This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Complainer
Staff Notation • Sacred, Set pieces
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2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
STB · Barry Johnston
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Complainer by Jeremiah Ingalls — Lyrics
1. I set myself against the Lord,
Despised his spirit and his word,
And wished to take his place;
It vexed me so, that I must die,
And perish too, eternally,
Or else be saved by grace.
2. Of every preacher I'd complain;
One spoke thro' pride, and one for gain
Another's learning small;
One spoke too fast, and one too slow;
One prayed too loud, and one too low;
Another had no call.
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About Complainer
This setting of an English text by Jeremiah Ingalls offers a candid exploration of spiritual dissatisfaction and the tendency to find fault with others. The lyrics express a personal struggle with divine will, followed by a detailed, and often humorous, critique of preachers and fellow churchgoers, highlighting perceived flaws in their sermons, piety, and outward appearance. The STB voicing lends itself well to the direct, forthright character of the text, making it suitable for occasions where a candid and perhaps even slightly provocative message is desired. Ingalls, a significant figure in early American psalmody, crafts music that complements the text's earnest, if critical, sentiment.
