Daniel and the Sacred Harp
The Band
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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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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.
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Album BackgroundThis 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.
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Song's ThemeThe 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.
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Music GenreThis piece exhibits The Band's distinctive blend of rock, folk, and country music.
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Lead SingerThe song features Rick Danko as the lead vocalist, known for his warm, expressive voice that admirably communicates the story's emotion.
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MusiciansOther Band members on the song include Richard Manuel on piano, Levon Helm on drums, Robbie Robertson on guitar and Garth Hudson on organ.
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WriterGuitarist Robbie Robertson penned the lyrics to the song, showcasing his skill in storytelling through music.
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InspirationRobertson 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.
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Identity of "The BandWhile the Band is primarily seen as a North American group, three of its five members, including Danko and Robertson, are actually from Canada.
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ReceptionDespite 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.
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Subsequent CoverageSince its original release, the song has been covered by artists like The Black Crowes in their live performances, a testament to its enduring legacy.
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Historical AnalysisMany 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.
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InstrumentsA 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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Citation
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"Daniel and the Sacred Harp Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/26319642/The+Band/Daniel+and+the+Sacred+Harp>.
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