Here are the introductory remarks that explained this video on Facebook: 

 

I have coined the phrase, “lyric prophecy” to (attempt to) describe the powerful phenomenon in this historic recording of “Stand By Me.” That the recording exists in time and space on this earth is astonishing. It was sung in-concert by the Michael Roy Singers, 1970; I had just met Jan at this church only months before. We were very young and hardy.

A lyric prophecy is when, in your youth, you sing a song (or write a poem, etc.) foretelling your own old age. The fulfilling of that prophecy is then made complete when you listen to that song - now – and are taken back in time to halcyon days.

I sang the lead to this old hymn of the church and played guitar. Four singers provide background vocals. Someone behind us is playing the organ. The church-as-concert-hall was full, which means, close to a thousand people were in attendance.

I prophesied my old age especially in the last verse. Many who listen to this “lyric prophecy” may have had similar experiences. To listen, now, to this song is joyful: that God has given me all this time, and also gave me my youth, and gave me Jan, and a life full of music - with her; but simultaneously, it is full of angst, that I am now whom I sang about in 1970.

As you listen to the 4th and last verse, I may be “nearing chilly Jordan,” but I am not yet dipping my toe in it; sometimes I think I can see it up ahead in the distance. A half century ago, of course, I could not see my old age. Indeed, a young person can intellectually accede to the fact of coming old age, but that is quite different than being so near the river you can hear it.

Bob Cupp, who sang tenor on this recording, has already gone on before us. Jan Rosenkrans Eaton is this alto person I married. Glenda Currey is a Facebook friend who will hear this lyric prophecy: she was not only a fine soprano, but was and is a great pianist and accompanist. She also has perfect pitch, which was sort of irritating in those days: she is one of those who, up in heaven, got back in the talent-handout line over and over. Hear the lyric prophecy as we sang it so long ago.