Glenn Kaiser
Swamp Gas Messiahs
2020

O BABYLON
Babylon - O Babylon! (3x)
Wake up from your sleep!

Ya babble on - babble on! (3x)
God knows you're in too deep!

No wall will hold - no wall will hold! (3x)
Before God's judgment seat!

The towers built - the towers built (3x)
Will fall before His feet!

Change your ways - change your ways! (3x)
Feed My lambs and sheep!

I HEAR TALK 
I hear talk about Chicago
With our gangs and the violence of guns
As I travel the rural states of this land
The opioid crisis don't walk - no, it runs
And the right and the left and the middle
Don't want it on their front lawns
While the most moneyed politicians
Talk and talk while corporate mouths yawn

Visit the jails and the prisons
From sea to shining sea
Visit the courtrooms and laws on the books
And tell me that freedom is free
When it's sold to the highest bidder
When their bank account is kept safe
Offshore, upscale, political cronies
In these United States

The talk I hear over and over
Love takes a backseat to loot
Money buys power and fascist prestige
And the marginalized get the boot
I write this song on Veteran's Day
With the millions of flags over millions of graves
And I wonder - who are the slaves?
Those who whitewash the truth away

EDUCATED GUESS
Last night I heard tell of a patriot
And mostly he is smilin'
Like a president for the one percent
Bank accounts in the offshore islands

If I'm right
I think I've been left
Just an educated guess

Conspiracy theories don't pay my bills
Nor do trickle-down ethics heal my ills
It's the talk of caring when outsourcing rules
And they literally bank on a nation of fools

Been a student of history, profit and loss
The power of money regardless the cost
The rich and the shameless focus on gain
As long as we're buyin' they'll sell us the same

WHITE/RIGHT (HISTORY LESSON) 
Gonna tell you a story
About a nation I love
Some ain't gonna like it
Want me to shut up
From the east to the west
The land grab came
We sent them packin'
Plenty to an early grave

History ain't a liar
When your face was red
White man decided
You were better off dead
Might makes right y'all
Manifest destiny
Expand that empire
Justice free

Got to understand
They had to expand
With the power of weapons
Got to get that land
It's the history of humankind
Unkind, subhuman
Mercy gets left behind
On the road to ruin

Think what you like
Say it loud and proud
White covered in red
Blood cries out from the ground  

WORKING POOR
Rustbelt trains keep rollin' on
Movin' Chinese goods to every town
The union songs ain't sung much more
Wall Street barons closed the store
Welcome to the ranks of the working poor
Welcome to the ranks of the working poor

College grads go back to school
No livin' wage but you ain't no fool
Women's pay is on the floor
The boss man chooses, that's for sure
The boss man chooses, that's for sure

They told us if we worked real hard
We'd own a fine house with a dog in the yard
That we could be anything that we chose
The emperor's wearin' his new clothes

Hey hey ho ho activist
No sense hangin' like a passive fist
Most sit on the couch an' just complain
Dance between drops in a soakin' rain

Artful Dodgers at our core
Or we hide inside an' lock the door
Silent architects of the working poor
Hail the architects of the working poor

FAKE 
Fake you, fake them
Fake us, fakin' it again
Lyin' dogs in a fake sun
Fake social media
Political gun

I’m so sick of it
We’re in the thick of it
Sleight-of-hand deflection
Reality shows
Bank account grows
Fake wins election

Fake love, real guile
Fake news every once in a while
Fake concern all across the aisle
Little fake god with a phoney smile

Fake this, and fake that
If we don't like it
It's fake, an' that's that
Fake information from the father of lies
Fake salvation shouldn't be a surprise

MOTHER OF EXILES
You might be different
You might be strange
Probably come
From some other place
You dress pretty funny
An' what an odd name
Why don't you go back
From wherever you came

Give me your tired
Give me your poor
The wretched refuse
Of your teeming shore
Send these, the homeless
To our golden door...
But does the mother of exiles
Shine anymore?

They came from the north
The south, east and west
We welcomed them sometimes
And near-passed the test
But those differences
That we might celebrate
Seemed to challenge our power
And made us irate
It seemed competition
To who we'd become
It was never an issue
‘Cuz we always won

The broken, the orphans
Returning vets
Minority people
And the tribes that are left
The foreigner, addict
And those we don't like
They boil up our fears
Challenged our way of life
To share became odious
Taxing us raw
Enough is enough...
We ain't open no more

Does the mother of exiles
Matter anymore?

MONEY TO BURN 
You impress the rich an' shameless
With millions in the bank
But silver, gold to have an' hold
Don't put love in their tank
Shoes ya wear to yer underwear
Won't put out the heat
For widows, orphans, mentally needy
Ya left out in the street
The stranded empty-handed
You gilded-caged ignore
Unless they pay homage
An' at your feet adore
Much is given, will be required
But to you more ain't enough
One above sees every deal
An' He will call yer bluff

Build bigger barns or towers
Executive privilege thick
Ain't real love or power
Just a little business trick
You talk like they're important
But only to your brand
The heart of the heartless
Is buried in the sand

There's One name under heaven
Which ought to cause concern
Yes One Who's up in heaven
Who ought to cause concern
The sickest truth some among us
Never seem to learn
That mountain of money
It's all gonna burn

It was just, only just
All just money to burn  

GREAT AGAIN
Money, power, all contain
Great temptation, lots to gain
Lookin' great in shameless fame
But it won't erase a common stain
 
Walk with Him in the cool of day
Gardeners with feet of clay
Feast on every sweet but one
Walk in faith or be undone
 
Humbly serve as you take
Mind the lies of talkin' snakes
I'm the answer to your cry
Launchin' codes, suit and tie

Emperor in serpent’s threads
Cull the living, curse the dead
Much is given, much required
Spent for heaven, spin for fire

Emperors in serpent’s threads
Cull the living, curse the dead
No one gets the best of me
All are false who disagree

Walk with Him in the cool of day
Gardeners with feet of clay
Feast on every sweet but one
Justice, mercy, humbly won

SELF DEFENSE
Go on take it off the rack
Tuck in, hear the action klack
Take aim and never once look back
In self defense
Drink deeply of the anger, fear
Tell yourself this is why you're here
Beam of light on the wounded deer
Trapped within the fence

You murdered him in self defense
Pulled the trigger every bullet spent
Not considering the pain, lament
Sucking smoke for air
This murder in self defense
No love nor kindly sense
Blood cries out
What do you care?

Find political will
Effective drugs to kill
Bullets, gas and still
History mocks your work
Shout the lie of your innocence
Self righteousness, ignorance
Your page at the end of time
Filthy rags and dirt

We murder in self defense
Pull the trigger with the words we sent
Divorce ourselves from the hell we fed our enemies
'Til every mouth and door are shut
We murder in self defense
Law for them, grace for me
Death for them, deaf for me

LOSER'S GAME
As we love the mountains
An' the hollows where you roam
Near the railroads and the rivers
Where you have made your home
We love you, yes we do!
Without you we grow pale
No cake no wake no funeral
Early piney box or nails

You're in our heart and in our lungs
Black and thick and fine
We breathe you as our daily bread
Ol' wineskins with old wine

Daddy and grand daddy too
Addicted to the work
For long years their women feared
But a man ignores the hurt
You may be the death of us
But we'll love you jus' the same
Ol' king coal you take your toll
No matter who's to blame
Ol' king coal you'll win the roll
‘Cuz change is a loser's game

We'll love you with all our heart
Love you 'til death do us part

THUG
Ya love a fight
Live spite
Must win
Ya love a beat-down
No mind
Mad kind
No time
To put your feet down

All about control
Three piece suit, flag on lapel
Just like thug gang-bangin'
The bitter pill gonna rot you whole

Gotta channel
Rage, fear
Play married
With every babe you leer
Top dog
In the vomit
Shout 'til burn-out
Hot like a comet

It's all about control
If they don't like it, heads gotta roll
It's all about you
Emperor dressed red, white an' blue

STRAW MAN 
Headlights are on
We hit the high beams
The margins crowd
Our American dream
You cannot trust
The underclass
While atlas shrugged
They ate our trash

O destiny, sweet destiny
Manifest your hold on me
O providence
Play our winning hand
Light the match
So burns the straw man

We are the kings
And queens of right
We back it up
With our sovereign might
Predestined lords
In this corrupt earth
Our noses long
By royal birth

We came we saw
And we conquered all
For God and man
Kings of the hill
We shall prevail
On blood-soaked land
Banking spoils of war
So burns the straw man

How dare the peasants disagree
We were born to rule
And them to poverty
Let justice roll
From our holy hand
Our might makes right
As we burn the straw man

In endless night
We keep command
Bright as our skin
We burn the straw man  

OIL TODAY 
Black is beautiful, when we strike with luck
Black is wonderful, when it makes a buck
Texas, Oklahoma, oh, you know it well
Fossil fuel the golden rule
An' send the earth to hell

Numb the pain
All is bright, all is gain
Sinkhole sweet, little quakes
Bankers grin, Trojan lakes

Oil today, gone tomorrow
Wealth, prestige, paves the sorrow
Climate change don't mean much
In an ivory tower power lunch

Jobs for the hungry mob
You worked for it, you did not rob
Silver, gold and sweetest crude
While you win the world will lose
Less for them, more for you
Black rainfall, environment blues

MARKET VALUE

Tyranny and fear
Hooded in the night

Grinning, lynching mobs
Stark in broad daylight


Selective memory
A privilege of white

Who say "How far we've come!"
Selective memory
A privilege of white
With ignorant eyes shut tight



Sold at market value
The root of evil grows

From ancient shores of promise
To brutal heat and cold


You say all lives matter
But you know who matters most

The black and brown
Not in your town
You say all lives matter
But you know who matters most

The black and brown
Not in your town
So many whipping posts



Black or brown or "other"
They are "the least"

Cells, bars, razor wire
Like racist acts, increase

So who does Jesus value?
Each and all "the least"

God will not be mocked
What we sow, we’re gonna reap

Sold at market value
The root of evil grows

From ancient shores of promise
To brutal heat and cold

You say all lives matter
But you know who matters most

The black and brown
Not in your town
So many whipping posts
Sold at market value
The root of evil grows
From ancient shores of promise
To brutal heat and cold

You say all lives matter
But you know who matters most

So many whipping posts

Sold at market value
Continues to this day

THE PRINCIPAL PRINCIPLE
All eyes on you - gotta be the main
Nobody comes close to you - can't beat you at your game
Ain't nothin' to be sorry for - as long as you're first
You're the winner, even when you lose - an' the truth gets worse

You're a person of principle - an' the principal is you
An ethical trainwreck - play the king, be the fool
You scold and belittle - don't dare disagree
But when the end comes around
Gonna be on your knees

At the sound of the last trump
Pride before the fall
The most powerful liar in the world
Will have nothin' to say at all

Could've cared about the widow
The homeless and the hurt
Could've cared for the planet
Took your pay from scorched earth
Made a fortune off a name
Bought a trophy wife
Built towers of babble
In exchange for a life

YOU AIN'T
Over the river
Middle of the night
Hunger in your belly
Violence an' fright
Speak a different language
Cook a different meal
They don't care what you think
They don't care how you feel
Add up the numbers
They will make it clear
They don't like your kind
You ain't welcome here

They love law
When it deals them a winnin' hand
Justice for the Natives and
Blacks in their land
Asians, Hispanics
Everybody's rights
Clean, bright, tidy
'Specially if you're white
Just so you'll understand
They will make it clear
Unless you're just like them
You ain't welcome here

A nation of immigrants
Civilized and armed
Saw the goods and conquered
Few became alarmed
But when time came to share the wealth
It was time to fight
Do before it's done to you
Might determines right
And they’re sayin' one more time
Rage, fear or tears
Mercy, justice, take a hike
You ain't welcome here  

MUD AND SPIT 
We need mud and spit for our eyes
And eyes to see, as you see
We need ears, to hear with our heart
Love to set, the captive free

Money won't do it
Power won't do it
Fear won't do it
Lies won't do it

We must go and wash like you said
We got to turn away from destruction
Move beyond vengeance and war
Lord how we need Your instruction

To do justice, to love mercy
To walk humbly with our God

 

Glenn Kaiser 
Long Way from My Home Lyrics
2016

LEAVIN' BLUES

You'll be leavin' in the morning, don't know which way to go
Leavin' in the morning, don't know which way to go
Leavin' on that C and O

Lay your head on the pillow, and you cry yourself to sleep
Lay your head on your pillow, cry yourself to sleep
But the love you need, it's so so deep

I'd rather see my coffin comin' right through my front door
Rather see my coffin comin' right through my front door
Than hear Him say He don't want me no more

Though you're leavin' in the mornin', don't know which way to go
Leavin' in the mornin', you know which way to go
The love you need, this I know...

LOVE BOMB

You might be the "wrong" color, you might be the "wrong" shade
In the wrong place, at the wrong time
Enemies at your gate
And wearing the wrong clothing, wearing the wrong face
Too fast, too slow, losing the human race

But, honey, I got news for you
Somebody's on your side
Just understand salvation 
Means being crucified

You might feel mistreated, or just misunderstood
You might feel rejected in your own neighborhood
Judge the pariah, nobody offers bail
You offer love, they push and shove
And out comes three nails

Just ask yourself the question
Really think it through
Honey, who gets the best of what you've got
Whose love bomb are you?

