Terry Scott Taylor
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Lord, Protect My Child (Bedroom Demo #269)
🕑 Added 2023-02-25 07:22:45 +0000 UTCLord Protect My Child
words and music: Bob Dylan
For his age he is wise
He’s got his mother’s eyes
There’s gladness in his heart
He’s young and he’s wild
My only prayer is if I can’t be there
Lord, protect my child
As his youth now unfolds
He is centuries old
Seein’ him at play makes me smile
No matter what happens to me
No matter what my destiny
Lord, protect my child
Protect my child
Protect my child
When the world is asleep
You can look at it and weep
Few things you find out are worth while
Though I don’t ask for much
No material things to touch
Lord, protect my child
He’s young and on fire
Full of hope and desire
In a world that’s been raped, raped and defiled
And if I fall along the way
And can’t see another day
Lord, protect my child
There'll be a time I hear tell
When all will be well
When God and man have been reconciled
But until men lose their chains
And the righteousness reigns
Lord, protect my child
Protect my child
Protect my child
Protect my child
guitar and vocals: T.S. Taylor
note:
I believe Bob Dylan’s “Lord, Protect My Child” has been recorded twice by the Lost Dogs; the first time was on our debut album, 1992’s “Scenic Routes.” The second time was an acoustic version for the "Come As A Child" compilation for my friend, Theo Obrastoff, in honor of his son Andy.
The Dogs have been very selective when it comes to cover-tunes. Since all of us are songwriters, there’s been no real need to go outside our circle to find songs to record, which is is why we’ve recorded so few of them over the years. However, if a song we haven’t written strikes our fancy, or resonates with us to the extent that all of us are enthusiastic about recording it, then it qualifies. Obviously “Lord Protect My Child” is just such a song.
I believe it was Gene who first suggested we cover the tune. Ironically, Gene was the only one of us who didn’t have any children. Being fathers, Derri, Mike, and I immediately jumped on board. How could we resist? If Dylan’s “prayer” for his child doesn’t strike a chord in the deepest part of any parent’s heart who hears it, then I would suggest that they have no heart to strike. Especially because of my grandchildren, and in light of their innocence in a world hungry to devour it, this song not only becomes increasingly relevant to me with each passing year, but it may well be the foremost cry of my heart. Were it not for my faith in Christ, and my belief in a faithful, sovereign God, I would no doubt be undone by fear; fear, not for what lies ahead for me, but for those I will relatively soon leave behind. What will happen to my family when Poppy is no longer here to help protect them?
I confess, this is my achilles heel. This is where the enemy strikes. “…….and if I fall along the way, and can’t see another day, Lord protect my child!” cries Dylan. It is a cry that seems to me to be on the verge of a desperation dispelled only by a promise I now cling to like a man clinging to a cliff’s edge: “Fear not,” says the Lord, “ for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God…..I will help you….”
Comments
This song is one of my favorites by Dylan....and the Dogs. Hey...there would be a project..."Dylan and the Dogs."
Powerful song indeed. Thanks for sharing. My "boys" are now in their 40's. .and this song resonates with me. Now they have children of their own. As I write this my Dad turns 95 in a few weeks. The circle of life.
