'As The Ruin Falls' with Malcolm Guite

A deep dive into C.S. Lewis' beloved poem and how it played a key role in bringing Malcolm Guite and Phil Keaggy together.

#philkeaggy
#malcolmguite
#cslewis

[Apodicticus]

I'm astonished that I only found this guy as a result of attending an Alice Cooper concert at the Fillmore East around 1970 or so. The opening act was a band called "Glass Harp, " and their guitar player made more of an impression than Cooper assaulting a nurse and getting the electric chair. I had never before heard anyone do volume swells, and I was mystified. That one night really changed the trajectory of my guitar playing to this day!

[tlbennett]

“The pains you give me are more precious than all other gains” has always got me directly in the heart!!
Your music literally saved my life!! Thank you!! ✌️😊💚

[musicken]

My first date with my wife-to-be was a Keaggy concert in Lancaster, PA in 1977. A friend taped the show, and I learned this song from that tape and played it for my wife many times. We saw Phil on our 34th anniversary, and he signed the guitar I'd "won her" with by playing his pieces. What a gift he is to the world!

[kenji]

I want to listen more from old albums just like this with no effector, no looper, no serious sound equipment, no amp. Just the master musician and his favorite Olson guitar. It is like me sitting with my hero for ages in a room.

[ontologicallysteve]

My bride walked down the aisle to your song "Tender Love" back in 1999. You've been a fixture in my marriage, through thick and thin. You've provided a soundtrack that I'll never be able to pay you back for. I saw you in concert in 2000 at a church in Detroit. My wife was about to go into labor. I decided not to go to the concert, but she insisted that I go. So, I did. Ended up meeting you and having you sign a Glass Harp vinyl. You were so gracious. My precious baby girl was born 4 days later.


My wife and I have had our struggles. That's for sure. Your music has provided not only a backdrop for the bad times but an initiation into the good times.

Thank you for being you. No one else does it better than you.

[jesuspeoplereunion]

Lewis and Keaggy often draw me into fellowship with the Lord

[gdavew]

This puts a smile on my face, peace in my heart & mind, like your musical gifts have done for 40 plus years...

[SONARFLAVORMUSIC]

Merry Christmas, Keaggys and Company! Poetry seems to be on all our minds lately.

[paulmartin]

Thanks for sharing some deep insights. Phil, I've followed you sense the early 70's in Kent, Ohio. Your musical talent always amazes me.

[JustSara]

I was raised on your music. My dad and I are still fans. ❤🎉 back in the mix tape days, I’ve still got those as well as your original albums 🙌

[LotusFrog_n_Sun]

this poem set to song has been something that has resonated with me for over 40 years

[jeremiahjohnson]

Beautiful music and conversation among brethren. God bless and keep each of you..

[robintaylor]

Blessed. One of my absolute favorite songs ever by anyone. Always touches me deeply inside. Thank you for the performance, Sir!

[poppajimm]

Hello Phil (and Malcolm). My young bride and I travelled up to Freeville to visit Love Inn - and nearly stayed in your home overnight! The spiritual chaos of my wanderings and overwhelming devastation of my sin nearly claimed me, prior to that visit to Upstate NY in 1976. My wife Linda and I (just prior to our visit) became graced in Jesus' loving kindness and tender mercies - in a Salvation so beautiful I still can hardly properly describe it - and your simple ministry has been a very real "part" of God's grace for us. Thank you, for answering His call and your testimony all these years Phil. So many souls are like an Oasis in a desert through our journey; I've realized them to be vessels willing to allow The Holy Spirit to quench my thirst by leading me ever to The Throne of Jesus! Linda and I have, and continue, to lift you and your priceless family before our Majestic Lord and Savior; to keep your hearts soft, eyes open and ears tuned to His Voice as He lights your footsteps with His wisdom. (heart)

[TLMuse]

Seeing and hearing Phil revisit "As the ruin falls, " a classic from *Love Broke Thru* from 1976, just makes my heart do a bit of a somersault. 8-) Thank you, Tom G., for capturing the moment and putting this together (and of course, thanks to Phil and Malcolm and Brother Jack for the musical and lyrical magic!). —Tom PS: To Tom or whoever edited this, brilliant job syncing the music with Malcolm's reading!

[jeffurey]

Oh, some 25-28 years ago Phil and Michael Card toured together. I saw them in Hershey Evangelical Free church. What a wonderful man Phil is! Beyond Nature and Find me in these fields were staples to me for many years. I need to revisit them! Thank you again for sharing your heart and talents!!!

[kurtweiand]

You have been and continue to be an inspiration to me, bless you Phil!

[Roddo]

This has been one of my favorite songs, Phil since I first heard it… I love this poem by CS Lewis, and your music that you put to it absolutely brings it to life… And this gentleman, Ellie English accent… The trifecta

[kennethschweighardt]

Love Broke Through was my first Phil Keaggy album after I gave my heart to The Lord. Phil's music has been one of the most important aspects of my Christianity since I got saved in Feb of 1979. Someday I will face him, perhaps in heaven, and thank him (Phil) for his music and life. So dear, so powerful. God Bless Phil Keaggy.

[danilotosto]

So deep lyrics.. thank you Phil for sharing it, it's a blessing to hear that