Today’s post was written by Paul and shared previously here on the blog on March 3, 2019.
The Wilson Brothers
This is another song from the 1988 VHS tape. This one was written by Pap. It appeared on a cassette called “Little White Church,” which is no longer available (done with a full band, including his youngest brother, Henry on lead guitar)–released some time in the late 80’s. Ray played a nice flattop break on this song too but chose not to play an intro or break in this video, probably because Pap did not have his guitar with him for rhythm.
This song was usually faster and in the key of A, rather than G. Versions I found on reel to reel tapes also had a quick minor chord at the end of the verses and chorus.
I always loved how this song begins, as we lit majors would say, in medias res, with Pharaoh’s army charging at the Israelites. The metaphor of being “pinned in” between ensuing death and a barrier or line that you cannot cross (the Red Sea) is applied to life itself in the chorus.
The second verse fast forwards in time to Pap’s favorite writer in the Bible, the Apostle Paul. When hearing this verse as a kid, I was fascinated by the irony of God helping someone see by blinding him!
In this video, like the Waiting-at-the-Altar video, Pap is super relaxed and chewing his Red Man Chewing Tobacco while he sings. He’s so relaxed that before the song is over, he picks up a rock from the ground and begins using it to sharpen his Case pocket knife. 🙂 I assure you that it probably needed no sharpening. He usually kept it sharper than a surgeon’s scalpel.
I hope you enjoy this song and video of The Wilson Brothers. Thanks for watching. The lyrics are below:
See the Salvation of the Lord
The children of Israel stood by the Red Sea, The enemy coming with an evil reward! God’s prophet, old Moses, said, “Fear not. Stand still, And see the Salvation of the Lord!”
I stood by the sea, that dreaded sea of death, With Satan’s snares around me and death as my reward. I heard the voice of Jesus he bid me to come And see the Salvation of the Lord.
Paul traveled with authority given to him To persecute the Christians all in one accord, Then a bright light shone from Heaven and though it made him blind, He saw the Salvation of the Lord.
I stood by the sea, that dreaded sea of death, With Satan’s snares around me and death as my reward. I heard the voice of Jesus he bid me to come And see the Salvation of the Lord.
I hope you enjoyed the video and I hope you have a great day!
Today’s giveaway is a copy of the cd Live to Never Die that has been opened. It has selected original songs written by Jerry “Pap” Marshall Wilson. Pap and Paul are both featured on the cd. Along with the original songs there are five classic hymns sung by Pap. To be entered in the giveaway leave a comment on this post. Giveaway ends November 12, 2026.
Paul
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