This one is the title track from what is arguably the most important of the bazillion records from Caedmon’s Call: Share the Well. The writing and recording of this album was collaborative, courageous, and deeply passionate. These guys have put out a lot of records, toured heavily for years, and in some ways it felt to me like it all led to this album and what it did for the Kingdom. I’ve heard so many great stories about their time in India and South America–stories that remind me that the wild hope of the Gospel actually matters, that it actually changes things, least of all my own stony heart.
So here’s a song by our own Randall Goodgame, written for the Dalits, an Indian caste-that’s-so-low-it’s-not-even-a-caste; they’re not even allowed to drink from the same well as those of other castes for fear of persecution and sometimes death. That a bunch of rowdy Texans in a folk-rock band actually went to India, let these stories infect them, came back to the U.S. and wrote an album about it is remarkable. Like I said, it’s important. And it’s important that we pay attention.
All that, and it still makes you tap your foot.
Share the Well
Words and Music by Randall Goodgame
Je Ra Ji Ra, Ji Ra, De Ji Ra, De Ji Ji Ji
Share the well, share with your brother
Share the well my friend
It takes a deeper well to love one another
Share the well my friend
Je Ra Ji Ra, Ji Ra, De Ji Ra, De Ji Ji Ji
Do you think the water knows
Flowing down the mountain thaw
Finally to find repose
For any soul who cares to draw
Some kindred keepers of this Earth
On their way to join the flow
Are cast aside and left to thirst
Tell me now it is not so
Share the well, share with your brother
Share the well my friend
It takes a deeper well to love one another
Share the well my friend
All God’s creatures share the water hole
The blessed day the monsoon comes
And in His image we are woven
Every likeness every one
From Kashmir to Karala
Under every banyan tree
Mothers for their children cry
With empty jar and bended knee
Share the well, share with your brother
Share the well my friend
It takes a deeper well to love one another
Share the well my friend
Je Ra Ji Ra, Ji Ra, De Ji Ra, De Ji Ji Ji
You know I’ve heard good people say
There’s nothing I can do
That’s half a world away
Well maybe you’ve got money
Maybe you’ve got time
Maybe you’ve got the Living Well
That ain’t every running dry
Share the well, share with your brother
Share the well my friend
It takes a deeper well to love one another
Share the well my friend
Je Ra Ji Ra, Ji Ra, De Ji Ra, De Ji Ji Ji
Andrew Peterson is a singer-songwriter and author. Andrew has released more than ten records over the past twenty years, earning him a reputation for songs that connect with his listeners in ways equally powerful, poetic, and intimate. As an author, Andrew’s books include the four volumes of the award-winning Wingfeather Saga, released in collectible hardcover editions through Random House in 2020, and his creative memoir, Adorning the Dark, released in 2019 through B&H Publishing.
8 Comments
Ben
I loved this whole album. Its incredible how ignorant I was to the struggles of an oppressed people not so far away.
Lori
It’s interesting how issues surrounding India and all of Asia are coming to a head in my life right now. I love how God places things on our hearts in a way that is impossible to not recognize- “Hey, I’m talking to you, here!” Anyway, I just finished reading “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortensen who speaks about the poverty, among other things, in central Asia, and this song reminds me of that book. It really is a great song and I’m grateful for it. I’ll be buying the entire CD. Thanks for sharing the song.
Torie Brooks
oh yes, this album is simply amazing. makes me cry everytime i listen to it, especially the song, “all i need (i did not catch her name)”. oh and the line from the song, “the roses”:
the tv’s always on, and the phone it won’t stop ringing, and these bills they keep on screaming, paying for all the things, we never really needed.
so true.
Bill B
One of my favorite albums and a great song.
D.O.
I was introduced to this album while working with some of China’s poorest (and most content) a few summers back. These songs hold a very special place in my heart. This song (and Mother India) in particular. Good choice.
Nate
I first heard this album on the mission field also – working in some slums in Costa Rica – great album.
My wife lived in the Brentwood area before we were married and we once drove by the church that at least some or one (I’m not sure) of Caedmon’s Call attends (or attended, I’m not sure). And her remark about it led me to believe (wrongly) that Caedmon’s Call was no longer a band, that there would be no more Caedmon’s music. I wasn’t really happy about this. Imagine my surprise when I heard about “Overdressed,” another great album.
Anyway, good job on this song Mr Goodgame. I also really like the song “Susan Coats Pants” among others.
Tony Heringer
This album grew on me as it seemed different than anything they had done up to this point. Randall has some good tunes on this one including the title track. As was mentioned, I too adore the song “All I Need.”
This album really made me appreciate Andrew Osenga’s contribution to CC. How intimidating can it be to replace Derek Webb. But I think Andy has done it without any slight to Derek. He’s done it by adding his own unique flavor to the band — much like Derek
P.S. Derek is now the “Sean Connery of CC.” Derek needs to learn from Sean and “never say never.” To see him denying further involvement with CC go here – http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3318686576550396588&q=derek+webb+10%2C000+angels&ei=_aSISO5yjfzgAqyM5fIH&hl=en
Me thinks the lad doth protest too much 🙂
Matt
One of their best albums.
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