You might feel mistreated, or just misunderstood
You might feel rejected in your own neighborhood
Judge the pariah, nobody offers bail
You give 'em love, they push and shove
And out comes three nails

You've got to face the fallout
Love has its expanse
But you spend yourself for something else
And life don't make no sense

LIVE YOUR LIFE FOR A CHANGE

Live your life for a change
Live your life for a change
You ain't gonna take it with you no how
Live your life for a change
And you won't be ashamed
Live your life for a change right now

Make a difference in this world
Make a difference in this world
Make a difference in this world somehow
Don't you do it for yourself
Put your pride up on the shelf
Make a difference in this world somehow

See your brother and your sister
Your enemy and friend
Your mother and your father 
All as family in the end
One day we will answer 
For the love we did not send
Live your life for a change right now

I WISH I WAS IN HEAVEN SITTING DOWN
R. L. Burnside

I wish I was in heaven sitting down
I wish I was in heaven sitting down
O my Lord
I wish I was in heaven sitting down

I wouldn't have to worry no more
I wouldn't have to worry anymore
O Mary, O Martha
I wouldn't have to worry no more

I try on my long white robe
I try on my long white robe
O Mary, O Martha
I try on my long white robe

I wouldn't have to cry anymore 
I wouldn't have to cry anymore 
O Mary, O Martha
Ain't gonna cry anymore

I worship my Jesus at His feet
I worship King Jesus at His feet
O my Lord 
I'm gonna worship King Jesus at His feet

Then I heard an angel call my name
I said I thought I heard my angel call my name
O my Lord
I thought I heard my angel call my name

SINCE I LAID MY BURDENS DOWN

Glory, glory! Hallelujah
Since I laid my burdens down
Glory, glory! Hallelujah
Since I laid my burdens down

I feel better, so much better
Since I laid my burdens down
I feel better, so much better
Since I laid my burdens down

Goin' to heaven to be with Jesus
Since I laid my burdens down
Goin' to heaven to be with Jesus
Since I laid my burdens down

Thank you, Jesus, that You free us
When we lay our burdens down
Thank you, Jesus, You will free us
When we lay our burdens down

LONG WAY FROM MY HOME

Tonight I am missin' you
Oh, tonight I am missin' you
In the light of day
I had lost my way
Tonight I'm missing you

I never thought I would come this far
I never thought I would come this far
I have come through such pain
In the strenth of your Name
I never thought I would come this far

I am a long. long way from my home
I am a long, long way from my home
I've been a pilgrim on this earth
Since the day of my birth
I'm a long way from my home

Tonight I'm sittin' on this porch in the rain
Tonight I'm sittin' on this porch in the rain
But Hallelujah by and by
I will meet you in the sky
I am a long, long way from my home
I am a long, long way from my home

I've been a pilgrim on this earth
Since the day of my new birth
I am a long, long way from my home

THIS TRAIN

This train is bound for glory, this train (3x)
If you wanna ride, you must be holy
This train is bound for glory, this train

This train don't carry no gamblers, this train (3x)
Ladies of the night, no midnight ramblers
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train

This train don't pull no jokers, this train (3x)
Liars, thieves, habitual tokers
This train don't pull no jokers, this train

This train don't carry no liars, this train (3x)
Hypocrites and no high flyers
This train don't carry no liars, this train

This train don't take transportation, this train (3x)
No Jim Crow discrimination
This train don't take transportation, this train

Aw, you need to get on this train
Boardin' this train, this train

IN THE LIGHT OF THE MORNING STAR

The sun comes peakin' over the hill
Here I am with an old, bent heart
Sayin' Savior, I will walk this day
In the light of the Mornin' Star

(Chorus)
Savior, Savior
I'm so glad I know who you are
God grant me just to walk with thee
In the light of the Mornin' Star

The moon comes down
Shinin' on the earth
It's a wonderful thing to behold
But someday, I know, we have been foretold
We will walk on streets of gold

Holy Ghost, You point my way
To the Prince of the heavenly host
That I might be all that I should be 
For the One who loves me most

ALL SHOOK UP
Elvis Presley

Well, bless my soul, what's wrong with me?
I'm itchin' like a man in a fuzzy tree
My friends say I'm actin' wild as a bug
I'm in love - I'm all shook up

My hands are shaky and my knees are weak
I can't seem to stand on my own two feet
Who do you think of when you have such love?
I'm in love - I'm all shook up

Please don't ask me what's on my mind
I'm a little mixed up, but I'm feelin' fine
When I'm near that girl that I love best
My heart beats so it scares me to death!
I'm in love - I'm all shook up

Oh, she touched my hand, what a thrill I got
Her lips are like a volcano that's hot
I'm proud to say that she's my buttercup
I'm in love - I'm all shook up

NEWS FOR THE BLUES

There's plenty bad news, yeah it's everywhere I go
Plenty bad news everywhere I go
Seems a hard rain fallin' 
Will take us where we just don't know

I got that blue blue feelin'
Trouble hangin' 'round your door (2x)
And when it looks we got over
Get ready for some more

But I got some good news
With me each and every day (2x)
I got some good news 
Deep in my soul and here's to stay
And like an Easter wind blowin' 
Chasin' my blues away

WHAT YOU DID

I was hungry and you fed me
I was thirsty and you gave me drink
I was a stranger and you took me in
I needed clothing
You covered me

I was sick and you gave me care
I was a prisoner and you came to me there
You ask, when was this?
How could this be?
What you did for the least you did for me

(Chorus)
What you did for the least (3x)
You did for me
You ask, when was this?
How could this be?
What you did for the least
Child, you did to me

He was hungry and you fed him
She was thirsty and you gave her a drink
He was a stranger and you took him in your house
She needed clothing and you covered her

What you did for the least (3x) 
The least of these
Gonna ask, Lord, when was this?
How could this be?
What you did for the least
You did to me

I'LL FLY AWAY

Some glad morning when this life is o'er
I'm gonna fly away
To my home on God's celestial shore
I'll fly, fly away

Like a bird from prison doors has flown
I'm gonna fly away
To a land where heaven is my home
I, oh yes, I'll fly away

(Chorus)
Gonna fly away, oh glory
Fly, fly away
When I die, hallelujah by and by
I'm gonna fly away

Just a few more weary days and then
Gonna fly, fly away
To that land where joy will never end
Gonna fly, oh yes, fly away

We can fly, fly away, oh glory
Fly, fly away
People, when we die, hallelujah by and by
We can fly, fly away

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glenn Kaiser and Joe Filisko
Live at Cornerstone 2012
2013

LIVE YOUR LIFE FOR A CHANGE

Live your life for a change
Live your life for a change
You ain't gonna take it with you no how
Live your life for a change
And you won't be ashamed
Live your life for a change right now

Make a difference in this world
Make a difference in this world
Make a difference in this world somehow
Put your pride up on the shelf
Don't just do it for yourself
Make a difference in this world somehow

See your brother and your sister
Your family and friends
Your enemy and your father 
As your family in the end
One day we will answer 
For the love we did not send
Live your life for a change right now

Live your life for a change
Live your life for a change
You ain't gonna take it with you no how
Live your life for a change
And you won't be ashamed
Live your life for a change right now

WITNESS CLOUD

We are surrounded (3x)
We are surrounded by the witness cloud (2x)

Fire in the night-time
Fire at night
He separated darkness and light
He's the still small voice
He's the thunder loud
We are surrounded by the witness cloud

Drop all the weight
Of the sin an' the shame
Don't be entangled with worldly gain
You need all that endurance
Before the trumpet sounds
We're all surrounded by the witness cloud

He knows your address
He knows your name
He knows all about ya
From whence you came
And He gave us witnesses
Above and around 
We're all surrounded by the witness cloud

LONG WAY FROM MY HOME

Tonight I am missin' you
Oh, tonight I am missin' you
In the light of day
I had lost my way
Tonight I'm missing you

I never thought I would come this far
I never thought I would come this far
I have come through such pain
In the strenth of your Name
I never thought I would come this far

I am a long. long way from my home
I am a long, long way from my home
I've been a pilgrim on this earth
Since the day of my birth
I'm a long way from my home

Tonight I'm sittin' on this porch in the rain
Tonight I'm sittin' on this porch in the rain
Hallelujah by and by
I will meet you in the sky
I am a long, long way from my home
I am a long, long way from my home

I've been a pilgrim on this earth
Since the day of my new birth
I am a long, long way from my home
I am a long, long way from my true home

SWEET HOME CHICAGO
Robert Johnson

Come on, baby, don't you wanna go
Come on, baby, don't you wanna go
To that same old place
Sweet home Chicago

Well, I might take a plane
I might take a train
If I gotta walk, I'm gonna go just the same
Come on, baby, don't you wanna go
To that same old place
Sweet home Chicago

One and one is two
Two and two is four
I'm __
Come on, baby, don't you wanna go
To that same old place
Sweet home Chicago

Come on, baby, don't you wanna go
Come on, baby, you got to go
If you love your Lord
Aw, tell Him in Chicago

REPURPOSED
I Never cared about the environment
Till I got older 
Never understood why
Some kept their house colder
Ashes to ashes
Dust to dust
Everything dies
All turns to rust

We're learnin’ to recycle
Keepin' the earth be green
We do it with the elements
But what about the people we meet?

Just wanted to be left alone
“Live and let live” they say
I’ll try to give you your space
We can share the right of way
Then the boss said “Thanks” and “Goodbye”
Then I got sick
Wall Street turned to Hell Street
And I missed every trick

The poor get recycled
The rich still roll in green
Buyin’ an’ sellin’ the elements
Tell me who is served by greed?

Salvation knockin' on my door
Didn't know that I was lost
Studied causes, history 
That end with a cross
But I've been repurposed
And I cannot pretend
That bein' happy, satisfied
Is the beginning and end

The rich get richer 
And the poor
They don't roll in no green
We do it with the elements
But what about the people we meet?

AMAZING GRACE TRAIN
Instrumental (Harmonica solo by Joe Filisko)

TWELVE GATES TO THE CITY
Joe Filisko

Oh, what a beautiful city
Oh, what a beautiful city
God knows what a beautiful city
___? Hallelu

IN THE LIGHT OF THE MORNING STAR

The sun comes peakin' over the hill
Here I am with an old bent heart
Sayin' Savior I will walk this day
In the light of the mornin' star 

Savior, Savior
I'm so glad I know who you are
God grant me just to walk with thee
In the light of the mornin' star 

The moon comes out
Shinin' on the earth, what a wonderful thing to behold
But one day, I know, we have been foretold 
We will walk on streets of gold 

Holy Ghost you point my way 
To the Prince of the heavenly host
That I might be all I could be 
For the one who loves me most 

URBAN HOBO
The cops keep movin’ me
Thugs keep movin’ me
The weather keeps movin’ me
Even the birds keep movin’ me
I just keep movin’
Cuz I got no home

Eighteen or eighty-eight
No palace, wall or gate
Sometimes a factory grate
In each an’ every state
I jus’ keep movin’

By chance or sometimes choice
No address, no voice
Tryin’ to beat the heat and cold
I'm just an urban hobo

WHAT YOU DID

I was hungry and you fed me
I was thirsty and you gave me drink
I was a stranger 
And you took me in your house
I needed clothing
You covered me

I was sick and you gave me care
I was a prisoner and you came to me there
You're gonna ask when was this?
Lord, how could that be?
What you did for the least 
Child, you did to me

What you did for the least
You did to me
What you did for the least
The least of these
One day we're gonna ask when was this?
Lord, how could that be?
What you did for the least 
Child, you did to me

IF I LEAVE THIS WORLD TOMORROW

If you leave this world tomorrow
What in the world you gonna leave behind? (2 x)
There is too much pain and misery
Too much heartache, too much cryin'

I been all around this world
Sin an' love are all we know (2 x)
O God I wanna trust in your mercy
And not just for me
Share your mercy where I go

If I leave this world tomorrow
Let me leave a little love behind
There's just too much pain and misery
In this world
Too much heartache, too much cryin'

 

 

 

 

 

Glenn Kaiser
Cardboard Box
2011

UNEMPLOYMENT BLUES

You give no indication
No look into my eyes
I don’t want no pity
Just don’t wanna be despised
Don’t want pity
Just a place to lay my head
Cold can be a killer
Sometimes heat is just as bad
No I got no family
Yes I stole to eat
When nobody’s hirin’
No bread and no meat
Nobody’s hirin’
Do what I can to get a meal
Low down dirty world
When survival means to steal
Somebody saw my face
They even asked my name
Told me ‘bout a place
Where I could find my way
They seemed to care
I got nothin’ left to lose
But my achin’ head
An’ this unemployment blues

LOADING DOCK

In Chicago there’s an underground
Below the city, right downtown
In the nights, cold and dark
Rolled up in blankets, rags and scarves
Time forgot
People too
Alcohol Drugs and abuse
Mental illness
Personal sin
Society’s greed says
They ain’t gonna win
They lit a candle by the Loading Dock
Held hands an’ prayed where the Homeless flock
Tough, relentless
Tryin’ to cope
Another died
An’ they’re starvin’ for hope
Pilate drives by
Fast as he can
These nameless These faceless
Got unwashed hands
Survival warfare in this Urban squeeze
Ain’t no sin in dyin’
Between two thieves

