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SongsByMike |
LDS Piano Man |
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If you are not familiar with some of the culture found within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, then parts of this song may not make sense to you, but I think it is still a fun song. There have been times in our ward when it has been a struggle to fill all of the positions that need to be filled, especially those positions that require musical ability. We prayed for people to move into our ward boundaries. A former bishop moved into our ward with his family and they were more than willing to carry out any assignment. We called him to be the primary pianist and he loved it. One Sacrament Meeting, I noticed that he was substituting on the organ, along with his regular calling on the piano with the kids in primary. I went and thanked him for his service and commented on how he was spending his whole church-day in front of a keyboard… as I said it a seed was planted in my mind. Later that evening, I thought more about that and the idea started to solidify in my mind for the story of the LDS Piano Man, forced to provide all the music for his ward. It is based loosely on Billy Joel’s Piano Man, but in a setting much more conducive to lifting the spirit. In time, I was able to bring it into a form that was satisfying to me, hopefully creating a humorous piece that doesn’t cross any lines of appropriateness, and still imparts a positive message. Because there truly is joy in helping my friends worship through song.
Modified Lyrics by Michael D. Squires, Inspired by “Piano Man” by Billy Joel
It’s ten A.M. on the Sabbath Day, The regular crowd shuffles in. Our ward is still praying for move-ins, So I’ll be playing the organ again.
The bishopric thanks me for prelude And announces the opening hymn. The chorister stands, as previously planned And now we officially begin.
La da da de de da, la la de de da … da da
Play us a hymn, you’re the Piano Man, Play us your song with love, Cause we’re all in the mood for a melody That brings down the Spirit from above.
Next I am needed in Primary To help the kids sing their fine tunes This is the position, for which I have been wishin’ On my knees every night, morn and noon.
The voices of children sound angelic As I almost let go of a tear Then I here something, I think it’s a Sunbeam, Yelling, “Man, what are you doin’ here!”
La da da de de da, la la de de da … da da
Play us a song, you’re the Piano Man, Play us a song, won’t you please. ‘Cause some in the church hold various keys, But very few will touch any of these.
The third hour stretches my limits, As I am one wanted young fella I play for the old and young sisters, While the brethren have to sing acapella
In my mind I review the day’s lessons As our wonderful meeting ends. Though sometimes off-balance, I offered my talents, And the day was enhanced for my friends.
So play us your songs, you’re the piano man, As from group to group you must wend, For the Lord reserves his great blessings For those who endure to the end. |
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LDS Piano Man |
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Words by Michael D. Squires, Music adapted from Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” |
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