So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt


So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt is the third album released by American contemporary Christian music pianist and singer Keith Green, released on May 7, 1980.
The album was listed at No. 49 in the 2001 book, CCM Presents: The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music.
It includes several notable Christian artists, including Matthew Ward, Kelly Willard, and Bob Dylan playing harmonica.

Not for Sale

This album marked a turning point in Green's career when he realized his principles would no longer allow him to charge money for albums. In 1979, after negotiating a release from his contract with Sparrow, Green initiated a new policy of refusing to charge money for concerts or albums. Keith and Melody mortgaged their home to privately finance the album. The album was offered through mail-order and at concerts for whatever price the recipient was willing to pay. As of May 1982, Green had shipped out more than 200,000 units of his album–61,000 for free. Green continued this policy for the remainder of his career.
The original 1979 promotional flyer included the text:
At some point, after Green's death, this album was offered for sale mainly through the Last Days Ministries web site.

Making of the album

The album was made over a span of several months between 1979 and 1980, produced by Bill Maxwell and Keith Green. String arrangements were by Ralph Carmichael. There were many others who contributed their talents and ministries to the record, among whom are: Hadley Hockensmith, Matthew Ward, Kelly Willard, and Bob Dylan who was a close friend of Green's - contributing his harmonica to the track "Pledge My Head to Heaven". Guitarist Kelly Perkins also assisted in playing lead for some of Green's music, including the title song.

Track listing

  1. "So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt" – 4:38
  2. "Pledge My Head to Heaven" – 3:55
  3. "If You Love the Lord" – 4:07
  4. "Romans VII" – 3:25
  5. "Lies" – 3:45
  6. "I Want to Be More Like Jesus" – 4:22
  7. "Unless the Lord Builds the House" – 3:57
  8. "Oh Lord, You're Beautiful" – 4:20
  9. "You Love the World" – 2:38
  10. "Grace by Which I Stand" – 4:53

Personnel