Where Are You, Adam

Oct.27, 2014

by Bob Farrell

The Deed Had Been Done

I know I’m biased about the songs I’ve written and co-written, but that’s sort of why this blog even exists - because I feel impassioned enough 20+ years later to remind you of what I said, why I said it, and why I think it’s important to re-say it herein.

Last Saturday night Saviour, A Modern Oratorio was performed at Carnegie Hall to a full house - an evening that defies recounting and where waves of glory shone brightly from start to finish. Impeccable solos by Larnelle Harris, Twila Paris, Steve Green, Wayne Watson, and newcomer Karon Jackson (quite a surprise); 200-voice choir, 60-piece orchestra; and the mighty talents of Concertmeister David Hamilton - all on display - and all on 10.

My 23-year-old grandson, Isaac, texted me this morning: “...I’ll never forget that...it’s by far the coolest thing I’ve ever done”; similar sentiment came from both my daughters, the other three grandsons, my lovely wife of 45 years - and countless others that witnessed this magical night. Here’s some Farrell clan up in their ‘box’ looking triumphant and sleek in their fancy duds.

And here’s the link to an IPhone bootleg video that’s already had 1800 views on FB this morning: the finale “So Shall We Live” (Carnegie should know by now that despite their rules and regs someone’s going to record and post).

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152889137672787&set=vb.677832786&type=2&theater

So what’s all the big deal about Saviour? I’ve got a clue for you: it’s the story it tells.
The Story of God’s Passion for His People. Yes, there are the stunning orchestrations and choral settings of Ronn Huff, arrangements by David Hamilton, songs by Bob Farrell and Greg Nelson, London Symphony recording, brilliant soloists and choir - all that and more doing its collective best. But the secret to what Saviour elicits in the individual listener and why it impacts them so hard? is the story it tells. I purport there is no better example of why the Bible is referred to as ‘the greatest story ever told’ - which it most definitely is.

Twila had not performed her songs from Saviour since she recorded them 20 years ago, till last Saturday night - and she was breathtaking in her ‘live’ debut. Her entrance is on the second soloist song in the work: “Where Are You, Adam?” It’s the question God himself asks of His creation after said creation and wife had eaten of the forbidden fruit and gone missing for their sundown stroll through the Garden of Eden with their Heavenly Father.

The serpent came beguiling

So tempting his alluring smile, ever inviting

With crafty words deceived them

Two innocents believed it all

And started to fall in a myriad of lies

God's only law was broken

And now their eyes were opened wide

The deed had been done so

God cried, "Where are you, Adam"

You're so afraid, please tell Me now

Why did you taste and bring this curse to Paradise

Actually the two were ashamed and were hiding from God - an activity that has never-ever worked and still doesn’t, though we keep on trying it down to this day.

And this song is just one of the chapters of the story Saviour tells.  If you’ve never experienced the work, please go see it and get the CD @saviourmusic.com.  I’ve heard it too many times to count - seen at least a hundred performances and even performed in it 'live' myself (it deserves better :) - it’s being toured this Christmas and coming Easter and maybe for years to come by Compassion International - I co-wrote all the songs with Greg - but I never grow tired of hearing Saviour.  Its wondrous story remains evergreen in my heart.  My daughter told me people were standing during the entire performance in the back at Carnegie - weeping.  I get it - I've done it myself.

But I know I can honestly say I was transported to somewhere over the rainbow last Saturday night.  My sincere thanks to True North Presents and Roy Hayes and all the folks I’ve mentioned.

Wish you could have been there. Where were you, Adam?





(Music and Lyrics from “Where Are You, Adam?” from Saviour, by Bob Farrell and Greg Nelson, circa 1994)