The Benediction
Dianne Reeves Lyrics


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Weary feet on a dusty road
Country preacher comes to save your soul

Just after day break on each Sunday morning
You could see women, men, and children piling out
Of their homes in their Sunday go to meetin' clothes
"Ah uum"
Making their way up that long steep hill
To the house of the Lord to get their hearts fixed
And their minds regulated looking forward to hear
The word brought down from on high from the
Country preacher

Country preacher clears his throat
Say brothers and sister we are gather here this mornin'
To give praise to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost
"Ah uum"

Mama's getting happy, Grandma's fanning her face
Cause everybody everybody's losing all their weariness in this place
Oh the spirit flowed like a mighty river




And all anybody could say at the end of the day was
"Ah uum"

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Dianne Reeves's song The Benediction revolve around the narrative of a country preacher who travels on a dusty road to save the souls in a small, tight-knit community. Every Sunday, the people in the community gather together, dressed in Sunday go-to-meetin' clothes, to hear the word of the Lord from the country preacher. The lyrics highlight the sense of excitement, anticipation, and eagerness among the congregation to receive the divine revelation spoken through the country preacher. The preacher brings together the entire community through his teachings, and the joyous atmosphere is captured through Mama's happiness and Grandma fanning her face.


The lyrics demonstrate the power of faith and how it can unite a community. The people in this community find solace in the teachings of the country preacher as they seek to find their place in the world. Despite living in a difficult environment with dusty roads, they find inspiration and hope that elevates their spirit as the country preacher brings them together in a shared belief. Overall, the song's meaning highlights the importance of finding spiritual guidance and support as one navigates the struggles of life.


Line by Line Meaning

Weary feet on a dusty road
People travel through harsh conditions to reach their designated religious place.


Country preacher comes to save your soul
The guidance and wisdom of the preacher is the solution to relieve one's inner turmoil and find God.


Just after day break on each Sunday morning
The determined nature of the community to attend church, despite any hurdles in their way.


You could see women, men, and children piling out
The togetherness of the community to gather and worship, regardless of their age, gender, or status.


Of their homes in their Sunday go to meetin' clothes
The sentimental aspect of dressing up fancy to pay respect to God and make the occasion memorable.


Making their way up that long steep hill
The symbolic uphill journey that one makes to gain enlightenment, through religion.


To the house of the Lord to get their hearts fixed
The church premises is a place of spiritual healing and rejuvenation, for those seeking inner peace.


And their minds regulated looking forward to hear
The congregation aims to acquire enlightenment and guidance from the preacher's lessons that will help them lead a better life.


The word brought down from on high from the
The preacher's sermons contain messages of divine wisdom, enlightening his followers on how to live a virtuous life.


Country preacher
A person with wisdom and knowledge in religious guidance.


clears his throat
The preacher's way of gathering attention from the congregation, preceding an important lesson.


Say brothers and sisters we are gather here this mornin'
An inclusive statement, making all the attendees feel welcomed, and setting the tone for worship.


To give praise to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost
Acknowledging the holiness of the holy trinity (the Christian belief in God as three people) and adhering to their guiding principles.


Mama's getting happy, Grandma's fanning her face
The joy and intensity that the preacher's messages bring, especially for the elderly women.


Cause everybody everybody's losing all their weariness in this place
The congregation is receiving peace and tranquillity from the preacher's messages.


Oh the spirit flowed like a mighty river
Emphasizing the feeling of spiritual contentment and satisfaction from the teaching and prayers.


And all anybody could say at the end of the day was ah uum
A way to show their gratitude and appreciation for the spirit and the divine guidance.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DIANE REEVES, JOSEF ZAWINUL, WREN T BROWN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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