Although not raised in a church-going family, gospel leader Kurt Carr took … Read Full Bio ↴Although not raised in a church-going family, gospel leader Kurt Carr took it upon himself to start attending services at age 13 and soon became active in his church's musical programs. Finding inspiration in albums by gospel greats Walter Hawkins, James Cleveland, and Andrae Crouch, Carr attended the University of Connecticut in his hometown of Hartford, graduating with a degree in fine arts and a newfound appreciation of classical music. He was mentored by the classically trained gospel legend Richard Smallwood, who broadened the young student's horizons to include elements of different musical styles in his compositions and whom Carr still refers to as his "godfather." In 1986, Carr joined with Reverend James Cleveland and his ensemble, acting as pianist and musical director until the reverend's death in 1991. Carr released an album of his compositions and arrangements entitled Together on Light Records in 1991. Starting his own record label, Gospo Centric, in 1992, the energetic musical director led his group, the Kurt Carr Singers, through several albums of contemporary music thoroughly steeped in the traditional sound of gospel including 1994's Serious About It!, 1997's No One Else, and Awesome Wonder in 2000. As well as his own recordings and serving as creative director for the L. A.-based West Angeles Church of God In Christ, Carr has been an active promoter of the acts on his Gospo Centric label, including such industry heavy hitters as Trin-i-tee 5:7, Gospel Gangstas, and Kirk Franklin and the Family. ~ Zac Johnson., All Music Guide

Kumbaya
Kurt Carr Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Kumbaya Lord Kumbaya
Kumbaya, oh
Kumbaya Lord Kumbaya
Kumbaya

Somebody needs You Lord Kumbaya
Kumbaya, oh
Somebody needs You Lord Kumbaya

Kumbaya

Somebody's praying Lord Kumbaya
Kumbaya, oh
Somebody's praying Lord Kumbaya
Kumbaya

Oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord
Kumbaya
Oh Lord, Lord Kumbaya

I need a blessing Lord Kumbaya
Kumbaya, oh
I need a blessing Lord Kumbaya
Kumbaya

I need a miracle Kumbaya
Kumbaya, oh
I need a miracle Kumbaya
Kumbaya

Oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord
Kumbaya
Oh Lord, Lord Kumbaya

Oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord
Kumbaya
Oh Lord, Lord

Shower down on me
Shower down on me
I need You to shower down on me

Lord I'm down here praying
Lord I need a blessing

Overall Meaning

The Kurt Carr Singers’ song “Kumbaya” is a traditional African American spiritual hymn that is focused on seeking blessings, miracle, and divine intervention from the Lord. The opening lyrics “Kumbaya Lord Kumbaya” is an invocation of the Lord to come down and rain upon the worshipper. The repetition of the phrase “Kumbaya” throughout the song creates a meditative approach to the prayer asking for God's blessings.

The song emphasizes the core theme of Christianity, which is the belief that individuals can seek the divine intervention, blessings, and support from the Lord in moments of need. The lyrics “Somebody needs You Lord Kumbaya” and “Somebody's praying Lord Kumbaya” suggest that the prayer is not just an individual's request, but a collective one for the entire community. The lyrics “I need a blessing Lord Kumbaya/I need a miracle Kumbaya” are a call to those needing divine intervention to join in the prayer and believe in the power of God's mercy.

Overall, the song’s tone is hopeful, worshipful, and prayerful. The Kurt Carr Singers’ rendition of this spiritual hymn creates a space for people to connect deeply with God, seek blessings, and express their faith in God’s divine intervention.

Line by Line Meaning

Kumbaya Lord Kumbaya
Singing an African American spiritual song to invite God's presence and seeking his help and protection.

Somebody needs You Lord Kumbaya
Acknowledging that someone needs God's help and pleading with him to intervene in their situation.

Somebody's praying Lord Kumbaya
Recognizing the power of prayer and affirming that someone is praying for God's help.

Oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord
Expressing an intense desire for God's help and mercy, accompanied by a sense of urgency and emotional distress.

I need a blessing Lord Kumbaya
Asking God for a blessing or a favor, acknowledging one's own need and weakness.

I need a miracle Kumbaya
Asking God for a miraculous intervention, recognizing the impossibility of the situation and the need for divine intervention.

Shower down on me
Asking God to pour out his blessings and favor on oneself or someone else, using the metaphor of a shower.

Lord I'm down here praying
Affirming one's own prayerfulness and earnestness, and seeking God's attention and response.

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEE HAYS, FRED HELLERMAN, ERIK DARLING, RONNIE GILBERT, TRADITIONAL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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