Musical Influences
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Stephen Schwartz is credited with writing "music and new lyrics" for Godspell. That's because the lyrics for several of the songs were taken from the Episcopal Hymnal and are traditional service hymns. Below are side-by-side comparisons of the traditional hymns and their Godspell equivalents (taken from the original recording)
Why this sound?
Schwartz list several artists as influences, and you can hear their sounds in Godspell. Check out this Spotify playlist to hear the artists whose sounds helped inspire these reimagined songs.
"When Wilt Thou Save the People"/"Save the People"
"Day by Day, Dear Lord"/"Day by Day"
"Oh Bless the Lord, My Soul"/"Bless the Lord"
"We Plough the Fields and Scatter"/"All Good Gifts"
"Turn Back Oh Man"
Fun Fact!
The original devised production of Godspell included some songs written by the actor-collaborators. When Stephen Schwartz came on to write new music, he left one song from that production: "By My Side," which was written by original cast member Peggy Gordon.