New Song: It Was Me He Died To Save
My grandson.
Damien was just about a year old when this was taken.
Handsome young man, yes?
Fast forward 18 years.
A lot of life has happened. A lot of running and jumping and video games. A lot of studying and plays and electric guitar.
And this… ahem… baby is now all grown up. And he’s still a handsome young man.
So what do you write for a grandson that is now planning on a mission… college… a career… and all the things that go with the “adult” life?
You work on a song about the really important things. And add electric guitar.
The new song this time is called “It Was Me He Died To Save.” This song has been waiting to be set to music for a long time–in fact, about 18 years. Just in time to give to my grandson, along with my love and testimony of the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
In order to present this song I’m going to list it in inverse order, beginning with a simple (sorta) accompaniment and ending with… of course… electric guitar.
This is the way the song was written. (Sorry—no recording.) If you want to sing the basic song, this is it: https://defordmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/It-Was-Me-He-Died-to-Save.pdf
Here is the way Daniel Blomberg and Dave Zimmerman arranged the accompaniment—a little more upbeat.
Now, here’s the way it sounds with all the bells and whistles. (If you’re not a fan of electric guitar, just skip the next two. 😉 )
And finally, here’s Allyse Smith Taylor adding the vocal.
I hope to hear Damien play it on electric guitar (of which I *am* a fan), and I also hope to hear the conviction in his voice (of which I am also a fan!) as he takes the next step in life.
In case you’re wondering, I am still dealing with my stroke a year or so ago. This is a very long haul. I am still recovering my voice (some days are better than others), and no, I am still music-less (and text/email-less unless you count auto-correct). As always, thanks to my Proofreader In Chief!
Links to material in this post
Handy info…
Since you asked: How to Find Translations on This SiteFinding translations here is super easy. This is what you do: […]
Resizing Scores Using the Personal Composer DemoStep by step instructions on resizing scores or text using the Personal Composer demo. […]- Transposing Using Personal ComposerHow to transpose .pc scores using the Personal Composer Demo. Step by step instructions. […]
Thank you so much Sally for sharing your gifts and talent with us over the years. We love you and your family very much and hope to see you all again someday soon.
So beautiful and inspired music. Thank you sister Deford for sharing your testimony and talent with us. You are a light in the people lives.
So beautiful Sister Deford! I love it, thank you for sharing it. Love and miss you!
Thank you for sharing your talents and testimony! You are a blessing to so many!
Beautiful!!! Such a great message. Your Grandson is a very lucky man to have you in his life
That is so beautiful! You still are inspired and still share your music with everyone! The world is a much better place with you in it.Not everything will come back but many skills will return. Love you.
Oh sister, you are a wonderful human being. Without a doubt, Heavenly Father placed you on this earth to help us all grow and learn from your talents. Thank you for everything you do. I will include you in my fervent prayers.
I simply admire you so much!
A beautiful song, thank you for sharing. You create the loveliest music that touches my heart.
A handsome grandson you have! Prayers for your health recovery. This is such a beautiful song. You are so talented and we are so lucky that you share with us. I am hoping to have our small choir sing this song on Good Friday.
Your Music is such a great asset for me and the church where I serve as Director Of Music. I love every part of it. Can’t wait to use And The Angels came To Sing in December
Oh my dear how glad I am for you to have still been able to create with your struggles! I still think of the times we spent together and for your friendship! Your music is beautiful as always! I love you and pray for your continued healing 💕
This is a lovely piece; thanks for sharing. Wishing you continued recovery.
Oh Sally,
I love this. Thank you for sharing it.
I had a stroke about 2 1/2 years ago. It impacted small motor skills in my left hand. I’ve played the guitar all my life – professionally for a time. I can now play about as well as I could when I was 10.
Fortunately it didn’t get my voice. I’m still singing at 81.
I love and appreciate your music.
I send warm wishes and prayers for your swift recovery.
Terry Dickens
Washington, UT
So beautiful. Thank you for so many inspiring and infectious songs. Thank you for sharing your abundant talent.
Beautiful!!! Such talent. I love all of your music and have used it many times. Thanks so much! God bless you and your family.
I love it!! I wish I could hear your Grandsons play and sing this beautiful hymn. I live and miss you Sally!!
Grateful to hear any form of music from you! Love the electric guitar! May God guide in your healing journey…my heart hurts for you knowing how integral piano and music is to your life. We are singing your arrangement Peace, Peace, Be Still for choir. My daughter pushed the choir director to use your arrangement because it’s so hauntingly beautiful. Know that your gift of music is still giving!
beautiful song and handsome grandson
I love how you bear your testimony through music
Thank you
Love this! It reminds me of something you might have written with David Gates. I hope your grandson has an amazing mission and that your recovery is speedy!
I am so glad to hear from you, old friend. I think of our time together often. My prayers are with you. Please let me know if I can be of any help.
Very nice, if it’s possible I would love to hear Jame Loynes version with piano accompaniment. My voice range is the same as his. Also music and lyrics. I know you have provided so many tunes over the years and I appreciate your music so much. Thank you for all you have done to bring joy to so many.
Bob Ayers.