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Chart History
From the album Drift Away, Drift Away was a #5 hit for Dobie Gray in 1973.

It was also a #1 AC for a record-setting 28 weeks, #9 Pop hit for Uncle Kracker with Dobie Gray on No Stranger to Shame in 2003.


Songwriter:
Mentor Williams


J's Journal:
Back on our "Grace Period" CD in 2002, we did another song by Uncle Kracker called "Follow Me," which had the Apostle James (son of Zebedee) talking about his impending martyrdom in Acts 12. This song is the sequel to that one and picks up where the story left off, but from the perspective of James' brother, John, as he struggles not to crack under the pressure or drift into despair. James and John were no strangers to shame and persecution, having already been chastised, imprisoned, and beaten by the chief priests and temple guard in the past, and yet "rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name" (Acts 5:41). Still, there's no doubt that the martyrdom of James sent a shock wave through the church and the surrounding community. Yes, major persecution of the church had begun with the martyrdom of Stephen in Acts 7, but Acts 8:1 says everyone was scattered abroad "except the apostles." James was the first apostle to die, and he had been part of the "in crowd" of Jesus' three closest disciples, along with his kid brother, John, and the Rock, Peter. Now that King Herod had executed James and had tried to kill Peter, anybody was fair game; there was no gray area. This song has more than a historical application, however; it also addresses the age-old problem of dealing with the premature death of a loved one, even when you know you'll see them again in Heaven. I remember working on this song while visiting my brother-in-law and sister-in-law when they were still living in Northern Virginia. It was one of the first parodies I finished writing after "Adam Up," but it didn't fit on "New & Used Hits," "Apol-acoustiX," or "Hits: The Road." When I was a kid, like many others, I thought Doby Gray was singing, "Gimme the Beach Boys" in the chorus, so it was natural to build on that.
Stats:
Genre: Adult Contemp.
Length: 4:11

Spread the Way
Parody of "Drift Away" by Dobie Gray
(Acts 12:1-3, John 21:15-24)

Day after day my Lord comes through
Still it looks more than likely that more’ll be slain
You know after James died my faith was bruised
And I’m feelin’ the pain – but I ain’t gonna change

Jimmy and me, Lord, me and my bro
You wanted apostles to walk the road and spread the Way
Galilee Beach Boys, that's me and my bro
We counted the cost and we rocked the boat and left the lake
Why’d You take him away?

Beginning to think that I’m racing time
They don’t understand the things they do
But Lord our side will come out fine
And I’m counting on You when they bury me too

CHORUS

And when my time’s complete
You’ll hold a family reunion
And if my dreams come true
I'll get to come with You real soon then

Thanks Father God that I live and breathe
I want You to know that I believe in Your Son
But livin’ with dyin’ is hard for me
So help me,God
Ah, it’s taking so long

CHORUS

You won’t forsake me, you won’t forsake me

John 21:22-23
Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"


©2010 Parodudes Music, Inc.