Paul Wilbur - I Hear a Sound Lyrics
Lyrics
I hear a sound coming from the mountain,
I hear it louder each day.
I hear a sound coming from the mountain
And it says, "Prepare ye the way".
"Prepare ye the way, prepare ye the way, prepare ye the way of the Lord".
I see the King standing on the mountain,
I see Him clearer each day.
I see the King standing on the mountain,
and He says, "Prepare ye the way."
"Prepare ye the way, prepare ye the way, prepare ye the way of the Lord".
Video
Paul Wilbur- I Hear A Sound (Hosanna! Music)
Meaning & Inspiration
Paul Wilbur's "I Hear a Sound," released in 1991 on the album *Up to Zion (Split Trax)*, is a powerful proclamation rooted in prophetic anticipation and a call to spiritual readiness. The song’s essence lies not in complex musical arrangements but in its direct, unvarnished message, drawing heavily from the ancient pronouncements of John the Baptist and the wider prophetic tradition within Scripture. The core of the song is a persistent auditory and visual revelation: a sound emanating from a mountain, growing in intensity each day, and a vision of a King standing on that same elevated vantage point. This imagery isn't arbitrary; mountains in the Bible often represent places of divine encounter, revelation, and sovereignty, such as Mount Sinai where God’s law was given, or Mount Zion, a symbol of God's dwelling and His ultimate rule. The repeated declaration, "Prepare ye the way," directly echoes Isaiah 40:3, a foundational verse for both Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, stating, "A voice cries: 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a level highway for our God.'" This directive is not merely about clearing a physical path; it's a spiritual imperative for aligning one's heart and life with God's coming purposes.
The song’s narrative progression, from hearing a sound to seeing the King, mirrors the journey of spiritual awakening and increased faith. The progressively clearer vision of the King signifies a deepening understanding of God's presence and His imminent reign. This isn't a passive observation but an active summons to respond. The King's instruction, echoing the same foundational message, reinforces the urgency and singular importance of this preparation. The concept of preparing the way for the Lord is multifaceted. It involves repentance, as exemplified by John the Baptist’s ministry (Matthew 3:2), who preached, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." It also entails actively seeking God’s will and aligning our lives with His commands, ensuring that when His presence is fully manifest, we are found living in obedience and faith. The song’s enduring power lies in its ability to stir a sense of anticipation for God's intervention and reign, encouraging individuals to examine their own lives and ensure they are not only hearing the divine call but also actively participating in the spiritual readiness it demands, reflecting the eternal truth found in Malachi 3:1, which foretells a messenger preparing the way for the Lord.