I hope that it's okay that I post this topic - I was thinking about how music often has a way of soothing our souls but also of inspiring us, motivating us or teaching us valuable lessons through the lyrics we hear and often sing. If you would all be kind enough to share some of your favorite song lyrics, I'd really appreciate it. Genre is not important - whether it's Christian, country, etc... I think that we all can draw inspiration from the songs we share with each other.

-----------------
I want to start out by sharing lyrics from two songs I've heard lately that are really inspirational to me. Both are country (my downfall? lol), but both songs are really awesome, in my opinion.

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"Barbed Wire Halo" by Aaron Watson

Well God bless Texas
And Deacon Shackelford
He read the Bible seven times
And he believed every word
That old beat up leather book
Had been through it all
He sat on the back pew
So he could chew him a chaw

Singin' amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me

He carried candy for the kids
In his Sunday dress coat
He'd take me fishin' after church
And taught me things I needed to know
No, deacon didn't have a family
Lord knows he wished he did
He told the whole congregation
That I was his grandkid

And today he joined up with Jesus
Wearin' shiny pearl snaps
We sang a few gospel hymns
And then the soldier played taps
I bet he's walkin' with Pete down a street paved with gold
Showin' off his brand-spankin' new wings
And his barbed wire halo

He married sweet Emma Grace
Before the war was through
She held his right arm next to his anchor tattoo
He was on a ship off at sea
When she died in child birth
He lost his whole world
From the far side of the earth

He lost the will to love
He lost the will to live
Until he met a man who taught him to forgive

Yeah, life took him to hell and back
To hell and back a time or two
But in the end he beat the devil
Til he was black and blue
Singin' I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see

And today he joined up with Jesus
Wearin' shiny pearl snaps
We sang a few gospel hymns
And then the soldier played taps
I bet he's walkin' with Pete down a street paved with gold
Showin' off his brand-spankin' new wings
And his barbed wire halo

Before he went he made me promise him that I wouldn't cry
And though I told him that I wouldn't
You know I couldn't help but lie

Cause today he joined up with Jesus
Wearin' shiny pearl snaps
We sang a few gospel hymns
And then the soldier played taps
I bet he's walkin' with Pete down a street paved with gold
Yeah sure as the old church bell still rings
He always said he had country and soul
He's showin' off his brand-spankin' new wings
And his barbed wire halo
Sweet chariot comin' forth to carry me home
Swing low sweet chariot comin' forth to carry me home


** On the album, Angels and Outlaws, this song is preceded by a reading from Phillippians 3:12 - 14, "I dont mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."

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Jesus and Gravity by Dolly Parton

I'm to the point where it don't add up
I can't say I've come this far with my guitar on pure dumb luck
That's not to say i know it all
'Cause everytime I get too high up on my horse I fall

'Cause I've got
Somethin' lifting me up
Somethin' holding me down
Somethin' to give me wings and
Somethin' to keep my feet on the ground
I've got all I need,
Jesus and gravity

But I'm as bad as anyone
Taking all these blessings in my life for granted one by one
When I start to thinkin' it's all me
Well somethin' comes along and knocks me right back on my knees

and I've got

Somethin' lifting me up
Somethin' holding me down
Somethin' to give me wings and
Somethin' to keep my feet on the ground
I've got all i need, Jesus and gravity

He's my friend
He's my light
He's my wings
He's my flight

and I've got
Somethin' lifting me up
Somethin' holding me down
Somethin' to give me wings and

Somethin' to keep my feet on the ground
I've got all I'm gonna need,
I got Jesus, I got Jesus, I got

Somethin' lifting me up
Somethin' holding me down
Somethin' to give me wings and
Somethin' to keep my feet on the ground
I've got all I'll ever need,
cause I got Jesus and gravity

Somethin' lifting me up
Somethin' holding me down
Somethin' to give me wings and
Somethin' to keep my feet on the ground
I've got all I'll need
cause I've got Jesus and gravity

Jesus, I've got Jesus, I've got Jesus
He's my everything
He lifts me up
He gives me wings
He gives me hope
and He gives me strength
and that's all I'll ever need

As long as He keeps lifting me up
He is my life
He is my God
He is my wings
He is my flight
Lift me, I've got Jesus, I've got Jesus
and that's all I need

------------------
Be blessed!

txhoneydarlin- 4/11/2008 1:22:56 AM

How Can They Live Without Jesus?
(Keith Green)

How can they live without Jesus?
How can they live without God's love?
How can they feel so at home down here,
When there's so much more up above?

