Composer

:

Traditional Spiritual

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Spiritual

Compose Date

:

before 1865

Average_duration

:

2:27

"Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit" is a traditional spiritual that has been passed down through generations of African American communities. The exact date of its composition is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. The song has been performed and recorded by numerous artists, including Mahalia Jackson, Paul Robeson, and the Golden Gate Quartet. The song is typically performed in a call-and-response style, with a lead singer or group singing a line and the congregation or choir responding with a repeated phrase. The lyrics speak to the power of the Holy Spirit and the joy and freedom that it brings. The song is often associated with the Pentecostal and Holiness movements, which emphasize the importance of spiritual experiences and emotional expression in worship. "Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit" is typically performed in a lively, upbeat tempo, with a strong emphasis on rhythm and percussion. The song is often accompanied by hand clapping, foot stomping, and other forms of percussive expression. The melody is simple and repetitive, with a strong emphasis on the tonic and dominant notes of the scale. The song is typically divided into several movements, each with its own distinct melody and lyrics. The first movement begins with the line "Ev'ry time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart, I will pray," and is followed by a repeated response of "Yes, every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart, I will pray." The second movement begins with the line "There's a river of life flowing out of me," and is followed by a repeated response of "Makes the lame to walk and the blind to see." The third movement begins with the line "Do you love my Jesus?" and is followed by a repeated response of "Yes, I love my Jesus." Overall, "Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit" is a powerful and uplifting spiritual that speaks to the deep faith and emotional expression of African American communities. Its simple melody and repetitive lyrics make it easy to learn and sing, and its emphasis on rhythm and percussion make it a lively and engaging song to perform.

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