A Mighty Stronghold Is Our God
Performed by Debbie “Hayride” Harper & The Prairie Songbirds
A Mighty Stronghold Is Our God — DOWNLOAD
Verse 1:
A mighty stronghold is our God,
A shelter never failing;
Our guiding light, through dust and storm,
When mortal woes are wailing.
The ancient outlaw rides,
But justice won’t abide;
His schemes may be so sly,
He’ll break you if you try,
But he can’t beat the Savior.
Verse 2:
If we relied on our own might,
We’d fall to dust and sorrow,
But there’s a Man who rides with us,
He brings hope for tomorrow.
You ask who wears the star?
It’s Christ, our Morning Star;
His name rings clear and true,
From plains to skies of blue,
He leads us through the battle.
Verse 3:
Though dark clouds roll and shadows creep,
They will not overtake us;
Our Lord has set the truth in stone,
No evil can unmake us.
That outlaw, grim and mean,
Can’t steal what’s pure and clean;
His fury fades to dusk,
For in our God we trust;
One word will drive him under.
Verse 4:
The Word rides high above the plains,
Its strength will never falter;
The Spirit’s gifts, our guiding reins,
Our course they will not alter.
Let goods and kin depart,
This life is just a part;
They may take what they will,
But God’s truth lingers still,
His kingdom lasts forever!
Songwriter: Explanation of Changes:
- Western Imagery: Terms like “stronghold,” “shelter,” and “guiding light” bring a rugged, frontier feel. The “ancient outlaw” replaces the “ancient foe,” evoking the image of a bandit riding across the plains. The “star” references a sheriff’s badge, aligning with the cowboy lawman image.
- Ranch and Plains Vibes: Instead of the “flood of mortal ills,” the new imagery uses “dust and storm,” suggesting the hardships faced on a cattle drive or in a small Western town.
- Simpler Language, Same Meaning: The language is softened and simplified to suit the straightforward, plainspoken nature of country and western lyrics, while keeping the core theological message intact.
- Tone of Assurance: The rephrasing aims to carry the same confidence in divine protection, but with more of a cowboy’s grit and resilience.
This adaptation keeps the heart of the original hymn while infusing it with Western themes and a storytelling style that feels right at home in a country setting. Let me know if you want any more adjustments or additional verses!
A Mighty Stronghold Is Our God — Music and Lyrics by Alan Nafzger
NOTE: “A Mighty Stronghold Is Our God” (or “Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott“ in German) is a powerful hymn written by Martin Luther around 1529. Often called the “Battle Hymn of the Reformation,” it became an anthem for Protestants, symbolizing strength and faith amidst struggles. The hymn is based on Psalm 46, emphasizing God as a steadfast protector, a “mighty fortress” against trials and enemies.
Luther’s bold lyrics reflected his confidence in divine salvation, even when facing great adversity. The hymn’s strong, resolute melody matches its message, inspiring courage and unity. Its enduring popularity has made it a central piece of Protestant worship, translated into many languages and performed across diverse settings worldwide.
