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Gaither Gospel

Bill Gaither - Something I Need To Say

December 28, 2024 | S

Bill Gaither - Something I Need To Say
Gaither Gospel shares joy through heartfelt stories and inspiration through powerful music.
#Faith #Singer/Songwriter #LoveofGod #ServantofGod #Religion #Music #Musician #WordofGod #Belief #inActive #GaitherGospel #BillGaither #ChristianMusic #Unbelief

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Gaither Gospel | Bill Gaither - Something I Need To Say | December 28, 2024
  • ♪(humming)♪
  • 00:00:00.023 --> 00:00:08.031
  • Bill gaither: life is made up of moments...
  • 00:00:08.031 --> 00:00:11.468
  • ... like turning the pages of a photograph album.
  • 00:00:11.468 --> 00:00:14.170
  • Our memories preserve for us the relationships...
  • 00:00:14.170 --> 00:00:16.806
  • ... and events that tell the stories of each of our lives.
  • 00:00:16.806 --> 00:00:21.711
  • Happy, sad, joyful, and painful.
  • 00:00:21.711 --> 00:00:25.215
  • The memories of our days make up the fabric...
  • 00:00:25.215 --> 00:00:28.251
  • ... of who we are.
  • 00:00:28.251 --> 00:00:30.153
  • (choir singing) ♪precious memories♪
  • 00:00:30.153 --> 00:00:37.060
  • ♪how they linger♪
  • 00:00:37.060 --> 00:00:44.701
  • ♪how they ever flood my soul♪
  • 00:00:44.701 --> 00:00:57.914
  • Bill gaither: an unforgettable memory was made when dozens of friends...
  • 00:00:57.914 --> 00:01:01.351
  • ... who had spent their lives in gospel music...
  • 00:01:01.351 --> 00:01:03.553
  • ... gathered to sings some songs from their own...
  • 00:01:03.553 --> 00:01:06.022
  • ... personal treasure of memories.
  • 00:01:06.022 --> 00:01:08.858
  • For these folks, many precious memories...
  • 00:01:08.858 --> 00:01:11.861
  • ... had begun around a piano somewhere.
  • 00:01:11.861 --> 00:01:13.796
  • They're sharing songs about how their lives have been changed...
  • 00:01:13.796 --> 00:01:17.867
  • ... by god's amazing grace.
  • 00:01:17.867 --> 00:01:19.903
  • ♪precious scenes unfold♪
  • 00:01:19.903 --> 00:01:27.677
  • All: ♪ oh, you might forget the singer, ♪
  • 00:01:28.678 --> 00:01:29.579
  • ♪ but you won't forget the song. ♪
  • 00:01:29.579 --> 00:01:31.948
  • Bill: hi, i'm bill gaither,
  • 00:01:31.948 --> 00:01:33.283
  • And after spending my life making music,
  • 00:01:33.283 --> 00:01:35.618
  • A few defining songs have risen to the top
  • 00:01:35.618 --> 00:01:38.555
  • As themes.
  • 00:01:38.555 --> 00:01:39.789
  • ♪ these things shall pass. ♪
  • 00:01:39.789 --> 00:01:44.627
  • So i recently gathered together
  • 00:01:44.627 --> 00:01:46.796
  • The vocal band and some dear friends
  • 00:01:46.796 --> 00:01:48.865
  • Around the piano
  • 00:01:48.865 --> 00:01:50.200
  • Just to capture the songs and reflections
  • 00:01:50.200 --> 00:01:53.203
  • That i hope the world remembers
  • 00:01:53.203 --> 00:01:55.104
  • Long after i'm forgotten.
  • 00:01:55.104 --> 00:01:57.140
  • All: ♪ the longer i serve him, the sweeter he grows. ♪
  • 00:01:57.140 --> 00:02:05.915
  • - ♪ i believe. ♪
  • 00:02:05.915 --> 00:02:09.986
  • ♪ help thou my unbelief. ♪
  • 00:02:09.986 --> 00:02:14.257
  • It capsulizes everything
  • 00:02:14.257 --> 00:02:16.359
  • My life and work has been about.
  • 00:02:16.359 --> 00:02:18.861
  • Artistry,
  • 00:02:18.861 --> 00:02:19.963
  • Perspective,
  • 00:02:19.963 --> 00:02:21.264
  • Grace,
  • 00:02:21.264 --> 00:02:22.298
  • Relationships,
  • 00:02:22.298 --> 00:02:23.399
  • Eternal hope,
  • 00:02:23.399 --> 00:02:24.601
  • And creating moments that live on
  • 00:02:24.601 --> 00:02:26.970
  • For the sake of future generations.
  • 00:02:26.970 --> 00:02:30.073
  • So sit back and relax and listen
  • 00:02:30.073 --> 00:02:32.909
  • To "some things i need to say."
  • 00:02:32.909 --> 00:02:35.912
  • Here we go.
