New Original Song: "Nashon (Waters Part)

I've taken the last month off from composing and recording new songs, instead focusing on taking classes and going to conferences to help me be a better educator during the pandemic, as well as spending time with my family and taking drum lessons.  This week's sermon by the Rev. Dr. Phillip Reed of Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church was inspiring, and introduced me to the namesake of this new song. 

Nashon, according to Midrash (a collection of stories and statements studied by Rabbi), was among the Israelites who stood at the edge of the Red Sea, trapped by Pharoah's advancing army.  When Moses declares God will deliver them, a man named Nashon stepped forward first.  He stepped into the sea, and when his nose finally submerged, the waters parted, giving the Israelites their path to freedom. 

My goal with this composition was to put the listener into the mind and body of Nashon, his footsteps (and later heart beat) portrayed with the bass drum, and the sound of the water in the reverse-delayed guitars.  I hope you enjoy it. 

Nashon (Waters Part)
by Dave Martin
I step with faith, do not let me sink.
Cold seas engulf me limb by limb, I seek delivery in the deep.
Let my stride follow the path that leads to You.
Master of the world, what am I to do?
Let my next step be the first to seek your grace.
Not a test of you but of my trust.  I give myself to faith. 
My heart is helpless, but I will not turn around.
Belief propels me. You’ll be with me as we drown.
Waters part!