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Keep Your Lamp Trimmed And Burning
Corey Harris Lyrics


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Fred:
Well, keep a-your lamp
Annie Mae:
(Trimmed an burnin')

Keep a-your lamp
(Oh, trimmed an burnin')
Keep a-your lamp
(Oh, trimmed an burnin')
See what the Lord have done

Don't be (worried)
Don't (you get worried)
Don't be (worried)
See what the Lord have done

Don't
Well, don't (you worry)
Well, don't (you worry)
See what the Lord have done

(Oh, keep a-yo' lamp)
(Oh, keep a-yo' lamp)
(Oh, keep a-yo' lamp)
(See what the Lord have done)

Well, don't (you worry)
Don't (you worry)
Don't (you worry)
See what the Lord have done

Well, don't get worried
Chillen, don't (you get worried)
Chillen, don't you get worried
See what the Lord have done

Well, keep your lamp
(All trimmed an burnin')
Keep-a your lamp
(All trimmed an burnin')
Keep-a your lamp
(All trimmed an burnin')
See what the Lord have done

Chillen, don't get worried
Chillen, don't you get worried
Chillen, don't get worried
See what the Lord have done.

Overall Meaning

The song "Keep Your Lamp Trimmed And Burning" by Corey Harris, is based on a biblical parable that encourages believers to always stay prepared for the second coming of Jesus Christ which had implications in the context of African American slavery. The lamp symbolized the light of God's love that must always be kept burning by his followers through their diligent devotion to his will. In the same way, the lyrics of the song call on believers to keep their faith strong, and their hope alive, even in the midst of adversity and trials, in the knowledge that the Lord will always come through for them.


The song also hints at the struggles of African American slaves who were faced with the harsh reality of being stripped off their freedom, and forced into a life of hard labor, suffering and hopelessness. The phrase "Don't be worried, see what the Lord has done", can be interpreted as a message of hope, and a call to trust in the Lord's providence even in the most difficult times. The repetition of the phrase "keep your lamp trimmed and burning" also reinforces the notion of perseverance, diligence, and fidelity in the face of hardship and persecution.


Overall, "Keep Your Lamp Trimmed And Burning" is a powerful song that speaks to the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith, and the redemptive quality of hope.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, keep a-your lamp
Maintain the light of your faith


Keep a-your lamp
Continue to shine your light of faith


Keep a-your lamp
Remain steadfast in your faith


See what the Lord have done
Take note of the Lord's blessings and grace


Don't be
Do not be afraid or anxious


Don't (you get worried)
Do not let anxiety consume you


Well, don't (you worry)
Do not let worry paralyze you


Well, don't (you worry)
Do not let fear control you


Oh, keep a-yo' lamp
Continue to shine your light of faith


Oh, keep a-yo' lamp
Remain steadfast in your faith


Oh, keep a-yo' lamp
Maintain the light of your faith


Don't (you worry)
Do not let anxiety consume you


Don't (you worry)
Do not let fear control you


Don't (you worry)
Do not let worry paralyze you


Chillen, don't (you get worried)
Relax and do not let anxiety consume you


Chillen, don't you get worried
Relax and do not let fear control you


Chillen, don't get worried
Relax and do not let worry paralyze you


Keep your lamp
Maintain the light of your faith


Keep-a your lamp
Remain steadfast in your faith


Keep-a your lamp
Continue to shine your light of faith


Chillen, don't get worried
Relax and do not let worry paralyze you


Chillen, don't you get worried
Relax and do not let fear control you


Chillen, don't get worried
Relax and do not let anxiety consume you


See what the Lord have done
Take note of the Lord's blessings and grace




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FRED MCDOWELL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@GPBraaten

4000 thumbs up. Wow. This is my first time hearing Cory, and Blind Willie Johnson would be proud.

@HowlinWilf13

Beautiful! And a fine tribute to the great Willie Johnson.

@rouvraisda

I’ve seen Correy many times , he’s a fine musician and a decent man

@yogimarkmac

How did I not hear of Corey and this recording before now? This is the way a real disciple takes something from his master and raises it to the next level! Superlatives!

@muxion

Corey is totally authentic, you can't tell this wasn't made in 1928. I have listened widely, and am one of Rev. Davis students. This can't be improved upon, he is a practitioner highest level. I can listen to this over and over.

@nowhereman679

He tooks his guitar like a gun and begans to play and sing his song. With his guitar he kills all bad vibrations of countries sons. While he goes on we got lost in our souls. It is not only a song, but just a great feeling.

@MrYowen88

Your comment sounds like a song!

@unleashed1966

Thank God for public radio; it's where I first heard of Corey.

@MrMusicguyma

Beautiful tone, time, tune, and taste and singing. Very nice and natural. No showoff histrionics. :)

@thedudegrowsfood284

Corey is Deep in.

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