  • 00:02:35.912 --> 00:02:37.080
  • [bright music]
  • 00:02:37.080 --> 00:02:40.083
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:02:40.083 --> 00:02:41.918
  • ♪ oh, you might forget the singer, ♪
  • 00:02:41.918 --> 00:02:44.420
  • ♪ but you won't forget the song. ♪
  • 00:02:44.420 --> 00:02:47.590
  • ♪ singers come and go and fade away. ♪
  • 00:02:47.590 --> 00:02:50.727
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:02:50.727 --> 00:02:52.495
  • ♪ the melody of love remains. ♪
  • 00:02:52.495 --> 00:02:55.064
  • ♪ truth goes marching on. ♪
  • 00:02:55.064 --> 00:02:57.267
  • ♪ you might forget the singer, ♪
  • 00:02:57.267 --> 00:02:59.769
  • ♪ but you won't forget the song. ♪
  • 00:02:59.769 --> 00:03:03.039
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:03:03.039 --> 00:03:06.009
  • ♪ this song of love i'm singing, ♪
  • 00:03:06.009 --> 00:03:08.144
  • ♪ you'll remember. ♪
  • 00:03:08.144 --> 00:03:09.812
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:03:09.812 --> 00:03:11.381
  • ♪ you won't forget the rhythm of the free. ♪
  • 00:03:11.381 --> 00:03:14.917
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:03:14.917 --> 00:03:16.386
  • ♪ the music's sure to stick there in your memory ♪
  • 00:03:16.386 --> 00:03:21.157
  • ♪ even if you don't remember me. ♪
  • 00:03:21.157 --> 00:03:25.495
  • All: ♪ oh, you might forget the singer, ♪
  • 00:03:25.495 --> 00:03:28.231
  • ♪ but you won't forget the song. ♪
  • 00:03:28.231 --> 00:03:31.367
  • - ♪ singers come and go and fade away. ♪
  • 00:03:31.367 --> 00:03:34.637
  • All: ♪ ooh. ♪
  • 00:03:34.637 --> 00:03:36.205
  • - ♪ the melody of love remains, ♪
  • 00:03:36.205 --> 00:03:38.641
  • ♪ and truth goes marching on. ♪
  • 00:03:38.641 --> 00:03:41.244
  • All: ♪ you might forget the singer... ♪
  • 00:03:41.244 --> 00:03:43.646
  • - ♪ but you won't forget the song. ♪
  • 00:03:43.646 --> 00:03:46.883
  • All: ♪ ooh, ooh, ooh. ♪
  • 00:03:46.883 --> 00:03:49.552
  • - ♪ there's a limit to the time we have for singing. ♪
  • 00:03:49.552 --> 00:03:53.456
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:03:53.456 --> 00:03:54.891
  • ♪ it's almost like we're singing in the round. ♪
  • 00:03:54.891 --> 00:03:58.428
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:03:58.428 --> 00:03:59.962
  • ♪ we'll pass the tune right on when we are finished ♪
  • 00:03:59.962 --> 00:04:04.600
  • ♪ as our children add their voices to the sound. ♪
  • 00:04:04.600 --> 00:04:11.808
  • All: ♪ oh, you might forget the singer, ♪
  • 00:04:11.808 --> 00:04:14.610
  • ♪ but you won't forget the song. ♪
  • 00:04:14.610 --> 00:04:17.714
  • - ♪ singers come and go and fade away. ♪
  • 00:04:17.714 --> 00:04:21.050
  • All: ♪ ooh. ♪
  • 00:04:21.050 --> 00:04:22.719
  • - ♪ the melody of love remains. ♪
  • 00:04:22.719 --> 00:04:25.288
  • ♪ truth goes marching on. ♪
  • 00:04:25.288 --> 00:04:27.557
  • All: ♪ you might forget the singer... ♪
  • 00:04:27.557 --> 00:04:29.759
  • - ♪ but you won't forget the song. ♪
  • 00:04:29.759 --> 00:04:32.628
  • Sing it again!
  • 00:04:32.628 --> 00:04:34.063
  • All: ♪ oh, you might forget the singer, ♪
  • 00:04:34.063 --> 00:04:35.832
  • ♪ but you won't forget the song. ♪
  • 00:04:35.832 --> 00:04:39.001
  • - ♪ singers come and go and fade away. ♪
  • 00:04:39.001 --> 00:04:42.772
  • All: ♪ ooh. ♪
  • 00:04:42.772 --> 00:04:44.040
  • - ♪ the melody of love remains. ♪
  • 00:04:44.040 --> 00:04:46.442
  • ♪ truth goes marching on. ♪
  • 00:04:46.442 --> 00:04:48.511
  • All: ♪ you might forget the singer... ♪
  • 00:04:48.511 --> 00:04:51.080
  • - ♪ but you won't forget the song. ♪
  • 00:04:51.080 --> 00:04:55.017
  • All: ♪ you might forget the singer... ♪
  • 00:04:55.017 --> 00:04:57.420
  • - ♪ but you won't forget the song. ♪
  • 00:04:57.420 --> 00:05:01.858
  • All: ♪ ooh, ooh. ♪
  • 00:05:01.858 --> 00:05:06.129
  • - oh, so good. so good.
  • 00:05:06.129 --> 00:05:09.265
  • [laughs]
  • 00:05:09.265 --> 00:05:11.067
  • [cheers and applause]
  • 00:05:11.067 --> 00:05:13.703
  • And welcome.