OPPORTUNITY DANCE

I don’t know who to trust
But I know I can’t make it on my own
Livin’ in the street Is beatin’ me down
Cuttin’ right to the bone
Been a long time since I had a family
Or a place of my own
Tired a livin’ like this
Gotta be another way
I know it down in my soul
The sun streams in
Touchin’ my bed
It’s a brand new day
Opportunity came
So I took the chance
To walk a different way
Food on my plate
Pillow on my bed
Learnin’ new things
Maybe love is real
Maybe I can feel
The brush of angel wings
Ain’t all I want
But most of my needs
Are bein’ met
Shelter helpin’ me
Gettin’ on my feet I’m not finished yet
God cares about me I’m beginnin’ to see
This is for the best
Someone’s got my back
Faith becomin’ fact
There is a table set

THE PROTEST

Jackie goes to bed at night
Beneath the railroad bridge
Sleeps in fifteen minute slots
Upon a steel ledge
Race you rats; you run and run
And never stop to see
What’s done can never be undone
And you will never be
Anything else under the sun
The trains above are filled with folk
Who work the downtown towers
They buy esteem, pay for respect
With arrogance and dollars
By day they push and shove their way
Past Jackie’s upheld palm
They throw some pennies on the street
A task for Uncle Tom
Then one night Jackie’d had enough
She raised a fist on high
A protest from the underground
A prayer up to the sky Just then the
Red Line hit the bridge
And Jackie screamed in pain
The citizens all gathered round
The blood left by the train
The gapers slowed the traffic down
The mayor came to clean and jerk
So no one in his town no matter what
Was late for work
And there the fist lies ‘tween the tracks
A mute and awful sight
The citizens don’t know or care
Where Jackie sleeps tonight

STREET TALK

Ain’t always pretty
Ain’t always warm
Ain’t always dry
When it storms
Ain’t always sweet
Ain’t always fine
But it’s familiar
An’ it’s mine In the street
I know my way around
I can be myself
Alone or in a crowd
Hot in the summer
Cold Christmas time
Wet in the spring
But fall can be kind
Sleep in the park
My bed is free
Layin’ in the dark It’s what I see
Sometimes I admit It’s not much fun
Sometimes lonely
Under the sun
Sittin’ on benches
Sometimes I walk
Man if these alleys
An’ streets could talk
People don’t know
How I came to be
Lost my poor Mary
Sick as could be
Started to drink my sorrow away
Lost everything
So here I will stay
No ain’t always pretty
Ain’t always warm
Ain’t always dry
Tough when it storms
Like a thief on a cross
Sometimes I bleed
But I know the street
An’ the street knows me

LIVIN’ IN A CARDBOARD BOX

Once was a husband
Things went south
Had us a home ‘
Til we lost our house
Wall Street broker
Trashed our stocks
Economy folded
Livin’ in a cardboard box
No matter the weather
Nothin’ feels right
Scorchin’ in daylight
Freezin’ at night
Beatin’ the pavement
Holes in my socks
Don’t seem to fit
Nothin’ but a cardboard box
People, they stare
Aw -they just don’t know
Or look right past me
How’d I get so low?
Needin’ an address
Needin’ a job
A lil’ understanding
Don’t need to rob
All they can see
Are birds of a flock
God have mercy
Get me outta this cardboard box

REPURPOSED

Never cared about the environment
Until I got older
Never understood why
Some people kept their house colder
Ashes to ashes
Dust to dust
Everything dies
All turns to rust
We are learnin’ to recycle
How to help the earth be green
We can do it with the elements
So what about the people we meet?
Just wanted to be left alone “
Live and let live” they say
I’ll try to give you your space
We can share the right of way
Then the boss said “
Thanks” and “Goodbye”
An’ then I got sick
Wall Street became Hell Street
Seemed I missed every trick
The poor get recycled
The rich still roll in green
Buyin’ an’ sellin’ the elements
Tell me who is served by greed?
Salvation knocked on my door
I never knew I was lost
Though a student of history
And causes that end with a cross
I myself been repurposed
I can no longer pretend
That when I’m happy and satisfied
That’s the beginning and end
We’re learnin’ to recycle
Helpin’ the earth to green
Carin’ more for the planet
So what about the people we meet?

URBAN HOBO

The cops keep movin’ me
Thugs keep movin’ me
The weather keeps movin’ me
The birds keep movin’ me
I keep on movin’
Cuz I got no home
Eighteen or eighty-eight
No palace, wall or gate
Now an’ then a factory grate
In each an’ every state
I jus’ keep movin’
Cuz I got no home
By chance and sometimes choice
No address, no voice
Tryin’ to beat the heat and cold
Just an urban hobo

POVERTY BLUES

If all the toys from China were fully free of lead
If all the gold on Wall Street paid off the national debt
If every add on tv showed what you’d really get
The poor would still be with us
And we would still forget
If politicians told the truth
If mail got delivered on time
If you never lost your keys
If children never whined
If every day was a sleep-in day
And we always felt fully fine
The poor would still be with us
An’ we’d still clear ‘em from our mind
There is somethin’ about comfort
It blinds us, closes our ears
When we feel no pain
We do not share their tears
I’m feelin’ insulated
My job is secure
I ain’t worried ‘bout one thing
No immigrants near here
My kids speak perfect English
You know I voted right
Got lots of ammunition
I sleep real good at night
Those who want a handout
Or a hand up, either way
It’s a cruel world
Go get your own
Or just go away

HOLD ME

Jesus hold me in your heart (4x)

Only your love lifts me up
From sad sorrow’s pulling down
I cannot save myself you know
I feel as though I might drown In the tears
I cannot cry
They run too deep for me to try
Secret grief I cannot bear
Unknown person to even me
My emptiness is everywhere
Flat-line emotionally
Sorrow’s coat around my shoulders
Can’t shake this dark-leaved tree
Sweet mother read your poetry
Do not now fade away from me
I know that death knows my name
Do not go, don’t take your grace
Darkness pressed to candle flame
Touch my old man child's face
No heroes on this grey morning
No heroes, no not me
The sky is dark I feel so old
Tears too deep to find release
Fear threatening to remove your love In this night
I plead your peace

LIVE YOUR LIFE FOR A CHANGE

Live your life for a change
Live your life for a change
You ain't gonna take it with you no how
Live your life for a change
And you won't be ashamed
Live your life for a change right now

Make a difference in this world
Make a difference in this world
Make a difference in this world somehow
Don't just do it for yourself
Put your pride up on the shelf
Make a difference in this world somehow

See your brother and your sister
Your enemy and friend
Your mother and your father 
As your family in the end
One day we will answer 
For the love we did not send
Live your life for a change right now

Live your life for a change
Live your life for a change
Live your life for a change right now
Live your life for a change
And you won't be ashamed
Live your life for a change right now

WHAT YOU DID

I was hungry and you fed me
I was thirsty and you gave me drink
I was a stranger and you took me in I needed clothing, you covered me
I was sick and you gave me care
I was in prison and you came to me there
You ask when was this, how could this be?
What you did for the least you did for me
What you did for the least (3x)
You did for me
You ask when was this, how could this be?
What you did for the least child, you did to me
He was hungry and you fed him
She was thirsty and you gave her a drink
She was a stranger and you took her in your house
He needed clothing and you covered him

 

Glenn Kaiser
Bound for Glory
2006

 

GOD’S NOT DEAD

God's not dead, He's still alive
I'm singin' God's not dead, He's still alive
I'm singin' God's not dead, He's still alive
I feel Him all over me

God's not dead, He's still alive
I'm singin' God's not dead, He's still alive
I'm singin' God's not dead, He's still alive
I feel Him in my hands
I feel Him in my feet
I feel Him in my heart
I feel Him in my soul
I feel Him all over me

I'm gonna sing, I'm gonna shout
I'm gonna sing, I'm gonna shout
Praise the Lord
When those gates are open wide
I'm gonna sit by Jesus' side
I'm gonna sing, I'm gonna shout
Praise the Lord

I’VE BEEN REDEEMED

I've been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb
I've been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb
I've been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb
Filled with the Holy Ghost I am
All my sins are washed away I've been redeemed

And that's not all there's more besides
And that's not all there's more besides
And that's not all there's more besides
I've been to the river I've been baptized
All my sins are washed away I've been redeemed

I've you get there before I do
I've you get there before I do
I've you get there before I do
Tell my friends I'm comin' too
All my sins been washed away I've been redeemed

But the devil and me, we both agree
Devil and me, we both agree
Devil and me, we both agree I hate him and he hates me
All my sins been washed away I've been redeemed
 
SINCE I LAID MY BURDENS DOWN

Glory, glory! Hallelujah
Since I laid my burdens down
Glory, glory! Hallelujah
Since I laid my burdens down

I feel better, so much better
Since I laid, laid my burdens down
I feel better, so much better
Since I Laid my burdens down

The cross before me, and the world behide me
Since I laid my burdens down
The cross before me, and the world behide me
Since I laid my burdens down

I'm goin' to heaven to be with Jesus
Since I laid, laid my burdens down
I'm goin' to heaven to be with Jesus
Since I laid, laid my burdens down
 
SOFTLY AND TENDERLY

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling
Calling for you and for me
See on the portals He's waiting and watching
Watching for you and for me

Come home, come home
You who are weary come home
Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling
Calling, O sinner come home

O for the wonderful love He has promised
Promised for you and for me
Though we have sinned He has mercy and pardon
Pardon for you and for me

Songwriters: Will L. Thompson
Softly and Tenderly lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc
 
THIS TRAIN
 
This train is bound for glory, this train
This train is bound for glory, this train
This train is bound for glory
If you ride on it you must be holy
This train is bound for glory, this train

This train don't carry no gamblers, this train
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train
This train don't carry no gamblers
Ladies of the night or midnight ramblers
This train is bound for glory, this train

This train don't pull no jokers, this train
This train don't pull no jokers, this train
This train don't pull no jokers
Demons, thieves, habitual tokers
This train is bound for glory, this train

This train don't carry no liars, this train
This train don't carry no liars, this train
This train don't carry no liars
Hypocrites and no high flyers
This train is bound for glory, this train

This train don't pay no transportation, this train
This train don't pay no transportation, this train
This train don't pay transportation
No Jim Crowe no discrimination
This train is bound for glory, this train….

 
AT THE CROSS

Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I?

At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light
And the burden of my heart rolled away
It was there by faith I received my sight
And now I am happy all the day

Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity, grace unknown
And love beyond degree

Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut his glories in
When Christ, the mighty Maker died
For man the creature’s sin

Thus might I hide my blushing face
While Calvary's cross appears
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness
And melt my eyes to tears

But drops of grief can ne’er repay
The debt of love I owe
Dear Lord, I give my self away
’Tis all that I can do
 
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN

Go tell it on the mountain over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born

Well, shepherds kept their watchin' o'er silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens there shown a holy light

The shepherds feared and trembled when low above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus that hailed the Savior's birth

Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born
God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn
 
THERE IS NO ONE

Well there is no one, no one like Jesus is to me
There is no one, no one who can set my spirit free
He has saved me by his power
Protects me every hour
There is no one like Jesus to me

Well there is no one, no one like Jesus is to me
There is no one, no one who can set my spirit free
He has saved me by his power
Protects me every hour
There is no one like Jesus to me

I’VE GOT THAT JOY

I've got that joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Down in my heart, down in my heart
I've got that joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Down in my heart to stay

I've got that peace that passes understanding
Down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart
I've got that peace that passes understanding
Down in my heart, down in my heart to stay

And I'm so happy, so very happy
I've got the love of Jesus in my heart
And I'm so happy, so very happy
I've got the love of Jesus in my heart

I've got that grace and mercy, grace and mercy
Down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart
I've got that grace and mercy, grace and mercy
Down in my heart, down in my heart to stay

ALL HAIL THE POWER

All hail the power of Jesus’ Name
Let angels prostrate fall
Bring forth the royal diadem
And crown Him Lord of all

You, chosen seed of Israel’s race
You, ransomed from the fall
Hail Him Who saves you by His grace
And crown Him Lord of all
Hail Him Who saves you by His grace
And crown Him Lord of all

Let every kindred, every tribe
On this terrestrial ball
To Him all majesty ascribe
And crown Him Lord of all
To Him all majesty ascribe
And crown Him Lord of all

Oh, that with yonder sacred throng
We at His feet may fall
We’ll join the everlasting song
And crown Him Lord of all
We’ll join the everlasting song
And crown Him Lord of all
And crown Him Lord of all
 
I’LL FLY AWAY

When the shadows of this life have grown
I'll fly away
To a land, heaven is my home
I'll fly away

Like a bird from prison doors has flown
I'll fly away
To a land, where heaven is my home
I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory
I'll fly away
When I die, hallelujah by and by
I'll fly away

Just a few more weary days and then
I'll fly away
To a land where joys will never end
I'll fly away

 
DOXOLOGY

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow
Praise Him, all creatures here below
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow
Praise Him, all creatures here below
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Amen, amen, amen, amen

 

 

 

 

 

Glenn Kaiser 
Blues Heaven II
Compilation
2006

Lyrics coming soon!

