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Stand Ye Steady – Songs of Courage and Inspiration is available March 22nd (the Compact Disc) and in July 11th (the DVD) at www.curtaincallproductions.com and www.standyesteady.com. Masonry Nebraska has received permission from Mr. Doug Coppi to install his release and recordings on this Website. Therefore, it would be unfair to be able to copy his songs from this site. To obtain his recordings, go to the above address as this helps to defray the cost incurred by the West Point Glee Club and curtaincall productions for this fine work. R.W.M. Track Listing (in alphabetical order) Into the Fire featuring Daniel Rodriguez
David walked into the valley, With a stone clutched in his hand. He was only a boy, But he knew someone must take a stand. There will always be a valley, Always mountains one must scale.There will always be perilous waters, Which someone must sail. Into valleys, into waters, Into jungles, into hell, Let us ride, let us ride home again, With a story to tell. Into darkness, into danger, Into storms that rip the night, Don’t give in, don’t give up, But give thanks for the glorious fight. You can tremble, you can fear it, But keep your fighting spirit alive, boys. Let the shiver of it sting you, Fling into battle, spring to your feet, boys. Never hold back your step for a moment, Never doubt that your courage will grow, Hold your head even higher, And into the fire we’ll go. Are there mountains that surround us, Are there walls that block our way. Knock ‘em down, strip ‘em back, boys, And follow on into the fray. Into terror, into battle, Charge ahead, no never turn, Yes, it’s into the fire we go, And the devil will burn. Someone has to face the valley, Rush in we have to rally and win, boys. When the world is saying not to, By God you know you’ve got to march on, boys. Never hold back your step for a moment, Never doubt that your courage will grow, Hold your head even higher, and into the fire we’ll go. Let the lightning strike, Let the flash of it shock you. Choke your fears away, Pull as tight as a wire, Let the fever strike, Let the force of it rock you, We will have our day Sailing into the fire. Someone has to face the valley, Rush in we have to rally and win, boys. When the world is saying not to, By God you know you’ve got to march on, boys. Never hold back your step for a moment, Look alive, and your courage will grow. Hold your head even higher, And into the fire we go. Into fire….. Lyrics and Music: Frank Wildhorn and Nan Knighton/Arrangement: Donald Fraser © 1998 Bronx Flash Music, Knight Errant Music, Scaramanga Music and WB Music Corp. ASCAP © 2005 CCP Vigital ASCAP Obviously, many of the songs in this collection are quite serious – serious songs for serious times. So I chose this one since it captures all the abandon and vitality of youth called to action. Daniel Rodriguez is a retired New York City police offcer whose rousing performance also honors all those police and firefighters in New York and Washington that literally ran into the fire doing there duty almost 4 years ago.Jerusalem
And did those feet in ancient time, Walk upon England’s mountains green And was the holy Lamb of God, On England’s pleasant pastures seen And did the countenance devine, Shine forth upon our clouded hills And was Jerusalem builded here, Among these dark Satanic mills Bring me my bow of burning gold, Bring me my arrows of desire Bring me my spear, o clouds unfold, Bring me my chariot of fire I will not cease from mental fight, Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand Till we have built Jerusalem, In England’s green and pleasant land Lyrics and Music: Public Domain/Arrangement: Donald Fraser © 2005 CCP Vigital ASCAP I included this song in the repertoire to honor our steadfast friends and allies from the UK. If ever a song embodied a call to action, this is it!