  • 00:05:13.703 --> 00:05:15.104
  • Now, you might be wondering,
  • 00:05:15.104 --> 00:05:16.973
  • "is this featuring old bill?" yup.
  • 00:05:16.973 --> 00:05:19.208
  • [laughter]
  • 00:05:19.208 --> 00:05:21.310
  • You got a full hour of just me.
  • 00:05:21.310 --> 00:05:23.646
  • - whoo! - all right. that's exciting.
  • 00:05:23.646 --> 00:05:26.416
  • - i can sense the excitement building in the room.
  • 00:05:26.416 --> 00:05:29.752
  • [laughs]
  • 00:05:29.752 --> 00:05:31.087
  • - got to give the people what they want, bill.
  • 00:05:31.087 --> 00:05:32.688
  • - just got to give them what they want.
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  • [laughter]
  • 00:05:34.457 --> 00:05:35.658
  • And for all of you who've seen us in concert
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  • Down through the years,
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  • You know i sing with a whole bunch
  • 00:05:40.062 --> 00:05:42.131
  • Of great, great singers,
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  • Starting with my brother,
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  • One of the best singers i think i can--
  • 00:05:45.535 --> 00:05:47.236
  • - yeah, danny.
  • 00:05:47.236 --> 00:05:48.504
  • - and then gary came along.
  • 00:05:48.504 --> 00:05:50.573
  • And then the vocal band came along
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  • With all of those wonderful singers
  • 00:05:52.341 --> 00:05:54.410
  • And the current bunch who's here.
  • 00:05:54.410 --> 00:05:57.313
  • You know, in a gaither concert,
  • 00:05:57.380 --> 00:05:59.315
  • We feature them on big songs like,
  • 00:05:59.315 --> 00:06:02.418
  • "because he lives, i can face tomorrow,"
  • 00:06:02.418 --> 00:06:05.021
  • "king is coming."
  • 00:06:05.021 --> 00:06:06.355
  • I never had much of a part on any of those, but--
  • 00:06:06.355 --> 00:06:09.225
  • [laughter]
  • 00:06:09.225 --> 00:06:11.227
  • But in the second half
  • 00:06:11.227 --> 00:06:14.130
  • When there's time for it,
  • 00:06:14.130 --> 00:06:15.198
  • We need some little extra excitement
  • 00:06:15.198 --> 00:06:18.100
  • In the concert...
  • 00:06:18.100 --> 00:06:19.969
  • - whoo! - oh, yeah. yes, sir.
  • 00:06:19.969 --> 00:06:22.572
  • Oh, yeah.
  • 00:06:22.572 --> 00:06:23.606
  • [laughter]
  • 00:06:23.606 --> 00:06:24.707
  • - i get to do a little solo.
  • 00:06:24.707 --> 00:06:26.609
  • - that's right.
  • 00:06:26.609 --> 00:06:27.610
  • - and they're usually
  • 00:06:27.610 --> 00:06:29.512
  • More kind of sensitive, low,
  • 00:06:29.512 --> 00:06:32.682
  • 'cause i'm a sensitive kind of guy, you know.
  • 00:06:32.682 --> 00:06:34.584
  • [laughter]
  • 00:06:34.584 --> 00:06:36.052
  • So we said, "let's put some of those songs all together
  • 00:06:36.052 --> 00:06:40.289
  • On a project," so here it is.
  • 00:06:40.289 --> 00:06:42.692
  • Lot of the songs, we have written,
  • 00:06:42.692 --> 00:06:44.594
  • But there are several songs here
  • 00:06:44.594 --> 00:06:47.396
  • Written by other people.
  • 00:06:47.396 --> 00:06:48.731
  • My daughter wrote a couple.
  • 00:06:48.731 --> 00:06:50.867
  • And of course, gloria and i grew up thinking stuart hamblen
  • 00:06:50.867 --> 00:06:54.403
  • Was one of the greatest writers in the world.
  • 00:06:54.403 --> 00:06:56.506
  • - yeah.
  • 00:06:56.506 --> 00:06:58.708
  • - he wrote a lot about,
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  • Get it in perspective.
  • 00:07:01.410 --> 00:07:03.145
  • I don't care how bad things are,
  • 00:07:03.145 --> 00:07:05.147
  • And, brother, we've been through
  • 00:07:05.147 --> 00:07:06.749
  • Some pretty tough times in the last few months.
  • 00:07:06.749 --> 00:07:09.752
  • He says, "these things shall pass,
  • 00:07:09.752 --> 00:07:13.956
  • "and some great morning,
  • 00:07:13.956 --> 00:07:16.158
  • "we'll look back and smile
  • 00:07:16.158 --> 00:07:18.327
  • At heartaches we have known."
  • 00:07:18.327 --> 00:07:19.762
  • Listen.
