Sunday, 13 August 2017

Episode 72 - Singing Songs to Heaven

As I have shared some of my own poetry with you in the past, this week I thought I'd share some Papua New Guinean words. I was looking through my Tok Pisin song book from a rural church and thought it would be nice to translate a few songs for you, so here goes (please forgive my poor translation)...



Oh God you are a watchman

Oh God you are a watchman
You are always watching over my life
Everywhere I go
Everywhere I stay
You are always watching over my life

When I get on a plane
Or I travel by boat
When I travel by bus
You are always watching over my life



On the mountain top

On the mountain top
Go down into the valley
Cross the seas and keep on going
Come and sing
Come and be happy
We hold hands and shout to Jesus

He will make you jump up and dance
He will make you cry with joy
Around the river of God
He will change your life

By the waters edge, the water has life
Angels with us holding hands
Doesn’t matter if you’re from the coast, Doesn’t matter if you’re from the Highlands
We hold hands and shout to Jesus

I’m a no good man, but Jesus received me 
I’m a no good woman, but Jesus received me 
I’m like a confused child
But Jesus received me 

Holy Spirit you are like fire
Holy Spirit you are like water
Holy Spirit you are like a wind from heaven coming down

You make me jump, jump
Yu make me dance, dance
You’re making me and my mind receive heaven



The word of God is very sweet

The word of God is very sweet 
It is like a peanut
It  pierces man’s heart 
The word of God is very sweet

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
The word of God is very sweet

In Papua New Guinean culture the seat of emotions is considered to be the stomach (in contrast to the heart in western culture) In the last song, the word that I have translated heart actually means stomach and so the comparison of the bible being like a peanut actually has great depth and is a very clever analogy and refers to the way in which it satisfies our very being not just our hunger. I love reading the words to Papua New Guinean worship songs and the way that the explore and celebrate God and His creation, I hope you've found it enjoyable too!

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