So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt
Encyclopedia
So You Wanna Go Back To Egypt is the third album released by American piano
, gospel
singer Keith Green
, It was released on May 7, 1980.
The album was listed at #49 in the 2001 book, CCM Presents: The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music
.
It includes several notable Christian artists, including Matthew Ward
, Kelly Willard
, and Bob Dylan
playing harmonica
.
. The album was offered through mail-order and at concerts for whatever price the recipient was willing to pay. As of May 1982, Green had shipped out more than 200,000 units of his album – 61,000 for free. Green continued this policy for the remainder of his career.
(from 2nd Chapter of Acts
), Kelly Willard
, and Bob Dylan
who was a close friend of Green's - contributing his harmonica
to the track 'Pledge My Head To Heaven'.
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
, gospel
Gospel
A gospel is an account, often written, that describes the life of Jesus of Nazareth. In a more general sense the term "gospel" may refer to the good news message of the New Testament. It is primarily used in reference to the four canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John...
singer Keith Green
Keith Green
Keith Gordon Green was an American gospel singer, songwriter, musician, and Contemporary Christian Music artist originally from Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York. Beyond his music, Green is best known for his strong devotion to Christian evangelism and challenging others to the same...
, It was released on May 7, 1980.
The album was listed at #49 in the 2001 book, CCM Presents: The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music
CCM Presents: The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music
CCM Presents: The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music is the title of a book, edited by Thom Granger and published in 2001 by Harvest House Publishers....
.
It includes several notable Christian artists, including Matthew Ward
Matthew Ward (singer)
Matthew Ward is one of the pioneers of the Jesus music genre, later to be called Contemporary Christian music. He is best known as a part of the trio, 2nd Chapter of Acts in which he sang and performed with his sisters, Annie Herring and Nellie Greisen...
, Kelly Willard
Kelly Willard
Kelly Willard is a Contemporary Christian Musician best known for her praise and worship recordings. She was featured as a soloist on projects from Integrity, Vineyard Music, and Maranatha! Music...
, and Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, musician, poet, film director and painter. He has been a major and profoundly influential figure in popular music and culture for five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly...
playing harmonica
Harmonica
The harmonica, also called harp, French harp, blues harp, and mouth organ, is a free reed wind instrument used primarily in blues and American folk music, jazz, country, and rock and roll. It is played by blowing air into it or drawing air out by placing lips over individual holes or multiple holes...
.
Not For Sale
This album marked a turning point in Green's career when he realized his principles would no longer allow him to charge money for albums. In 1979, after negotiating a release from his contract with Sparrow, Green initiated a new policy of refusing to charge money for concerts or albums. Keith and Melody mortgaged their home to privately finance the album, So You Wanna Go Back To EgyptSo You Wanna Go Back to Egypt
So You Wanna Go Back To Egypt is the third album released by American piano, gospel singer Keith Green, It was released on May 7, 1980.The album was listed at #49 in the 2001 book, CCM Presents: The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music....
. The album was offered through mail-order and at concerts for whatever price the recipient was willing to pay. As of May 1982, Green had shipped out more than 200,000 units of his album – 61,000 for free. Green continued this policy for the remainder of his career.
- "Keith Green has just recorded a new album, and it will not be available for sale in bookstores or through any of the usual commercial outlets. Pretty Good Records has been given the exclusive right by Keith to give the album away to anyone for whatever they can afford to give in return
- "The whole reason for not charging a set price for the album is simple: We want everyone, no matter how much they have (even if it's nothing), to be able to hear the ministry of new life in Jesus that springs forth from this powerfully anointed album.
- "At Last Days, we have always had a burden for the poor. To date we have sent out over a million tracts, thousands of ministry cassette tapes, and every six weeks we send out a newsletter magazine, world-wide, to almost 100,000 people -- and we've never charged for any of them. We believe that if the Lord gives you something for free then you should share it freely (Matthew 10:8). The new album is our biggest undertaking yet, and we believe it will reach a lot of people. We don't want anyone to be left out!
- "We'd really like to share this ministry of music with you, so if you would like a copy of Keith's new album then use the attached coupon, and just give whatever you can afford, as God directs.
- "We realized that this is a matter of trust. Some have warned us that there will be those who will just use the opportinity to 'get a free album'. But we hope you understand that we're doing this, not so people can get a 'good deal', but simply because it's hard for some people to reconcile paying 8 dollars for a gospel record, when they can hardly afford to buy shoes for their kids! "
Making of the Album
The album was made over a span of several months between 1979 and 1980, produced by Bill Maxwell and Keith Green. String arrangements were by Ralph Carmichael. There were many others who contributed their talents and ministries to the record, among whom are: Hadley Hockensmith, Matthew WardMatthew Ward (singer)
Matthew Ward is one of the pioneers of the Jesus music genre, later to be called Contemporary Christian music. He is best known as a part of the trio, 2nd Chapter of Acts in which he sang and performed with his sisters, Annie Herring and Nellie Greisen...
(from 2nd Chapter of Acts
2nd Chapter of Acts
The 2nd Chapter of Acts was a Jesus Music and early Contemporary Christian Music group composed of sisters Annie Herring and Nelly Greisen and brother Matthew Ward. They began performing in 1973 and enjoyed their period of greatest success during the 1970s...
), Kelly Willard
Kelly Willard
Kelly Willard is a Contemporary Christian Musician best known for her praise and worship recordings. She was featured as a soloist on projects from Integrity, Vineyard Music, and Maranatha! Music...
, and Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, musician, poet, film director and painter. He has been a major and profoundly influential figure in popular music and culture for five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly...
who was a close friend of Green's - contributing his harmonica
Harmonica
The harmonica, also called harp, French harp, blues harp, and mouth organ, is a free reed wind instrument used primarily in blues and American folk music, jazz, country, and rock and roll. It is played by blowing air into it or drawing air out by placing lips over individual holes or multiple holes...
to the track 'Pledge My Head To Heaven'.
Track listing
- So You Wanna Go Back To Egypt – 4:38
- Pledge My Head To Heaven – 3:55
- If You Love The Lord – 4:07
- Romans VII – 3:25
- Lies – 3:45
- I Want To Be More Like Jesus – 4:22
- Unless The Lord Builds The House – 3:57
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful – 4:20
- You Love The World – 2:38
- Grace By Which I Stand – 4:53