celebrating earth day with the song our father owns it all

Last week was Earth Week, and on Earth Day Paul uploaded the old song “Our Father Owns it All.” Here’s what he had to say about the song.

“On Earth Day, and pretty much any other day, I like to think about the marvel and glory of God’s creation and how it points directly back to Him. This is a song that I came across on an old cassette tape from 1981 of Pap and Granny singing. I think they did a really nice job on the song. Granny sticks right with Pap on the harmony, and I love how Pap made the top two strings on the Dove sound like they must have been as big around as my fingers! When I looked a few months ago, I could find only one other example of this song on YouTube from a gospel family-type group in the early or mid 70’s. More than likely, my parents learned the song from that record or from hearing it on the radio. I think I like this arrangement better than the original, but of course I’m biased. I hope you enjoy the song and the beautiful public domain photos of nature that I found online, and I hope that it gives you pause to think about the wonderful and amazing place that God created for us to enjoy down here on Earth, though I’m sure it will pale in comparison to the new place he has prepared.”

I hope you enjoyed the song. I don’t remember them singing it so when I heard it I was pretty impressed. Granny told me they learned the song from Willabell Kernea and her brother Jack Dockery.

You may remember Pap’s friend Harold Kernea being mentioned in the slingshot post a few days ago. Willabell is his wife. Like Pap, Jack and Harold are both gone from this world, but Willabell is still singing.

Tipper

Subscribe for FREE and get a daily dose of Appalachia in your inbox

Similar Posts

31 Comments

  1. Thank you so much to everyone for the kind and warm comments and for the thoughtful and insightful words that you shared about our Lord and His creation. Happy Birthday, Kenneth!!!!! 🙂

  2. What a precious memory for you…loved this song and the truth it portrays. Thank you for the beautiful scenes.

  3. Tipper,
    That’s a beautiful song. I didn’t even know your Mama could sing. Daddy couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, but he was a good Whistler, Mama mostly sung Alto, those Passmore’s could all sing well. Until Me and Harold came along, none of the Ropers sung. Mama changed that. She taught Me and Harold when to go Up and When to go down on a song. (Kinda like Chitter and Chatter does.)

    Today is my Birthday, I’m 72. It’s Maleania’s birthday too, the President’s Wife. I got an e-mail from them. He is the Best President we ever had, and I think He Really does Love America.

    I haven’t received a Phone Call from my Oldest Daughter, yet. Lauralea’s 7 1/2 to 8 years older than Jennifer. Dr. Bacon told us not to have another Child, so we didn’t for several years. …Ken

  4. What a beautiful sound to the ears, display to the eyes and message to the soul you put together! This was a divine moment to behold the glory of Our Heavenly Father. I truly appreciate the time you take to give attention and honor where it is due!!

    We are celebrating my Dad’s birthday today (Ken Roper). This was a very special time to receive a mighty reminder to pause and be thankful. Family, friends and faith are among our greatest gifts from God. May we increase in moments like this, to Be still, know and FOCUS on Our Father, who owns it all!

  5. I think Paul was surprised when I told him I thought Granny was a better singer than Pap. He told her and he said her jaw dropped. But I do! Granny has a steady, calming voice in every song I’ve heard her sing. I would like to hear her in a solo. Are there any recorded?

  6. Awww , We so enjoyed this morning song together , an ever true song, and the sentiments shared about God’s Glory in His creation , and also the surpassing greatness in comparison ,the place He went to prepare …. it’s exactly how we see it when we look …. Our Father owns it all

  7. Thanks for sharing this. Haven’t heard that song in years. This is a keeper, reminding us all of the glory and majesty and creativeness of our God and Creator. And to think, the Original Garden was even more beautiful and Heaven will be even better than what we witness today. Glory to God!!

    1. I forgot to mention, loved the coordination of the pics with the words to the song. Added greater meaning to the words … a picture is worth a thousand words.
      Love these posts!

