Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow

• Matthew 2:1-12
  (hymns)
• Luke 2:8-20
  (hymns)

Text:

This song is an African-American spiritual, probably from the nineteenth century. Like many spirituals, very little definite information is available about its origins. This text has two stanzas and a refrain. The stanzas are in the form of call and response, with identical second and fourth lines. While the text of the stanzas is not biblically accurate (the wise men – not the shepherds – followed the star), the message “Rise up, and follow” echoes other New Testament themes.

Tune:

As is the case with most spirituals, the tune is unique to this text, and developed with it. The flatted seventh scale degree adds some melodic interest, but may pose a slight problem for congregational singing. Try singing the eighth notes with some swing.

When/Why/How:

This is a Christmas song. With its action-oriented message, it would make a good song of response. When used as a choral anthem, almost any accompaniment style works. The swing style choral setting, “Rise Up!” is sung a capella. A processional setting of “Rise Up, Shepherd” for choir has keyboard accompaniment (with optional additional instruments). Jack Schrader’s choral arrangement of “Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow” can be accompanied by a full orchestra, or piano alone.

Tiffany Shomsky,
Hymnary.org