Noemi’s Daughter by George E. Clark
Am I standing with the prophets
When I’m sitting in my office?
I’m not Noah or Elijah
Think you’ve got more floods inside you
I’m not Moses, I’m not Aaron
I’m not certain I’m still caring
I was weaned on sand and manna
I don’t want to shout hosanna.
Chorus:
Forty years, forty days, forty nights
How long does it take to set things right?
Like the soldiers Gideon brung in
Reach the stream and stick my tongue in.
Squeeze me in the winepress of your might.
I know Jacob, he got cheated
Saw his bride and felt defeated
I’m like Leah more than Rachel
When will my love find me special?
Maybe Ruth loved Mama better
When she went to leave, I let her
But I’m Noemi’s other daughter
Love my family like I oughta.
Chorus:
Forty years, forty days, forty nights
How long does it take to set things right?
John the Baptist, please prepare me
Wash out all the things that scare me
Write down all the rules in black and white.
I don’t want to still be walled up
When my number has been called up
But would Paul think I’m a failure
If I didn’t love the jailer?
I’m not of the house of Jesse.
God, my life is far too messy.
Just my mama ‘twas foretold me.
Lord, I need you, come and hold me.
Chorus:
Forty years, forty days, forty nights
How long does it take to set things right?
Take me to the promised land and
Hold me in your tender hand and
Nudge me like a fledgling taking flight.
