Song of the Week - Say So - Israel and New Breed

Psalm 107: 2 says (NKJ): Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy..."

Thus is the inspiration for another song on Gospel Light Worship's upcoming album, Prepare. "Say So" is an upbeat and energetic tune from Israel and New Breed's last live album, A Deeper Level. The song begins by asking a simple question: "What does it mean to be saved? Isn't more than just a prayer to pray? More than just a way to Heaven?"

The theme of our album is "evangelism." And "Say So" is a perfect fit into that ideal, because as the "redeemed of the Lord," we need to do more than just live in our own private little world, do more than reflect and rejoice in our own personal salvation. No, we need to say so, to tell others, in the words of the song, "I am redeemed, I am redeemed!"

Likewise, Matthew 5: 13-14 says: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden."

We are called then to be active in our work here on Earth. Israel says in the second verse "Oh that the church would arise, oh that we would see with Jesus' eyes. We could show the world, heaven." Our purpose then, is to be that salt and light. The "answer to the call" is another facet of evangelism, and is why this song is on the record.

The song was written in 2006 by Israel Hougton and Michael Gungor. As is not unusual for Israel, it is written in the key of E. (Actually, I think the root is an Emaj9, but hey, I'm a guitar player!) It's a pretty simple song to play. The verses progress : Emaj9-Dmaj9-A/C#-Dmaj9-Emaj9. (simply, E-D-A-D-E). The prechorus is C#m-D.

Into the chorus is just a E-Bm7-A-D-E. The bridge uses some suspended chords, and there is a nice little guitar solo on the live album. Our arrangement brings the bass up front a little more, gives it a little bit of a different groove. You can listen to a short clip of the music here. (this is the second time through the bridge.)

Keep checking back for more updates on the new record and the songs we're doing! Meanwhile, here is my favorite video of this song - just the man and his (really, really expensive) guitar.