Author Archives: Dr. Crystal Grimes

“Muss I Denn (Wooden Heart)” #Music

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This traditional German folk song rose to worldwide recognition with Elvis Presley’s “Wooden Heart.”

I studied German for many years, from middle school through college, traveled to Germany and Austria, and taught German to younger students here in the U.S. I remember learning to sing the original German version of this song, and I also played it on recorder. I was one who chose to play recorder voluntarily. I.e. it wasn’t something required of me in elementary school, unlike my son, who had to learn recorder in third grade and wasn’t thrilled about it. 🙂

The song is about an apprentice/journeyman who must go away for training, leaving his sweetheart back in his hometown. He promises to be faithful, and I like to think he keeps his promise!

I hope you enjoy “Muss I Denn” on zither!
Download “Muss I Denn” Mp3.

“In the Bleak Midwinter” #Music

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Several melodies have been written setting the poem,
“In the Bleak Midwinter” by Christina Rossetti
to music. Hear I play the music by Gustav Holst on zither. Reading the poem, you’ll notice it has a Christmas/Nativity theme. But the other stanzas are a great reminder of God’s power at any time of year, and of the truest gift we can give Him – our heart.

Where I live Winter is still in full swing, so I thought I would share this beautiful piece.

I hope you enjoy this arrangement. If you like, feel free to download and share the mp3:
“In the Bleak Midwinter” Mp3

“I Am Here for You” #Music #Mp3 #Love

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This is related to my Valentine’s Day post:
On Love, the Greatest Human Experience

Download Mp3

Click the following link to download the mp3:
I Am Here for You – Lyre Mp3

Introducing the Lyre

Meet Sunny! This is a beautiful instrument I will introduce properly soon. Suffice it to say, it sounds like a harp, but it is a lyre, a modern take on one of the oldest stringed instruments.

I hope you enjoy this song. I wrote an early version in 2005 or so, and added a verse and revised the refrain for this arrangement. It feels more complete now.

I Am Here for You – Lyrics

1. Living in this world is so
Uncertain at times.
So hold fast to me!
In my Presence know the Love
That you seek to find;
I will never leave.

Refrain 1:
As sure as years pass
And as the sun sets;
As sure as tides change,
Like there’s east and west…
As sure as night comes
In the Spirit of Love
I Am here for you.

2. When you have a problem
That seems too big to solve,
My Spirit helps you through.
When you’re feeling weak,
And you can’t handle it all,
I Am holding you.

Refrain 2:
As sure as years pass
And as the sun sets;
As sure as tides change,
Like there’s east and west…
As sure as night comes
As below, so above,
I Am here for you.

3. Love for each and every one,
Love within yourself
In my Spirit free.
Build it up and bring it out
As I show you how.
I Am All you seek.

Refrain 3:
As sure as years pass
And as the sun sets;
As sure as tides change,
Like there’s east and west…
As sure as night comes
In my Spirit of Love
I Am here for you.