Sherri Youngward – “She Looks to the Sky”

It’s rare that I listen to a CD all the way through. I tend to get bored easily and if something is not grabbing me lyrically or musically then I start punching the “next” button. Yesterday I was driving from Baltimore back to Manassas, Va. and I put on Sherri Youngward’s CD, “She Looks to the Sky,” released at the tail end of last year. I listened… all the way through.. and then repeated a few songs. I’m embarrassed to say that I wasn’t  familiar with Sherri’s work before now. Beginning in 1997, she has released 9 albums including “No More Goodbyes,”  ”Sons and Daughters,” and “Scripture Songs.”  The arrangements on her albums tend to be simple, often sparse, leaving room for her airy but beautiful vocals. Her singing is a treasure. One moment almost childlike and the next like a seasoned pro but always spot on.

Her current work is a collection of  old hymns as well as new songs, some penned by Sherri and some by others. Her “Fairest Lord Jesus” is one of the most lovely arrangements I’ve ever heard. “It is Well With My Soul” leaps from a reflective style into a up tempo treatment that is so uplifting. “How Great Thou Art” is done with minimal accompaniment or variation. She simply let’s the timeless words of that classic stand on there own. She knows when to stylize vocally but she never over does it.

Sherri’s song, “She Looks to the Sky” is a brilliant picture in words.

“This song was inspired by a poem written by Jonathan Edwards about his fiancé Sarah Pierrepont. The poem made me think of what the bride of Christ looks like to those who are watching.”

She Looks To The Sky
Words: Sherri
Music: Sherri and Ted Morton

They say she is loved by the greatest of all
Who have walked in the world
He lives far away, still she spends all her days
Content with only His words

She often walks alone, but never is she lonely
You can offer her anything
Her affections are all for Him only

She looks to the sky
As if He is coming down through the clouds up above
Though no one has seen Him you cannot deny
She is drenched with His love

She often walks alone, but never is she lonely
You can offer her anything
Her affections are all for Him only

All the day long she sings sweetly
She says He speaks to her mind
She’s only rich with affliction
Yet a bitter word you won’t find

She lives with assurance He loves her too deeply
To let such distance remain
She’s brimming with longing for Him to come calling
And sweep her away

Of the three songs written  by Sherri, the standout for me is “This Dream of Mine.”  It’s a song of hope – expectant, joyful hope. This is the one song in the collection that has a big orchestral arrangement and it’s absolutely perfection.

This Dream Of Mine
Sherri Youngward

I had a dream I heard a great sound
It was God coming down to find me
There was light all around
It was brighter than lightning
And it covered the earth like a blanket

I shed all sadness and striving
Like worn out old clothing
And I was relinquished from gravity

I breathed a sigh of relief, like a soldier after war
Like a soldier that finally made it home

When I opened my eyes
To six inches of sky
Through the half opened blinds on my window
I had to smile, full of the feeling
That this dream of mine would come true

The line “I breathed a sigh of relief, like a soldier after war. Like a soldier that finally made it home.” brought tears to my eyes. Such a powerful image and in her hands it reaches deep and captivates your heart.

I highly recommend Sherri to you. You can listen to samples and check out lyrics here.