“God Did That Thing”
Bishop Bobby Hilton & Word of Deliverance Mass Choir
From the CD God Did That Thing
BVHilton Entertainment and Productions Group, LLC 2008
www.bobbyhilton.org
Idiomatic expressions have been the mainstay of gospel song titles and lyrics for years. Some expressions used in songs were sayings already popular in the African American church, while others were first breathed into life as a song title or phrase and later became affirmations for the church folk. Often it’s a chicken-and-egg dilemma as to which came first: the expression or the song title.
Regardless, classic examples of clever colloquialisms in gospel music song titles include Roberta Martin’s “Try Jesus, He Satisfies,” a 1960 recording that paraphrased Chesterfield Cigarettes’ popular advertising slogan (“Try Chesterfield’s – They Satisfy”). Dorothy Love Coates and the Gospel Harmonettes’ 1956 smash “99 ½ Won’t Do” gave us another mantra: I’m trying to make one hundred percent; ninety-nine and a half won’t do.
Many gospel performers have riffed on the theme of “You Can’t Hurry God – He’s Right on Time,” and “God Said It – I Believe It – That Settles It.” A more recent example is Norman Hutchins’ 2002 hit “God’s Got a Blessing (With My Name on It!).” At least one historian has noted how gospel songs have become ambassadors of the faith by delivering these nuggets of truth to those who have never set foot within a church.
All this is to say that “God Did That Thing” by Bishop Bobby Hilton & Word of Deliverance Mass Choir falls squarely within this tradition of sacred sloganeering in song, an exclamation destined to become part of church vernacular. Recorded live on April 26, 2008 in Forest Park, Ohio (near Cincinnati), “God Did That Thing” is a mid-tempo choir recording with a driving beat and the venerable Dorothy Norwood as guest soloist. Norwood gives the song additional trad cred, but it could stand pretty well on its own in the traditional department.
Expect to hear testifiers saying, “God Did That Thing” in a church near you.
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Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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“God Did That Thing” Will Stand on its own! I declare This CD to be the “Church Anthem around the World!!!
Good job Bishop Hilton and Word of Deliverance Mass Choir!
What a powerful song! I will be using the saying “God Did That Thing” forever! This is a new classic song destined for the new hymnal. Can’t wait for the next release “Kick The Devil Out”
great, great song, I am tring to added this to my collection, but have been unable to locate it at my local music shop in Jackson, Ms.
Hi,
Hi, Mattie — try http://www.ntimemusic.com. They probably have a copy.
This CD is one that the world WILL be singing, “God Did That Thing” for God did do that thing. It is amazing to me how humble Bishop Bobby Hilton and his wife are. I’ve not been around much but when I’m there the spirit and the work of God is present. I’m honored that I’m able to be surrounded by such a family of God. “GOD DID THAT THING”. We all can say “GOD DID THAT THING”.