Looking for an old SA song - "No Flies on Jesus"

[constance]

This is kindof a funny back story.

When our new hymnals arrived (20 years ago) the old pastor said to the church lady -

"Wow, this hymnal even has "No flies on Jesus""

"What!?! I can't believe that's a real song" she says

Then he sang a bit of it and she (gullibly) grabbed the hymnal only to find that song was not there.

NOW, this debate has been going on for quite some time, and I just found out that it may be a SA song. I'd love to get a scan of it....or if you could tell me what hymnal it's in, I'll ILL it.

The words go (the words in parens are what he says the words are)

"There are (or there'll be) Flies on me (or you)
There are (or there'll be) Flies on you (or me)
(But) There are (ain't) no flies on Jesus.

Thanks!

 

[BoazB]

I must say I have never heard of that one, but maybe somebody else has.

The expression, "No flies on somebody", I always thought to be very modern. If it is a Salvation Army number, then my guess would be that it comes from a Sunday School programme like "Chicheddi" used in Southern Africa. There may be similar programmes in the US and UK. People involved in Salvation Army Sunday School programmes in those territories might answer about this.

Childrens programmes would more likely use colloquialisms (And are coming into use more now), before that adult songs (believe it or not) in the 1800's had quaint words like ...

"Now the devil and me, we don't agree glory hallelujah
I hate him and he hates me glory hallelujah. etc"

(One verse had: "O my friends fair thee well for I'm not going to hell!" No wonder people threw bricks!)

Another song had words:
"So we'll roll the old chariot along"

Hope somebody else can help

 

[Abiel]

I have emailed a buddy

 

[constance]

I'd be willing to pay in blessings....
I need a scan!

 

[Evangelina]

Looks as though it's a song from a secular? musical called Salvation...

http://www.nodanw.com/shows_s/salvation.htm
http://www.amazon.com/Salvation-1969-Off-Broadway-Cast/dp/B000GCG664

 

[constance]

Yes, I saw that too - however, I think that one is based on an old SA hymn...

 

[Abiel]

Dear ***,

Thank you for your note. I've heard about this supposed Salvation Army song, but honestly I don't think it would have got past the editorial department. I don't think we would ever have published such a song, and I wonder whether it even existed.

Sorry we can't help.

*** (Archivist)

My mate went straight to the top, and all knowledge is denied. You might have to focus on the USA for your hunt.

 

[ChristInAction]

I think I remember that song, but it isnt a hym. like bozaB said. A kids song.

 

[constance]

thanks everyone

 

[SDA14]

yea