For a Time Like This: I Will Not Curse You

A music podcast featuring Gord Johnson’s song “I Will Not Curse You,” from his 1992 album All of These Changes. This is an album that is not in particularly wide circulation, so we’re really delighted to be able to share this song with you. With strong echos of both the book of Job and the lament psalms, It isn’t a particularly easy or comfortable song, but it is one that speaks to faithful resilience in the midst of the hardest and darkest of times.

Also appearing on the album are saint ben’s members Larry Campbell on bass and Steve Bell on an array of instruments and background vocals. Along with his guitar and vocal work, Gord offers some very fine harmonica, which features on this song.

I will not curse you - Words and music by Gord Johnson

Though the sun won’t shine
and darkness follows light
Though the winds they howl
And peace, it takes to flight
Though the walls all around me
they crumble
And no good news enters
through my door
Though my dream’s lay broken
and shattered
in pieces lying on the floor

I will not curse you (2x)
You alone are true

Though each passing day
I brush the gates of hell
Though in agony
I feel what no one could
ever tell
Though my loved ones despise me
and forsake me.
And I walk this road alone
Though I cry out to the heavens
For the answer as to why I
stand here unatoned.

I will not curse you…

Though a world of grace
seems like some cosmic joke
Though my thoughts of what I am to be
They all go up in smoke
Though I question the very ground
I walk on
Though I question all I’ve ever known
Though I lash out in my desperation
And my thoughts they turn to stone.

I will not curse you…

Gord’s songs have been featured in a number of these music podcasts, including Eleanor May, Can’t Take My Soul, O What Love, and Before the Ending of the Day.