101 Strings was an umbrella term for a highly successful easy listening sym… Read Full Bio ↴101 Strings was an umbrella term for a highly successful easy listening symphonic music organization, with a discography exceeding a hundred albums and a creative lifetime of roughly thirty years. Their LPs were individualized by the slogan "The Sound of Magnificence", a puffy cloud logo and sepia-toned photo of the orchestra. According to the photograph, the 101 Strings orchestra was composed of 124 string instruments (all male except for the harpist) and was conducted by Wilhelm Stephan. The orchestra's famous official photograph was taken in the Musikhalle Hamburg. In reality, of course, the recordings also featured a full brass, woodwind and percussion section, and not quite as many strings as are shown in the photograph. In later years (right up to the 80's), the recordings were made by a session orchestra in London, with a line-up including a modern "pop" rhythm section. In the late 1990's, the 101 Strings Orchestra was revived with "The New 101 Strings Orchestra" for a series of modern recordings.

Rock of Ages
101 Strings Orchestra Lyrics

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The Lords my shepherd I'll not want
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green he leadeth me the quiet waters by

My soul he doth restore again and me to wander then
Within the paths of righteousness in Holy's own namesake

Yea though I walk in deaths dark veil yet will I fear non ill

For thou art with me and thy rod and staff it comforts still

My table thou has furnished in presence of my fools
My head thou does with oil anoint and my cup overflows

Overall Meaning

These lyrics are a beautiful adaptation of Psalm 23, a well-known passage from the Bible. The song begins with the assertion that the Lord is the songwriter's shepherd and therefore they lack nothing. The shepherd's role is to guide and protect their flock, and in the same way, the Lord guides the songwriter through life's journey.

The second line suggests that the Lord provides solace and peace, allowing the songwriter to rest in green pastures and leading them beside calm waters. This imagery symbolizes tranquility, nourishment, and contentment in life.

The following lines express how the Lord restores the songwriter's soul and leads them on the right path, imbued with righteousness and holiness. The use of the phrase "in Holy's own namesake" invokes a sense of divine authority and guidance. It indicates a deep commitment to following the Lord's teachings and living a righteous life.

In the next verse, the songwriter acknowledges that even when they must tread through the darkness of death's shadow, they will not fear any harm. This confidence stems from the awareness that the Lord is always present, providing comfort and protection through metaphorical representations: the rod and staff. These objects, traditionally used by shepherds, symbolize guidance and protection against danger.

The final lines of the song depict a metaphorical feast: the Lord prepares a table for the songwriter in the presence of their "fools." This could imply that the Lord blesses and provides for them in the presence of their enemies or those who doubt them. The anointing of the head with oil signifies a divine blessing and overflowing abundance, while the cup overflowing could represent the abundant blessings bestowed by the Lord.

Overall, these lyrics capture the songwriter's deep faith in the Lord, their trust in His guidance, and the comfort and provision they receive from Him. Through this adaptation of Psalm 23, the song expresses a beautiful and personal relationship between the individual and their understanding of the divine.

Line by Line Meaning

The Lord's my shepherd I'll not want
I am guided and protected by the Lord, and I shall lack nothing.

He makes me down to lie
He provides me with rest and tranquility.

In pastures green he leadeth me the quiet waters by
He leads me to peaceful and prosperous places.

My soul he doth restore again and me to wander then
He revitalizes my soul and allows me to explore freely.

Within the paths of righteousness in Holy's own namesake
He guides me towards righteousness for the sake of his Holy name.

Yea though I walk in death's dark veil yet will I fear non ill
Even in the face of danger and uncertainty, I shall not be afraid of harm.

For thou art with me and thy rod and staff it comforts still
Because you are with me and your guidance and protection bring me comfort.

My table thou has furnished in presence of my foes
You have provided me with abundance even in the presence of my enemies.

My head thou dost with oil anoint and my cup overflows
You bless me abundantly and my blessings overflow.

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TENA CLARK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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