Throwing away the things that matter,
They hold onto things that don't.
The world has gone crazy, but soon maybe,
A lot more are going to know.

For maybe they don't understand it,
Or maybe they just haven't heard.
Or maybe we're not doing all we can,
Living up to His Holy Word.

Cause phonies have come and wrongs been done,
Even killing in Jesus' name.
And if you've been burnt, here's what I've learned,
The Lord's not the one to blame.

For He's not just religion with steeples and bells,
Or a sales man who will sell you the things you just want to hear.
But His love was such, that he suffered so much,
To call some of us just to follow, follow.

So many laughing at Jesus,
While the funniest thing that He's done,
Is love this whole stubborn rebellious world,
While their hate for Him just goes on.

And love just like that will bring him back,
For the few He can call His friends.
The ones He's found true who've made it through,
Enduring until the end.

The one's He's found true, who've made it through,
Enduring until the end

Ignited~Faith- 4/15/2008 4:27:01 PM

Ok. I like this!!

The lonliest place in the world is without You
Too many of my days Lord, I've tried to spend there
Searching for what I know was only found in You
I strayed so far away, I wasn't sure You were still there
But deep in my heart was a faint security
And I could almost feel Your open arms
And hear You say to me

(Chorus)

Prodigal Son, come back to my love
You are the one my heart seeks for
Whatever you've done, I cannot even remember
Although there are many in my house
It's still empty without my prodigal son

Have You so much mercy You would padon me
It's so hard to believe Your love would hide my sins
And even though You take the past far away from me
Could this be a chance to have my place in You again
Speak clear to me Lord that my faith would fully mend
If this is a chance to come home
Then would You please say again

(Repeat chorus)

And what makes you think I'm no longer your Father
For nothing can separate you from my love
And each day I go out to the road where you departed
Saying maybe today my lost one will come
And in hopes of your return
I stand with open arms saying

Prodigal son, come back to my love
You are the one, that my heart seeks for
Whatever you've done, I can't even remember
Although there are many in my house
Fulfill my joy and come to me prodigal son.
(Repeat)
Please hurry home, because I love you

"Prodigal Son" by Fred Hammond

****************************************************

I know this song was written for those who have turned away from God, But I love it because it expresses the love and mercy of the Father.

mrspiggy- 4/15/2008 6:42:43 PM

Great thread!!!
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
Colossians 3:16

Ignited~Faith- 4/15/2008 9:56:25 PM

Bread of life sent down from Glory
Many things You were on Earth
A Holy King, a carpenter
You are the Living Word

Awesome Ruler, Gentle Redeemer
God with us, the Living Truth
And what a friend we have in You
You are the Living Word (2x)

But when we put it all together this is what we like to call You
Jesus, Jesus, that's what we call You
Manger-born, but on a tree
You died to save humanity
You are the Living Word (4x)

Jesus, Jesus, that's what we call You
You are the Living Word (3x)

"You are the Living Word" Fred Hammond.
*********************************************************
Okay, I'm a big Fred Hammond fan. Most of his songs are scripture. I've got to get the words for "Unconditional". It's beautiful.

mrspiggy- 4/16/2008 6:57:22 PM

Great songs, everyone! I thought I would add another country song to the mix - this is my ringtone on my cell phone currently. :) It also reminds me of my best friend, whose first baby is due the day before my birthday - talk about an answer to lots of prayers! God is good!

I Saw God Today by George Strait

Just walked down the street to the coffee shop
Had to take a break
I'd been by her side for 18 hours straight
Saw a flower growin' in the middle of the sidewalk
Pushin' up through the concrete
Like it was planted right there for me to see
The flashin' lights
The honkin' horns
All seemed to fade away
In the shadow of that hospital at 5:08
I saw God today

I've been to church
I've read the book
I know he's here
But I don't look
Near as often as I should
Yeah, I know I should
His fingerprints are everywhere
I just slowed down to stop and stare
Opened my eyes and man I swear
I saw God today

Saw a couple walkin' by they were holdin' hands
Man she had that glow
Yeah I couldn't help but notice she was startin' to show
Stood there for a minute takin' in the sky
Lost in that sunset
Splash of amber melted in the shades of red

I've been to church
I've read the book
I know he's here
But I don't look
Near as often as I should
Yeah, I know I should
His fingerprints are everywhere
I just slowed down to stop and stare
Opened my eyes and man I swear
I saw God today

