THE SOUND OF LIGHT

left to right (faces): Gwen Dueck, Gordon Nickel, Lena Schroeder, Ray Harris, Darryl Klause, Larry Nickel

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The SOUND OF LIGHT was a coffeehouse band that performed in the Vancouver area for five years. Larry Nickel, 18 years old, formed the group in 1970. Lena Schroeder, soprano, was the first to join. Gordon Nickel (Larry’s brother) – played bass and Gwen Dueck became the alto. Then Ray Harris (tenor) and Darryl Klause (mandolin, fiddle and harmonica) came on board. Gordon, Ray and Larry were the song writers – often collaborating on ideas. Phil Schroeder can be heard playing a guitar solo on “Time Traveler”. (watch the video at the bottom of this page) Other notable band members were Heinz Borck (tenor) and Ben Neumann (violin, mandolin). Other keys players were our managers; Edna Nickel and Peter Hauser.

In 1973 most of the band members were studying at UBC and they landed several gigs singing backup vocals and jingles (radio ads) at recording studios. In payment for their studio work, engineer Laurie Wallace offered to record the group at Timbre One Sound Studio. We simply set up a few mics and performed a typical coffeehouse presentation in the studio. There was no overdubbing, cutting or splicing. The mix was made on the spot – straight to two track tape. The result is this LP Album – “Dwelling Place“. (cover image on the left)

The SOUND OF LIGHT proclaimed the love of God at coffeehouses in Gastown, throughout the Fraser Valley, at the Banff Arts Centre, church basements, university and college campuses, banquets, fund-raisers, high school proms, chapel services, conferences, summer camps and wherever they were invited. At one point they were averaging three bookings each week. The band was very portable because they did not use a sound-system and Larry says, “We were amazed at the way audiences became quiet and attentive during our concerts”.

Please follow the lyrics as you listen. One can purchase the album – as a digital download. (see below right)

Two of the songs on this album have since been arranged for choir – click on these titles to listen: Remember Thy Creator and Where I Am (aka – In My Father’s House)

The Sound of Light · Dwelling Place – The Sound of Light – 1973

LYRICS of DWELLING PLACE

Don’t you know? – (Larry Nickel)

If you discovered something that made livin’ worth the while
I hope you’d let me know, I hope you’d let me know
Well, someone gave us life that beats the old one by a mile
We’ve come to spread the news, we’ve come to spread the news

Don’t you know that Jesus lives today?
Don’t you know that Jesus lives today?

Jesus is the reason why we formed a gospel band
He’s our foundation, He’s our foundation
Soon He is returning and it’s time to take a stand
on His salvation, on His salvation

Don’t you know that Jesus lives today?
Don’t you know that Jesus lives today?

God is Our Refuge and Our Strength – (Ray Harris)

God is our refuge and our strength
a very present help in trouble
Therefore we will not fear – though the earth be removed
for He is God

Though the waters roar and be troubled
Thought the mountains shake and slide into the sea

God is our refuge and our strength
a very present help in trouble
Therefore we will not fear – though the earth be removed
for He is God

He makes the war to cease
He breaks the bow and spear
and burns them in the fire

God is our refuge and our strength
a very present help in trouble
Therefore we will not fear – though the earth be removed
for He is God

You’ve Got Problems – (Gordon Nickel)

You’ve got problems – I’ve got problems too
You’ve got problems – I’ve got problems too
We’re all in the same boat, brother – it’s nothing new

You say you can’t believe in a God who would send you to hell
You say you can’t believe in a God who would send you to hell
Well, you might send yourself there, friend
but the good Lord, He doesn’t want to do that – you know very well

I sing of an amazing Man, about the plan of God to have His Son come down
I speak about the crucified Man and how the King of Heaven wears a thorny crown
You just can’t brush Him aside
The good Lord don’t give up on a man so easy

You think that if you love Him, your good times will be all gone
You think that if you love Him, your good times will be all gone
Well, if that’s what’s buggin’ you, we know who to put the blame on

It seems you’re just stalling when you say you have so many doubts
It seems you’re just stalling when you say you have so many doubts
Well, I hope that you soon have the honesty to check Him out

I sing of an amazing Man, about the plan of God to have His Son come down
I speak about the crucified Man and how the King of Heaven wears a thorny crown
You just can’t brush Him aside
The good Lord don’t give up on a man so easy

Time Traveler – (Larry Nickel)

On the 7th of September at college by the sea
The first person that I met there – this is what he said to me

“I’m a time traveler – and I am living my life as I please
I’m a time traveler – will be a long long time before you see me on my knees”

I said, “Traveler, where are you going – do you have a goal in mind?”
He said, “I couldn’t give a damn, boy, I’m just passing my time.”

