1. |
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"Lisa, If You're Listening"
from Artist's Hand
"Lisa, If You're Listening"
It seems we're all born thirsty for the cup of happiness
Its almost like we're homesick for a place we've not seen yet
Could it be that longing is a gift from the Spirit's hand
A thirst that's meant to lead us -- to look for a Promised Land
Well maybe you've been thirsty
But you're not really sure what for
You've looked for satisfaction
Everywhere except in the Lord
Lisa started drinking -- she steals her daddy's gin
She says that when she's wasted she feels like she fits in
Her parents give her money
So she buys lots of stuff at the mall
Her closet's full but Lisa feels so empty with it all
But Lisa if you're listening, there's something that I need to say
Girl it's not your fault you feel emptied out this way, because
(Chorus)
Somebody sold us the Brooklyn Bridge
I'm telling you that's how it is
The things they said would satisfy
Can never touch that thirst inside
And I believe that what we're all longing for is Christ
Some folks try to quench that thirst with things that they can buy
Some run from one lover to the next but they don't know why
Some just hide the hunger by living way too fast
And some just give up hoping that any good thing lasts
But Lisa if you're listening, don't pretend that your life's just fine
'Cause Jesus might be trying to reach way down inside (and show you)
(Chorus)
There's a Fountain flowing with what you're longing for
And people find that water, when they know they need the Lord
So if you know you're thirsty, well there's a cup that we all can share
And there's a special table with a place set for you there
So sit down Lisa... Welcome home Lisa...
Music @ Lyrics By Bryan Sirchio
Crosswind Music, 1995. All Rights Reserved.
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2. |
If God's Alive
03:20
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If God's Alive
from Artist's Hand
"If God's Alive"
Debbie's worried about her best friend Beth
Lately man she's been so depressed
Its like nothing's right, she hates her life
And she might just end it all
But Debbie says Beth I care about you
Let's get some help and work this through
'Cause though its bad right now
That's not how this story needs to end ...because
(Chorus)
If God's Alive, If God's Alive
If God's Alive, the future's open wide
If the God of Christ exists
No matter how messed up it is
If God's alive the future's open wide
Bobbie's daddy used to pound those beers
Bobbie's family lived in constant fear
'cause when dad got drunk, he'd start to punch
Bobbie hated going home
But Bobbie's daddy doesn't drink these days
He's found the Lord, and he's found AA
And its gonna take time, but they're all gonna try
To build a brand new life ...because
(Chorus)
I was looking at the TV screen
Saw hungry babies in a third world scene
And it made me cry, I mean who am I, to have more than I need?
Homeless people living on the street
But I thank God this stuff gets to me
And I won't lose heart -- I'll do my part
Even when it feels like a drop in the bucket
(Chorus)
Mary thought everything was lost
Saw him die on a Roman cross
And her hopes were crushed,
She guessed he just wasn't who he said he was
But Sunday morning everything was changed
What she saw took her breath away
'cause the angel said -- he is not dead!
Go and tell this wounded world ...that your
(Chorus)
Credits:
Words & Music By Bryan Sirchio
Crosswind Music, 1995. All Rights Reserved.
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3. |
Cold Shower Treatment
06:48
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"Cold Shower Treatment"
from "Artist's Hand" album
"Cold Shower Treatment"
I remember Junior High back in northern New Jersey
There was this kid named Corie McCuff
Corie was always causing trouble for somebody -- nobody liked Corie much
Nobody knew what made Corie so angry, but
He was a time bomb wired to blow
Some say it started when his dad left his mom--
I guess we've heard that story before
And Corie's mom did not know what to do
She'd get these phone calls from teachers at school
He's causing problems again Ms. McCuff
So Corie's mother would go pick him up (And she'd say)
(Chorus)
Corie why'd you do it? All these feelings inside you
Are gonna cause you pain if you don't let somebody help
And Corie something's got to change
And Corie, what's it going to take
For you to see how much you hurt yourself this way?
In the summertime the year before we started high school
A church in town took this youth camping trip
They had a pastor named Kevin and Kevin knew ho to get through to the kids
Kevin said hey why don't we see if Corie can
Join us this year for our youth camping trip?
Not even Kevin knew just how much trouble would be caused by that Corie kid
'Cause Corie wised off and kept picking fights
But Kevin knew Corie hurt deep inside
And then one night while the other kids slept
Kevin heard Corie crying in bed
(and Corie kept saying to himself)
(Chorus)
Corie, why'd you do it? There must be something wrong with you
Its just like mom keeps trying to tell you -- you better get some help
And everyone says I should change, but no one knows what it will take
And they don't see how much it hurts to live this way...