Got my face pressed up against the nursery glass
She's sleepin' like a rock
My name on her wrist
Wearin' tiny pink socks
She's got my nose, she's got her mama's eyes
My brand new baby girl
She's a miracle
I saw God today

txhoneydarlin- 4/16/2008 10:14:11 PM

Remember when... I was young and so were you
and time stood still... and love was all we knew
You were the first, so was I
We made love .... and then you cried
Remember when

Remember when.... we vowed the vows
and walked the walk
Gave our hearts,.... made the start,.... it was hard
We lived and learned, life threw curves,
There was joy, ...there was hurt
Remember when

Remember when old ones died and new were born
And life was changed, disassembled, rearranged
We came together, fell apart
And broke each other's hearts
Remember when

Remember when the sound of little feet
was the music
We danced to week to week
Brought back the love, we found trust
Vowed we'd never give it up
Remember when

Remember when thirty seemed so old
Now lookn' back it's just a steppin' stone
To where we are,
Where we've been
Said we'd do it all again
Remember when
Remember when we said when we turned gray
When the children grow up and move away
We won't be sad, we'll be glad
For all the life we've had
And we'll remember when

ALAN JACKSON

LORIL- 4/17/2008 12:58:25 AM

"Here I Am To Worship"

Light of the world, You step down into darkness.
Opened my eyes let me see.
Beauty that made this heart adore you hope of a life spent with you.

Chorus
And here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that you're my God,
You're altogether lovely,
Altogether worthy,
Altogether wonderful to me.

King of all days,
Oh so highly exalted Glorious in heaven above.
Humbly you came to the earth you created.
All for love's sake became poor.

Chorus
Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that you're my God,
You're altogether lovely,
Altogether worthy,
Altogether wonderful to me.

I'll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross.
I'll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross.
And I'll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross.
No I'll never know how much it cost to se my sin upon that cross.

Chorus
Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that you're my God,
You're altogether lovely,
Altogether worthy,
Altogether wonderful to me.
So Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that you're my God,

Joia- 4/17/2008 12:37:40 PM

I know this is for posting the lyrics, but I don't know them. I just came from a concert at my church and there were many songs sang. One guy played the sax. Another played guiitar. And yet another played keyboard. No preaching or teaching, just music and singing.


"I was thinking about how music often has a way of soothing our souls but also of inspiring us, motivating us or teaching us valuable lessons through the lyrics we hear and often sing. If you would all be kind enough to share some of your favorite song lyrics, I'd really appreciate it. Genre is not important - whether it's Christian, country, etc... I think that we all can draw inspiration from the songs we share with each other." written by Txhoneydarlin

I just wanted to testify that these words are so true!! I left home with a heavy heart, but during the concert, the anointing broke the yoke. God IS Good!!

mrspiggy- 4/18/2008 11:48:00 PM

MrsPiggy,
This song made me think of you!

"GIVE ME THE WORDS"
Music and Lyrics
Bob Farrell, Billy Smiley
LORD, YOU KNOW WHATS DOWN INSIDE
HOW CAN I TOUCH SOMEONES LIFE
CAUSE WORDS JUST SEEM TO COME SO HARD
YET EACH TIME YOU SPEAK THRU ME
THEN I KNOW THATS JUST HOW IT SHOULD BE
GIVE ME THE WORDS
WHEN I DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY
GIVE ME THE WORDS
WHEN MY HEART CANT FIND THE WAY
YOURE THE VOICE INSIDE ME
THAT KNOWS JUST WHAT TO SAY
GIVE ME THE WORDS
ALL AROUND THERES SO MUCH TO DO
AND HOW IT HURTS IF THEY DONT WANT YOU
SO, LET ME BE A FRIEND TO THEM
SOMEONE THEY CAN COME TO
I LONG TO BE AN INSTRUMENT FOR YOU

Ignited~Faith- 4/19/2008 12:51:31 AM

IgnitedFaith,
Now that my eyes are dry again, I can see the screen well enough to respond. Thank You. Yes, this is definitely me. I know that you have been used by the Holy Spirit, as you could not have known that this is the very thing I have been struggling with this week. Finding the words to express what needs to be said. As all must be said in love, I struggle to find the words that don't sound sharp. Words that will peirce the heart, and not stab. For this reason, I have been in a "quiet, time-out". Thank you. May God continue to rain down blessings into your life. Much agape to you.

mrspiggy- 4/19/2008 9:28:48 AM

Thank you all for your prayers. God is so awesome. I've been struggling to do something and after fasting all day yesteday, He gave me this scripture: "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit", says the Lord. (Zech. 4:6) Then while listening to another song by Fred Hammond and looking up the lyrics, God took me to this one: "All things are working for me".

