Mighty Men – My very close friend Johnny Farese was afflicted with a strain of muscular dystrophy that left him paralyzed and bedridden. He was a spiritual warrior so deeply involved in the spiritual lives of those in my church. As I set out to write the song, I had the image of the “Mighty Men” in David’s army in II Chronicles. The battle tested brave men that were so loyal to David through the years of his reign. So many things attributed to Johnny had been focused on him in heaven being whole, etc. I felt a different perspective. In July of 1996, I finished the song and began recording. I involved Johnny’s sister for the back ground vocals and her fiancee for additional background. We play the song at a New Years Eve party, right at the turn of the year 12:01. Needless to say there was not a dry eye in the house. A few years ago, Johnny went home to be with the Lord and I await the joyous reunion when my days are done.
Tim Cole played the lead and guitar fills, also some cool synth guitar parts. All other instrumentation is mine.
As I put my armor on,
And I see yours over there,
Battle-worn and hardened,
Yet handled with such care,
With a sword that holds its sharpness,
Despite the frequent blows,
And a shield that covers weaknesses exposed.
Soldiers in the battle,
Learn to face the fright,
Whether nerves of steel or rattled,
Draw the strength from mighty men to fight,
And I have seen you stand,
Against the onslaught of the foe,
Driven by the fearlessness you show.
Chorus:
Countless are examples long before,
Of the mighty men who proved themselves,
And headed off for war,
But in the face of faithless throngs,
Their deeds can not live on,
I feared all the mighty men were gone.
Bridge:
Be strong in the Lord,
And in the power of His might.
Mighty men of valor,
Tested by the fire,
Through the darkness and the pallor,
His praise their one desire,
Wrestling not with flesh and blood,
With a faith that none denies,
I have seen that fierceness in your eyes.
Herb Williams 6/20/96