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  • [soft music]
  • 00:07:20.763 --> 00:07:23.766
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:07:23.766 --> 00:07:31.407
  • ♪ these things shall pass, ♪
  • 00:07:31.474 --> 00:07:37.146
  • ♪ and some great morning, ♪
  • 00:07:37.146 --> 00:07:43.819
  • ♪ oh, we'll look back and smile ♪
  • 00:07:43.819 --> 00:07:48.190
  • ♪ at heartaches we've known. ♪
  • 00:07:48.190 --> 00:07:52.461
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:07:52.461 --> 00:07:56.766
  • ♪ so don't forget, ♪
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  • ♪ when shadows gather, ♪
  • 00:08:01.571 --> 00:08:07.577
  • ♪ the lord our god is still ♪
  • 00:08:07.577 --> 00:08:12.381
  • ♪ the king upon his throne. ♪
  • 00:08:12.381 --> 00:08:16.052
  • All: ♪ ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh. ♪
  • 00:08:16.052 --> 00:08:21.257
  • - ♪ a rose looks gray at midnight, ♪
  • 00:08:21.257 --> 00:08:26.896
  • ♪ but the flame is just asleep. ♪
  • 00:08:26.896 --> 00:08:31.767
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:08:31.767 --> 00:08:33.569
  • ♪ and steel is strong ♪
  • 00:08:33.569 --> 00:08:37.206
  • ♪ because it knew the hammer ♪
  • 00:08:37.206 --> 00:08:42.078
  • ♪ and white heat. ♪
  • 00:08:42.078 --> 00:08:45.748
  • ♪ these things shall pass ♪
  • 00:08:45.748 --> 00:08:51.187
  • ♪ and life be sweeter. ♪
  • 00:08:51.187 --> 00:08:54.190
  • Yes!
  • 00:08:54.190 --> 00:08:55.925
  • ♪ when love and faith are strong, ♪
  • 00:08:55.925 --> 00:09:01.163
  • ♪ they cannot long endure. ♪
  • 00:09:01.163 --> 00:09:07.069
  • Oh, sing the song.
  • 00:09:07.069 --> 00:09:08.771
  • All: ♪ these things shall pass, ♪
  • 00:09:08.771 --> 00:09:14.644
  • ♪ and some great morning... ♪
  • 00:09:14.644 --> 00:09:22.351
  • - ♪ we'll look back and smile ♪
  • 00:09:22.351 --> 00:09:25.287
  • ♪ at heartaches ♪
  • 00:09:25.287 --> 00:09:28.491
  • ♪ we've known. ♪
  • 00:09:28.491 --> 00:09:32.228
  • So don't forget.
  • 00:09:32.228 --> 00:09:33.295
  • All: ♪ so don't forget... ♪
  • 00:09:33.295 --> 00:09:37.466
  • - when shadows gather.
  • 00:09:37.466 --> 00:09:38.968
  • All: ♪ when shadows gather... ♪
  • 00:09:38.968 --> 00:09:44.874
  • - ♪ the lord our god is still ♪
  • 00:09:44.874 --> 00:09:50.146
  • ♪ the king upon his throne. ♪
  • 00:09:50.146 --> 00:09:55.685
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:09:55.685 --> 00:09:58.954
  • ♪ a rose looks gray at midnight, ♪
  • 00:09:58.954 --> 00:10:04.727
  • ♪ but the flame is just asleep. ♪
  • 00:10:04.727 --> 00:10:09.432
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:10:09.432 --> 00:10:11.100
  • ♪ and steel is strong ♪
  • 00:10:11.100 --> 00:10:14.537
  • ♪ because it knew the hammer ♪
  • 00:10:14.537 --> 00:10:19.308
  • ♪ and white heat. ♪
  • 00:10:19.308 --> 00:10:23.145
  • ♪ these things shall pass ♪
  • 00:10:23.145 --> 00:10:28.851
  • ♪ and life be sweeter. ♪
  • 00:10:28.851 --> 00:10:31.320
  • All: ♪ ooh, ooh. ♪
  • 00:10:31.320 --> 00:10:33.656
  • ♪ when love and faith are strong... ♪
  • 00:10:33.656 --> 00:10:40.262
  • - ♪ they cannot long ♪
  • 00:10:40.262 --> 00:10:48.237
  • ♪ endure. ♪
  • 00:10:48.237 --> 00:10:54.243
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:10:54.243 --> 00:10:55.644
  • - yeah. [laughs]
  • 00:10:55.644 --> 00:10:57.213
  • - so good. - that's good.
  • 00:10:57.213 --> 00:10:58.414
  • - so good. - real good.
  • 00:10:58.414 --> 00:10:59.915
  • [applause]
  • 00:10:59.915 --> 00:11:02.184
  • - what a lyric.
  • 00:11:02.184 --> 00:12:02.778
  • The great stuart hamblen,
  • 00:12:02.845 --> 00:12:05.047
  • The great stuart hamblen,
  • 00:12:05.114 --> 00:12:10.085
  • He had great stories behind his songs,
  • 00:12:10.085 --> 00:12:12.421
  • Like "this old house."
  • 00:12:12.421 --> 00:12:14.190
  • You know, that actually happened.
  • 00:12:14.190 --> 00:12:15.724
  • He was out hunting, came up on an old house.
  • 00:12:15.724 --> 00:12:18.494
  • The old prospector had been dead for a long time.
  • 00:12:18.494 --> 00:12:22.131
  • He was an interesting character.