Falling apart and tearing at the seams
Tribulation lends a hand and squeezes all of your hopes and dreams
You say you'll retreat, you say you just can't win
Before you let your circumstances tell you how the story ends

(God's Word) His word says you can stand
He'll cover you with His grace
Everything you need is in your hand
So lift up your head and say

(Chorus)
All things are working for me, even things I can't see
Your ways are so beyond me
But You said that you would let it be for my good
So, I'll rest and just believe

I know you say you've got it bad right now
Let me say I know that feeling well
To make good plans for life and then watch them take a downward spin
Let me encourage you while I encourage me
See the raging rain and wind but He'll speak peace
and it will come to an end

The truth is He cannot lie
I'm in His hands and I'm on His mind
Promised me He'd always be there
So by faith, He will answer my prayer

Repeat chorus

(Bridge)
Many days and nights I cried because I felt let down
But I won't always receive good but a praise in my heart will remain
So with tears in your eyes know sometimes it might get rough
But say Lord I love You more amd that is enough to know

All things are working for me, even things I can't see
Your ways are so beyond me
But You said that You would let it be for my good
So I'll rest and just believe

Repeat chorus.
****************************************************
These are the kind of things that to quote TD Jakes, "Make you praise God over a cup of coffee." Oh, YES!!

mrspiggy- 4/19/2008 2:29:22 PM

MrsPiggy,
My heart thanks you! Your faith and joy are contagious!!!
God must smile on you a lot!!!
(Love, Hugs and Prayers to you and yours!)

Ignited~Faith- 4/19/2008 2:50:10 PM

No, It is you who deserves all my thanks. When I read your words this morning, they drove me to my knees. I needed to release some things to God, repent of my sins, and seek His face.

And yes, God does indeed smile on me a lot. That too, was part of the reason I was on the floor. God is so good to me, I was taking it for granted. It is and always has been the "little" things for me. I've never asked for big things, so I was refusing to ask for wat I really want from Him in my heart. That secret thing. I did not ask and His word clearly states, "Ask". I was judging my motives. I thought maybe what I was asking might be for selfish reasons and maybe my heart on the matter might not be pure. But the Father let me know, despite my heart, it was a good thing to ask for. Now, I can just go back to asking in prayer, "Lord, where are my car keys?"

Again I thank you for being obedient to the Holy Spirit in posting the lyrics. My heart rejoices!!

mrspiggy- 4/19/2008 3:15:00 PM

CHRIS TOMLIN LYRICS

"Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)"

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbid to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine

NM- 4/20/2008 8:24:58 AM

MrsPiggy,
Thank you again for sharing!
God is faithful!
I think of you often when I am away from the computer, and you are in my prayers. If you lived next door I'd have you over for coffee, or we could prayer walk! I'm glad to have met you here! One day we will meet in Heaven! Oh happy day!
Love in Christ,
IgnitedFaith

Ignited~Faith- 4/21/2008 8:32:11 AM

NM,
I love Christ Tomlin's music!!!
His music always ministers and lifts my spirit!
Thank you for sharing that song!

Ignited~Faith- 4/21/2008 8:35:51 AM

"His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Refrain

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Refrain

(This song has been on my heart and mind all week!)

Ignited~Faith- 4/21/2008 8:38:11 AM

IgnitedFaith,

I am blessed to have met you here also. The amazing thing about websites is that I could actually be living next door to you and we would not know and that we can live across the world from each other and via the net talk like we are next door. I believe we will meet in heaven and know each other instantly. :)

mrspiggy- 4/21/2008 8:39:17 AM

I have to confess that I have performed this song dozens of times without ever really paying attention to the lyrics. I was just too focused on the music. This past Sunday, I just let the words soak in and I was blown away! What an incredible song!

-------

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

arsindelve- 4/21/2008 8:41:03 AM

MrsPiggy,
It's funny you should say that! Yesterday my Husband and I were taking a walk and joined a couple down the street as they walked.
We talked and I kept wondering if maybe I knew her from the web!
(I didn't ask, but it was exciting to wonder!!!)
I heard of people meeting unexpectantly while shopping. Something is said, and someone asks a question, which lead to, "Do you go on such and such website?... Here they know each other!
So yes MrsPiggy, you never know! Let's trust the Lord! If he wants us or anyone to meet, He will work out the details!
God bless you web/neighbor! (It's a small world and our God is Big!)

