We
have brought you some of the most popular Easter numbers that are played
and describe the mood of this religious holiday. Based on the words 'He
lives on high' as quoted from Isaiah 33:5, Baylus B. McKinney wrote the
lyrics of the song in 1921 to the tune of "Aloha Oe" composed
by Queen Liliuokalani of Hawaii. The lyrics of 'Nothing But The Blood'
were inspired by the quote from Hebrews 9:22 stating 'Without the
shedding of blood there is no remission of sin' and was written by
Robert Lowry for his album 'Gospel Music' in 1876. He and William Doane
composed its music. Matthew 28:6 states that 'He has risen, just as He
said' referring to the resurrection of Christ. This forms the theme of
'Jesus Christ is risen today.'Said to be written by Charles Wesley, it is sung to the tune of 'Llanfair' composed by Robert Williams in 1817 or alternatively to the 'St. John Damascene,' composed by Arthur H. Brown in 1861. Another number inspired by the same theme is 'Christ is Risen' written by Fanny Crosby (1820-1915) for 'Sacred Songs & Solos, 888 Pieces' and composed by George C. Stebbins. Yet another number inspired by this theme was 'Christ is risen from the Dead', written by Henry Albert Becker in 1880, which is sung to the tune of 'Maidstone,' composed by Walter B. Gilbert in 1865. 'Christ Returneth' written by H. L. Turner in 1878 and first published in Gospel Songs had its music composed by James McGranahan in 1906.
It was inspired by the Mark 13:35 stating that 'Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning.' F. A. Rollo Russell wrote 'Christian, Rise and Act Thy Creed' for the album 'Break of Day' in 1893, was perhaps inspired by the 'Faith without works is dead' as stated in James 2:20. It is sung to the tune of 'Innocents,' sung by the Parish Choir since 1850. William H. Monk provided its harmony in 1861. Finally, the beautiful number 'Lamb of God' was written and sung by Donna Summer in her album called 'Christmas Spirit.'