 

 

 

 

 

Glenn Kaiser
Ripley County Blues
2002

 

NICK OF TIME

He didn't promise you a Cadillac
He didn't say that you'd get paid back
He didn't tell you that you'd walk away
The lottery when times got fair
Keep seekin' and you will find
He'll meet your needs in the nick of time

He didn't promise no penthouse view
Perfect health or a pleasure cruise
No velvet Elvis or a Vegas show
No run o' luck at Lake Tahoe
But those who trust Him will be doin' fine
He'll meet your needs in the nick of time

He came to show us how to really live
He said, we're blessed when we freely give
He healed the sick and He raised the dead
Healed my brain when I was, outta my head
He feeds the sparrow, turns the water to wine
He'll meet your needs in the nick of time

BLUE RAIN FALL

I woke up early in the morning
Just to hear the sound of the blue rain fall, all around
I woke up this morning
Saw the blue rain fall
Lord, I woke up this morning
Some folk didn't wake up at all
Had that blues for my breakfast
Blues in my head
You dressed me and possessed me
Man, you know that I ain't dead
Woke up in the morning
Saw the blue rain fall

Lord, I woke up this morning,
Some folk didn't wake up at all
God knows I ain't complainin'
Sometimes I still do
When the rain falls with a vengeance
Separatin' me from you
I woke up this morning,
Just like I'm used to do

Crawled outta bed, what am I supposed to do?
Heaven's tears fallin', Lord, help me love like You

If I can stop one heart from breakin'
Shall not live in vain
Ease one life from achin'
Or cool warm pain
Help one faintin' robin
Into his nest again
I shall not live in vain
So, what about the rain?
Without it nothin' grows at all
Wakin' up in the mornin'
Thankful for that blue rain fall
Blue rain fall, oh-ohh

DO LORD

Do Lord, oh do Lord, oh
Do You remember me?
Do Lord, oh do Lord, oh
Do You remember me?
Do Lord, oh do Lord, oh
Do You remember me?
Way beyond the blue

I got a home in gloryland
That outshines the sun
I got a home in gloryland
That outshines the sun
I got a home in gloryland
That outshines the sun
Way beyond the blue

If you will not bear the cross
You cannot wear the crown
If you will not bear the cross
You cannot wear the crown
If you will not bear the cross
You cannot wear the crown
Way beyond the blue

I GOT MY EYES ON YOU

I got My eyes on you
I got My eyes on you
All through the night, every day
Out in the woods, now and always
I got My eyes on you
I got My eyes on you

I know your every thirst
Your every pain
Deep desires and every step that you take
I got My eyes on you
I got My eyes on you

Down in the house
Out of the door
Up on the ridge
And in the valley low
I got My eyes on you
I got My eyes on you

I know you, and you know Me
No matter the moment
I got eyes to see
Into the city, out in the street
Even the night is like day to me
I got My eyes on you
I got My eyes on you

I got My eyes on you
I'm watchin' over you
I got My eyes on you
No matter what you do…

RIPLEY COUNTY BLUES

Oh, Amos is a poor man
His woman died in '72
Got three sons, and a bottle
Nothin' else, exept the blues

That ol' whipporwill song
Filters in through his haze
Near extinct in a roadway
Life for Amos, is a maze

It's a poor, poor county
People don't complain
Livin' what they know
Some like Able, some like Cain

Red clay in Ripley County
As thick as it has ever been
Some more drought keeps on rollin'
Just like Amos, and his kin

Only two roads he can walk down
One is righteous, one is sin

There's plenty of the Good Book
In the church and radio
Good news, ain't a mystery
Ain't like Amos, doesn't know

That ol' clay in Ripley County
Thick as it has ever been
On the back road by the neighbors
Perhaps it's time that I stop in

KEEP IT TO YOURSELF

She came into your life
One look stole your heart
Your friends can see it in your face
Even in the dark
You laid awake at night
Dreamin' of the day
When she would wear your ring
And that evidence would say

You know I love you
I'm so glad, show and tell
Cause when your love is so strong
You just can't keep it to yourself

They hung me on the wood
My blood ran just like rain
I spoke on your behalf
And I'm comin' down again

You know I love you
They know in heaven and in hell
You say you love me
Why do you keep it to yourself?

People in the street,
They need to see and hear
Got noses full of cocaine
And bellies full o' beer
Credit cards and pretty yards
And kids that never knew
Who I am, and what I've done
And what I'll do for you

You say you love me
Ahh, you got my book up on the shelf
You say you love me
Ohh, if you love me
Why do you keep it to yourself?
Ohh, if you love me
Ahh, you gotta show and tell
Cause when your love is so strong
You just can't...
When your love is so strong
You just can't keep it to yourself

WORKDAY BLUES

Friday night, all the people prowl
Rolled up tight, like a dog they howl
Monday mornin', it begins again
Livin' dry till the weekend
Goin' down, they're victims of the workday blues

Sweet Sunday, they're too tired to pray
Too self seekin', they hide away
Monday mornin', it begins again
Livin' with nothin' till the weekend
Goin' down, they're victims of the workday blues

Cheap satisfaction ain't there on demand
Lookin' cross-eyed at the Son of man
Some are just lazy, some want a hand, not a heart
It's frustratin' when the job is so hard
But nothin' is impossible with my sweet Lord
Some live like there ain't no truth they can choose
There's gonna be judgement day blues

Monday mornin', victims of the workday blues
There ain't no doubt, they're victims of the workday blues
Ain't no good neglectin', the love and truth and good news
Yeah, yeah, yeah
The workday blues

DELIVER ME

In the darkness of my sin
Won't You come and light my path
Lord, deliver me
In the cold and rainy day,
I've lost my way
Lord, deliver me

Ohh, Lord, Lord, Lord
Be the light in my hour of need
I am a sinful man, please heal me once again
Oh, Lord, deliver me

Before my eyes were opened I was blind and could not see
In that midnight hour, You came and spoke to me
My heart had been so hard and, my mind was so confused
Till Your grace brought me, brought me to believe

Oh, Lord, Lord, Lord
You're the light in my hour of need
I am a sinful man, please heal me once again
Oh, Lord, deliver me

Ohh, Lord, Lord, Lord
Be my light in my hour of night
I am a sinful man, please heal me once again
Oh, Lord, deliver me

Ohhhh, deliver me

PLAYING WITH FIRE

Once bitten, twice shy
Eye for an eye can leave you blind
Unforgiveness, me oh my
That ol' me, myself, and I

Gossip in the courtroom,
Singin' in the choir
Prepare, prepare to get burned
If you play with fire

Watch what you plant
Watch what you do
Sowin' and reapin'
Comin' back on you

Talk too much,
Everybody says
Like a career
Reap it all in the end

It's right to be careful
Respect what God says
Cause Jesus will come
To judge the quick and the dead

Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord
Love for my neighbor the end of discord
Everybody's fightin' for a piece of pie
But the oven is smokin' and there's tears in the eyes

God is true,
Though every man's wrong
Pretend we don't get it
That's just playin' with fire

Sit in the back room,
Call truth a lie
Prepare to get burned
If you're playin' with fire

Talk too much,
Everybody says
Like a career
Reap it all in the end

Sit in the back room,
Livin' a lie
Prepare to get burned
If you're playin' with fire

RUNAWAY TRAIN

Saw smokestack lightnin'
Heard clickety-clack
Lord, it was frightenin'
Comin' down that track
How I went runnin'
Took the short way home
That train man gunnin'
Off his iron throne

Oh, blowin' in the night
Eyes wide open
Sin in broad daylight
Swallow, till you're chokin'

Sowed all the oats
Up came the wheat
I thought I smelled sulfur
From all my deeds
I wanted pleasure
Didn't worry how
Up came the mirror
Out came a howl

It came at daybreak
That darkness fled
I heard the whistle inside my head
Roared right through town
Like the 6:15
Straight down that track
Like I had never seen

Sun rose like lightnin'
An' roun' my brain
Saw some kinda shadow
Leave the rails
I wanted pleasure
Didn't worroy how
Up came the mirror
Out came a howl
Roared right through town
Like the 6:15
Straight down that track
Like I had never seen
Jus' like a runaway train

PROMISES HE’LL KEEP

If you mourn,
You will be comforted
If you're gentle,
The earth is yours
If you hunger and thirst for righteousness
You shall be satisfied
Oh, you shall be satisfied

If you're merciful,
It will come back to you
Pure in heart, you will see God
If you make peace,
Peace you sall know
You'll be called the sons of God
You will be called the sons of God

Blessed are you: persecuted
Because of His rightouesness
Yours is the kingdom of heaven
The kingdom of heaven is yours

If the people insult you
If they lie about your life
Rejoice and be glad
Your reward is great
Kept for you safe in heaven
Kept for you safe in His hands

THIS CHILD

This Child is unlike any other you have known
This Child is destined to the homeless and the throne
This Child is for the risin' and fallin' of us all
This Child, this Jesus, He cries and He calls

This Lamb born into a cruel and calloused world
This Lamb among the poor and the outcast as a pearl
This Lamb fully loved and fully hated by name
This holy, spotless Lamb bears our sorrow and our shame

The King of kings, the Lord of lords
The Wisdom and the Knowledge of God
The Everlasting Father
The Son of Righteousness
The Prince of Peace, possesses me and all that I possess

MYSTERY

I rolled into your town
Saw the look in your eyes
So many times before
Hunger and thirst from the lies
Walk, day after day
Move, world in a daze
Just a mystery

Try, tryin' to stand
Still, under your skin
What, what is it worth?
This evil frustration you're in

Take back what you said
Face to face, what you done
It's a mystery

You been wounded
You been led astray
Locked out
Shut down
Blacked out in a terminal haze
But who made the choices
You just took what you could
Forgot all about
The nails in the wood

Try, try to crawl out
Heart, lonely and proud
Fear, of takin' the hit
Caught, so hard to quit
Mean, mean is the world
Hard, hard is the fall
Give it up, give it all
To the mystery
Give it up, give it all
Ain't no mystery

TAKE YOUR STAND

Take a stand, take a stand, take a stand
If I never see you anymore
Take a stand, take a stand, take a stand
And I will meet you
On the Kingdom's shore

Pray for me, pray for me, pray for me
If I never see you anymore
Pray for me, pray for me, pray for me
And I will meet you
On the Kingdom's shore

Shake my hand, shake my hand, shake my hand
If I never ever see you anymore
Shake my hand, shake my hand, shake my hand
And I will meet you
On the Kingdom's shore

Keep the faith, keep the faith, keep the faith
If I never see you anymore
Keep the faith, keep the faith, keep the faith
And I will meet you
On the Kingdom's shore

Tell the truth, tell the truth, tell the truth
If I never see you anymore
Tell the truth, tell the truth, tell the truth
And I will meet you
On the Kingdom's shore

Preach the Word, preach the Word, preach the Word
If I never see you anymore
Preach the Word, preach the Word, preach the Word
And I will meet you
On the Kingdom's shore

Run the race, run the race, run the race
If I never see you anymore
Run the race, run the race, run the race
And I will meet you
On the Kingdom's shore

Take your stand, take your stand, take your stand
If I never see you anymore
Take your stand, take your stand, take your stand
And I will meet you
On the Kingdom's shore

 

 

 

 

 

Glenn Kaiser and Friends
No Greater Love
2002

NONE BUT YOU

I will praise You forever
For the things You have done
In Your name I find hope
Hope to carry me through
I will praise You
In the presence of Your saints
With a loud voice I will offer praise

I will worship none but You
For the hope I have today
I will worship none but You
draw me closer so I can say
I will worship none but You
You alone deserve our praise
I will worship none but You

THE ONE I’VE TRUSTED

I know the One I've trusted
Faithful to the end
His mighty hand upholds me
By His grace i'll stand

Let the fire come to consume me
Let the wind blow through
For I am built upon a foundation
That is tried and true

Let a thousand camp about me
Let them do what they will
Let them speak all manner of evil
I will not fear

NO OTHER

You are God there is no other
You are God there is none like You
You make known
The end from the beginning
Before the beginning
There was You

And Your purposes shall stand
You shall do all that You please
From ancient times till now
You've stood by Your decrees
To pour out Your love
Your mercy and Your peace

So I will sing praise to You, Lord
So I will sing praise to You, Lord
For You are awesome in Your power
You are gracious in Your deeds
You are loving in the kindness
That You've poured out on me

NO GREATER LOVE

No greater love
He laid His life down
So mine will never end
He laid His life down
Calls me His friend
He poured His blood
Out there on the tree
There's no greater love for me

There is no greater love
No greater love in the world
There in the garden
There on the cross
He bought my pardon
I'm no longer lost
God in His heaven 
Smiled down on me
I had been hardened
But love set me free
He laid it down
There's no greater love

I BOW

Jesus, the name above all names
The One who carries my burdens
By His blood on Golgotha's tree
We're heirs to the throne of heaven 

I bow and worship You
I bow and kiss You
Jesus, the name that sets me free
Greater than thunder and lightning
Faithful and true You're coming again
To claim the ones who love You
I bow and worship You
I bow and kiss You
I bow and I thank You
I bow and praise You

A great crowd of voices shouting loud
Salvation belongs to our God
Who sits on the throne forever
Forever Amen

COME BEHOLD

Come behold the healing of the nations
Come behold the bringing of salvation
Come behold the Lamb
Come behold the power of compassion
Come behold the secret of redemption
Come behold the Lamb

Glory glory glory in the highest
Glory glory glory in the highest
Glory glory glory in the highest
Glory to the Lamb
Come behold the year of the Lord's favor
Come behold a humble servant Savior
Come behold the Lamb

Proclaiming salvation
He sets the captives free
Bringing sight to the blind
It's the year of jubilee

Come behold the power of compassion
Come behold the secret of redemption
Come behold the Lamb

THE EXCHANGE

My heart, my soul, my breath, I offer You
My strength, my will, my life, I offer You
Lord my God, I believe
All good gifts come from Thee
I've been blessed, and I receive from You
Giver of gifts, Giver of life
Savior of all who humbly come
Father of every heavenly light
I will follow You
Your love, Your grace, Your blood
You've given me my heart, my soul, my breath
I give to You
Your strength, Your love, Your life
You've given me
So my strength, my will, my life, I give to You
You give to me, I give to You