  • 00:12:22.131 --> 00:12:23.933
  • To write such tender songs as that,
  • 00:12:23.933 --> 00:12:26.902
  • It's amazing because he was a hunter
  • 00:12:26.902 --> 00:12:29.572
  • And he was an outdoorsman.
  • 00:12:29.572 --> 00:12:31.373
  • He got saved at a billy graham crusade.
  • 00:12:31.373 --> 00:12:34.009
  • And his neighbor was john wayne.
  • 00:12:34.009 --> 00:12:36.011
  • This is back in '48, '49, maybe 1950.
  • 00:12:36.011 --> 00:12:40.115
  • But he was telling me the story,
  • 00:12:40.115 --> 00:12:42.518
  • And i said, "how did that song happen, stuart?"
  • 00:12:42.518 --> 00:12:45.054
  • And he said, "well,
  • 00:12:45.054 --> 00:12:46.622
  • "i, you know, went forward to the altar,
  • 00:12:46.622 --> 00:12:49.391
  • "and a couple nights later, i was out working in my yard
  • 00:12:49.391 --> 00:12:52.127
  • "in california there, and it was getting late.
  • 00:12:52.127 --> 00:12:55.497
  • "it was about midnight.
  • 00:12:55.497 --> 00:12:58.100
  • "and i was there by my fence,
  • 00:12:58.100 --> 00:13:01.871
  • "and my neighbor was john wayne.
  • 00:13:01.871 --> 00:13:03.939
  • And he came over and he said, 'hey, stuart'"--
  • 00:13:03.939 --> 00:13:08.043
  • 'cause they were rough old cowboys together.
  • 00:13:08.043 --> 00:13:09.979
  • "he said, 'i heard what happened to you
  • 00:13:09.979 --> 00:13:12.815
  • "'couple nights ago.
  • 00:13:12.815 --> 00:13:14.383
  • You went forward in that billy graham crusade.'"
  • 00:13:14.383 --> 00:13:17.686
  • Stuart said, "yes," not knowing what he'd say about it.
  • 00:13:17.686 --> 00:13:21.056
  • And john wayne said, "i'm proud of you, man.
  • 00:13:21.056 --> 00:13:24.727
  • Takes a real man to go and do that."
  • 00:13:24.727 --> 00:13:27.296
  • He said, "i'm proud of you."
  • 00:13:27.296 --> 00:13:29.365
  • And stuart said to john wayne-- true story--
  • 00:13:29.365 --> 00:13:32.568
  • He said, "well, john, it's no secret.
  • 00:13:32.568 --> 00:13:37.139
  • What he did for me, he could do for you."
  • 00:13:37.139 --> 00:13:39.775
  • He said, "so help me,
  • 00:13:39.775 --> 00:13:42.311
  • This happened." - wow.
  • 00:13:42.311 --> 00:13:44.246
  • And john said, "stuart, that could be a song.
  • 00:13:44.246 --> 00:13:47.616
  • He said, "what?"
  • 00:13:47.616 --> 00:13:48.984
  • "it is no secret what god could do."
  • 00:13:48.984 --> 00:13:51.820
  • Is that a great story?
  • 00:13:51.820 --> 00:13:53.489
  • So--and i was telling stuart, i said,
  • 00:13:53.489 --> 00:13:55.257
  • "stuart, you have such great stories behind your songs."
  • 00:13:55.257 --> 00:13:59.194
  • And some of our songs have good stories.
  • 00:13:59.194 --> 00:14:02.898
  • This particular one had a great story.
  • 00:14:02.898 --> 00:14:05.301
  • Mom hartwell, my grandmother on my mother's side,
  • 00:14:05.301 --> 00:14:08.837
  • Irish side, probably where i got my poetry
  • 00:14:08.837 --> 00:14:11.607
  • And love for music,
  • 00:14:11.607 --> 00:14:14.009
  • A great saint.
  • 00:14:14.009 --> 00:14:15.577
  • And as she was dying....
  • 00:14:15.577 --> 00:14:19.915
  • And, you know, going in and out
  • 00:14:19.982 --> 00:14:22.017
  • Of the medication they were giving her
  • 00:14:22.017 --> 00:14:24.920
  • To just keep her calm and pain-free...
  • 00:14:24.920 --> 00:14:29.358
  • She was singing, "oh, he is so precious to me,"
  • 00:14:29.425 --> 00:14:32.795
  • With a big smile on her face.
  • 00:14:32.795 --> 00:14:35.130
  • The test tube of life is a very important thing for me.
  • 00:14:35.130 --> 00:14:38.801
  • How do you grow old?
  • 00:14:38.801 --> 00:14:39.969
  • Do you grow old as a believer,
  • 00:14:39.969 --> 00:14:43.072
  • With optimism and with hope,
  • 00:14:43.072 --> 00:14:45.808
  • Or do you grow old as a cynic?
  • 00:14:45.808 --> 00:14:47.476
  • And if i've ever had any prayer, it's been,
  • 00:14:47.476 --> 00:14:49.578
  • God, save me from becoming a cynic.
  • 00:14:49.578 --> 00:14:52.381
  • I do not want to be a cynic.