At the camp the group was at they had this way of dealing with
Campers like Corie who'd break all the rules
They called it getting the cold shower treatment
And here's what the camp staff would do
They'd let the cold shower run until that mountain water was almost like ice
Then the offender would strip to a bathing suit and take a cold shower
While all the other campers would
Watch you and tease you and laugh
It was the most talked about thing at camp
It was done in a spirit of fun
They never meant it to hurt anyone
Well Corie was constantly breaking the rules
"Let's give Corie the shower!" said the rest of the group
So they turned on the water and they gathered around
"Make him freeze!" screamed the merciless crowd
Like some death row prisoner Corie marched into the room
Showing no emotion as he listened to the group
They were laughing, mocking, shouting,
"To the shower with McCuff!"
And then that locker room fell silent
And as Corie looked up
There was pastor Kevin in this silly bathing suit
Taking Corie's shower, and shouting,
"Corie! God loves you!"
And Corie started crying as the other kids all left
Kevin got out of the shower and he said,
"Corie... God knows why you do it,
And man there's nothing wrong with you
That God can't help you learn to deal with, if you want God to
And Corie, everything can change
'Cause Jesus knew what it would take
For you to see how much you hurt yourself this way"
I remember senior high back in northern New Jersey
I had a friend named Corie McCuff
Corie was some kind of beautiful person
So full of forgiveness and love
Sometimes a person would ask him hey Corie
How come you're always so thoughtful and kind?
Corie would smile and say its hard to explain
Then he'd throw them his favorite line
He'd say, I started to live differently
When a good friend once helped me see,
That this carpenter -- took a shower once for me!
Credits:
Words & Music By Bryan Sirchio
Crosswind Music, 1995.
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4. |
Bumper Sticker Witness
03:23
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"Bumper Sticker Witness"
from "Artist's Hand" album
"Bumper Sticker Witness"
I was driving down the interstate just minding my own business
When moving slow in the left hand lane was a 57 Plymouth
I flashed my lights to get her over to the right
But she would not move and then I knew
That this was no run of the mill mobile
As I pulled up close I saw that entire car was covered
With umpteen million bumper stickers, one next to the other
And every single sticker was a message for a sinner
And then I realized I'd pulled up behind
Chorus:
A bumper sticker witness
She's a bumper sticker witness
And she drives it to the limit for the Lord
She's got a holy rollin' Plymouth
And that woman's zeal is driven
She's a bumper sticker witness for the Lord
(I started reading) Jesus saves; His pain your gain;
I found it, Praise the Lord!;
The God I worship is not dead, I'm sorry to hear about yours;
Jesus Christ is tough as nails and he was dyin' for you to meet him
May your words be sweet and tender, 'cause tomorrow you might just eat 'em
(Chorus)
(Bridge)
If I did not know the Lord I would not get caught dead
Have a little patience, God's not through with me yet
One life to live, will soon be past
Only what we do in Christ will last
And warning, in case of rapture this car will crash!
When it seems there's no way out then let the Saviour in
Make the Lord your captain and your team will always win
She's got her foot on the rock and her name on the roll
And she tunes her AM radio to the DJ of her dreams--
Paul Harvey... good day!
(Chorus)
Well I must admit these bumper stickers used to make me snicker
But these cranking Christianese machines just might be saving sinners
And maybe when we reach those pearly gates we'll be surprised
To find that heaven's filled with folks who once pulled up behind...
(Chorus)
Credits:
Music & Lyrics By Bryan Sirchio
Crosswind Music, 1995. All Rights Reserved.
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5. |
Place Of Surrender
04:48
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"Place of Surrender"
from "Artist's Hand" album
"Place of Surrender"
He said I've been to church most of my life
But to be honest, I've never felt too much inside
To me the church is kind of like a glorified Kiwanis club
He said I know that sounds flip, but for me that's where it's at
But I can tell you believe there's more than that
And actually I'd like to listen, if you would try to explain
So we talked about the God who became a peasant child
Who lived a love so hot that blood was shed
He said I wonder why you feel your faith almost like a lover's touch
While for me its like some lukewarm proposition in my head
And I said, if you really want to know, I think...
(Chorus)
It all comes down to the place of surrender
Where you gladly say, God, I lay down my will
I'm giving up control, 'cause you died for me
Its the place where your hunger, and your deepest thirst
Is to know the Creator of the universe
And where you think of the price God paid for your sin
And everything is worthless by comparison
Somehow it all begins, at the place of surrender
I could tell that my words hit him like a brick
He said you mean your willing to bow down and submit your whole life to God?