COMMUNION SONG

Hear me, hear my prayer, O God
Guide me, lead me to Your heart
Touch me, make these weak bones strong
Catch me when You know I'll surely fall

Break me like the bread that night
Fill me with Your holy wine
Teach me what it means to die
A holy, pleasing, living sacrifice
Hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah to the Lamb

HOLY SPIRIT, MOVE IN ME

Holy Spirit, move in me
Give me the eyes to see
My Lord more clearly
Holy Spirit, renew my mind
Unveil these roles I play
In my masquerade
Holy Spirit, make me new
Lead me in all I do
I offer myself to You
Take these feeble ways
Test my anxious thoughts
Won't You take away my fear
I long to know my Father's heart
I need to know my Father's heart

COME BEFORE THE LORD

I come before You, Lord
With a humble heart
I come before You, Lord
With a gentle spirit
I come before You, Lord
To magnify Your name
I come before You, Lord, with praise

We come before You, Lord
With a humble heart
We come before You, Lord
With a gentle spirit
We come before You, Lord
To magnify Your name
We come before You, Lord, with praise
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah
Come before You, Lord, with praise

Come before the Lord with a humble heart
Come before the Lord with a gentle spirit
Come before the Lord to magnify His name
Come before the Lord with praise
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah

LORD OF THE WIND AND THE WAVES

Oh guide me through turbulent night
Lord, be my light in the overcast day
Hold me and fight every fight
You know my enemy, You know the way
Open my eyes to the hills
Covered with warriors You send to my aid
Jesus, You're mighty to save
Lord of the wind and the waves

You're the Lord of the wind and the waves
Master of all that exists
Ordain and allow as You will
Teach me to walk through the mist

Sun shines bright, world is right
All is peace and calm
You are there in comfort and care
Make it easy for me to walk on

You're the Lord of the wind and the waves
Master of all that exists
Faithful and True, You do as You do
Whether I struggle or rest
Open my eyes to the hills
Covered with warriors You send to my aid
Jesus, You're mighty to save
Lord of the wind and the waves

GOD IN SKY ABOVE

God in sky above, God in earth below
God in wind and rain,
God in sleet and snow
God of ages past, God of present time
God who calls me His, God that I call mine

One in Three, Three in One,
Holy, Holy, Holy
You're the God of moon, God of sun,
Lord of hill and valley

Passion of my heart,
Blood that cleansed my sin
King of all creation, soon to come again
 

 

 

 

 

 

Glenn Kaiser
Time Will Tell
1999

 

MEMORY

Maybe I'm in love with a memory
What once was true and real to me
Waves shapin' sand
Time like the sea
Maybe I'm in love with a memory

I used to wait for the morning dove
The lonesome cry at the break of dawn
City fumes and noises mostly fill my ears
Sirens and anger and wars that drain my tears
Sometimes I ponder what is to what used to be
Maybe I'm in love with a memory
Sometimes I ponder what is to what used to be
Maybe I'm in love with a memory

Lovin' until death do us part
The future of promises lost out at sea
Reachin' for a shadow in the dark
We can't return to what used to be

What I have learned under my skin
Is how we taste the sting of sin
I know the truth that Jesus sets one free
Each passing year it means more and more to me
I love Him more than what was or what will be
His love is more than a memory

POSTMODERN, EXISTENTIAL, IVY LEAGUE BLUES

I saw new england fall in the autumn
Professing themselves wise
They learned to be fools
I saw the picture-postcards and the majesty
And it died

If ever there was a key
To wisdom and knowledge
It is the cornerstone rejected by the world
If ever was a people so removed from absolutes
Absolutely

I heard the depth and height of information
Served on steaming tables of speculation
I understood the rite of education
For the sake of the elite

If ever there was a reason
It was love
If ever any person personified that love
It was Jesus

I heard the shot heard 'round the campus
It was the deification of humanity
One that had ceased to be human
One who pretended to be God

And I recalled another ruler
In the autumn of another time and place
He refused to give God the glory
And like dying leaves
In a cold cold land
Eaten up and died

YA’ DON’T SAY

Child, you don't say much
Maybe ain't got much to say
You sing about boys and girls
Seem to like bein' up on the stage
Perhaps just a little too young
Maybe just a bit afraid
Or maybe it's a case of fantasy thrill
Maybe just wanna get paid
But ya' don't say much

Words are important to you
You like to hold tight to the truth
But fun means more sometimes
It's an interesting habit I find
From the mouth we reveal our heart
And singin' ain't only an art
We need to think about the things we say
Life isn't only for play
Some folks are so out of touch
Because you don't say much
But ya' sure like to play guitar...

Heaven, hell, or this earth
There's somethin' 'bout value and worth
Actions speak louder than words
But hidin' God's truth is absurd
No matter what the rational hush
Aw ya' don't say much

CONTACT

Everybody wants contact
Everybody wants comfort and concern
Nobody likes conflict
Or rarely likes watching bridges burn
Everybody wants love
Everybody wants faithfulness
Nobody wants silence
Nobody loves distance, loneliness
Emotions, feelings

Everybody wants grace
Freedom to explore
Everybody loves truth
But when our conscience gets ignored
Your thoughts my wants
My thoughts your needs
Why should anyone care about anything
If there's NO reality
Emotions, feelings
Drowning, we need healing

Everybody wants comfort
And we want it our way
Everybody needs patience
And we want it today
In a fallen world
How do we cope
Like dying children
At the end of our rope
In the love of God
In the light of faith
There is no shame
When you find your place
Emotion
Feeling
Savior
Healing
To know that grace
To be embraced

GOOD HOPE & NEW PHILADELPHIA

There is a town
And it's a little one
You take the road to Good Hope
Many pass on by
Not much to look at
But we need it so

Where brother meets brother
With respect in his eye
Where sister loves sister
You can live and die in peace
In Good Hope

And a little bit southeast
There's another road
To New Philadelphia
I have seen high corn and beans
And painted ponies in the fields
'round New Philadelphia

Well the land is rich
But a family can be richer still
When birth is a celebration
And a little town stands still
When to bury its own
Is a solemn Goodbye
Where it matters what you think
How you eat and drink
And it matters how you live and die
In New Philadelphia

Up these roads
With the red-winged blackbirds
Up these roads
Where neighbors wave
Up these roads
Where the sun and rain both greet you
Gravel, dirt, or paved

Good Hope and New Philadelphia
On the road to Good Hope
I'm on the road
To New Philadelphia
God's grace unfolds
Come ride with a Friend

DRIVE ME DOWN TO SHONKIN

I use you when I need you
And leave you when I'm done
I've never told you anything
But truth beneath this sun
I'm a prairie where love wanders
Dying of terrible thirst
When the vultures find your carcass
Babe I'll be the first
I wish I was the devil
I wish I was the Lord
The hunger of this twisted heart
Best be left ignored

You drive me down to Shonkin
Standing by the creek
You rub a bluebell's petals
On the stubble of my cheek
Your lips bleed when I kiss you
Prairie dogs go
Underground
Montana skies consume us
I resist that whispered sound

The stars obliterated
You leave me the night
I find myself by myself
Stripped of love and all that's right
I wish I was a demon
With no knowledge of what's good
But every kiss you give me
Is like nails through new wood

I love you and I hate you
I'll kill you with compassion
I spout desire's lust
As philosophy and fashion
I'm not worth a single glance
Why do you still pursue me?
I never knew love was so strong
Oh God you've overcome me

WALKIN’ ON SERPENTS

Got my head together, got my mind made up
Got love forever, made the final cut
Got life support, got eternal aid
Had enough of bein' pushed around
Makin' lemonade

Start to walk, start to stand
Start to livin' like a natural man
I know what's real an' i know what's right
And i know the power of Jesus in my life

A thousand may fall at my side,
But it will not come near me
Ten thousand may fall at my right side,
But unless it's God's will, it will not come near me

Been walkin' on serpents, been walkin' on scorpions
Over all of the power of the enemy

A double-minded soul is totally unstable
One hand on the plow while lookin' back
They are driven by the wind and tossed in the waves
While the single-minded, wholehearted follower won't lack

DELIVER

Talk talk talk is cheap
Where's the action
A church so fast asleep
Got no attraction
A band lookin' oh so good
With nothin' but sound
Ain't givin' much to this world
Just spinnin' down

Time will tell
When the book is opened wide

Did ya' deliver?
What did you deliver?
Who did you deliver?
Or did ya' keep it inside...

Time is runnin' down
Excuses don't accomplish somethin'
Some might see your truth
Others don't see nothin'
But when the blind lead the blind
Accidents are sure to happen
There is a world goin' to hell
And a lotta critics' jaws just flappin'
You say they just weren't elected too
I say deliver the truth
Or God says their blood's on you

Did ya' deliver?
What did you deliver?
Who did you deliver?
Or did ya' keep it inside…

CLEAR BLUE SKY

To walk in the field once again
Comforting breeze on my face
To feel the wet and the lure
Power of creative grace
To realize the quiet
Peace of a different kind
The harmony of all things here
It's a climate of loving design

To sit at the base of the bark and the leaf
The kiss of sweet sunsets again
Discovering eyes peering through the mist
No trust in the instincts of man

Night unto day is that mercy revealed
Hour upon hour i come to be healed
Emptied of seasons of tears that i cried
This blinded soul finally saw
The clear blue sky

Your fingerprints here all around me
All the more reason for praise
Refreshed in the wind of Your Spirit
I feel You in nature's embrace
So many demons gone to their place
All about honesty not saving face
Time enough left to do what i must
Loving and living in faith and in trust

FOLLYWOOD GREEN

It ain't my real hair
It ain't my real name
It's just my p.r.
It ain't my real fame

Now ya' see it but ya' think you don't
You gonna buy it but ya' think you won't
Image imagine, electric facade
It's a trip, chip, clip of your wallet, honey
Gotcha...you need that style

60-year-old investors
45-year-old boss
30-year-old shop owners
15-year-old consumers being massaged
By a worldwide industrialized computerized mirage

We've learned no style sells
Free-style as well
To the best-dressed self-obsessed people in hell
Cuz life ain't made of the stuff you got
And the cross ain't sellin' where the cattle shop
Gotcha...you need that style

It's the price of hype
Down to the store-bought smile
And the price was right
It only cost ya' your life honey
Gotcha...you need that style!

PLANT THE SEED AGAIN

Tell me if you ever saw
A field of unripe wheat
Thirsting in the summer sun
Withered in the tortured heat

Tell me if you ever heard
The thunder of the storm
Or felt the sting of hailstones
The wheat fields smashed and torn

Tell me if you ever watched
A fire consume the grain
And smelled the smoke-filled sky
A black/blue angry stain

Tell me if you ever wept
Over remnants of the spring
So much planted, so little left
Love nothing left to bring

Plant the seed again
Plant the seed again
Plant the seed again
No way of knowing but to believe...

Plant the seed again

ONE MORE STEP

Today I rose on our anniversary
Readied myself for the day
Gave thanks for twenty-six years with you
My faithful, my beautiful, and brave
Considered so many we have known
Wondering where they might be now
Whose eyes grew dim, whose hearts decreased
Withdrew their hands from the plow
Yet I know no other Saviour
He has given me no other call
I can serve no other Master
And I thank God you walk with me still

One more step on the road to glory
One more day on the path
One more mile in the grip of mercy
In the only love that lasts

I place my hand on the Book of fools
I pledge my life to its truth
Wendi, many are called; few are chosen
Let two of them be me an' you
We've spent time in the colosseum
Among lions of another kind
Those who forgive have learned to live
And the blind stumble the blind

You and I know the secret
That no secrets exist at all
Where the love in the nails secures release
From the Judas who bids us, "Fall

It's just one more step on the road to glory
One more day on the narrow path
One more mile in His grace and mercy
In the only love that lasts
One more step on the road to glory
One more day on the path
One more chapter in the story
Of the only love that lasts

There's a little more grey than yesterday
I hope to wear it well
There are two young ladies an' two prodigals
Worth every tear that fell
And a family on Wilson Avenue
That grows in knowledge and in grace
There are names in a book before the throne
I am satisfied they won't be erased
And if I had a second chance
To choose all over again
I'd take Jesus and you in a second
And I'll walk with you both 'til the end

MY STRENGTH, MY SONG

He will not lead me
To temptation
He has never
Left me alone
He doesn't slumber
Or sleep
And forever
He is enthroned

His voice is
Like many waters
His angels
Watch over me
He is Father
To sons and daughters
And His Spirit
Sanctifies me

He overcame hell
To win me
He suffered death
Though He did no wrong
And His mercy is new
Every morning
He is my Strength
And my Song

All eyes
Will look upon Him
And every
Knee will bow
Every voice will cry
"Jesus is Lord"
He is coming
In the clouds

 

 

 

 

 

Glenn Kaiser
Blues Heaven
1999

Lyrics coming soon!

