Hollow Reed Lyrics

(lyrics by James Seals; music by James Seals & Dash Crofts, 1971)
From the albums down home (1970), seals and crofts I and ii (1974) and
Today (1998, 2000).

[From: Kent Johnson
Subject: Re: "Hollow Reed" Prayer
Date: 10 Feb 1999 22: 57
Abdu'l-Baha is thought to have said, "Make me a hollow reed from which the pith of self
Hath been blown so that I may become a clear channel through which Thy love may flow to others".
The rest of the "prayer" is a poem written by George Thompson and published in the Star of the West. --Kent]

Make me as a hollow reed, that I may play and plant Thy seed.
Rascal's closet may be lit, and have a needy rhyme in it.
Make me as a flute of stone that when I play Thy wind is blown.
Rascal's hideaway might chill, and die away from sill to sill.
Hollow reed, hollow reed, hollow reed, hollow reed.

Make me as a hollow reed that I may sing your grace, my steed.
Rascal's secret will be seen in it's decay and sickening green.
Make me as a proof in turn, I will prove to them that yearn.
Rascal's lie is manifest and never could survive your test.
Hollow reed, hollow reed, hollow reed, hollow reed.

Make me as a hollow reed so I may give them what they need.
Rascal's reign will come to end and monarch's eyes will shine again.
Make me strong for I am weak, give me words and I will speak
. Rascal's cheeks will burn in shame when all of us know Your Name.
Hollow reed, hollow reed, hollow reed, hollow reed.
Hollow reed, hollow reed, hollow reed, hollow reed.