Lord, Protect My Child (Bedroom Demo #269) (Patreon)

Lord Protect My Child

words and music: Bob Dylan

For his age he is wise

He’s got his mother’s eyes

There’s gladness in his heart

He’s young and he’s wild

My only prayer is if I can’t be there

Lord, protect my child

As his youth now unfolds

He is centuries old

Seein’ him at play makes me smile

No matter what happens to me

No matter what my destiny

Lord, protect my child

Protect my child

Protect my child

When the world is asleep

You can look at it and weep

Few things you find out are worth while

Though I don’t ask for much

No material things to touch

Lord, protect my child

He’s young and on fire

Full of hope and desire

In a world that’s been raped, raped and defiled

And if I fall along the way

And can’t see another day

Lord, protect my child

There'll be a time I hear tell

When all will be well

When God and man have been reconciled

But until men lose their chains

And the righteousness reigns

Lord, protect my child

Protect my child

Protect my child

Protect my child

guitar and vocals: T.S. Taylor

note:

I believe Bob Dylan’s “Lord, Protect My Child” has been recorded twice by the Lost Dogs; the first time was on our debut album, 1992’s “Scenic Routes.” The second time was an acoustic version for the "Come As A Child" compilation for my friend, Theo Obrastoff, in honor of his son Andy.

The Dogs have been very selective when it comes to cover-tunes. Since all of us are songwriters, there’s been no real need to go outside our circle to find songs to record, which is is why we’ve recorded so few of them over the years. However, if a song we haven’t written strikes our fancy, or resonates with us to the extent that all of us are enthusiastic about recording it, then it qualifies. Obviously “Lord Protect My Child” is just such a song.

I believe it was Gene who first suggested we cover the tune. Ironically, Gene was the only one of us who didn’t have any children. Being fathers, Derri, Mike, and I immediately jumped on board. How could we resist? If Dylan’s “prayer” for his child doesn’t strike a chord in the deepest part of any parent’s heart who hears it, then I would suggest that they have no heart to strike. Especially because of my grandchildren, and in light of their innocence in a world hungry to devour it, this song not only becomes increasingly relevant to me with each passing year, but it may well be the foremost cry of my heart. Were it not for my faith in Christ, and my belief in a faithful, sovereign God, I would no doubt be undone by fear; fear, not for what lies ahead for me, but for those I will relatively soon leave behind. What will happen to my family when Poppy is no longer here to help protect them? 

I confess, this is my achilles heel. This is where the enemy strikes. “…….and if I fall along the way, and can’t see another day, Lord protect my child!” cries Dylan. It is a cry that seems to me to be on the verge of a desperation dispelled only by a promise I now cling to like a man clinging to a cliff’s edge: “Fear not,” says the Lord, “ for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God…..I will help you….”