 

 

 

 

 

Glenn Kaiser
You Made the Difference in Me
1998

MORE AND MORE

I pledge my love to You more and more
I give my life to You every day
I pledge my soul to You, use me more and more
Take me where You will, only have Your way

Yes I know, You gave Your love to me
All You had, gave Your life for me
And I'm sure

Your thoughts are toward me, Lord,
I understand more and more
Your eyes looking out for me, and I know what for
For eternity, You and me I am sure
Break this heart of stone, don't wanna walk alone

The pain in my heart that You reached right through
The chain on my heart that You broke in two
Now I'm sure love's the cure

I pledge my love to You more and more
I give my life to You every day

DIGGIN’ MY OWN GRAVE

I was lookin at disaster square in the face
I was losin stride in the human race
And I had no one to plead my case
Blowin smoke in my own face
Lost my grip in a slip'ry time
I left my friends by the wayside
And I was sure nuff no friend of mine
When you need to be rescued, now is the time

Sweat drips and eyes burn
Lips pressed tight on this hardened face
I was diggin my own grave

Pain in my heart, mud all over my dreams
Stumblin, fallen, just a downhill disease
‘Cause the up was nonexistent, and I was the down
And they talked behind my back all over town
Theres nothin more tragic than a suicidal slave
I was diggin my own grave

Sweat drips and eyes burn
Lips pressed tight on this hardened face
And the head hangs, heart breaks, soul bleeds

I was diggin my own grave 
And the lights came on
I swear I don't know how 
And I let go of the here and now 
And the Son of Man said He came to seek and save 
Now I aint diggin no more, no more diggin 
My own grave

EVIDENCE

In the cool, cool wind,
In the sweet, sweet rain
I thought I heard Your voice,
Heard You call out my name

In the pink light of dawn
In the soft glow of dusk
I see Your tender hand
And I feel Your touch

All around us, everywhere
Is evidence of Your loving care
But when the mind is closed
We can be blind to the purest gold

When the eyes grow dark,
And the feet move so slow
And the hair turns to snow
In growing old

I will talk with You still
I will walk with You still
For Your love all around is somethin
Nothin else can fill

Yes I know (Yes I know)
Yes, yes I know (Yes I know)
That this yearning inside me for You
It just grows and grows

FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE

Times it may seem a breeze
When I get down on my knees
But it takes me a moment
To face myself inside
And the wonder of it all,
That You keep me standin' tall
And You hear my cry for help when I feel so small
Talkin' 'bout faith, hope, and love
Power from the Spirit above
Faith, hope, and love
Made the difference in me

It knocked me down, turned up the heat
It opened my eyes, made me move my feet
Lifted my hands, and it filled my soul
It brought me life when I was dead and cold
Gives me strength when I'm feelin' old
Restores my joy, and it makes me bold
Faith, hope, and love
Power from the Spirit above
Nothin' but faith, hope, and love
Has made the difference in me

(BRIDGE)
I don't know why people try to be so hard
All I know, in the grace of God
I found love when I dropped my guard

We fall down to get up
And we kneel to be lifted above
Faith, hope, and love
Has made the difference for me

(Talkin' 'bout) faith, hope, and love
And a power from the Spirit above
Yah, faith, hope, and love
Has made the difference in me
You made the difference in me

TROUBLED WORLD

Me an' my brother, hot dusty day
Pickin peas from the vine
Where the honey bees play
Stealin fresh fruit from the garden out there
Never a worry and never a care

But it didnt stay that way in my troubled world

Deliverin papers in the city heat
I heard the cry of the jungle,
Stingin' lead an' concrete
They were screamin for justice, burnin downtown
I felt the frustration comin fast and loud

But it didnt stay that way in my troubled world

I marched and I shouted, I listened and thought
Surrendered to despair an' the drugs I bought
Buyin and sellin a world of pain
Tried to take my life in a winter's rain

But it didnt stay that way in my troubled world

Somebody told me when I was young
That this troubled world was honestly loved
Bought and paid for by a Sacrifice
My innocence lost, my soul on ice
What a cruel cruel joke, what a great mistake
Of the lonely years and the mess I made
And that night I cried and I named that name
For He loved me so though we'd been so estranged

But it didnt stay that way in my troubled world
Glad to say it didnt stay that way
In my troubled world

SELF-CONTROL

It's the thing I lack most and it puts me in a bind
The wise possess it, it brings them peace of mind
Down in my soul, I need self-control
Without it my mouth says terrible things
Without it my hands work selfishness
When it's lacking so do those that we love most
Without it nobody wins, but everyone knows
Down in our soul, we need self-control

(BRIDGE)
In my younger days, I didnt understand
Surrendering myself was part of the plan
Without giving it over, we can't receive
All there is, all He has, for you and for me
We need self-control

It's the way of the Spirit and everyone knows
That revealing moment when it all seems to flow
Aint none of us have enough, but everyone sees
That without it we steadily move
From need to greed,
Down in our souls we know we need self-control

WIND ME UP

Wind me up or take me right down
Rock me in Your sweet embrace,
Cause my heart to pound
Fill me with the holy joy, take me to my knees
It's all alright, I'll walk where You walk with me

(BRIDGE)
Blessed my soul with the light of life
My God I can't conceal

You took my heart of stone
You made my heart to feel
You are my day and night
You are my Sacrifice
and You're real

Start me up, Lord, cause me to stand
So when the storm clouds hit
I ain't holdin' on to sinkin' sand
You're comin' back, keep me lookin' up
In Your sweet sweet grace
Keep remindin' us of Your love

MARRY ME

Call it old-fashioned, I dont care
Call it anything you'd like, fair is fair
And I love you, and I need you
And this will never change
From the risin of the sun 'til the daylight fades

Marry me, marry me, Wendi, marry me girl
I wanna live with you, I wanna die with you
Wanna know you now like I'll know you then
Wanna stay with you forever, wanna be with you

I'm not talkin no one-night stand
And I'm not sayin I'm some great find
But I want us together today, tomorrow, 'til the end
In spirit, in body, in soul, and in mind

(BRIDGE)
Love is patient, love is kind
Love is what I want to rule my heart and my mind
Girl His love is what will see us through
Jesus' love for me and you

Marry me, marry me girl
I wanna stay with you forever
I wanna be with you

NOTHIN’ BUT LOVE

I come to You with nothing to give
And I cannot ask for anything Ive earned
I'm in need, yes it's true, for time and time again
I need more than a friend,
This I have learned from You

You took me in with nothing to give
Drawing near to me with nothing but love
I took Your hand learning to walk and to stand
Hearing Your heart call to me with nothing but love

I expect some pain and grief
And at times that's what's come to me
'Cause we reap what we sow, an' everybody knows
But You wait, just to forgive
You tell me to choose life and live
And I see it and hear it and feel it so often I know

(Chorus)

You take me in with not one thing to give
And in times when the weather is rough
Your grace is shelter enough

I WOULD CHOOSE YOU

If I could hold you forever, I would
Keep you right by my side forever, I would

But I know you arent mine alone
And I respect the One on His throne
And I know that we should
Hes kind and He's good
Mmmm-hmmm

Girl, you are His greatest living gift to me
Girl, if I had to choose again what I'd do
I would choose you

If I could stay at home forever, I would
Or always travel 'round together, I would

But I know we share each other with God
And it's right to do, He is our Lord
And it's best and we should
He's so kind and so good
Mmmm-hmmm

But girl, you are the greatest gift of love to me
Girl, if I had to choose one more time what to do
I would choose you

Girl, you are the greatest gift, designed just for me
My my girl, knowing all of your secrets, it's true
I would choose you

YOU MAKE ME HAPPY

Some mornins it comes to me with the break of day
Sometimes at the high noon with the sun so bright
Some late afternoon times when the sun sets low
Some evenins when the whippoorwill sings
In the sweet moonlight

You make me happy when You call my name
You make me happy, sunshine or rain
You make me happy, feel you all around
Someday I'm gonna see You
When the glory comes down

Some days come rougher in the heat of pain
Some days come easier, but all the same
When I feel Your love right with me
I can work through anything
That this life brings my way

'Cause You make me happy when You call my name
You make me happy whether sun or rain
You make me happy 'cause You're all around
Someday I will see You in Your golden crown

(BRIDGE)
Lord, with You there is everlasting joy
I'm so glad that You made me Your own
I got the grace, every breath I take
Jesus, Jesus, You never make no mistake
And I'll tell Ya, I'm glad You're on the throne

IT’S A BEAUTIFUL THING

They said I was dyin, they must not have known
Just how sick I'd been, how far from my home
I know I was healed, it happened on
The way to my knees
I know what's been done, this kingdom comes
They can call me crazy, but I love
This beautiful thing inside of me

I don't expect this world to understand
All the grace and mercy from Your hand
Not until they experience Your touch and see
Like bein born, like livin free
Like risin up after bein down so low
Like knowin all you need to know

You have answered my questions
Enough to see me through
And if people don't understand
And if I just can't explain
Let 'em think I'm out of my mind
If they want to

 

 

 

 

 

Glenn Kaiser 
Throw Down Your Crowns
1997

WINGS OF THE WIND

Praise the Lord O my soul
O Lord my God
You are very great
You are clothed in splendor and majesty
He wraps Himself in the light
Stretches the heavens out
And He lays the beams of His chambers on the waters

He makes the clouds His chariots
And He rides on the wings of the wind
He makes the winds His messengers
And flames of fire His servants

He set the earth in it's place
It can never be moved
And He covered it with the deep
As with a garment
I will sing to the Lord
All of my life
I will sing praise to my God for as long as I live

THROW DOWN YOUR CROWNS

Throw down your crowns before His throne
On holy ground He makes you His own
All must bow down before Him alone
Our God is worth to be praised

Lift up your hands, don't be afraid
For His good pleasure we have been made
His heart's desire that we'd be saved to worship
Jesus who is raised

Offer your life it's all you can give
Reckon your all only a gift
He gave His life that we might live in Jesus
Worthy of all praise

Worthy is, Holy is, Jesus is his Name
Master is, Savior is, Jesus is His Name

LET US GLORIFY

Let us glorify
Glorify the Lord
Let us magnify
Magnify the Lord

Take this offering of praise
The fruit of our lips giving thanks
Take this offering of yielded hearts O God

Spirit fall on us now
Have your way with us all
Take this offering of worship, honor, and praise

I SURRENDER ALL TO THEE

If I had a million lives
It would never do
I could never give enough
To add one thing to You
All I am
All I can offer
All I'll ever be
Debtor to my Savior
I surrender all to Thee

Light in highest heaven
Tree and stream and field
Golden sunset pastureland
Sanctify our yield
Every voice of nature
Each and all declare
Your power
Your glory
Your majesty
Your care

Now in evening shadows
I will add my song
To the hills and hollows
Glancing up and on
King, Almighty, Sovereign
Gladly I shall be
Son to You, my Father
And I offer all to Thee

LIGHT OF DAWN

Light of dawn reflecting love eternal
Light of morning open eyes now closed
Light of day in grace reach to our yearning
Light of lights come guide us to the day

Radiant light with timeless truth revealing
Brilliant light illuminate my path
Holy light reveal the shadows fleeing
Glorious light of heaven I give thanks

In this light, in this day
Light of dawn

Son of God my love my hope eternal
Morning Star You've opened eyes once closed
Daystar giving grace to meet our yearning
Lord of light come guide us to the day

In this light, in this day
Will of God, be mine!
Light of dawn

In Your love, on and on
Will of God, be mine!
Light of dawn

YOU ARE ALL TO ME

You are all to me
You are all to me
You formed the land and the rolling sea
You are my God and You're all to me

Who scattered stars across the sky
Who caused the sun and moon to shine
Who makes the desert a life-giving spring?
Who but the Lord on high?

It is our Father's good pleasure
To share His kingdom and love
come to the Source of all holy joy
Come to the throne of God

SANCTUARY

Make my soul a sanctuary, where You are
Take my heart and touch with mercy, Morning Star

Every perfect gift comes from You
Glorify Yourself in all I do

Spirit fill me to Your pleasure
Take me Lord
Do Your will in fullest measure
Hold me Lord

Every perfect gift comes from You
Glorify Yourself in all I do
Jesus, precious Prince of Peace

Take me Lord
Through Your blood I am released
Holy Lord

Coming soon complete the story
Where You are
To the Father's grace and glory
Morning Star
Every perfect love comes from You
Jesus, glorify yourself in all I do

BLESSED REST

You who separated dark and light
You who made the great and lesser lights
Now in You I come to quiet rest
Through the night You hold me safe and fast

Shadows falling I am in Your care
Thankful praises from these lips You hear
Lying in the wonder of this night
Living in the knowledge of Your heart

I come in need
I go in peace
I grow in grace
In You find rest
I grow in grace
And sleep in peace
At the end of it all
In Your blessed rest

We come in need
We go in peace
We grow in grace
In You find rest
We grow in grace
So sleep in peace
At the end of it all
In Your blessed rest

NEVER CAN REPAY

How can I expect I could repay
Love so true as what I feel today

Light of my world
Strength of my heart
You took the burden that tore me apart
God of all power
Love of my soul

Grace and such kindness
That I can't deserve
Life everlasting
Gifts I could not earn
God of all power
Love of my soul
 
IMMANUEL

Immanuel, Lord of all life
Into the world You came
Darkness met light
Holy, holy, Lord over all
Hear us, near us
God with us now

Immanuel
Immanuel
Immanuel
God with us now

Immanuel, Lord of my life
Into my world You came
Dawn vanquished night
Holy, Holy, King over all
Hear me, near me
God with me now

FEARFULLY, WONDROUSLY MADE

I was there when you turned your face to the wall
I was there when you felt you were ten feet tall
I was there when nobody knew your name
I'll be there and I'll tell you again and again

You are fearfully, wondrously, gloriously, lovingly made
You are loved, you are wanted, desired
I'll tell you again and again
You are fearfully, wondrously, gloriously, lovingly made

There were times when you wondered if I was around
There were times when you stumbled and fell to the ground
There were times when you tried to avoid every test
But everything works for your good when you love, when you trust you find rest

