“And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)
In the 1990s, James Dunne, the composer and producer of the colossal 25-year masterpiece, Words of the Prophets, incorporated music and stories into seminary classes he taught. After gaining some confidence with his Words of the Prophets format (using the actual words of the scriptures for the lyrics), James would end each class by telling his students, “If you have a favorite scripture you’d like to hear put to music, see me after class.” One day, student Alisha Hawkins told him she had always loved the Old Testament Book of Ruth.
Now… imagine a stage in complete darkness… and after an ominous audio ambiance, a spotlight comes up on Naomi, the mother-in-law of Ruth. Out comes a powerful despondent voice like a phantom of an opera… “My husband is dead… and so are my sons… and here you are, my daughters-in-law.”
Most Christians and Jews are familiar with the little Book of Ruth. Within those four chapters is a story of love, devotion, and commitment. The story relates that Ruth and Orpah were two Moabite (non-Judean) women who had married the two sons of Elimelech and Naomi – Judeans who had settled in Moab to escape a famine in Judah. Suddenly, the husbands of all three women die, and Naomi plans to return to her native Bethlehem. She urges her daughters-in-law to return to their non-Judean families.
Naomi pleaded with Ruth, saying, “Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.” (Ruth 1:15). However, Ruth refused to leave her side.
James’ song, about the ensuing dramatic exchange between Naomi and Ruth, is entitled “Whither Thou Goest, I Will Go,” using their words for the primary lyrics.
While James’ composition is more emotionally personal than the 1954 popular song Whither Thou Goest by Guy Singer, James still originally began the song with Ruth’s famous title line, “Whither Thou Goest…”. It was James’ daughter, Cheyenne Hayes, who told him, “You should bring into play why Ruth said that.” That immediately intrigued James and ultimately led him to the powerful new opening described above, and even greater dramatic separation between Naomi and Ruth, explained below.
Though Naomi and Ruth had opposing points of view, they were ultimately reconciled together. However, the scriptures are silent on “how” the two women were able to reach a reconciliation. James thought perhaps that was one of the missing parts of scripture that will one day be restored. So, he created a chorus for the song that serves as the key to their reconciliation. That key is a third-party counselor – the Lord. That artistic “restoration” made the story complete, with perfect faithful logic to James.
James loves the symbolism in the Gospel and scriptures. He decided to tie symbolic music to the story, as well. Naomi projects her opening story in a minor (sad) key, in 4/4 march time, as she stoically marches through the new reality suddenly before her. Sounds of brooding dark clouds loom over her, depressingly, and seem to bear down on her.
Then comes the subtle transition to Ruth’s initial response: Ruth enters in a bright major key with a lilt in her voice, in a new time (signature). The transition is nearly imperceptible, but her optimism buoys morale up going forward.
Naomi and Ruth also each have their own musical icons (like Peter & the Wolf)… a violin and flute, respectively. As Naomi and Ruth come together, so do the violin and flute…. until they finally conclude together in perfect harmony.
Credits: Opening the song is Naomi, played by DeLee Brown. Ruth’s role is performed by Erica Haws Young, pictured above. All else was created by James Dunne.
With 1,000 years of the Book of Mormon now crafted in song by James, from Lehi to Moroni’s Farewell, he feels the Old Testament stories are also ripe for his style of creating first-person musical testimonies of faith from the words of the scriptures. He thanks his seminary student for her fine suggestion on the Book of Ruth, Chapter 1, that has finally come to pass… and now stay, in song.
I loved it! Ruth is very believable – the lyrics worked well with the music – very easy to listen to.
Thank you, Penny. That’s an important impression you share that I highly value. “Credibility” is a key measure of success I’m always trying to achieve in bringing ancient characters back to life.
It sounds nice! And there is a huge lesson and perspective.
For me, it’s too long.
Could it be simpler and snappier. Could it sound like a musical? Up the tempo. Would it be ok to add Ruth’s thoughts in the music, interwoven scripture with ( oh my goodness shes so annoying..) I mean theres a conflict. And a resolution. This was my off the top response. It’s a little sleepy? Or i am a little sleepy. With all my heart. Just since you are inventing. That is my uneducated response. You’re on to something!
Options abound with the creative presentation process, Teri. The short answer to all your questions and comments is, “Yes.” Examples of all your suggestions exist within the 24 songs of my “Words of the Prophets” collection. I like the way you think, and appreciated and enjoyed your shared thoughts. Thank you, Teri!
The song is lovely and really pulls you into the story.
Thank you, Mona. Mission accomplished.
Beautifl voices for a sweet love story.
I agree, Marcia. DeLee & Erica each sought to absorb their characters in their hearts, and it shows.
This was a beautiful song which inspired me to discern the great love, respect and Compassion Ruth felt for Naomi. Her love converted her soul.
Naomi and Ruth are, indeed, inspiring people. Well said, Pamela. Thank you.
I can hear the emotion, in Naomi’s voice with her push for Ruth to leave because they have been at odds that comes across as well as Ruth’s constant non wavering plea to stay and convince that her life is now with her mother in law and that god will watch over them. I imagine deep inside Naomi was afraid to be alone but wanted the best for her sons wives. Love this idea come to fruition! Music truly speaks to the soul threw your composition. Thank you for sharing.
Trazee, I could wish nothing more from a listener than how you received it. Thank you for such comments.
Hearing this brings so much life to the words. As mentioned by others, the emotions are much easier to understand and share with the performers. Great job, James! It’s a hit!
Mission accomplished then, Mark. Thank you!
I am in awe that we, just everyday people, can be influenced and inspired by divine powers to bring the great stories from the Scriptures to life —
I have written the Scriptures into poetry… so I am excited to see that someone is now writing them into music. I look forward to hearing more.
Thank you for accepting my Friend Request
Thank you, Dorothy. Feel free to send me an example(s) of your scripture poems, if you like. I noticed your notebooks on your Facebook cover photo. [email protected] might be easier than Facebook Messenger. You are welcome to hear samples of all my scriptures songs at https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/JamesDunne Thanks for your comments and enthusiasim, Dorothy.
You have captured the emotions of the moment. Such a beautiful song of love and wanting the best for others.
Trusting in the Lord and not looking back but looking forward to become our greatest selves.
Thank you, Shelly. I’m glad you tied to “the moment.” You conclude with the point of it all, very nicely. Much appreciated.
Absolutely beautiful and so true to the story in the scriptures. Thank you for sharing!
I’m delighted this connected for you, Carol. Mission accomplished. Thank You!
Is it possible to get the lyric…my hearing isn’t as good as it used to be so it was hard to follow