What Moses Sang When He Appeared to James Hampton to Offer Him a Construction Commission from God
A song from Throne, a musical inspired by the life and work of James Hampton, whose “Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations’ Millennium General Assembly” has been dazzling and humbling visitors to the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum (SAAM) in Washington for half a century.
Burning Bush (Moses’ Song)
Words and Music by Noel Holston
James, this is Moses
You know, “Let my people go.”
I’m the one who led the Exodus
Gave the slip to old Pharaoh.
James, I have come to you
To advise you of God’s plan
There’s work to do
A project
And you, James, are the man.
James, I know you’re doubtful
I mean, “Where’s that bush ablaze?”
But God appears in many forms
And works in mysterious ways.
James, listen closely
He put me in your dream
I am but heaven’s messenger
And the Lord commands a scheme.
James, His son will come again
To be the Light, the Way
And you must make a place for Him
Make it ready for that day.
James, I know you’re doubtful
I mean, “Where’s that bush ablaze?”
But God appears in many forms
And works in mysterious ways.
James, I know your people
And you, of course, know mine
We share the bond of bondage
A link that transcends time.
James, you’re not a scholar
Much less a man of art
But James, you’ll find your talent
God knows you have the heart.
James, I know you’re doubtful
I mean, “Where’s that bush ablaze?”
But God appears in many forms
And works in mysterious ways.
James, this is . . . Moses
