Blind Man (sat by the road and he cried)

This song starts from the prayer of a blind man who asks Jesus for healing: The first verse most probably refers to the story of blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52, and Luke 18:35), while the other verses refer to other incidents from scripture and their application today.

The author and composer are unknown: The song is variously referred to as an Afro-American spiritual, an old-time American tune, and a folk hymn. More recently, it has been recorded as an up-beat rock song. Possibly it developed through the folk-process rather than being specifically written: Versions on YouTube suggest progression from slow spiritual to upbeat rock-song - with the latter being more suitable for summer camp than formal church services.

The traditional wording was "Blind man stood by the road ...", although in some places it set as "Blind man sat ...", in line with one common scriptural translation.

The tune is usually referred to simply as BLIND MAN.

Downloads

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PowerPoint slides

Arrangements for SATB and instruments - from composers include Moses Hogan, William Grant Still et al.

Examples

Trio with guitar and close harmonies

Children's action song (summer camp / bible school)

Rock band version

Singer, self-accompanied on keyboard

Solo singer, self-accompanied on guitar

Lyrics

Blind man sat by the road and he cried.
Blind man sat by the road and he cried.
Blind man sat by the road and he cried.
Oh, oh, oh…
Show me the Way
Show me the Truth
Show me the Life
The way to go home.

Woman sat by the well and she cried ...

Zacchaeus sat in the tree & he cried ...

We all sit by the road and we cry. ... Show us the Way

Jesus hung on the cross & he cried. ... I am the Way