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 Lords 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
The song, The Lord’s My Shepherd, is based on the well-known Bible verse, Psalm 23. The psalm reflects on the comforting presence of God in one’s life; it is referred to as a pastoral psalm, because it likens God to a shepherd who cares for his flock. In Joanne Hogg’s version, the lyrics focus on God's protection and guidance in one's life.
The first section of the lyrics begins by stating, “The Lord's my Shepherd I’ll not want.” This line is expressing the idea that the Lord is there to provide everything the singer needs. The line, “He makes lie in pastures green," means that God is the one who provides nourishment and rest for the singer's soul. The following line, “He leads me by the still, still waters,” is suggesting that God is present in both calm and turbulent times. The line, “His goodness will lead me home,” illustrates the idea that God is ultimately good; and it is His goodness that guides and sustains the singer.
In the second section of the lyrics, the singer expresses the idea of putting their complete trust in God. When the singer says, “And though I walk the darkest path,” it is conveying the idea of difficult times, struggles or trials that the singer might face. However, the singer finds comfort and reassurance in God, “For You are with me and Your rod and staff, are the comfort I need to know.” The rod and staff are symbolic of God’s protection and guidance.
Line by Line Meaning
The Lord's my Shepherd I'll not want
I am under the guidance and care of the Lord, and I lack nothing
He makes lie in pastures green
He provides me with abundant resources and provisions
He leads me by the still, still waters
He guides me to places of tranquility and peace
His goodness will lead me home
His benevolent nature will ensure that I reach my ultimate destination
And I will trust in You alone
I have faith in the Lord as my sole source of guidance and protection
For Your endless mercy follows me
His unending compassion and grace are ever present in my life
Your goodness will lead me home
His inherent kindness will always direct me towards my desired destination
And though I walk the darkest path
Even when I face difficulties and hardships
I will not fear the evil one
I will not be overcome by fear or distress
For You are with me and Your rod and staff
Because the Lord is with me and He provides me with protection and guidance
Are the comfort I need to know
I find solace and reassurance in this fact
Writer(s): Lennox R. Berkeley
Contributed by Cooper R. 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!