Mahalia Jackson’s bluesy rendition of the traditional song “Calvary” provides a perfect space in which to dwell with the sorrow of the cross. The performance below was recorded live from the concert she gave on March 26, 1967, in Lincoln Center’s Philharmonic Hall in New York City and is available on the CD Gospels, Spirituals, and Hymns. According to the liner notes, the names of the piano, organ, and guitar accompanists are unknown.
The lyrics are simple:
Calvary, Calvary, Lord!
Calvary, Calvary, Lord!
Calvary, Calvary, Lord!
Surely he died on Calvary.
Can’t you hear him callin’ his Father?
Can’t you hear him callin’ his Father?
Can’t you hear him callin’ his Father?
Surely, oh surely,
Surely, oh surely,
He died on Calvary.
But when Jackson sings them, her mournful passion gives them depth, delivers their sting.
“Calvary” invites us to sit in the silence that is the death of God the Son.
Art & Theology 