Ortega was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico near the banks of the Rio Grande. He started learning piano at eight years of age. Through his father's work with the United States Department of State, he also spent time in Ecuador and Barbados. It is from his heritage and classical training at The University of New Mexico where Ortega derives his sound, embracing country, classical, Celtic, Latin American, world, modern folk, and rustic hymnody. Fernando Ortega currently leads worship at Christ the King Anglican Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
His album Storm reached No. 197 on the Billboard 200 in 2002, and Christmas Songs reached No. 36 on the Billboard Christmas Album Chart in 2009.
Green Pastures
Fernando Ortega Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Causing the weary body to stray
But we shall walk beside the still waters
With the Good Shepherd leading the way
Those who have strayed were sought by the master
He who once gave his life for the sheep
Out on the mountain still he is searching
Going up home to live in green pastures
Where we shall live and die nevermore
Even the Lord will be in that number
When we shall reach that heavenly shore
We shall not heed the voice of a stranger
For he will lead us onto despair
Following on with Jesus our Savior
We shall all reach that country so fair
Going up home to live in green pastures
Where we shall live and die nevermore
Even the Lord will be in that number
When we shall reach that heavenly shore
In "Green Pastures," Fernando Ortega captures the image of the Christian's journey through life as a trek through rough terrain, full of trials and tribulations that leave the weary soul lost and wandering. But he envisions a better place, a place where the Good Shepherd leads them by still waters and green pastures, where they shall live and die nevermore. The song's central message is that the Shepherd seeks and finds those who have strayed, bringing them into his fold forever.
The song speaks of hope and the promise of the Christian's ultimate reward, a place where the Lord will dwell among his people, and they will dwell in perfect harmony. The imagery of green pastures and still waters provides comfort to those who are exhausted and in need of rest, and the idea of the Shepherd's relentless pursuit of the lost inspires confidence that He will never abandon us. The concept of God's grace and mercy shines through the piece, highlighting the fact that even those who have strayed from the path will be saved by the Lord's redeeming love.
In summary, "Green Pastures" is a deeply comforting and hopeful song that speaks to the Christian's journey through life, highlighting the Shepherd's unfailing love and grace that guides and restores us to the fold.
Line by Line Meaning
Troubles and trials often betray us
We often lose our way and forget our faith when faced with difficulties and hardships
Causing the weary body to stray
Our physical exhaustion and emotional distress take us off our intended path and lead to deviation in thoughts and actions
But we shall walk beside the still waters
Despite our challenges, there is hope for peace and tranquility in life
With the Good Shepherd leading the way
If we follow the guidance of Jesus, we can find the right path to get through our hardships
Those who have strayed were sought by the master
Even if we stumble and fall away from God, He will always seek us out and help us come back on the right track
He who once gave his life for the sheep
Jesus sacrificed his life to save his people, and he continues to guide and protect them every day
Out on the mountain still he is searching
Jesus is always looking for those who need help, even if they are lost and far away from him in difficult situations
Bringing them in forever to keep
He offers his love and eternal care to those who accept his help and guidance
Going up home to live in green pastures
Some day we'll enter heaven, where there will be peace and abundance beyond our imaginations
Where we shall live and die nevermore
In heaven, there will be no sorrow, pain or death, only eternal joy and peace
Even the Lord will be in that number
Jesus will be present among the believers, welcoming them to their eternal home
When we shall reach that heavenly shore
In the afterlife, we'll find the shore of everlasting peace and comfort
We shall not heed the voice of a stranger
We should not listen to and follow the wrong people and ideas, but only trust the teachings of Jesus
For he will lead us onto despair
The wrong path will only lead us to hopelessness and frustration
Following on with Jesus our Savior
Sticking to the path of righteousness, which is the way of Jesus, promises a bright and prosperous future
We shall all reach that country so fair
If we follow Him, we will get to that beautiful, fair country of heaven, which awaits us with open arms
Contributed by Lauren J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Janice Bultman Bogott
on Into Your Presence
Is there anywhere I can get the sheet music for piano for this song? I just love it!!