“I’m a time traveler – and I am living my life as I please
I’m a time traveler – will be a long long time before you see me on my knees”

“Have you ever considered Jesus – you need Him I can tell”
He said, “Don’t preach me religion – I’d rather go to hell.”

“I’m a time traveler – and I am living my life as I please
I’m a time traveler – will be a long long time before you see me on my knees”

Where I Am – (Ray Harris)

You must not let yourself be distressed
You must hold on to your faith in God
and to your faith in me
There are many rooms in my Father’s house.
If not, would I have told you
I am going away to prepare a place for you.
I’m going away to prepare a place for you
I’m coming again
to welcome you into my home
that you may be where I am.

Bank Book Blues – (Gordon Nickel)

I met an old man on the bus the other day

His breath was alcoholic so he had a lot to say

He said it was his policy to vote for NDP

“All this world is here for is to give enough for me”

Well, if that’s all there is to life I’m ready to pack it up!

I hope I’m never part of it

I don’t even want to start a way of life that depends on a bank-book

I’m satisfied with the Lord

The man was turned off when he heard my point of view

but he sat there and squirmed because he know it might be true

There’s an awful lot of people just like that old man

The try to hide the truth when they know that no-one can

Well, if that’s all there is to life I’m ready to pack it up!
I hope I’m never part of it
I don’t even want to start a way of life that depends on a bank-book
I’m satisfied with the Lord

Let me tell you ‘bout society lady, ‘cause I know I must

She’s churchy, patriotic, yeah “in God we trust”

She talks about God’s blessings when they pass the offering plate

but gets really uptight when the service runs late

Well, if that’s all there is to life I’m ready to pack it up!
I hope I’m never part of it
I don’t even want to start a way of life that depends on a bank-book
I’m satisfied with the Lord

Did you ever hear about the man who found a treasure in a field?

Well, he jumped for joy – it was real

Then he sold all he had so the treasure could be his

and with Jesus in his heart, he can sing like this

Well, if that’s all there is to life I’m ready to pack it up!
I hope I’m never part of it
I don’t even want to start a way of life that depends on a bank-book
I’m satisfied with the Lord

Trust in the Lord – (Larry Nickel)

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart

Do not rely on the way you feel

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

He will direct your path

In all you do acknowledge Him

and He will direct your path

Remember Thy Creator – (Gordon Nickel)

Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth
before the evil days come, when you shall say
“I have no pleasure, no pleasure in them”.

Picture an old man on a park bench
gray felt hat down around his ears;
He’s come to realize that there’s nothing much to say
about all those wasted years.

Rejoice, young man, in your youth
and do what seems right in your mind.
In the end you will stand alone
and answer to your God.

Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth
before the evil days come, when you shall say
“I have no pleasure, no pleasure in them”.

Backslider – (Larry Nickel)

Became a Christian yesterday, said he’d follow Jesus all of the way

Backslider – he had is made

Then he went the other way – you should see the way he’s living today

Backslider – aren’t you afraid?

Some day Jesus will call your name, will you bury your head in shame?

Became a Christian yesterday – you should see the way he’s living today

backslider – aren’t you afraid?

See the tomb where Jesus lay – was His life a cheap price to pay?

Backslide – surely you know

Do you have eternal security? Did you think his life would always be easy?

’Slider – now you know

Let’s keep following straight ahead

What we’re leaving behind is dead

See the tomb where Jesus lay – was His life a cheap price to pay?
Backslide – surely you know

Good Reason – (Larry Nickel)

I want you just to be my brother and it’s possible

We can learn to love each other – it’s true

We’ve got good reason to unite our hearts in love

I love you

I want you just to be my sister and it’s possible
We can learn to love each other – it’s true
We’ve got good reason to unite our hearts in love
I love you

No greater love has a man for another

than Jesus who laid down life for His friends

I want you just to be my brother and it’s possible
We can learn to love each other – it’s true
We’ve got good reason to unite our hearts in love
I love you

Dwelling Place – (Ray Harris)

Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all our generations

Even before the world was formed You are the everlasting God

Life is so short – we’re like the morning grass

that grows and is cut down at night

For a thousand years are but a day in Your sight

Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all our generations
Even before the world was formed You are the everlasting God

You know what we’re like – You know our every thought

Our lives are open before you

Who can begin to understand Your glory

Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all our generations
Even before the world was formed You are the everlasting God

Amen