See how the little children play, Always a game of war Never do they realize, What’s gone before How can the debt be paid, To those, warriors they never met Many died for them to live, Lest we forget From e’vry walk they came to give, From e’vry corner too Gathered to defend the right, for me and you. They fought alone in clear blue sky Trench and the salty spray, Strangers all to those they spared Who live today. We shall remember, We will recall Heroes who gave their lives, Answering the call. Give them the peace in heaven, Lord, They were denied on earth Father rest their souls on high, Such is their worth. We who remain to gather here, Sad that they’re lost but yet They’ll have life within our hearts, Lest we forget, Lest we forget. Lord hear our voices raised in song, Praise be to Thee on high Help us in our hour of need, When it comes nigh Show them O Lord that nothings changed, After the battle’s won. In the stillness let me hide, Thy will be done. We shall remember, We will recall, Heroes who gave their lives Answering the call. This cannot be the path of man, How could it ever be. For the way of loneliness Is hard to see. Let not the lives of those who’ve passed Dim ‘though their sun has set. Father, hear us here on earth Lest we forget. Lyrics and Music: Peter Buchanan and Michael Sammes/Arrangement: Donald Fraser © Warner Chappell © 2005 CCP Vigital ASCAP Song Commentary by Doug Coppi This was the song that rekindled my love for choral music back in 1992. Years later, I illustrated it with archived video footage of our soldiers for a Memorial Day tribute. My Pastor, Lon Solomon of McLean Bible Church, was so moved by it, that he had it played for our large congregation. It was their response that led me to seriously pursue this new career of using choral music and short video to keep the memories of our veterans and service men and women alive.
To fallen soldiers let us sing, Where no rockets fly nor bullets wing. Our broken brothers let us bring, To the mansions of the Lord. No more bleeding, no more fight, No prayers pleading through the night. Just divine embrace, eternal light, In the mansions of the Lord. Where no mothers cry and no children weep. We will stand and guard though the angels sleep. All through the ages safely keep, The mansions of the Lord. Lyrics: Randall Wallace and Music: Nicholas Glennie-Smith © 2002 Famous Music Corp.ASCAP Hearing the Cadets sing this song at the end of the movie We Were Soldiers was what caused me to call the Academy and inquire if they would want to do this project with me. They said yes and here we are with this very rare collection. This song has almost become their calling card and they sing it with such reverence. It is built around Christ’s soothing and authoritative reassurance that "In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." John 14.2
Men of Freedom
Men of Freedom (Sacred Reprise) Men of Freedom stop your fearing See the ruin’s smoke is clearing Once again we must defend Free Men never yield! Men of Freedom stand ye steady Those who hate are ever ready Terror they wield, dark holes their shield Hoping we will yield. Don’t they know we’ll stand fast Next to those who have passed All who fought for freedom sought By those oppressed and downcast Men of Freedom clutch it dearly Freedom’s bell rings ever clearly. Homes and loved ones all before ye, Free Men will not yield! Men of Freedom stop your fearing, See the ruins smoke is clearing. All about His love appearing Our God never yields! Men of Freedom stand ye steady Satan’s hate is ever ready. Yet by the Son the battle won Our God never yields! From the Heavens bounding His victory resounding. Summon all the Gospel’s call God’s mighty love abounding! Men of Freedom tell His story With the Lord is found our glory His eternal home before ye, Free Men will not yield! Lyrics: Doug Coppi/Music: Public Domain Arrangement: Donald Fraser © 2005 CCP Vigital ASCAP The second half of the sacred reprise of this collection’s first song came to me as the anger generated by the September 11th attacks gave way to a yearning for something that transcended even the security of our powerful country – something more certain and eternal. That, of course, can only be claimed by the freedom we have in Christ – a freedom from all things that seek to destroy us on earth. This "Good News" is what the sacred reprise is all about.
My country ‘tis of thee Sweet land of liberty Of thee I sing Land where my fathers died Land of the pilgrims’ pride From every mountainside Let freedom ring My native country thee Land of the noble free Thy name I love I love thy rocks and rills Thy woods and templed hills My heart with rapture fills Like that above Let music swell the breeze And ring from all the trees Sweet freedom’s song Let mortal tongues awake Let all that breathe partake Let rocks their silence break The sound prolong. Our father’s God to thee Author of liberty To thee we sing. Long may our land be bright With freedom’s holy light Protect us by thy might Great God our King. Lyrics and Music: Public Domain/Arrangement: Donald Fraser © 2005 CCP Vigital ASCAP Growing up in elementary school, we started every morning being led over the PA system by our Principal, Mrs. Douglass, in the Pledge of Allegiance and the first stanza of this simple declaratory song. After November 22, 1963, a sadness entered her voice as she reminded us, at least once a week, that men like Lee Harvey Oswald never heard or sang this song. I wonder if she knows that 42 years later some of her students would remember her and want to hear once again this song and its timeless declaration "Let Freedom Ring"'.
