How to Play There's a River of Life on the Harmonica

3 years ago
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This praise song about the action of the Holy Spirit is sometimes attributed to L(Louis?) Casebolt, but no further information about them has been located.
Hymn-books which it has been published in include:
Songs of Praise, Scripture in Song, New Zealand, 1973
Scripture in Song, Songs of Praise, Volume 1, New Zealand, 1979
These both state that the author is unknown, and that the arrangement (not the underlying tune / words) is copyright Scripture in Song USA, 1972.

The song, credited to Betty Pulkingham and L Casebolt was recorded on the Songs of Praise, Album 3 released under the Word of God label in 1977 (ref). It was also included in the 1978 album Rejoice with the Fisherfolk - and the sleeve material of this recording credits verse 1 to L Casebolt, and verses 2-6 to Betty Pulkingham (ref).

It is not clear when, or by who, the chorus and actions were added. There are at least two variations of these which have been recorded.

The song has been translated to various languages, including Tongan (ref), and one recording on YouTube shows an adapted version being sung at at 21st century vacation bible school.

Details thanks to https://www.godsongs.net/2021/05/theres-river-of-life-flowing-out-of-me-spring-up-o-well.html

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Waterfall photo by Robert Lukeman on Unsplash https://unsplash.com/@robertlukeman

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