HOLY FIRE

Spirit come and fill us now
Wind and Holy Fire
Move upon, within, without
Lead to Your desire
Grant us knowlege of the Son
Will and Word and Thought be done
Worship Three and worship One
With the heav'nly choir

Praise to God and grace to man
Holy, Sovereign, Great I Am
Lord of Lords and Risen King
Healing mercy in Your wings

Son of Morning, Son of Man
Gift and fruit at Your command
Blessing promised, blessing planned
Spirit fill again
Spirit fill again

ACCEPTABLE

All could never be enough to fully pay my debt
For all the wrong I've done
Now You say it is enough that I accept the Gift
The offering of Your Son

Jesus, Sacrifice, Acceptable to God
Jesus paid the price I owed
Gave me new life for old

All could never be enough to demonstrate my worth
My value or my merit
Now Your grace is grace enough
Your love is love enough
Adopted I inherit

CAUSE MY HEART

Cause my heart to fear Your name
Cause my life to reveal the same

Let the holiness from Your throne
So mark me as Your own
Cause my heart to fear Your name
Cause my life to reveal the same

In the purity of Your love
Touched by fire from above
Cause my heart to fear Your name

Cause my mouth to exalt Your worth
Cause my soul to rejoice in new birth

In the majesty of Your grace
Send your Spirit to this place
Lord and Christ, last and first

 

 

 

 

 

Darrell Mansfield, Larry Howard, Glenn Kaiser
Into the Night
1995

MILLION DOLLAR FEELING

I've got a million dollar feelin'
And sometimes I ain't got a dime
(repeat)

I've got the Lord Jesus with me
With me with me all the time

I've got a mansion in glory and that's
Where I'm gonna spend most my time
(repeat)

You talk about real fine gold, well
I'll be walkin' on it all the time

I got a million dollar feelin'
And I ain't got a dime
But I've got the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost with me
Yes, they're with me all the time

LOST SHIP

I was driftin' an driftin'
Like a lost ship out on the sea
I was driftin' and driftin'
Like a lost ship out on the sea
I didn't have nobody in this whole wide world
To care about me

Then my sweet Lord, people
He came and took me by the hand
The Good Lord, people, He took me by the hand
I may not have too much
But at least I know I've got a friend

I was down and out
I had used up my luck
Wild fire in my braind
I was burnin' up
Not even my best friends
They couldn't help me
But the Lord came broke the chains
And He set me free

My sweet Lord, people
He came and took me by the hand
I may not have much
But at least I know I've got a friend

QUEEN OF MY HEART

I'm tellin' you somethin', I'm tellin' you now
I got a love like the world won't allow
It came wrapped in a woman made for me an' me alone
God sent her to me sure as He is on the throne

Her an' me followin' the Savior from the start
He's the King of my life and she is the queen of my heart

Honey, you're good for me, I think I'm good for you
Together we'll make sweet harmony too
We'll walk in the light, we'll follow the Son
And when we leave this world it will have only just begun

You and me followin' the Saviour from the start
He's the King of my life, oh and you are the queen of my heart

STAND BY ME

When the night has come and the land is dark
And the moon is the only light you'll see
I won't be afraid, no I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

When the sky we look upon should tumble
Tumble and fall
And the mountains should rumble to the sea
I won't cry
No, I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand
Stand by me

Lord Jesus, stand by me
You stand by me yes stand now
Stand by me
You always been my doctor stand by me
My lawyer stand by me
In times of tribulation stand, yes
You stand by me
Whenever I'm in trouble
You just stand by me
Oh Lord, how you stand by me
Yes you stand Lord, stand by me

WHERE WOULD I BE

Where would I be without your great, great mercy
Where would I be without your deep, deep love
Where would I go without your light to lead me
Oh my Lord, oh my Lord

My Lord and my God

What would I do without your great, great mercy
Where would I go without your deep, deep love
Where would I live outside your forgiveness
Without the risen Son

Where would I be?

IT’S ONLY YOU

In the night
When the silence falls
Through the night
I hear the echo of your call

There's no cheering of the crowd
There's no bright lights allowed
Just this heart inside of me
And in the darkness you're all I see

It's only you - I can talk to
It's only you - I can hear
It's only you - I can turn to
It's only you - forever near

Take my life
It's not an overnight affair
Take my soul
I have only you to share

So precious is our time
Show me how to use our time
Place a fire inside of me
So in the darkness you're all I see

It's only you - I can talk to
It's only you - I can hear
It's only you - I can turn to
It's only you - forever near

There's no cheering of the crowd
There's no bright lights allowed
Just this heart inside of me
And in the darkness your face I see

It's only you - I can talk to
It's only you - I can hear
It's only you - I can turn to
It's only you - forever near

THE MISSION

His name is destruction
Surrounded by a cast of fools
You may try and beat him
But in the end you're gonna lose

He's the father of all lies
He doesn't play by any rules
And his whole life's mission
Is givin' you the blues

He's the god of this world
He really thinks he is the boss
Some people even worship him
He was defeated at the cross

He is the great deceiver
He'll make you play your dues
'Cause his whole life's mission
Is givin' you the blues

(bridge)
He was there at the death camps
A friend of Hitler in World War II
Now his death camps are
Abortion clinics
He's killin' me, he's killin' you

Don't you wanna be a soldier
A soldier of the cross
And with the Sword of the Spirit
Which is the Word of God

You can break those chains
Of satan and stop playin' the fool
And make your whole life's mission
Givin' him the blues

IF I LEAVE THIS WORLD TOMORROW

If I leave this world tomorrow
Lord, let me leave a little love behind
(2 x)
There is too much pain and misery
Too much heartache, too much cryin'

I seen my share of trouble
But God ain't failed me yet (2 x)
He's my Savior, my Deliverer
I'm just as saved as you can get

Jesus, be my Witness
Sin an' love are all we know (2 x) I will trust your mercy
Share your mercy where I go

(Repeat 1st verse and end)

I FOUND OUT

Spent my time / livin' for myself
Spent my sanity / threw away my health
Life was a party / last one to leave
But soonr or later / it'll tke you to your knees
(yes it will)

I found out / love made the difference for me
I found out / love gave me eyes to see

I came up swingin' / singin' and playin' the blues
From town to town / the road filled with dope and booze
When I came to / in a hospital room, nearly dead
It was the mercy of God
And that's something I'll never forget

(Bridge)
Smarter people / don't have to touch the fire to learn
You reap what you sow / but one thing you'll never earn
God's love / God's love made the difference for me
I found out / His love still satisfies me

Oooh I found out (yes I did)
I found out

 

 

 

 

 

Glenn Kaiser
Spontaneous Combustion
1994

EVERYBODY UNDERSTANDS THE BLUES

Uptown, downtown, all around
You can see it in their faces
Down to the holes in their shoes
Everybody understands the blues

Black an' white
Brown an' yellow
Red man too
Regardless of their wallet
Sometimes they win sometimes they lose
Only one thing for certain
Everybody understands the blues

Death an' taxes
Political scams
Bill collectors who'll snag you if they can
A leak in the ceiling
Rush hour jams
I'll say it again no matter where I go or when

You can see it in their faces
Down to the holes in their shoes
There ain't no doubt about it
Everybody understands the blues

Yeah, there are solutions
But very few of them will last
So many runnin' hopeless
Too man runnin' outa gas

Be a prophet or a king
A sinner or a saint
A lawyer or a liar
A believer in fate
Somebody understands exactly what you're goin' through
Hey, everybody understands the blues

TROUBLE

In a '71 Chevy with the big mag wheels
We was crusin' the concrete, we was lookin' for deals
When in the rear view mirror what do ya think that we saw?
The long blue arm of the law

On a street called Desire in a town called Sin
We was lookin' for action and we found it again
There was a piece on the table, had to split on the double
'Cuz I was starin' at the business end of trouble

Every time has a purpose, every night has a day
And the daylight is better than those night time ways
Over my head in danger, buried under the rubble
I had been starin' at the business end of trouble

Don't like bein' in trouble
Lord, you took me outta trouble

THROUGH THE NIGHT

There was a time, there was a season
I did not know my left from my right
And all I wanted baby
Was to just get through the night

Too many clouds, fog in the daytime
Took so long for me to see the light
And all I ever wanted
Was to make it through the night

Though I had eyes, I could not see
Though I could walk, I stumbled blind
Until you came and rescued me

Lord, the world can be so unkind

There was a day, there was a vision
It came and I finally got my sight
God of mercy
You brought me safely through the night

QUEEN BEE

Up this mornin' goin' to New York City
Comin' through my second cup
Got nothin' but respect for my sweet home darlin'
Always puts the cream in my stuff
She blesses me so that I just can't stand it
I know that I don't deserve
This woman called wife is the love of my life
Love that God'll preserve

Ahh, she's my queen 
She's my queen 
She's my queen bee baby
She treats me just like a king

Late night music in my stumblin' hour
Spring in my step durin' mean rush hour
Uptown lady with a heart o' gold
Nothing could be better in the winter cold
Than my queen...

SHUFFLIN’ THE DECK (instrumental)

IF I LEAVE THIS WORLD TOMORROW

If I leave this world tomorrow
Lord, let me leave a little love behind (2 x)
There is too much pain and misery
Too much heartache, too much cryin'

I seen my share of trouble
But God ain't failed me yet (2 x)
He's my Savior, my Deliverer
I'm just as saved as you can get

Jesus, be my Witness
Sin an' love are all we know (2 x) 
I will trust your mercy
Share your mercy where I go

AIN’T MUCH DIFFERENCE

I been broken, I have lost in love
I've been cheated, mistreated
Yeah, I have lost in love
But one thing is for certain
I know I ain't the only one

Sometimes I been the victim
Sometimes I been victimized
Sometimes I've been the victim
But it's all just human nature
Ain't no use tryin' to disguise

I have been broken
Yeah I have lost in love
I been cheated, mistreated
I have lost in love
But one thing is for certain
I know I ain't the only one

The mistress an' the mister
The rooster an' the hen
The butcher an' the baker
You an' me, my feathered friends
The doctor an' the lawyer
The Indian chief too
Hey, ain't much difference
Tell the truth, tell the truth

Have you been broken
An' have ya tore up others too?
If you're lookin for the reason
Ain't got to look past me an' you
Ain't much difference
Ain't much difference
Tell the truth

GOT A HOLD ON YOU

I been broken, I have lost in love
I've been cheated, mistreated
Yeah, I have lost in love
But one thing is for certain
I know I ain't the only one

Sometimes I been the victim

I got a hold on you an' I won't let go (2x)
I'm gonna move your feet
Gonna move your soul

I got a hold on you (5x)
An' I know that you love me too

Love is eternal
Love doesn't end
Love is eternal
Love never ends
You know I love you
I'll prove it again and again

WHERE WOULD I BE

Where would I be without your great, great mercy
Where would I be without your deep, deep love
Where would I go without your light to lead me
Oh my Lord, oh my Lord

My Lord and my God

What would I do without your great, great mercy
Where would I go without your deep, deep love
Where would I live outside your forgiveness
Without the risen Son

Where would I be?

JUMP START (instrumental)

QUEEN OF MY HEART

I'm tellin' you somethin', I'm tellin' you now
I got a love like the world won't allow
It came wrapped in a woman made for me an' me alone
God sent her to me sure as He is on the throne

Her an' me followin' the Savior from the start
He's the King of my life and she is the queen of my heart

Honey, you're good for me, I think I'm good for you
Together we'll make sweet harmony too
We'll walk in the light, we'll follow the Son
And when we leave this world it will have only just begun

You and me followin' the Saviour from the start
He's the King of my life, oh and you are the queen of my heart

SATALLITE DISH

Some kinda fool stuck aluminum foil
On my satellite dish (2x)
He ruined a perfect evening
"Wheel of Fortune"'s what I missed

Had a new Mercedes
With them patent leather seats (2x)
Drunken driver on the freeway
Pulled my ride up in a heap

They said your treasure's where your heart is
My treasure started out nice an' green (2x)
Till my wife ran my waller
Through her washin machine

Ahhh ya can't take it with you
Better use it while you can (2x)
But understand you'll have to answer
To the One who put it all in your hand

SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION

Spontaneous combustion
Lord, you set my heart aflame
Salted in the fire
Lord you set my heart aflame
Burnin' sacrifices
Yeah - where every loss is gain

Spontaneous combustion
Like a house of livin stones
No wood or hay or stubble
Just the pure before your throne
A love that never quits
Yes where heaven is my home

Spontaneous combustion
Spirit shakin' me inside
A holy band of angels
Campin' round on every side
Comin' for a wedding
For a true and spotless bride

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALL MY DAYS

God, You are my God and I praise You
Lord, You are my Lord and I love You
God, You are my God and I praise You
Lord, You are my Lord and I long for You
How I long for your presence
How I look to Your grace
How I search for Your heart's desire
To walk with You (3x)
All my days
Lord, You rule over all eternity
Who, who am I that You care for me
Lord, You are the God of the universe
Oh, the depth of Your love amazes me

YOU ARE THE SOURCE

Father, You are the source of our love
Jesus, You are the source of our joy
Spirit, You are the source of our peace
Oh Lord, we live to do Your will
Your will (6x)
Oh Lord, we live to do Your will

TAPESTRY

As ocean waves are to the shore
As gentle rains to the sea
As starlight on the waters
So you are to me
We shall scale the mountains
Conquer the valleys too
Come wind, come rain, come Jesus
His love will see us through
Master Weaver, use us well
Two lives You weave as one
Oh, make of us a tapestry
In which Your beauty runs
In which Your beauty runs
Today you rose to greet me
As the daylight awoke the dawn
Our love is just beginning
But shall go on and on

EVER CLOSER

Draw me closer, ever closer, Lord, to You
Draw me closer, ever closer, me to You
Love too pure for a heart like mine
Grace too costly for me
Tender mercies now and to
Eternity(2x)
Draw me nearer, ever nearer, Lord, to You
Draw me nearer, You who are dearer then my due
Father of wonders, author of truth
Worship and honor are Yours
Glory and majesty, blessing and praise
To Jesus our Lord (2x)

SURRENDER

Holy Father, as we stand before Your throne
As we look upon Your face
We confess Your matchless grace
Lord and Savior, we have nothing without You
There is nothing we can do
But to serve and follow You
And surrender
And surrender
To surrender
All our dreams
All we are
All that we are to become
All our love

IN THE OCEAN OF HIS LOVE

In the peace between the stillness
When quiet is the sound
I remember not believing
And yet the joy that now abounds
Jesus is like an ocean
He'll engulf and gently surround
With the tide of His love He'll astound you
And He's teaching me how to drown
In the ocean of His love
In the peace between life's stillness
When no one else is around
Do you have that peace with the Saviour? Do you know His love? Does His joy surround?