  • 00:14:52.381 --> 00:14:54.583
  • So--and i said to her,
  • 00:14:54.583 --> 00:14:57.586
  • I said, "mom, does it pay to serve god
  • 00:14:57.586 --> 00:14:59.421
  • "and especially when you're in this kind of pain
  • 00:14:59.421 --> 00:15:01.924
  • And this kind of situation?"
  • 00:15:01.924 --> 00:15:03.392
  • This is a true story too.
  • 00:15:03.392 --> 00:15:05.494
  • She said, "oh, billy,
  • 00:15:05.494 --> 00:15:07.596
  • The longer i serve him, the sweeter"--
  • 00:15:07.596 --> 00:15:11.066
  • ♪ the longer i serve him, the sweeter he grows. ♪
  • 00:15:11.066 --> 00:15:16.572
  • So we got that hook for this tune
  • 00:15:16.572 --> 00:15:19.441
  • And wrote it.
  • 00:15:19.441 --> 00:15:21.410
  • Thank you, mom. good song.
  • 00:15:21.410 --> 00:15:23.779
  • [tender music]
  • 00:15:23.779 --> 00:15:26.782
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:15:26.782 --> 00:15:32.855
  • All: ♪ the longer i serve him, ♪
  • 00:15:32.855 --> 00:15:37.559
  • ♪ the sweeter he grows. ♪
  • 00:15:37.559 --> 00:15:43.665
  • - listen, children.
  • 00:15:43.665 --> 00:15:45.534
  • ♪ since i started ♪
  • 00:15:45.534 --> 00:15:49.605
  • ♪ for the kingdom, ♪
  • 00:15:49.605 --> 00:15:54.376
  • ♪ since my life ♪
  • 00:15:54.376 --> 00:15:58.614
  • ♪ he controls, ♪
  • 00:15:58.614 --> 00:16:03.619
  • ♪ since i gave my heart ♪
  • 00:16:03.619 --> 00:16:10.426
  • ♪ to jesus, ♪
  • 00:16:10.426 --> 00:16:12.795
  • ♪ the longer i serve him, ♪
  • 00:16:12.795 --> 00:16:17.766
  • ♪ the sweeter he grows. ♪
  • 00:16:17.766 --> 00:16:23.238
  • Sing it.
  • 00:16:23.238 --> 00:16:24.506
  • All: ♪ the longer i serve him, ♪
  • 00:16:24.506 --> 00:16:29.211
  • ♪ the sweeter he grows. ♪
  • 00:16:29.211 --> 00:16:34.183
  • - ♪ the more that i love him... ♪
  • 00:16:34.183 --> 00:16:38.520
  • All: ♪ more love he bestows. ♪
  • 00:16:38.520 --> 00:16:43.192
  • - ♪ each day is like heaven. ♪
  • 00:16:43.192 --> 00:16:47.863
  • All: ♪ my heart overflows. ♪
  • 00:16:47.863 --> 00:16:52.634
  • ♪ the longer i serve him... ♪
  • 00:16:52.634 --> 00:16:57.573
  • - ♪ the sweeter he grows. ♪
  • 00:16:57.573 --> 00:17:02.611
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:17:02.611 --> 00:17:04.146
  • All: ♪ ah, ah. ♪
  • 00:17:04.146 --> 00:17:10.185
  • - ♪ every need ♪
  • 00:17:10.185 --> 00:17:13.755
  • ♪ he is supplying. ♪
  • 00:17:13.755 --> 00:17:19.261
  • ♪ plenteous grace ♪
  • 00:17:19.261 --> 00:17:22.931
  • ♪ he bestows. ♪
  • 00:17:22.931 --> 00:17:28.036
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:17:28.036 --> 00:17:29.505
  • ♪ every day, ♪
  • 00:17:29.505 --> 00:17:32.474
  • ♪ my way gets much brighter. ♪
  • 00:17:32.474 --> 00:17:37.212
  • All: ♪ the longer i serve him... ♪
  • 00:17:37.212 --> 00:17:42.584
  • - ♪ the sweeter he grows. ♪
  • 00:17:42.584 --> 00:17:47.523
  • Sing the song.
  • 00:17:47.523 --> 00:17:49.024
  • All: ♪ the longer i serve him, ♪
  • 00:17:49.024 --> 00:17:53.629
  • ♪ the sweeter he grows. ♪
  • 00:17:53.629 --> 00:17:58.300
  • ♪ the more that i love him, ♪
  • 00:17:58.300 --> 00:18:02.938
  • ♪ more love he bestows. ♪
  • 00:18:02.938 --> 00:18:07.776
  • - ♪ each day is like heaven. ♪
  • 00:18:07.776 --> 00:18:12.281
  • All: ♪ my heart overflows. ♪
  • 00:18:12.281 --> 00:18:17.186
  • ♪ the longer i serve him... ♪
  • 00:18:17.186 --> 00:18:21.890
  • - ♪ the sweeter he grows. ♪
  • 00:18:21.890 --> 00:18:27.229
  • Sing the song.
