Glorious Light
Kenny Rogers

[Intro]
(Atmospheric arpeggios: D - A - G - D, repeated softly)
D   A   G   D   (x2)

[Verse 1]
D                G
In the days of Caesar’s decree
D                  G
Every soul returned to their town
D                G
Joseph walked from Galilee
D                  G
With Mary, heavy with child, bound
D                G
The road was long, the night was cold
D                G
No place to rest, no room to stay
D                G
The inn was full, the doors were closed
D                  G
But heaven had another way

[Pre-Chorus]
Bm               G
And in the silence, something stirred
Bm               A
A promise older than the world

[Chorus]
D                A
Glorious light! Glorious light!
G                D
Breaking through the darkest night
D                A
Born tonight, a Savior, Christ the Lord
D                A
Glorious light! Glorious light!
G                D
Heaven’s glory shining bright
G                A        D
Unto us a King is born

[Verse 2]
D                G
In the days of Caesar’s decree
D                  G
Every soul returned to their town
D                G
Joseph walked from Galilee
D                  G
With Mary, heavy with child, bound

[Pre-Chorus]
Bm               G
And in the silence, something stirred
Bm               A
A promise older than the world

[Chorus]
D                A
Glorious light! Glorious light!
G                D
Breaking through the darkest night
D                A
Born tonight, a Savior, Christ the Lord
D                A
Glorious light! Glorious light!
G                D
Heaven’s glory shining bright
G                A        D
Unto us a King is born

[Bridge]
G                D
Lying in a manger low
G                A
The sign they sought, the hope they’d know
Bm               G
Glory to God in the highest

[Final Chorus (x2)]
D                A
Peace on earth, goodwill to men!
D   A   G   D   (repeat, end on big D chord with added notes for triumph)

[Outro]
D   A   G   D
Glorious light…
Glorious light… (fade on D)

Glorious Light - Drum Beat and Tempo

Tempo: 74 BPM (Beats Per Minute)

Suggested Drum Beat

Intro:

• Soft ride cymbal with light hi-hat
• Kick on beats 1 and 3
• Snare on beats 2 and 4

Verse:

• Kick on beats 1 and 3
• Snare on beats 2 and 4
• Hi-hat playing eighth notes

Pre-Chorus:

• Low toms for a buildup
• Snare on beats 2 and 4
• Hi-hat can play quarter notes or soft open for added dynamics

Chorus:

• Kick on beats 1 and 3
• Snare on beats 2 and 4, adding rim shots for emphasis
• Hi-hat playing eighth notes, building energy
• Cymbals crash on the first beat of the chorus for impact

Bridge:

• Soft kick and snare patterns to maintain the reflective mood
• Tom fills for transitions

Final Chorus:

• Full drum kit:
  • Kick on all strong beats
  • Snare on beats 2 and 4
  • Hi-hat or ride cymbal playing steady eighth notes
  • Add cymbal crashes and fills for excitement leading to the final notes

Summary:

Keep the drum beat gentle throughout the verses and pre-chorus, then build intensity in the chorus and final chorus for a climactic finish.