Man that sounds odd ...not to mention dehumanizing and potentially dangerous
I said, I guess I'll take my chances, in calling someone Lord
Who owned this world, yet for my sake became poor
I'm not afraid to serve a deity who died for me
He said so you're telling me the passion comes from looking at the cross
And then placing all that's yours in God's hands
I said yeah, I guess that's it, but why some do it and some don't
Is a crazy mystery I guess I'll never understand
But I'm more and more convinced, that...
(Chorus)
It all comes down to the place of surrender
Where you gladly say, God, I lay down my will
I'm giving up control, 'cause you died for me
Its the place of no bargains, and no half way
Where his prayer in the garden is the prayer we pray
Lord, not my will, but yours be done
Nothing's really mine -- 'cause you bought it with your blood
That's when the freedom comes at the place of surrender
Credits:
Music & Lyrics By Bryan Sirchio
Crosswind Music, 1995.
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6. |
Artist's Hand
03:30
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"Artist's Hand"
from "Artist's Hand" album
"Artist's Hand"
Sometimes nothing seems to make much sense
And all my prayers don't seem to help
When things I thought were straightened out seem all messed up again
That's when I remind myself
(Chorus)
That though the backside of a tapestry
Is a bunch of tangled threads
The other side's the work of an artist's hand
So when tangled threads are all that I can see from where I stand
I still believe in the Artist's Hand
Famines, wars, and so-called "acts of God"
I've got questions in my mind
Sometimes all that's clear to me is that this world's not fair
But I remember in those times
(Chorus)
Credits:
Music @ Lyrics By Bryan Sirchio
Crosswind Music, 1995. All Rights Reserved.
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7. |
Best Stuff
04:49
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"Best Stuff"
from "Artist's Hand" album
"Best Stuff"
Jim & Jodie been going out steady
Since they both were sophomores
All alone the passion gets heavy
Jimmy always wants more
Jodie says, I know how you feel,
And I believe our love is real
But there's a part of me that I'm keeping for my wedding day
Jimmy says, come on -- its the 90's
No one waits these days
Jodie says the man who weds me is
Gonna find I was worth the wait ('cause)
(Chorus)
The best stuff, the real stuff
The set you free stuff -- you know it don't come cheap
The best stuff, I mean the real stuff,
The set you free stuff -- it never does come easy
And that's how it is with me
Jimmy said Jodie I'm going crazy!
If you loved me you'd do it--
Jodie said Jim I told you I'm waiting
Don't try to push me into it
Jimmy said hey if you won't give in
Maybe we should just call it quits
Jodie said Jimmy I really love you
But I don't like you much right now
Jimmy said well then let's just break up
I've waited long enough
Jodie said don't you see -- this is why
I'm glad that we didn't make love!
(and Jimmy...)
(Chorus)
(Bridge)
Later on that night, Jodie got on her knees & prayed
She said Lord -- I felt close to you today
'Cause as Jimmy was breaking my heart
I thought of you up on that cross
And its like I saw what you did in a brand new way
And I thought, its true...
The best stuff... the real stuff... the set you fee stuff... it never does come easy
Jodie hasn't dated for a while now
She's still not over Jimmy
When someone says I love you then you find out
That all he meant was "gimme"
Its kind of like it shakes your heart up
You really don't know who to trust
But Jodie smiles and says I'll be all right
I know I'll heal with time
And she believes that someday she'll find
When every piece is in place
A guy who'll say Jodie you turn me on, but
I really think we should wait, 'cause Jodie...
(Chorus - last line) ...and that's how I want us to be
Credits:
Music & Lyrics By Bryan Sirchio
Crosswind Music, 1995.
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8. |
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"Table Of Friendship And Love"
from "Artist's Hand" album
"Table of Friendship & Love"
I met this teenage heavy metal freak
He blew my mind away
When I found out what he did in his school one day
He said I've never gotten into all these "clique-y" groups at school
I mean someone's always left out -- not everybody's cool
But then he went on this church retreat
And he heard how Jesus talked about a table where everyone belongs
He said I got this wild idea -- at first I had to think it through
You see you can't be too direct these days with religious stuff at school
He said I even said a prayer that God would show me what to do
And then he told me exactly what he did (he said)
(Chorus)
I found an empty table in the cafeteria
I put a sign in the middle that said
Friendship and Love
No one needs a clique here
There's a place for everyone
At the table of Friendship and Love
He said I sat there all alone at first
Feeling kind of like a jerk
He started thinking maybe this idea's not gonna work
But it was like a sign from Heaven
When this freshman nerd walked up
And said, is this for real?