Non nobis Domine Domine, Non nobis Domine Sed nomini sed nomini, Tuo da gloriam (Not unto us, O Lord, O Lord Not unto us, O Lord But unto thy name, But unto thy name give glory) "But we in it shall be remembered - We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother ……." And so, with these stirring words Henry V of England exhorted his exhausted soldiers into a hopeless battle against a heavily armored enemy that outnumbered them 10 to 1 at Agincourt, France. The date was October 25, 1415 and just hours later the day belonged to the small, exhausted courageous army – miraculously, they had lost but 1 man for every 100 of the enemy. In the aftermath, Henry V commanded that this song be sung.
On great lone hills, Where tempests brood and gather Primeval earth, Against primeval sky, We faring forth Possessed by fervent longing Have found a throne, Eternal and high Have knelt at last, In wordless adoration, Till fire and whirlwind, Have gone by With ardent song, We greet the golden morning, By faith upborne Remember not the night, The whole wide world It hails triumphant dawning, God walks abroad In garments of might, The hills behold, Are now a path of splendor Transfigured all, And all crowned with light The hills behold, Are now a path of splendor Transfigured all, And all crowned with light. Music: Public Domain/Arrangement: Donald Fraser © 2005 CCP Vigital ASCAP The imagery in this song perfectly embodies the history and spirit of America. We stand on a great hill alone for what we’ve achieved and alone for what we are trying to achieve today.Rise Up, O Men of God
Rise up, O men of God, Have done with lesser things Give heart and mind and soul and strength, To serve the King of kings Rise up, O men of God, The kingdom tarries long, Bring in the day of brotherhood, And end the night of wrong Rise up, O men of God, The church for you doth wait, Her strength unequal to her task, Rise up and make her great Lift high the cross of Christ, Tread where His feet have trod As brothers of the Son of Man, Rise up, O men of God! Lyrics and Music: William Merrill and William Walter/Arrangement: Kenneth Jennings © 1968 Augsberg Publishing House I chose this great hymn for the collection because it captures the spirit of revival that has been occurring the past few years in men of faith. So many men are applying their beliefs at home and in the work place in a forthright way that others can plainly see. Their inspired leadership can even be seen in the highest office in the Land. The Star-Spangled Banner
O say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watch’d, were so gallantly streaming. And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave. Lyrics and Music: Public Domain This was added to the repertoire at the last minute since the Cadets were giving so many amazing performances of it at sporting events around the country. They nailed it on the first take. Since real bullets are being fired at our soldiers overseas, think about these young men and women singing our Anthem and what they might face after they graduate – for some of them – in a few months.Take Me Home with I Am A Soldier
O, O take me home Home to the people I left behind Home to the love I’ll know I’ll find O take me home (repeat) Lyrics and Music: Phil Coulter/Additional Lyrics–I Am a Soldier: Doug Coppi/Arrangement: Donald Fraser © Four Seasons Music © 2005 CCP Vigital ASCAP Every man and woman who is a soldier wants to go home – they wouldn’t be human if they didn’t. Yet so many don’t want to go home until the job they’ve sworn to do is complete. At several U.S. Army hospitals here in the states, there lie some soldiers whose job IS done and they’re almost home. But despite their wounds, many tell their officers they want to go back and help their friends complete their jobs. I guess it all depends on where you call home. Where do we get such soldiers!The Longest Day