  8. I can’ remember when I have heard 2 sweeter voices in harmony than those I heard today. Thank you for putting this on your bloh. It’s a real treasure

  9. That was Awesome!!!! Such a blessing to hear this on a beautiful Sunday morning! Thank you, Tipper. May the rest of your day be Blessed by our Holy Father through His son Jesus!!

  10. That’s the first song I ever heard with Granny singing with Pap. She did a great job and I would love to hear more! A day seldom goes by that we don’t see something beautiful that God created.

  11. Great job, Granny and Pap, and thank you, Paul, for retrieving it. I’d never heard the song, and the recording is strikingly good.

    Studies have shown, time and again, how important it is to our health – mind, soul and body – to be out in green spaces – in a house not made by man.

    The “stay home, stay safe” mantra badly misses the mark. Staying away from people is important, but there’s a cathedral which beckons us to come and worship its Creator. There are pews alongside the stream – and right out in the middle of it! A row of pews is strung along the top of the ridge. Sermons filled with praise and edification are whispered from wildflowers, breezes through the trees and the laughing waters. And the rocks themselves are ready to cry out, if need be.

    Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow!

  12. I meant to add, it was so good I listened to it three times:} At the very beginning when Pap runs down the strings, the sound of that guitar caught my attention. I then remembered that was the exact sound I heard as a young girl when my Daddy strummed his old guitar. It sounded so like his guitar. Thanks again for the uplifting song!

  13. Beautiful! I didn’t know your Mother could sing too. The pictures were so on target for the song so thank you, Paul, for finding the cassette and downloading all the wonderful pictures. Just reminds me Oh How Much I Love Jesus. Our church is streaming our worship service but I sure do miss getting together. This too shall pass we just have to be patient.

  14. That was a BEAUTIFUL song! I enjoyed hearing your parents very much! It does appear you come from a talented family! I played it for my husband and he asked who it was. I explained it’s a ladies Appalachian blog I subscribe to. Then I was telling him your name is Tipper and you’re married to the Deer Hunter with 2 grown twin daughters Chitter and Chatter. Well he had to laugh as he said “ Chitter and Chatter?” Hes a fraternal twin. Oh, Tipper, thanks for the conversations you add to even without being actually there. You’re a constant joy source for many!!!! Thank you and the family too! The Lord bless you and keep you.

  15. Amen. I’m glad all creation is our Father’s and while He graciously shares with us we are not allowed ultimate control.

    ECC3:11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

    Thanks Paul and Tipper and Granny and Pap.

  16. That’s a lovely song and Pap and Granny sure did a nice job. The pictures were well suited also. Thank you Paul, I know you put a lot of effort in bring this all together. I still miss Paps gentle strength and wisdom. He was one of the finest men I ever met!

  17. I enjoyed the song very much! I didn’t know your mother sang also. Wow, you come from such a talented family and how wonderful that the musical tradition is being carried on through the generations. Thanks for posting the beautiful pictures as well. We live on an incredible planet and I hope we are going to take care of it as we should. Following your example of living of growing things and recycling things is a good place to start.

  18. I’m so glad Paul found that cassette. That was a blessing to me and I’ve already listened to it twice. When my Wife gets up I’m going to play it for her and I know it will be a blessing for her too.
    Since we haven’t had church for awhile I’ve searched the internet for God spirit filled preachers. I’ve found many false prophets and prosperity preachers but few good preachers like Adrian Rogers. I’ve found others like BR Lakin. Seems like the best have already gone on.

  19. That was lovely! I sure am missing going to church, while I can worship my Father anywhere, I miss my church family very much. Thanks for lifting me this cool rainy Sunday morning!

  20. Enjoyed the song very much, and A-men our Father is the creator and he ( not she ) owns it all. Some would want to give the earth a deity and call it her, Beware of this phrase, Mother Nature, it’s not scripture.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *