Choon Choonsday: Gavin Bryars – Jesus Blood Never Failed Me Yet

I first heard of this track about 20 years ago, on Radio 3’s Late Junction I think, and was moved by its beauty and simplicity but also its beauty and complexity. And then I forgot what it was called, what the lyric is (Yes I know how often it’s repeated but still) and had been unable to find it again.

And then on Friday I was listening to Tom Waits on Spotify and it shuffled itself onto a version of this featuring Waits. I was delighted to be reunited with one of my favourite tracks ever which, during my absence, had acquired a Wikipedia page. I urge you to click here to read the extraordinary story of its creation.

You’ve got time – this clip is 22 minutes long but every second is perfection. Full disclosure – I’m a committed atheist – but am moved to tears by the sadness but underlying hope and faith within this. An absolute

 

choooooooooooooooooooonn!!