  • 00:18:27.229 --> 00:18:28.764
  • All: ♪ each day is like heaven. ♪
  • 00:18:28.764 --> 00:18:33.435
  • ♪ my heart overflows. ♪
  • 00:18:33.435 --> 00:18:38.173
  • ♪ the longer i serve him... ♪
  • 00:18:38.173 --> 00:18:42.811
  • - ♪ the sweeter he grows. ♪
  • 00:18:42.811 --> 00:18:54.223
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:18:54.223 --> 00:18:59.194
  • I love you.
  • 00:19:58.253 --> 00:20:00.622
  • - tender words,
  • 00:20:00.622 --> 00:20:03.458
  • Gentle touch...
  • 00:20:03.458 --> 00:20:06.528
  • ♪ and a good cup of coffee ♪
  • 00:20:06.595 --> 00:20:10.132
  • ♪ and someone who loves me ♪
  • 00:20:10.132 --> 00:20:13.835
  • ♪ and wants me to stay. ♪
  • 00:20:13.835 --> 00:20:17.072
  • ♪ hold them near ♪
  • 00:20:17.072 --> 00:20:19.274
  • ♪ while they're here. ♪
  • 00:20:19.274 --> 00:20:21.043
  • ♪ don't wait for tomorrow ♪
  • 00:20:21.043 --> 00:20:25.747
  • ♪ to look back and wish ♪
  • 00:20:25.747 --> 00:20:29.151
  • ♪ for today. ♪
  • 00:20:29.151 --> 00:20:31.320
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:20:31.320 --> 00:20:34.389
  • ♪ take the blue of the skies ♪
  • 00:20:34.389 --> 00:20:37.459
  • ♪ and the green of the forest, ♪
  • 00:20:37.459 --> 00:20:41.663
  • ♪ the golds and the browns ♪
  • 00:20:41.663 --> 00:20:45.233
  • ♪ of the freshly mown hay, ♪
  • 00:20:45.233 --> 00:20:50.639
  • ♪ add the pale shades of spring ♪
  • 00:20:50.639 --> 00:20:53.575
  • ♪ and the circus of autumn, ♪
  • 00:20:53.575 --> 00:20:57.412
  • ♪ and weave you ♪
  • 00:20:57.412 --> 00:20:59.247
  • ♪ a lovely today. ♪
  • 00:20:59.247 --> 00:21:03.719
  • All: ♪ ooh, ooh, ooh. ♪
  • 00:21:03.719 --> 00:21:05.620
  • ♪ we have this moment ♪
  • 00:21:05.620 --> 00:21:09.458
  • ♪ to hold in our hands ♪
  • 00:21:09.458 --> 00:21:12.627
  • ♪ and to touch ♪
  • 00:21:12.627 --> 00:21:15.297
  • ♪ as it slips through ♪
  • 00:21:15.297 --> 00:21:17.466
  • ♪ our fingers like sand. ♪
  • 00:21:17.466 --> 00:21:21.803
  • ♪ yesterday's gone, ♪
  • 00:21:21.803 --> 00:21:24.439
  • ♪ and tomorrow may never come. ♪
  • 00:21:24.439 --> 00:21:29.378
  • ♪ but we have this moment today. ♪
  • 00:21:29.378 --> 00:21:36.318
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:21:36.318 --> 00:21:41.189
  • - reggie, ladye love,
  • 00:21:41.189 --> 00:21:43.859
  • Wes, carmen,
  • 00:21:43.859 --> 00:21:46.728
  • Gene, todd, sherry,
  • 00:21:46.728 --> 00:21:49.798
  • Adam...
  • 00:21:49.798 --> 00:21:52.934
  • And all of you...
  • 00:21:53.001 --> 00:21:57.372
  • ♪ we all have ♪
  • 00:21:57.439 --> 00:22:01.176
  • ♪ this moment ♪
  • 00:22:01.176 --> 00:22:05.747
  • ♪ today. ♪
  • 00:22:05.747 --> 00:22:07.883
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:22:07.883 --> 00:22:12.821
  • All: ♪ ooh. ♪
  • 00:22:12.821 --> 00:22:19.294
  • - don't miss it.
  • 00:22:19.294 --> 00:22:22.264
  • - this song came out of editing
  • 00:22:27.702 --> 00:22:29.838
  • The homecoming series.
  • 00:22:29.838 --> 00:22:32.707
  • I just kept looking at those pictures
  • 00:22:32.707 --> 00:22:36.344
  • And those wonderful people
  • 00:22:36.344 --> 00:22:39.214
  • Who were my heroes as i was growing up.
  • 00:22:39.214 --> 00:22:43.585
  • And i told don, our editor at the time, i said,
  • 00:22:43.652 --> 00:22:47.923
  • "you know what these people are?
  • 00:22:47.923 --> 00:22:49.257
  • "they're just old friends.
  • 00:22:49.257 --> 00:22:52.594
  • I've known them for a long, long time."
  • 00:22:52.594 --> 00:22:54.396
  • And, "old friends, old friends"--
  • 00:22:54.396 --> 00:22:56.665
  • That sounded like a hook to me, you know.
  • 00:22:56.665 --> 00:22:59.201
  • And we came home and started.
  • 00:22:59.201 --> 00:23:01.169
  • Gloria wrote the lyric.
