The Original Narnia Soundtrack
by Mark Moring | posted 12/01/2005
 1 of 3
With the much anticipated film adaption of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe opening this week, everybody has wanted a piece of the Narnia marketing action. Nearly every product you can imagine—books, Bible covers, maps, action figures, replicas, buttons, keychains, even Happy Meal toys—is available.
The Christian music community jumped on the Narnia marketing bandwagon with a CD of songs "inspired by" the book. (It's silly to say they were inspired by the movie, because none of the artists had seen it yet.)
But 25 years ago—long before marketing machines and mass merchandising—there was the original Narnia soundtrack. The Roar of Love, released by 2nd Chapter of Acts in 1980, was a cutting-edge (read: synthesizers!) rock opera/concept album based on C. S. Lewis' beloved book. Fourteen songs totaling a little more than 35 minutes, Roar was—and still is—a brilliantly creative tribute to that magical world and its majestic Christ-figure, the great lion Aslan.
Annie Herring today
Annie Herring, the principal songwriter and the oldest of the three Ward siblings who made up the group (sister Nelly and brother Matthew were the others), has been busy with solo albums and various ministry opportunities since 2nd Chapter disbanded in 1988. She lives in Colorado with her husband Buck, who produced the group's albums.
Now, on the eve of the film's release, Herring was more than happy to talk to us about The Roar of Love—but not before reminiscing a bit about the good old days.
What was the best part about being in 2nd Chapter of Acts??
Annie Herring I would say that the best part was knowing that you were in obedience to the Lord and singing as one voice as he anointed. Being with my brother and sister and seeing how God gave hope to the hopeless, that was just a thrill to see year after year.
Do you keep up with Matthew and Nelly?
Herring Yeah. Matt and I have done a couple of things together. This year, we did four or five concerts where we did some of the old 2nd Chapter of Acts songs together.
Any chance of a reunion tour?
Herring I think that was as close as it will ever get.
Are you still writing songs?
Herring I'm always writing, always receiving beautiful piano pieces and songs. The Lord says that gifts are irrevocable, and that just kind of flows out. It's my joy.
You describe yourself not so much as a songwriter but as of a song receiver. Tell me about that.?
Herring When I was a little girl I always wanted to play piano, but we couldn't afford lessons, so it was just put on the shelf. After I gave my life to the Lord, I sat down and started to play, and he taught me how to play. It took about a year for me to play and sing at the same time, but I couldn't look at music and play. I just played what he taught me, and then I started to learn how to receive songs from him.
I am not a lyricist, but Buck is. I used to ask him to write words for me, but one day he said, "Just sing what's in your heart." I sat down the next day and out came a song called He Loves Me. It was the first song I received, and it was so freeing because I wasn't worrying or trying to write a song. It was just what was in me.
From that point on, whenever I go to the piano, I just start playing something. And then I go with the first words that come out of my mouth, because receiving songs for me is like prophecy. I've had to trust the gift that the Lord has placed in me.
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Try an Issue of Today's Christian Woman Free!
|
 |
|
No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders.
If you decide you want to keep Today's Christian Woman coming, honor your invoice for just $17.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless.
Give Today's Christian Woman as a gift
Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
| 
