Barry Parish Church

11th December 2022

Advent Day 15: The Shoes Brothers present... Jesus Rock (Donkey's Hooves)

 

For the 15th day of Advent, The Shoes Brothers are back again this year to present their new tune ‘Jesus Rock (Donkey's Hooves)'; a mash-up of Elvis' songs Heartbreak Hotel, Blue Suede Shoes and Jailhouse Rock.

Were Elvis still alive he'd be nearly 87. Sadly, Elvis Presley died at 42, but what a legacy of music he left us.

Rev Neil Urquhart, the minister of Fullarton ConneXions and Father Willie Boyd, the parish priest of St Mary's and St John Ogilvie in Irvine (aka The Shoes Brothers) are milking some of his legendary appeal with their new Christmas song.

When they recently filmed the new music video, they met universal applause and laughter rocking and bopping their way through Irvine's Rivergate Mall. People of all ages wanted a selfie and spoke of their love of The King's music.

This year, our rockin' revs mash up Heartbreak Hotel, Blue Suede Shoes and Jailhouse Rock to tell the Christmas story. It's The King's tribute to Jesus ‘The King of Kings'. But it's not Blue Shoes you mustn't step on, rather ‘donkey's hooves' as Mary and Joe ride to Bethlehem for the Jesus Rock Party.

All the usual characters are there: angels, shepherds, wise men, livestock, Mary, Joe (and Jesus): "everybody in the stable block was dancing to the Jesus Rock!"

"This is our 11th single and it's so infectious," Rev Neil Urquhart said.

"The song is about heartbreak and sorrow; ‘Since the Angel Gabriel left Mary, she found a new place to dwell; in a lonely street, in South Israel'.

"There's a sense of heartbreak and sorrow, but it's also entering joy as they aim to get to Bethlehem.

"It's topical with the Elvis movie out this year, but it was so sad his life was cut short at 42. He had quite a deep faith with his gospel songs.

"In Alan Campbell, Stuart Forsyth and Dorothy Urquhart, we've such a creative team to produce the music, film and appearance. They make us look and sound nae too bad.

"Some think they're seeing double as we walk down the street all geared up like Elvis."

Father Willie Boyd said:

"We believe the Good News is Jesus. We need more than just good economic policies or good philosophical strategies.

"Loads and loads of young people have been asking for selfies with us, wanting to know what's going on and joining in the dance. It's great the way people have been attracted to it.

"This year I've had parishioners, who don't come to services, saying that if I don these Elvis robes and dance like I've been dancing they'll come back.

"What fun we've had again joking and jesting with the public.

"It's still surprising for some to see a priest and minister sharing such a special friendship, but we just love breaking down barriers, building bridges and celebrating community!"

Their music video features local schoolchildren from Irvine joining in the dancing and as characters in the Nativity story, as well as Lily the donkey.

As well as streaming around the world, over 2,000 students at Irvine's two Academies and some primary schools will view the film and song at their Christmas assemblies.

Now you know it, Elvis lives in Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland, but you'll need to look twice!

Lyrics

Well since The Angel left me, I've found a new place to dwell,
It's in a stable down Lonely Street, in South Isra-el.
Where you'll be so lonely baby,
Where you'll be so lonely,
Where you'll be so lonely you could die.

And it's one for the donkey,
Two for The Road,
Three get to Bethlehem,
Now go cat go!
And don't you step on my donkey's hooves,
Well you can do anything but lay off-a my donkey's hooves!

So, God threw a party down in Isra-el,
Stable Band was there and they began to wail,
Shepherds were jumpin', the sky began to swing
You should've heard that choir of angels sing!

Chorus: Well let's rock, everybody let's rock,
Everybody in the stable block was dancing to the Jesus Rock!

Star gazers journeyed a right long way
To join in the jive at the royal partay;
Camels ‘n costumes made quite a stir
Along with their gold, frankincense & myrrh.

Chorus

Cow in the corner said to chicken number three
You're the cutest stable bird I ever did see.
I sure would be delighted with your company,
Come on and do the Jesus Rock with me!

Chorus

Everyone's invited to join the Jesus' dance,
Go on my friend, why don't you take a chance?
Elvis says, "Hey, don't you be no square,
If you can't find a partner, use a wooden chair!"

Chorus

Elvis Costello or Elvis Presley,
Everyone's invited to Jesus' Partay,
Don't you wait till your very last kicks,
Join in now with the Jesus Mix!

Chorus

 

 

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