  • 00:23:01.169 --> 00:23:02.537
  • And i don't know how many times we have sung this.
  • 00:23:02.537 --> 00:23:04.673
  • Kevin, you lead us off, okay?
  • 00:23:04.673 --> 00:23:06.942
  • Here we go, we're gonna do it one more time.
  • 00:23:06.942 --> 00:23:08.643
  • - [laughs]
  • 00:23:08.643 --> 00:23:09.744
  • [gentle music]
  • 00:23:09.744 --> 00:23:12.747
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:23:12.747 --> 00:23:21.790
  • Bill: ♪ old friends. ♪
  • 00:23:21.857 --> 00:23:25.560
  • ♪ after all of these years, ♪
  • 00:23:25.560 --> 00:23:28.096
  • ♪ just old friends. ♪
  • 00:23:28.096 --> 00:23:32.234
  • ♪ through laughter and tears, ♪
  • 00:23:32.234 --> 00:23:34.903
  • ♪ old friends. ♪
  • 00:23:34.903 --> 00:23:38.607
  • ♪ what a find. ♪
  • 00:23:38.607 --> 00:23:40.308
  • ♪ what a priceless treasure. ♪
  • 00:23:40.308 --> 00:23:47.782
  • ♪ old friends. ♪
  • 00:23:47.782 --> 00:23:51.453
  • ♪ like a rare piece of gold, ♪
  • 00:23:51.453 --> 00:23:54.155
  • ♪ my old friends ♪
  • 00:23:54.155 --> 00:23:58.026
  • ♪ make it great to grow old. ♪
  • 00:23:58.026 --> 00:24:00.829
  • ♪ old friends. ♪
  • 00:24:00.829 --> 00:24:04.666
  • ♪ through it all, i will hold ♪
  • 00:24:04.666 --> 00:24:07.502
  • ♪ to old friends. ♪
  • 00:24:07.502 --> 00:24:11.239
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:24:11.239 --> 00:24:14.309
  • ♪ now, god must have known ♪
  • 00:24:14.309 --> 00:24:18.213
  • ♪ there'd be days, on our own, ♪
  • 00:24:18.213 --> 00:24:20.916
  • ♪ we would lose the will to go on. ♪
  • 00:24:20.916 --> 00:24:25.954
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:24:25.954 --> 00:24:28.223
  • ♪ that's why he sent friends like you ♪
  • 00:24:28.223 --> 00:24:33.862
  • ♪ along. ♪
  • 00:24:33.862 --> 00:24:35.830
  • All: ♪ along. ♪
  • 00:24:35.830 --> 00:24:39.701
  • - ♪ old friends. ♪
  • 00:24:39.701 --> 00:24:43.471
  • ♪ you've always been there, ♪
  • 00:24:43.471 --> 00:24:45.941
  • ♪ my old friends. ♪
  • 00:24:45.941 --> 00:24:49.945
  • ♪ we've had more than our share. ♪
  • 00:24:49.945 --> 00:24:52.781
  • ♪ old friends. ♪
  • 00:24:52.781 --> 00:24:56.451
  • ♪ through it all, i will hold ♪
  • 00:24:56.451 --> 00:24:59.621
  • ♪ to old friends. ♪
  • 00:24:59.621 --> 00:25:03.258
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:25:03.258 --> 00:25:07.329
  • ♪ a phone call, a letter, ♪
  • 00:25:07.329 --> 00:25:11.499
  • ♪ or a pat on the back ♪
  • 00:25:11.499 --> 00:25:15.303
  • ♪ or a, "hey, i just dropped by to say." ♪
  • 00:25:15.303 --> 00:25:20.642
  • ♪ a hand when you're down, ♪
  • 00:25:20.642 --> 00:25:23.612
  • ♪ a loan when we just couldn't pay. ♪
  • 00:25:23.612 --> 00:25:27.082
  • ♪ ♪
  • 00:25:27.082 --> 00:25:32.220
  • ♪ a song or a story, ♪
  • 00:25:32.220 --> 00:25:36.324
  • ♪ a rose from the florist, ♪
  • 00:25:36.324 --> 00:25:41.296
  • ♪ or a little note that you happened to send ♪
  • 00:25:41.296 --> 00:25:46.167
  • ♪ just out of the blue ♪
  • 00:25:46.167 --> 00:25:48.436
  • ♪ to tell us ♪
  • 00:25:48.436 --> 00:25:50.705
  • ♪ that you're still our friend. ♪
  • 00:25:50.705 --> 00:26:53.435
  • ♪how they linger♪
  • 00:26:59.240 --> 00:27:06.314
  • ♪how they ever flood my soul♪
  • 00:27:06.314 --> 00:27:07.949
  • Thank you for joining bill and gloria gaither...
  • 00:27:07.949 --> 00:27:10.452
  • ... and their homecoming friends for "precious memories."
  • 00:27:10.452 --> 00:27:13.521
  • Be sure to watch program as these legendary gospel artists...
  • 00:27:13.521 --> 00:27:16.958
  • ... share more of your favorite songs.
  • 00:27:16.958 --> 00:27:20.729
  • ♪in the stillness, of the midnight♪
  • 00:27:20.729 --> 00:27:20.729