Daniel and the Sacred Harp

The Band

About Daniel and the Sacred Harp

"Daniel and the Sacred Harp" is a song written by Robbie Robertson that was first released by The Band on their 1970 album Stage Fright. It has been covered by such artists as Barrence Whitfield.


Year:
1970
4:13
89 
#1

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[Chorus]
Daniel, Daniel and the sacred harp,
Dancing through the clover.
Daniel, Daniel would you mind,
If I look it over.

I heard of this famous harp years ago back in my home town
But I sure never thought old Daniel be the one to come and bring it around
Tell me Daniel how the harp came into your possession.
Are you one of the chosen few who will march in the the procession?

And Daniel said,
The sacred harp was handed down, from father unto son,
And me not being related, I could never be the one.
So I saved up all my silver, and took it to a man,
Who said he could deliver the harp, straight into my hand.

Three years I waited patiently,
Till he returned with the harp from the sea of Galilee.
He said there is one more thing I must ask,
But not of personal greed.
But I wouldn't listen I just grabbed the harp,
And said take what you may need.

Now Daniel looked quite satisfied, and the harp it seemed to glow.
But the price that Daniel had really paid, he did not even know.
Back to his brother he took his troubled mind.
And he said dear brother I'm in a bind.
But the brother would not hear his tale,
He said Old Daniel's gonna land in jail.
So to his father Daniel did run,
And he said oh father what have I done.
His father said son you've given in, you know you won your harp,
But you lost in sin.

Then Daniel took the harp and went high on the hill,
And he blew across the meadow like a whippoorwill.
He played out his heart just the time to pass,
But as he looked to the ground, he noticed no shadow did he cast.

[Chorus]

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The Band

The Band were a Canadian-American roots rock group that originally consisted of Rick Danko (bass guitar, double bass, fiddle, trombone, vocals), Levon Helm (drums, mandolin, guitar, vocals), Garth Hudson (keyboard instruments, saxophones, trumpet), Richard Manuel (piano, drums, baritone saxophone, vocals) and Robbie Robertson (guitar, vocals). The members of the Band first came together as they joined rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins's backing group, The Hawks, one by one between 1958 and 1963. more »

9 fans

Written by: Robbie Robertson

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Song Identity
"Daniel and the Sacred Harp" is a song by "The Band," a rock band widely recognized for their integral contributions to the music industry throughout the 1960s and 70s.
Album Background
This melodious track is part of the group's 1970 album "Stage Fright," which was the band's third studio album and explores themes of fame's perils, anxieties and obsessions.
Song's Theme
The song delves into themes of ambition, deceit, and loss, using a ballad-like style to tell the story of a man, Daniel, who sells his soul in exchange for a magical musical instrument.
Music Genre
This piece exhibits The Band's distinctive blend of rock, folk, and country music.
Lead Singer
The song features Rick Danko as the lead vocalist, known for his warm, expressive voice that admirably communicates the story's emotion.
Musicians
Other Band members on the song include Richard Manuel on piano, Levon Helm on drums, Robbie Robertson on guitar and Garth Hudson on organ.
Writer
Guitarist Robbie Robertson penned the lyrics to the song, showcasing his skill in storytelling through music.
Inspiration
Robertson has cited his significant interest in American folklore as inspiration for the song, weaving a tapestry of myth and reality in the tale of Daniel.
Identity of "The Band
While the Band is primarily seen as a North American group, three of its five members, including Danko and Robertson, are actually from Canada.
Reception
Despite The Band's substantial success and influential legacy, "Daniel and The Sacred Harp" wasn't one of their most chart-topping songs - a reflection less of its quality and more of its subtle, complex, and thematically provocative nature.
Subsequent Coverage
Since its original release, the song has been covered by artists like The Black Crowes in their live performances, a testament to its enduring legacy.
Historical Analysis
Many critics have analysed the song as a reflection of The Band's own journey in the music industry, where fame and commerce sometimes come with sacrifices and loss.
Instruments
A unique instrumentation feature of this song involves the use of clavinet, harpsichord, and orchestral bells. Surprisingly, despite the title of the song, no actual harp is used in the track’s arrangement.

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