Many men came here as soldiers, Many men will pass this way, Many men will count the hours As they live the longest day, Many men are tired and weary, Many men are here to stay. Many men won't see the sunset, As they live the longest day. The longest day, The longest day, This will be the longest day. Filled with hopes and filled with fears, Filled with blood and sweat and tears. Many men the mighty thousands, Many men to victory, Marching on right into battle, In the longest day in history. . Many men came here as soldiers, Many men will pass this way. Many men will count the hours, As they live the longest day. Many men are tired and weary, Many men are here to stay. Many men won't see the sunset, As they live the longest day. The longest day, The longest day, This will be the longest day. Filled with hope and filled with fears, Filled with blood and sweat and tears. Many men the mighty thousands, Many men to victory. Marching on right into battle In the longest day in history.. (chorus) The longest day, The longest day.. This will be the longest day, (repeat 8 times ) Many men the mighty thousands, Many men to victory. Marching on right into battle, In the longest day in history.. Many men came here as soldiers, Many men are here to stay.. Many men won’t see the sunset, As they live the longest day. As they live the longest day. Lyrics and Music: Paul Anka/Arrangement: Donald Fraser © 1962 Chrysalis Music Publishing LLC BMI © 2005 CCP Vigital ASCAP "Dot-Dot-Dot-Dash, Dot-Dot-Dot-Dash" - listen to the opening timpani as it beats the Morse Code for the letter "V" for victory. This year, on May 8th, the world will mark the 60th anniversary of victory in Europe. Paul Anka’s song about D-Day, June 6, 1944, celebrates the invincibility of the Great Generation that landed, fought and won there. The three parts of this beautiful arrangement – the first ever to portray musically what actually happened on those beaches that day – the dogged unparalleled preparation, the 6,577 casualties and then the breakthrough. Eleven months later the war in Europe was over. This Christmastide
Green and silver, red and gold And a story born of old Truth and love and hope abide This Christmastide, this Christmastide Holy, ivy, mistletoe And the gently falling snow Truth and love and hope abide This Christmastide, this Christmastide From a simple ox’s stall Came the greatest gift of all Truth and love and hope abide This Christmastide, this Christmastide Children sing of hope and joy At the birth of one small boy Truth and love and hope abide This Christmastide, this Christmastide Let the bells ring loud and clear Ring out now for all to hear Truth and love and hope abide This Christmastide, this Christmastide Trumpets sound and voices raise In an endless stream of praise Truth and love and hope abide This Christmastide, this Christmastide Green and silver, red and gold And a story born of old Peace and love and hope abide This Christmastide, this Christmastide Lyrics and Music: Mary McCulloch and Donald Fraser/Arrangement: Donald Fraser© FraserMusic Interactive ASCAP This classic in the making written by Don Fraser – Stand Ye Steady’s primary arranger – just builds and builds with intensity and the celebration of Christmas that it takes off and soars through the vaulted ceilings of the Cadet Chapel. Yet it retains its poignancy when you look at the young faces of the Cadets singing it and realize the weight of responsibility they will bear in the years ahead - in all likelihood - away from home.Via Dolorosa featuring Lea Salonga
Down the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem that day, The soldiers tried to clear the narrow streets, But the crowd pressed in to see, The man condemned to die on Calvary. He was bleeding from a beating There were stripes upon His back, And He wore a crown of thorns upon His head, And He bore with every step, The scorn of those who cried out for His death. Down the Via Dolorosa, Called the way of suffering Like a lamb came the Messiah, Christ the King But He chose to walk that road, Out of His love for you and me Down the Via Dolorosa, All the way to Calvary. Por la Via Dolorosa triste dia en Jerusalem, Los soldados le abrian paso a Jesus Mas la gente se acercaba, Para ver al que llevaba aquella cruz Por la Via Dolorosa que es la via del dolor, Como oveja vino Christo, Rey, Senor, Y fue El quien quiso ir por su amor, Por ti y por mi Por la Via Dolorosa al Calvario y a morir, The blood that would cleanse The souls of all men, Made its way through the heart of Jerusalem Down the Via Dolorosa, Called the way of suffering Like a lamb came the Messiah, Christ the King But he chose to take that road, Out of His love for you and me Down the Via Dolorosa, All the way to Calvary. Lyrics and Music: William Sprague and Niles Borop/Arrangement: Donald Fraser © 1983 Word Music LLC and Meadowgreen Music Co. ASCAP © 2005 CCP Vigital This is one of the most moving songs ever written about the love and sacrifice Jesus Christ. Lea Salonga’s performance will stand as a statement of faith that should be viewed and heard every Good Friday and Easter.
