Robert Witney: Be Still and Know
Bobby Witney is a singer/songwriter from Hampshire, England, UK. Bobby co-wrote his first Christian Science song (‘Light of the World’) with his Sunday School teacher and it’s included on The Newsong Group’s ‘Upbeats’ album. Other than that early success, he’s pretty new to the world of recording music, this being the first track he’s officially written and recorded with other people. Bobby would like to thank Peter Wise, who produced the track as well as adding Bass and Lead Guitar, and Mat Cocks, who provided piano and backing vocals.
Song Title:Be Still and Know
Lyrics:Be still and know, be still and know that I am God,
I will be exalted, I will be exalted in the earth.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea,
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
Be still and know, be still and know that I am God,
I will be exalted, I will be exalted in the earth.
There is a river, the streams thereof shall make glad the city of God.
God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved, God shall help her.
The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice and the earth melted.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Be still and know, be still and know that I am God,
I will be exalted, I will be exalted in the earth.
Come, behold the works of the Lord,
He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth,
He breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear,
He burneth the chariot in the fire.
Be still and know, be still and know that I am God,
I will be exalted, I will be exalted in the earth.
Adapted from Psalm 46 in the Bible
Bobby Witney
Love this!! Would buy this on itunes if I could! :)
Thanks Bobby. I like the way the peace in the message and in the music grew quieter, and stronger as you went through this song.
I heard another original song using this same Psalm — by a spiritual musician, Paul Rumbolt, in Alberta Canada — and he used that same Bible verse…. Be still, be still, be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted …in the earth. Be still and know that I am God.
I love the way you included those other strong Bible promises in between the repeated chorus. Beautiful.
Thanks Joy! I’ll make sure to look into Paul’s stuff! Yea I think texture was an important medium in conveying the message of this song and the Psalm, so i’m glad you liked it!
I love the utter sincerity of this piece. In fact I may prefer less production and perhaps a more simple approach. The harmonies worked well suggesting the ability to find stillness in the midst of what may feel like chaos. Thanks so much … looking forward to further musical musings on how the Scriptures relate so directly to confident living.
Hi Susan! Yea, the scriptures are a great source for musical inspiration. The book of Psalms is just like an archive of lyrics waiting to be put to music! As a confession we may have got a little over-excited in the production of the song, it was just so much fun!
Thanks Robert! I really enjoyed the track. Keep writing!
Thanks Tim! I’m glad you enjoyed it! And I hope to keep writing and expressing God through music!
My friend, thank you for sharing you gift and inspiration. I thought your choice of doing an uptempo piece to describe stillness was really neat–to recognize that we can find that stillness and comfort in the motion of our lives. And then when the music really found stillness or pause, it was really a comforting message. Please continue to find that grace of music in your life.
Thanks Ryan! Like I said in the interview, the message of the Psalm seems to oppose it’s contents so much, yet it all works together to create a great message of stillness and peace. I have to say, Alex Cook was my main inspiration in showing uptempo songs and Spiritual messages can really mix, give him a listen if you haven’t already!
I enjoyed this composition so much, and the beautiful voice. Loved the chord changes and creativity. But, most of all loved the wonderful spirit expressed in the performance. Way to go! Want to hear more!
Thanks Susie! I’m glad you got a sense of spirit from the song, as it’s so appropriate to the lesson this week! The writing of the song was so swift and harmonious (it took around 5 minutes!), i knew it must be a spiritual gift from God like in the responsive reading, I only hope it is a gift ‘given to every man to profit withal’!