From the recording Why Must I Walk Thru' This Valley
The Murphy family recorded this song in the early 70s at Benson Sound Studios in Oklahoma City.
Written by LaJuana Murphy, she is joined by her then-teenaged brother, Robert, and Dad Bill. The instrumental background, very sparse as was common in the day, consisted of LaJuana on piano, Robert on bass, and Rick Forrester on drums. Being so dated, you can still hear the "scratches" as was evidence of this being copied from a 33 rpm record!
Oh the memories!
Lyrics
WHY MUST I WALK THRU’ THIS VALLEY
(Verse 1)
Valleys and crosses
Seem my lot to bear
Often I feel like
I’ve more than my share.
Crosses are heavy,
And valleys are low
And when I grow weary,
I cry from my soul …
(Chorus)
Why must I walk thru’ this valley
Why must I carry this cross …
Then I hear Him whisper,
“I bore one, too …
And walked thru’ death’s valley
All just for you.”
(Verse 2)
Now crosses seem lighter
And valleys much brighter,
When I remember
He shares them with me.
So I will not grumble
But I’ll do my part
And pray when I’m tempted
To cry from my heart! My Jesus ….
(Back to Chorus)
copyright 1972: LaJuana Murphy