Navajo Gospel Songs
Navajo has been a popular tribe because of its unique features, beliefs, culture and tradition. Navajo people have their own ways of living their daily lives and surviving the challenges that may arise along the way. When it comes to Navajo gospel songs, there were lots of songs expressing their worship and gratitude to their gods and goddesses. In the present, most of them have been translated in both Navajo and English for better understanding.
Most of these gospel songs by the Navajo people have become the favorite songs of many people. To give you some ideas about these songs, here is the list:
• I Saw the Light
• Come, Thou Fount
• Amazing Grace
• King Jesus
• I’m Bound for That City
• Doolado’ ShiDiyin Da
• Lord, I Want to be a Christian
• Uncloudy Day
• Softly and Tenderly
• Satisfied (All My Life Long I Had Panted)
• There is no Other Fountain
• The Scarlet Purple Robe
• The Old Country Church
These songs are already translated both in Navajo and English along with a music note. There were several singers or artists who sing these Navajo gospel songs. Most of them have been originally created. On the other hand, you may also learn about the contemporary songs of praise such as:
• What the Lord Has Done In Me
• My Heart Will Trust
• I Was Born to Love the Lord
• Lord, I Give You My Heart
• Jesus, Lover of My Soul
• You are My All In All
• Spirit of the Living God
• Sing of Your Great Love
• Your Unfailing Love
Most congregations on Navajo reservations are relatively small. Thus, each individual knows each other very well. The informal service of worship flows naturally and smoothly into the fellowship meal. The families who worship together feel like they no longer need children’s or nurseries’ worship. When this becomes quite noisy, minister’s will simply speak a little louder.
As part of Navajo tradition and worship, there were songs incorporated within the traditional process. There were songs that start even without accompaniment. Once the group finished every song, somebody else can provide another introduction or suggest another gospel song. Then, singing continues along with individuals who take turns in suggesting songs. Even if the congregation meeting in rural areas does not have any instrument or regular church building, they are still singing.
Whenever a certain congregation got a guitar or a piano, those who can play can join in whenever they come. However, the instruments were not actually necessary. Every Indian is a singing person and knows a variety of traditional Navajo gospel songs. They sing for tragedies and blessings. In all walks of their lives, the Navajo have many songs and praises that relate to the situation. Whenever their songs were finished, their service will continue.
Since the Navajo are traditional singers, many have created their own songs of praise. As in various churches that were started by the missionaries, 19th century gospel songs have been first translated by missionaries in their native tongue. It predominated among Navajo people.
