Music

As memorizing words is never easier than when sung, I wrote original music for a time only using scripture for lyrics; after all, what could be a more valuable endeavor than that? Then, a challenge was presented: another songwriter encouraged me to attempt to write my own. While I’ve written a little poetry, I don’t identify myself as a poet; lyric-writing seemed akin in the sense of an art form I deeply regard but do not feel qualified to produce. But with sleeves rolled up and joy in the puzzle of it all, I’ve found the seemingly endless wordsmithing possibilities have proved to be more exciting than daunting.

Another recent shift has been the discipline of writing vocal parts that I can comfortably sing. My previous mode was to listen in my “mind’s ear” for the ideal lines, regardless of whether or not they traveled north or south of my own singing range. I would then work with singers who could vocalize these parts. (The first song presented below entitled “Thirteen” is a wonderful example of this.) Similar to the process of writing effective lyrics, I am enjoying the challenge of shaping a song to fit the tools I’ve been given to work with.

In the interests of sharing my original songs over awaiting professional recording, I’ve included several live and raw multi-track digital recordings. Eventually I hope to re-record, but until then, here are a some ‘unslickified’ examples of my work.

Whether you consider the number 13 to be unlucky or a ‘baker’s dozen’ bonus, the eponymous Psalm touches upon both concepts. Life is hard: yet, God’s goodness can be acknowledged, sung of, and most importantly of all, trusted: even in 12 bar blues.

THIRTEEN
How long, Lord?
Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my foe triumph over me?
Look on me and answer, Lord
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death
My foe will say, “I have overcome him,”
and my foes will rejoice when I fall
But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation
I will sing to the Lord,
for he has been good to me

The lyrics to this song seemed to write themselves. I didn’t know who it was for until my friend Nancy’s health took a turn for the worse; the rough-hewn nature of recording above reflects that. The video below is the live performance for Nancy at her amazing Celebration of Life, which she had the uncanny foresight to schedule just two days before her passing.

MAY SONG
You’re almost to the river bend
You can see the way to go
It’s not too, not too far from now
You’ll be there before you know it
Just take, take a look ahead
You’ll see where this is going
It’s not too far from here
It’s not too long from now, my dear
Don’t be, don’t be afraid
There’s nothing here to hold you back
Just take, take a look around
you’ll see here I’m with you
Hey you with your head hung low
You weren’t meant to stay that way
You have somewhere else to go
Where you’re needed you’re wanted and you’re loved
Just take, take a look, from here
Don’t look back, it’s not there anymore
The past is done you’re a new creation
That’s never ever been before
With colors like we’ve never seen
and gold refined in the fire
Just take, take a look out there
Place your feet on the path of your freedom 

Performed as a surprise for Nancy Merrifield at her Celebration of Life. The gifts of her life and beautiful creative soul seem to increase as time goes on.

{Working link to be uploaded hopefully soon}

IN SPLENDOR
Your name is love
Your name is fire
Your name is above
Your name is power
Your arms beneath me
Your wings all around me
Your face next to my face
Your Spirit in my soul
You Who dwell in the highest heavens
You Whose voice is like many waters
You reach down to know and hear my heart
In You is found the joy of all my searching
To know You and be known by You is what I need
To seek You, to find You on my knees
Where would I be without Your tender mercy
You move me to listen and be filled
You call me to let go and be still
Your yoke is easy and your burden is light
To love you, as I’m loved by You is what I long for
I hear You, hear you knocking at my door
You stand beside me in all Your beauty
You are life and health, truth and peace
You calm me, you heal me
Your song is within me
Your silence with my prayer

These tracks were all recorded in one take on a digital 16 track.

PSALM 40
I waited patiently for the Lord
He heard my cry, He heard my cry
He lifted me out of the miry clay
And set my feet up on a rock
And gave me a firm place to stand
Blessed is the man
Who makes the Lord his trust
He put a new song in my mouth
A hymn of praise to our God
May all who seek Your face be glad in You
Be pleased oh God to come and deliver me
My desire is to do Your will
You put Your word in my heart
I will not hide Your love and truth
From the great assembly
The things You have planned for us
Are too many to number
May all who seek Your face be glad in You
Be pleased oh Lord to come and deliver me
May Your mercy always be with me
Let Your grace and truth protect me
Many will see and fear and put their trust in You oh God

MERCIFUL / Psalm 56
When I am afraid
I will trust in You
In God whose word I trust
I will not be afraid
Be merciful to me oh God
When my enemies pursue
You alone deliver me from death
And my feet from stumbling
Give ear to my prayer
Put my tears on your scroll
When I call You will answer
Then I will know You are for me

FIRE IN MY BONES / Jeremiah 20
Lord, You deceived me, and I was deceived
You overpowered me and prevailed
But if I do not mention You
Or speak in Your name
Your word in my heart is like a fire
I am weary of holding it in
This fire, fire in my bones
I cannot hide it anymore
This fire, fire in my bones
Sing to the Lord
Give praise to His name
For He rescues the life of His needy ones
But why should He birth me in trouble and sorrow
To end all my days in shameI am weary of holding it in
This fire, fire in my bones
I cannot hide it anymore
This fire, fire in my bones
You are with me like a mighty warrior

YOU ARE THERE / Psalm 139
Where could I go from Your spirit?
Where can I flee from Your presence?
If I fly up to heaven You are there, You are there
If I make my bed in hell, still You are there
If I take the wings of morning or dwell across the sea
Even there Your hand will lead me,
Your right hand shall hold me
If I say darkness willl hide me
And light become night around me
Night will shine bright as day
For darkness is as light to You
Search me oh God and know my heart
Try me and know my anxious thoughts
See if there be any wicked way in me
And lead me in the way everlasting
Where could I go from Your mercy?
Where could I flee from Your beauty?
If I run and hide, You will find me
And if I run to You, You will run to me