About the USMA Cadet Glee Club of West Point For over 102 years, the United States Military Academy Cadet Glee Club of West Point has been one of the most prestigious collegiate singing ensembles in the United States. The 80 men and women of the Cadet Glee Club travel extensively giving 50 concerts a year in world famous venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Ozawa Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and Boston's Symphony Hall and has shared the stage with Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, Roberta Peters and some of the country’s best symphony orchestras. The Cadet Glee Club sang the National Anthem at the 2004 World Series in Yankee Stadium, this year’s Fiesta Bowl and this year’s Super Bowl with combined choirs of the United States service academies. They have also performed at several Presidential Inaugurations and the Presidential Ceremony at Ground Zero marking the one-year anniversary of September 11th. In January 2002, the Cadet Glee Club recorded an original hymn for the Paramount feature film, We Were Soldiers entitled Mansions of the Lord that has become an instant standard and was performed at the funeral ceremony of President Ronald Reagan. About Lea Salonga She gained international acclaim for her award winning performance as Kim in the London and Broadway productions of Miss Saigon. In addition to winning the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award for creating the lead role in London in 1989, she also garnered the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for "Outstanding Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical" when the show opened on Broadway in 1991. Then, in 1993, she became the first Asian actor to play the widely popular role of Eponine in Les Miserables on Broadway and reprised the same role in London, Hawaii and the tenth anniversary concert production at the Royal Albert Hall. On film, she sang the Academy Award winning song, A Whole New World, with Brad Kane in Disney's Aladdin, and provided the singing voice for the title character in Mulan. Lea returned to the Broadway stage in the fall of 2002 when she starred in the hit "new" production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song. Among her vast array of theater credits include the lead roles of Catherine in David Auburn's Proof, The Witch in Into The Woods, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Sonia Walsk in They're Playing Our Song, Sandy Dumbrowski in Grease, the title role in Annie, and most recently, Lizzie in Maltby & Shire's Baby. Her television appearances include NBC's hit show, E.R., and re-creating the role of Lien Hughes for CBS's As The World Turns. Lea—known for her pure, crystal clear voice—is a musical icon in the Philippines and the American theater. Audiences have enjoyed listening to her voice from her Broadway recordings to the popular songs she recorded for the Disney films. Lea is currently on a national concert tour sponsored by Northwest Airlines. About Daniel Rodriguez Daniel Rodriguez was born with a beautiful tenor voice. His success is a source of great joy to me because he truly deserves it." - Plácido Domingo "Known as America's Beloved Tenor", Daniel Rodriguez - an unheralded "singing policeman" four years ago – inspired the whole country in the wake of the September 11th attacks with his deeply felt a cappella performances of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America". Since then, he has released two albums, Daniel Rodriguez – The Spirit of America and From The Heart for Manhattan Records. His rise has been a meteoric one for a young man who as a New York Police Department officer caught the attention of people who heard his beautiful voice at department functions and ceremonial events. Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani introduced him to the general public at a New York Yankees game where he sang a compelling rendition of the National Anthem. History intervened on September 11, 2001, and the tenor's heartfelt singing became a source of solace and comfort to Americans and freedom-loving people around the world. Along with his album appearances, Daniel appeared on television shows including "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "The Today Show", "LIVE with Regis & Kelly", "The Early Show" on CBS, "Good Morning America", ABC TV's "New Year's Eve 2002," hosted by Peter Jennings, CNN's "Larry King Live", "Late Show with David Letterman", as well as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rockefeller Plaza, the Opening Ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics, for President Bush at the White House and ABC's "An American Celebration at Ford's Theater" as well as for PBS, a special of "Spirit of America" concert aired last Memorial Day 2002. |
