She started working as a junior doctor in the Belfast Hospital, but in 1988 she was invited to form a band with Dave Fitzgerald and Dave Bainbridge. In 1989, Joanne stopped practicing medicine and Iona was born. Since then, Joanna has sung all over Europe and America. Iona's recordings have become successful worldwide, making them Europe's best selling contemporary Christian band.
Hogg recorded her first solo album, Looking Into Light, in 1999. Her vocals were featured in the role-playing games Xenogears (for the Sony PlayStation) and Xenosaga (for the Sony PlayStation 2). She sang the English versions of Star of Tears and Small Two of Pieces from Xenogears, and Pain and Kokoro from Xenosaga. Star of Tears was featured on the 2-disc Xenogears: Original Soundtrack; however, the song is not normally accessible in the game. Hogg collaborated with several artists for the album New Irish Hymns and provided the female vocals on both solo releases from Troy Donockley.
The Lord's My Shepherd
Joanne Hogg Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He makes lie in pastures green
He leads me by the still, still waters
His goodness will lead me home
And I will trust in You alone
And I will trust in You alone
For Your endless mercy follows me
And though I walk the darkest path
I will not fear the evil one
For You are with me and Your rod and staff
Are the comfort I need to know
For You are with me and Your rod and staff
Are the comfort I need to know
In Joanne Hogg's song The Lord's My Shepherd, she conveys the message of complete faith in God and His protective presence. The lyrics begin with stating that the singer does not want for anything because the Lord is their shepherd, which means that they have everything they need. The imagery of lying in pastures green and being led by still waters emphasizes the peaceful and nurturing role God has in the singer's life. His goodness is what guides them and will ultimately lead them home.
The chorus is a declaration of trust in God alone. The singer acknowledges that God's mercy is never-ending and will always be with them, which is why they place their complete trust in Him. The second verse talks about the darkest path, which could signify difficult times in life. However, the singer states that they will not fear because God is with them. The imagery of the rod and staff as the comfort they need is significant because, traditionally, these items were used by shepherds to protect their sheep from harm. This metaphorical representation shows that God is always there to protect and guide the singer through life's darkest times.
Overall, the message of the song is one of complete trust and faith in God. The lyrics convey the idea that with God's guidance, we can navigate difficult times and find comfort in His protective presence.
Line by Line Meaning
The Lord's my Shepherd I'll not want
The Lord is my caretaker and I shall not desire for anything
He makes lie in pastures green
He provides me with lush green fields for me to rest
He leads me by the still, still waters
He guides me to calm and peaceful waters
His goodness will lead me home
His kindness and compassion will direct me to my eternal dwelling
And I will trust in You alone
I will have faith in solely You
For Your endless mercy follows me
Your eternal grace and compassion pursues me
Your goodness will lead me home
Your virtues will direct me to my eternal abode
And though I walk the darkest path
Even when I inhabit the gloomiest destinations
I will not fear the evil one
I will not be terrified of the malevolent force
For You are with me and Your rod and staff
For You accompany me and Your means of protection and guidance
Are the comfort I need to know
Are the solace that I require to be aware of
For You are with me and Your rod and staff
For You accompany me and Your means of protection and guidance
Are the comfort I need to know
Are the solace that I require to be aware of
Writer(s): Lennox R Berkeley
Contributed by Chase T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Fuyufuyu
on Stars of Tears - Xenogears
I am from Japan, and this is the most heart moving and surprisingly nice music I heard at the end of last century. Thank you for this celestial gem of music!