Ignited~Faith- 4/21/2008 8:47:05 AM

Arsindelve,
WOW!
That is a very powerful song!
Thanks for sharing it.
I'd like to copy it and leave it places as a Tract.
God bless you!

Ignited~Faith- 4/21/2008 8:49:41 AM

Arsin,

Thank you for sharing these words. They are so humbling. They really paint the picture of salvation and the price thereof. I agree with IgnitedFaith, it would make an awesome Tract. I woke up this morning thinking of Jesus' words: "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." The lyrics you wrote have helped clarify my thoughts. I now understand it. I will post my thoughts under revelations. Tank you.

mrspiggy- 4/21/2008 9:21:24 AM

"HE WILL ALWAYS MAKE A WAY"
(Music and Lyrics Bob Farrell)
I READ THE NEWS TODAY, OH BOY
PRESSURES COME FROM EVERY SIDE
CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE
MAKES ME WANT TO RUN AND HIDE
BUT NOTHING COMES AGAINST ME
THAT ISNT COMMON TO THE REST OF MAN
AND JESUS GIVES ME STRENGTH TO CARRY ON
SO, I KNOW HE WILL ALWAYS MAKE A WAY FOR ME
NEVER LEAVE ME WITHOUT POSSIBILITY
HE WILL ALWAYS MAKE A WAY FOR ME
NEVER LEAVE ME ON MY OWN
OLD TEMPTATION SEEMS TO KNOW
WHEN IM WEAKEST IN MY MIND
TRIES TO TURN MY HEAD AROUND
WHILE HE SNEAKS UP FROM BEHIND
BUT GOD IS FAITHFUL NOT TO LET
TEMPTATION BE TOO MUCH FOR ME
AND HE PROVIDES THE MEANS OF MY ESCAPE
TEMPTATION WILL COME - ITS ALWAYS AT HAND
BUT WHATEVER COMES IM GONNA STAND
I CAN SURVIVE KNOWING HE WILL SUPPLY ALL I NEED

Ignited~Faith- 5/29/2008 1:31:31 PM

it's probably not your style, but I really love Skillet's "Whispers in the Dark" and Disciple's "After the world"

(Skillet)

Despite the lies that you're making
Your love is mine for the taking
My love is
Just waiting
To turn your tears to roses

I will be the one that's gonna hold you
I will be the one that you run to
My love is
A burning, consuming fire

Chorus:
No
You'll never be alone
When darkness comes I'll light the night with stars
Hear my whispers in the dark
No
You'll never be alone
When darkness comes you know I'm never far
Hear my whispers in the dark

You feel so lonely and ragged
You lay here broken and naked
My love is
Just waiting
To clothe you in crimson roses

I will be the one that's gonna find you
I will be the one that's gonna guide you
My love is
A burning, consuming fire
____________________________________________________

(Disciple)

You break the glass
Try to hide your face
Recorded lines that just will not erase
And buried in your loss of innocence
You wonder if you'll find it again

Was I there for the worst of all your pain?
And was I there when your blue skies ran away?
Was I there when the rains were flooding you off of your feet?
Those were My tears falling down for you, falling down for you

I'm the One that you've been looking for
I'm the One that you've been waiting for
I've had My eyes on you ever since you were born
I will love you after the rain falls down
I will love you after the sun goes out
I'll have My eyes on you after the world is no more

Did I arrange the light of your first day?
Did I create the rhythm your heart makes?
Could you believe when your candle starts to fade
I want to be the One that you believe
Could take it all away, take your heart away

I'm the One that you've been looking for
I'm the One that you've been waiting for
I've had My eyes on you ever since you were born
I will love you after the rain falls down
I will love you after the sun goes out
I'll have My eyes on you after the world is no more

Isn't My life a clear sign
Since I have crossed over this chasm
To fill the space between Me and you
And I will do it all over again
Just look for Me, just wait for Me
The One you've been looking for
The One you've been waiting for
You won't have to look anymore

I'm the One that you've been looking for
I'm the One that you've been waiting for
I've had My eyes on you ever since you were born
I will love you after the rain falls down
I will love you after the sun goes out
I'll have My eyes on you after the world is no more

The One you've been looking for
The One you've been waiting for

blackbox- 6/6/2008 2:13:48 AM