Lyrics: Bill Monroe, Bessie Lee Mauldin
Music: Bill Monroe, Bessie Lee Mauldin
This song was played a few times in acoustic sets in 1970.
It is often listed as "I Hear A Voice Calling" - indeed Weir refers to it as that in studio chat.
But it appears the proper title is "A Voice From On High" - perhaps to distinguish it from "I Hear A Sweet Voice Calling."
ChorusThe original Bill Monroe recording had slightly different lyrics for the verses:
I hear a voice calling, it must be our Lord
It's coming from heaven on high
I hear a voice calling, I've gained the reward
In the land we shall never die
Jesus who died on cruel Calvary
He shed his life's blood that the world might be free
So follow his footsteps up the narrow way
And be ready to meet him when you cross on that day
[chorus]
Jesus who paid a great price for me
He shed his life's blood so the world might be free
So follow his footsteps up the narrow way
Some day you'll meet there on the great judgement day
[chorus]
The Saviour has paid a great price for me
He gave his life on Calvary
So follow his footsteps up the narrow way
And be ready to meet him when he calls on that day
He died on the cross, [that old rugged cross?]
That we would be saved from sin [and our loss?]
So follow his footsteps up the narrow way
And we'll pay our [debts?] on that great judgement day
| Grateful Dead Recordings | ||||
| Date | Album | |||
| 15 May 1970 | Road Trips Vol 3 No 3 (late show) | |||
| New Riders Recording (with Garcia and Weir) | ||||
| 18 Mar 1973 | Felt Forum, NYC | |||