MOST OF ALL

I remember cold wind blowin' all across my face
A trace of frost would linger on my hair
As I wandered aimlessly from town to lonely town
Tryin' to shake my sadness and despair
And then I heard Him callin' me
Then I felt His tender love for me
And then finally I could see
That the sun had been shinin' all along

Oh, and I remember darkened streets
November's autumn leaves
They withered up and died every fall
But yet somehow I always hoped I'd live to see the spring
Your love was what I needed most of all

And if I didn't understand the searchin' in your hearts
I really couldn't sing this song at all
But Jesus knows just where you're at
And though you might gain the world
If you lose your soul then you have lost it all
If you lose your soul then you have lost it all

And then they nailed Him to a tree
And then He died, He died for you and me
But He is alive, and He wants to set you free
And all you've got to do is believe
Yes, all you've got to do is receive
Lord, Your love was what I needed most of all

LORD OF ALL

A carpenter from Nazareth
A Man from Galilee
He talked a lot of love
And setting captives free
The men who rallied 'round Him
Fishermen by trade
He called out twelve
They followed Him
And fishermen He made
He spoke a lot in churches
And in the countryside
The people heard Him gladly
As He prophesied
About His Father's kingdom
Salvation through the Son
He exposed the liars
He had them on the run
One night they came and took Him
And nailed Him to a tree
Though He never sinned a single sin
He died for you and me
But He did just what He said He'd do
God raised Him from the grave
He said if we'd believe in Him
That we would be saved
Of all who came to follow
He never lost a one
Except the ones who ran from Him
To travel on their own
But He talked a lot of judgement
And you'll either rise or fall
You can call Him what you will
I call Him Lord of all!

BEHOLD THE LAMB

Behold the Lamb of God
Who takes away
Who takes away the sins of the world
Behold the Lamb
Of God
White as snow
Pure as gold
Greater love the world
Will never know!

REVEAL YOURSELF TO ME

Send the glory of Your presence
Down, now, here
Send the glory of Your majesty
Down, now, here
Send the glory of Your mercy
Down, now, here
Without You we can do nothing
Nothing at all
But in You Who are mighty
We can walk and not fall
Send the glory of Your power
Down, now, here
Send the glory of Your innocence
Down, now, here
Send the glory of Your holiness
Down, now, here
Reveal Yourself to me!

BLESSED ARE THE PEOPLE

Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound
They shall walk, oh Lord, in the light of Thy face (2x)
In Thy name shall they rejoice
All of the day
And in Thy name shall they rejoice
All of the day (2x)
For Thou art my glory and my strength
For Thou, oh Lord, art my defense
For Thou art my glory and my strength
And the Holy One of Israel is my King
And the Holy One of Israel is my King!

LIKE A LITTLE CHILD

Lord Jesus, take me by the hand
Make me like a little child again
Lord Jesus, help me understand
What it means to have You as a friend
Just like a windin' stream
My life goes flowin' by
But when I look up in the sky
I know You're near me
I used to feel so old
But now I've found that pot of gold

WEDDING PRAYER

Father, our Father
Grant us Thy peace
Release us in Thy Spirit
That we may increase
In the love that Thou hast worked in us
As man and wife
We receive Thy blessing
As the three of us unite
God, make us one in Thy glory
In Jesus we depend alone
Use us to proclaim
Salvation in Thy name
We invite you to be Lord of our home

HERE WE ARE GATHERED

Here we are gathered together
To worship You, Lord
Holy Spirit, lead us
In one accord
Hallelujah (3x)
Jesus, we love You
We love You so
Thank You for salvation
Cause our love to grow
Hallelujah(6x)

FOR THEE I WAIT

I see You in tear and in tempest
I hear You in laughter and mirth
Your presence now surrounds me
In the mystery of death and birth
I bow before Your majesty
Worship before Your throne
You speak in language eternal
There Your glory is shown
I feel You in field and woodland
Touch You in rain and in wind
I know You in morning and evening
Where the dawn and dusk begin
Oh, Thou enthroned in Thy splendor
Maker of all we survey
To Thee I pledge my truest love
For Thy appearing I wait

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glenn Kaiser and Darrell Mansfield

Trimmed and Burnin' & Slow Burn

1990 & 1993

 

GREAT CHANGE SINCE I'VE BEEN BORN

Great change since I been born (4x) 

Things I used to would do I don't do no more (3x)
been a great change since I been born 

Lies I used to would tell I don't tell no more (3x)
been a great change since I been born 

People I used to would hate I don't hate no more (3x)
Great change since I been born 

Talk

Roads I used to would walk I don't walk no more (3x)
been a great change since I been born 

A new song been sung since I been born (3x)
been a great change since I been born 

KEEP YOUR LAMP TRIMMED AND BURNIN’

Keep your lamps trimmed and burnin' (3x)
See what the Lord has done 

Sister, don't get worried (3x)
For the work is almost done 

Brother, don't get worried (3x)
For the work is almost done 

Heavens journey on before us (3x)
see what my Lord has done 

Elder dont get worried (3x)
for the work is almost done 

Almost over(3x)
see what my Lord has done 

Brother, don't get worried (3x)
For the work is almost done 

Sister don't get worried
Elder don't get worried
Brother don't get worried
For the work is almost done

SHAKY GROUND

I thought I'd been liv'n in the light of day
I though I'd been redeemed
I prayed my preayers but I went my way
Livin' just like I'd been

Standin', standin' on shaky ground

He'd gone to the church all of his life
He'd heard what the preacheer said
But the life he lived did him no good
The truth simply filled his head

I thought I'd been livin' in the light of day
I though I'd been redeemed
I prayed my preayers but I went my way
Livin' just like I'd been

NOBODY’S FAULT BUT MINE

I got a Bible in my home (2x)
If I don't read my soul be lost 
Nobody's fault but mine

Sister, she taught me how to read  (2x)
If I don't read my soul be lost 
Nobody's fault but mine (2x)

Jesus, He taught me how to walk (2x)
If I don't walk what Jesus taught 
Nobody's fault but mine

People, they like someone to blame (2x)
But I can't play no blamin' game 
Nobody's fault but mine

GO TELL PHAROAH

Go tell Pharaoh let my people go (2x)
I am the God of the Israelites that I'll surely show
Power in the water, power in the sky (2x)
Woe to those in Egypt, that's the apple of my eye 

Great strong and mighty all across this land
I say great strong and mighty all across your land
You shall know my power then you'll understand

YOU GOT TO MOVE

You gotta move
You gotta move
You gotta move child
You gotta move
when the Lord gets ready you got to move 

You may be high
You may be low
You may be rich child
You may be poor
But when the Lord gets ready 
You gotta move 

IN THE LIGHT OF THE MORNING STAR

The sun comes peakin' over the hill
Here I am with an old bent heart
Sayin' Savior I will walk this day
In the light of the mornin' star 

(chorus)
O Savior, Savior
I'm so glad I know who you are
God grant me just to walk with thee
In the light of the mornin' star 

The moon comes down
Shinin' on the earth, it's a wonderful thing to behold
But someday I know we have been foretold 
We will walk on streets of gold 

Holy Ghost you point my way to the Prince of the
Heavenly Host
I may be all I should be for the one who 
Loves me most 

CELESTIAL SHORE

It won't be long but it's for sure
Soon I'll be walkin' through that special door
There'll be no more cryin' fightin' or war
When we gather together on that celestial shore 

When we all come together (3x)
On that celestial shore 

Are you tired of walkin' on this uphill road?
Are you ready for talkn to the one true Lord?
Well it ain't no secret that he settled your score
Will you be there with us on that celestial shore? 

I'm so tired walkin' this uphill road
Are you ready to meet that one true Lord?
Well it ain't no secret he settled your score
Don't you wanna be with him on that celestial shore?

JESUS IS COMIN’ SOON

In the year of 1918
God sent a might disease
Killin' many a thousand
On the land and on the sea 

We been told God has warned us 
Jesus a comin' soon (2x) 

God is warnin' the nation
Warned us in every way
Turn away from the evil
Seek the Lord and pray 

People dyin' of starvation
People dyin' of AIDS
People killin' their babies
Tryin' to save the whales today 

In the book of Zechariah 
The Bible plainly explains
Many people need to die
Or count their wicked ways

GOD DON’T NEVER CHANGE

He's God
God don't never change
Always will be God 

God in the middle of the ocean
God in the middle of the sea
By the help of the great creator
He's truly been the God to me 

God in creation
God when Adam fell
God way up in heaven
God way down in hell 

Spoken to the mountain
Said our Great I AM
Once you get up this mornin'
Skip around like a lamb 

God in the time of sickness
God in the doctor too
In the time of Influenza
He truly been a God to you 

God in the pulpit
God way down at the door
God in the amen corner
God all over the floor 

WHAT YOU DID

I was hungry and you fed me
I was thirsty and you gave me drink
I was a stranger and you took me in 
I needed clothing 
You covered me

I was sick and you gave me care
I was in prison and you came to me there
You ask when was this 
How could this be? 

What you did for the least you did for me
What you did for the least (3x)
You did for me
You ask when was this 
How could this be?
What you did for the least child 
You did to me 

He was hungry and you fed him
She was thirsty and you gave her a drink
She was a stranger and you took her in your house
He needed clothing and you covered him

I BELONG TO THE BAND

Hallelu, Hallelujah 
I belong to the Band, hallelu (2x) 

When I get to heaven gonna sit right down
Ask my Lord for my starry crown
I belong to the band, hallelu 
What kinda band you talkin' about?
Talkin' about that Christian band
I belong to the band, hallelu 

One of these mornings and it won't be long
You're gonna call me and I'll be gone
I belong to the band, hallelu 

Talk about me just as much as you please
I'll talk about you down on my knees
I belong to the band, hallelu (x2) 

One of these days about 12 o'clock
This old world's gonna reel and rock
I belong to the band, hallelu (x2) 

YOU GOT TO DIE

Well you just as well to get ready 
You gotta die (x2)
Well it may be today or tomorrow
Well you can't tell a minute or hour 

Sinnerman well you just as well to get ready 
You gotta die (x2)
Well it may be today or tomorrow
Well you can't tell a minute or hour 

Gambler well you just as well to get ready 
You gotta die (x2)
Well it may be today or tomorrow
Well you can't tell a minute or hour.... 

Just well get ready you got to die
Just well love your enemies, you got to die (x2)
Maybe tomorrow can't tell the minute or the hour
Just well love your enemies, you got to die 

Just well live in union, you got to die(x2)
Maybe tomorrow can't tell the minute or the hour
Just well live in union, you got to die 

Just well get ready, you got to die
Just well keep prayin', you got to die (x2)
Maybe tomorrow can't tell the minute or the hour
Just well keep prayin', you got to die

CORNERSTONE

He is the cornerstone (x3)
Come under him (The cornerstone)
Come unto him (The cornerstone)
Come unto him (The living stone)
Rejected by men (The cornerstone)
But chosen by God (Precious stone)
Precious to him (The cornerstone)
You also (Taste this chosen wine)
Like livin' stones (Chosen by God)
That made a spiritual house (You're this cornerstone)
Offering sacrifices (Of this living stone)
Accepted by God (Through the cornerstone)
For in the word it says (I lay a chosen stone)
In the word it says (Haaaw precious stone)
And if you trust in him (This cornerstone)
You will not come to shame (In this cornerstone)
You'll never be the same (In this holy one)
Not be put to shame (The cornerstone)
Jesus (Jesus precious stone)
Jesus (Precious stone)
Jesus (Precious stone)
He is the mighty cornerstone

WE SHALL SEE THE KING

There's a blessed time a comin comin soon
Maybe even mornin night or noon
The wedding of the bride united with the groom
We shall see the King when he comes 

(chorus)
We shall see the King
we shall see the King
we shall see the King when he comes
He's coming in power we'll hail the blessed hour
we shall see the King when he comes 

Are you ready should the Savior come today?
Would Jesus say well done or go away?
My hope is for the pure, the vile can never stay.
We shall see the King when he comes. 

O my brother are you ready for the call
to crown your Savior King and Lord of all
the kingdoms of this world will soon before him fall
we shall see the King when he comes