Friday, February 17, 2023

"Rank Stranger"

" And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
Revelation 21:4

One of the many bluegrass songs that impacted my childhood was the song "Rank Stranger," written by Albert E. Brumley and made famous by the Stanley Brothers. It would be impossible for me to say when I first heard it. All I know is that it has been there, in my memory bank, for as long as I can remember. I absolutely love this song. So did Mom and Dad.

"Rank Stranger" is probably one of the most famous bluegrass standards ever sung. It is listed as #4 on the "Spotify 50 Best Bluegrass Songs Ever" compilation. If you are any sort of bluegrass fan at all, you probably know and love this song.

Each time we get together with our dear friends, David and Wanda, David and I start playing music, and this is one of the first songs we sing. I tell you, David nails it—all of it. The guitar runs, the high lonesome bluegrass sound, lead vocals, and harmony on the chorus. He does a job that I think would make Ralph very proud.

Today, I bring to you our version of "Rank Stranger." I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as David and I enjoy singing and playing it.

As we mourn the loss of so many in this life and look back on the way things used to be, I rejoice in knowing one day, we will "meet them in heaven, where no one will be a stranger." Dear Jesus will be there, and God will wipe away all tears from our eyes. What a wonderful day that will be!

Keep encouraged, friends. Jesus is coming soon!

21 comments:

  1. Beautiful and heartfelt song, Cheryl! Thanks for sharing with us. Keep singing!

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    1. Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate your encouragement!

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  2. I've known this song for a few years, and you and David did so well playing and singing it! How sweet to sing a song that takes you back to your childhood. :) Amen, my friend! Heaven will one day be our home! God bless you, Cheryl!

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    1. Meant to sign my name: Valentine :)

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    2. Thank you so much for your kind words, Valentine! Yes, it is so sweet to sing those dear, old songs that make me remember hearing and singing and playing them with my Daddy. David truly does an amazing job, and it is a joy to get to sing with him. God bless you, too, sweet friend.

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  3. I enjoyed the song very much Cheryl. I don't know why I'm not getting messaged when you have a blogpost. I'll try to remember to check it every few days. I've been pretty sick since I arrived back from London. Nothing serious, just a bad cold but I can't seem to shake the cough and so I'm staying inside and away from people.
    Take care my friend.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed the song, Betsy! I no longer get an email when you and several other bloggers post, either. I have lost touch with so many because of this. I am SO sorry to hear that you have been sick! I trust you are feeling much better by now. Sending much love your way today. It was so nice to see your sweet comment. I have really missed you. Many blessings to you, my friend.

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  4. I didn’t grow up listening to bluegrass, dear friend, so it’s a pleasure for me to hear you and David play, harmonize, and sing. You have so many wonderful memories and thank you for sharing with us, along with your talents. God bless you.

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    1. Aw, I am so thankful we can introduce you to the amazing world of bluegrass! Yes, I surely do have so many wonderful memories. They become dearer to me as time goes by. I am so grateful for your kindness and encouragement and friendship. God bless you, too, dear friend.

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  5. What a beautiful song you both sang and played together! I have heard this beautiful song before, but what a lovely job you both did harmonizing and singing it together! Love the beautiful guitar picking, and your sweet voice harmonizing with his. So thankful for the hope that someday we will get to heaven and be with all the people that we miss so much down here. No longer a rank stranger indeed! Blessings to you dear friend!

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    1. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words, sweet Marilyn. My, they just touched my heart so deeply and meant so much to me today. Yes, one day, we will be there with our dear loved ones who left this world, never to part again, never to be a rank stranger. Sending love and blessings back to you today, dear friend.

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  6. Keep on singing, girl. So much reflection and healing in these songs ...

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    1. Thank you for your sweet visit and kind words, dear Linda. Yes, much reflection and healing in the dear, old songs of my childhood. They take me back in an instant. God bless you, sweet friend.

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  7. Beautiful, Cheryl! "Dear Jesus will be there, and God will wipe away all tears from our eyes. What a wonderful day that will be!" Yes! So comforting. Love and blessings to you!

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  8. Beautiful, Cheryl! "Dear Jesus will be there, and God will wipe away all tears from our eyes. What a wonderful day that will be!" Yes! Such a comfort. Love and blessings to you!

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    1. Yes, praise His name, He will be there to welcome us home. Love and blessings to you, too, Trudy. Thank you so much for your sweet visit and kind words.

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  9. Oh Cheryl, I loved how you both harmonized so well together. What a blessing doing something you love and enjoy so much. So enjoyed this. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Dear Cindy! Thank you ever so much for your sweet visit. I am so happy to know you enjoyed this. It surely is such a blessing to do something I love and enjoy so much. Sending many hugs and blessings back to you tonight, sweet friend.

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  10. "They've all moved away to a beautiful land" - so beautiful - and how beautifully you sing it! You are such a blessing. What an encouraging Monday morning thought! Shalom, my friend! ~ Maryleigh

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    1. Thank you so much, dear Maryleigh! I am so grateful for your kind words and encouragement. Shalom to you, too, sweet friend.

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