm
"Here is my hand", the lady said
"For you and I will wed.
And when will you return for me?"
"I'll come in a year and a day."
And the servants laughed at the lady's wit
As the beggar he went away.

But the smiles were soon all turned to frowns
When the guests they did arrive.
To the fine young men who courted her
She gave the same reply:
She said, "O that can never be,
For my hand I gave today
To a fine young man who will be mine.
We'll be wed in a year and a day."

Her father then was sore dismayed
At what the lady said.
"O daughter, that can never be
That a beggar you should wed."
"But Father dear, I gave my word
And to him I shall be wed."
And this she said for a year and a day
No matter what was said.

The year passed round, a year and a day
And winter turned to spring
The lady she dressed herself so fine
But for her no bells did ring
Then over the hill came the sound of pipes
And many a voice did sing
And in front of them all on a great white horse
There rode the son of the King.

The preacher paused in the deathly hush
That had fallen on all around
He looked at them and then did say
In a voice that would raise the dead:
"Christ Jesus stands at your door tonight
As a beggar he stands there
Do you recognise the King of Kings?
Will you open and let him in?

(c) Alex J MacDonald

credits

from Like the river, released October 4, 2008
Alex MacDonald: vocals, guitar,
Doug MacDonald: bass guitar,organ
Rob MacDonald: drums

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tags

about

Alex MacDonald Edinburgh, UK

Grew up in Kildonan Strath, Sutherland, where I loved the psalms and hymns and the old folk songs my father had learned from his drover grand uncle.Went on to Cash, the Clancys and Corries, Tom Paxton and Dylan. Started playing guitar and writing songs in my teens, but only started recording this century with my rock band sons! Either solo or with my band, I've played all over Scotland. ... more

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