“The Battered Woman’s Prayer”
The Allen Family
Sharp Records (2013)
www.sharprecordsusa.com
“I’ve got this girlfriend, and she came to work with a black eye.”
Thus begins “The Battered Woman’s Prayer” by the Allen Family of Liberty, Mississippi. A soft soul selection that explores the dark side of romance, the song focuses on the physically and psychologically maltreated girlfriend asking God to “send me someone to love” who is not “a player or someone locked up in jail.” Of course, not all men are players or locked up in jail, but that’s how this lady is feeling.
The single’s impact would have been more powerful had the musical backdrop increased in dynamic tension with the singer’s rising anger. I suspect the song sells best in front of an audience, where those who can testify push the emotional intensity of the performance several degrees higher.
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.
Visit Today : 681
This Month : 12609