The
New York Staff Band
Signature Series
Wake Up the Saint
Martin Cordner
This composition portrays the spiritual journey of a Christian whose soul has grown dormant. Though
outwardly engaged—regular in worship attendance, active within the corps, perhaps even entrusted with
leadership—their faith has become perfunctory. The rhythms of religious life continue, yet the heart
remains closed, unprepared to encounter Christ in fullness.
The music begins with a bold, full-band chord: a sonic “wake-up call” to the slumbering soul. Distant
knocking motifs follow, symbolizing the persistent invitations to spiritual renewal that often come through
worship, song, and Scripture. Yet the soul remains unresponsive, allowing worldly distractions to obscure
its relationship with Christ. These distractions are musically depicted through swirling, unsettled phrases
and a recurring two-note motif in the lower band.
In a moment of quiet vulnerability—perhaps a dream, perhaps a cry from the depths—the saint offers a
heartfelt prayer:
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You;
every hour I need You.
My one defense, my righteousness;
Oh God, how I need You.
The turbulence returns, attempting once more to reclaim the soul. But this time, the saint resists. A second,
emphatic wake-up call resounds, and the voices of fellow believers join in exhortation: “Wake up, wake up
the saint!” With renewed conviction and longing, the soul awakens and responds in triumph:
Like a bride waiting for her groom
We'll be a Church ready for You
Every heart longing for our King
We sing:
Even so come, Lord Jesus, come!