Rev. F.C. Barnes, You Ought to Been There

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In the 18^th edition of Music Lifts (2023), we’re uplifted by Rev. F.C. Barnes & Company performing, “You Ought to Been There.”

Welcome to Music Lifts , a column that seeks to highlight songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity. Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights! So, for the 18^th edition of Music Lifts (2023), we highlight “You Ought to Been There” as performed by Rev. F.C. Barnes & Company.

Folks, prepare to be churched with this groovy gospel classic! Exhibit A: “You Ought to Been There / When the Lord saved me / You Ought to Been There / When He gave me the victory!” Woo! Now that is a good word right there ! On “You Ought to Been There”, Rev. F.C. Barnes & Company speak to the sheer awesomeness, goodness, and mercifulness of The Most High, GOD! Fun fact: The late great Rev. F.C. Barnes’ (1929 – 2011) full name was Faircloth Barnes. Refocusing on the song, the chorus continues, in all its glory: “He put joy down in my soul / Wrote my name on the heavenly roll / You Ought to Been There.” This is a testimony, delivered through song, intended to spread the word about J-E-S-U-S.

The chorus is the centerpiece, but the verses, with slight variations, also continue to ministry. See Exhibit B: “You Ought to Been There / When I got saved / I never had a feeling like that / In all my days / He picked me up and turned me around / He put my feet on higher ground.” Again, praises – hallelujah ! Also, worth noting, there is a superb vamp, based on the phrase, “He saved me,” which further elevates the spiritual high. All told, “You Ought to Been There” doesn’t require extensive written analysis; this gospel classic speaks for itself.