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UU etc.

From the files of "I had no idea...how cool!" on my continuing UU journey: Susan B. Anthony was a Unitarian! Maybe I'm the only one who finds that interesting. At any rate, I share my new knowledge.

I'd also like to share a song. It's a hymn we occasionally sing at UUSIC, most recently that I remember during our human rights/GLBT recognition service last year. It's called "Blue Boat Home," lyrics written by Peter Mayer. I think its music is based on a traditional Christian hymn (and I know that the Mormon church has its version which, I'm sure, has sucked all the joy right out of it), although I don't know the name. If you know it, feel free to share.

"Blue Boat Home" may just be my all-time favorite church song. Mostly because it sounds a bit John Denver-ish, has the slightest syncopation that makes me tap my toe and sway in the pew, and while it has no mention of God or Jesus or Amen, strokes my soul.

Here's a clip of the song I found online. I haven't checked iTunes yet -- hoping I find a download somewhere.

And here are the lyrics:

Though below me, I feel no motion
Standing on these mountains and plains
Far away from the rolling ocean
Still my dry land heart can say
I've been sailing all my life now
Never harbor or port have I known
The wide universe is the ocean I travel
And the earth is my blue boat home

Sun, my sail, and moon my rudder
As I ply the starry sea
Leaning over the edge in wonder
Casting questions into the deep
Drifting here with my ship's companions
All we kindred pilgrim souls
Making our way by the lights of the heavens
In our beautiful blue boat home

I give thanks to the waves upholding me
Hail the great winds urging me on
Greet the infinite sea before me
Sing the sky my sailor's song
I was born upon the fathoms
Never harbor or port have I known
The wide universe is the ocean I travel
And the earth is my blue boat home

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