The choir of 7 to 11 year olds loved the songs we did about Old Testament characters.
They preferred them to Wide Wide as the Ocean and the like, and especially valued the
fact that they were not forced to stand at the front and do actions.

For any of you who were in that group in the 1990s, you can sing along to this karaoke version. And thank you for your enthusiasm in the past. Through a secret informant I have heard of someone in Cardiff University who was still singing the songs which we did at Christ Church Junior School. It shows, if you hang in there, fame will eventually come to you. Sad to say a few parents objected to this and two other similar songs, and preferred This Little Light Of Mine with actions.

The other Old Testament character songs will also appear eventually in karaoke format with words to sing along, so you can continue to plumb the depths of rich veins of Old Testament scripture.

For the purpose of this song make sure you pronounce the name Hag-gay-eye in order to make the words fit. Thank you.

Judah in five fifteen B C*, gently growing economy,
building homes and living nice and comfortably;
Haggai comes storming along, Haggai says ‘Hold it! Hang on!
‘If you want a sound investment, build for God! Build for God!’

People working hard night and day, stashing all their money away,
hoping that inflation’s rate is kept at bay.
Haggai says, ‘Try as you might, things will only turn out alright
if you make a sound investment! Build for God! Build for God!

Contracting for the Lord, the profits are assured.
God keeps the books with care on high; nothing can escape his eagle eye.
So build now for the Lord, and then you’ll not be floored;
And when you meet with God on high you’ll bless the name of Haggai, ai, ai!
You’ll bless the name of Haggai!

Nineteen ninety five** here in church, nasty feeling ’bout this last verse;
think that Haggai is trying to get at me.
Can’t ignore him try as I might. Even worse I think he is right.
If you want a sound investment, build for God! Build for God!

* According to Dr. John J. Bimson , an expert in Old Testament Chronology, it might be more like 520BC! Take your pick.
** If you sing this song in church in the next few months, it may be more appropriate to sing: Twenty Seventeen here in this church….. Then people can’t accuse the church of being
behind the times.