Dos Salmos para Tiempos de Violencia
I wrote this song for a student’s retreat in Aguilares, El Salvador. It is inspired by Psalms 120 & 121, and it will appear in GIA’s upcoming bilingual hymnal, ” Santo, Santo, Santo”, “Holy, Holy, Holy: Songs for the People of God.”
Escribí este canto para un campamento de estudiantes en Aguijares, El Salvador. Está inspirado en los Salmos 120 y 121. Aparecerá en el himnario “Santo, Santo, Santo: Cantos para el pueblo de Dios” de próxima publicación bajo el sello de GIA Music.
I start slow the song slow in Spanish, and then we transition to a faster tempo. I use Cumbia rhythms, and elements of Puerto Rican plena. This was presented at Baylor’s Alleluia conference on July 20, 2018.
Lyrics/ Letra: Al Señor clamé estando en angustia, y él me respondió. Líbrame del labio mentiroso, y lenguas embusteras. Ay de mí! Que habito entre gente violenta; Ay de mí! Que habito entre tanta maldad.
Quiero paz, pero ellos solo hablan de guerra. Ven, Señor, Ven, ven y dános tu paz.
(English Tr. by Greg Scheer)
I am crying out to God in my anguish, and he will hear my prayer. Deliver me from lying lips, Oh save me, from tongues that are deceitful.
Woe is me! For I live in a land full of violence; Woe is me! For I dwell among those who hate peace.
I’m for peace, but they say only war is the answer. Woe is me! For I dwell among those who hate peace. I’m for peace, but they say only war is the answer. Come, O Lord! Come and give us your peace.
Carlos Colón 