And the metal head kid said, yup
So they ate their lunch together -- the thrasher and the nerd
And it was like they sent a message -- that was way too deep for words
And it didn't take too long before everybody heard
About this radical new thing going on (at that)
(Chorus)
(Bridge)
And he said you won't believe it man, but at our school each day
We've got jocks and heads and nerds and freaks
And every social class and race
Breaking bread together -- and though we're not allowed to pray
When the walls come down like that--
How can God be far away ...from a
(Chorus)
Credits:
Music & Lyrics By Bryan Sirchio
Crosswind Music, 1995. All Rights Reserved.
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9. |
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"Calling At The Crossroads"
from "Artist's Hand" album
"Calling At The Crossroads"
What 'cha gonna do when its time to choose?
What 'cha gonna do with your life?
How you gonna use what's been given to you?
How you gonna know what is right?
There are many voices that call to you
And God's voice won't always be loud
But if you want to do what Christ wants you to
Here's a truth to think about
(Chorus)
Where your greatest source of joy
Intersects with the needs of the world
Go and find that place
And hear the Spirit calling you (calling you)
Where your greatest source of joy
Intersects with the needs of the world
Go and find that place
And hear your calling at the Crossroads
Some are gonna tell you that you must ask first
Where's the biggest money to be made?
But I will tell you there's no check that's worth
Pushing what you love away
And some are gonna tell you that growing up
Means saying no to your dreams
But I believe the Spirit wants to cross your dreams
With a wounded person's needs
(Chorus)
(Bridge)
You might be a wonderful artist
Your gift flows from deep in your soul
But someone has said there's no market
For what you do, so let it go
But I say give praise to the God who creates
And ask God to show you how
Your artistry can somehow be used
To raise up in a world that puts down
(Chorus)
Note: The idea for this song came from a statement by author Frederick Buechner: "Your calling is where your own greatest joy intersects with the needs of the world."
Credits:
Music & Lyrics By Bryan Sirchio
Crosswind Music, 1995. All Rights Reserved.
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10. |
Can't Talk
02:24
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"Can't Talk"
from "Artist's Hand" album
"Can't Talk"
I can't talk to my dad, I don't know why
We've got nothing in common
There's nothing to say
I say what I'm thinking, and he just gets mad
So I just keep it to myself
I can't talk to my dad
I can't talk to my mom, I sure wish I could
Can't say what I'm thinking though, 'cause she still thinks I'm good
She'd just start crying, and I'd just feel dumb
So let her think that I'm O.K.
I can't talk to my mom
(Bridge)
But there's a whole world of friends who understand me
They look at this world and see what I see
And its O.K. if mom and dad and I don't agree
I just wish we could say it openly
But we don't talk about religion; we don't talk about love
Don't talk about decisions
That I make just growing up
And I don't want a sermon, and they don't understand
Why I don't try to talk to them
I just talk to my friends
Please Note: This song was written by Jim Weber of Touchstone Youth Resources. As a matter of courtesy, please contact Jim for permission before copying or using this song in any way.
P.O. Box 159231
Nashville, TN, 37215
800-951-0124
jim-weber@juno.com
www.jimweber.com
Written by Jim Weber
� 1985 Meadowgreen Music Co.
(ASCAP) All Rights Reserved.
Credits:
Music & Lyrics By Jim Weber
1985 Meadowgreen Music Co.
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11. |
The Other Side
02:38
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"The Other Side"
from "Artist's Hand" album
"The Other Side"
Well I know you think I don't understand you
Maybe sometimes that's true
And lately all we do is fight
When I try to talk to you
You've got your thoughts and I've got mine
And we both think we're right
You know some folks say we fight this way
'Cause we're so much alike
(Chorus)
I used to love this Cat Stevens song,
"Father and Son" on Tea For The Tillerman
I'd always sing from the child's point of view
(yeah...) I'd tell myself that when I had kids,
We'd be real close, yeah, we'd talk all the time
And it feels real strange to find myself on the other side
The other side
Well I know sometimes I'm too quick to tell you
What you must learn your own way
But man its hard to see you make
The same mistakes I made
And someday we'll both turn around
And you'll be on your own
Well I pray that we can work this out
While you're still here at home
(Chorus)
Have you heard that Cat Stevens song,
"Father and Son" on Tea For The Tillerman
You'd probably like that child's point of view (yeah...)
I think they sell it on CD now
Let's pick up a copy and check it out
Maybe you and I could learn to hear each other's side
The other side
Credits:
Music & Lyrics By Bryan Sirchio
Crosswind Music, 1995. All Rights Reserved.
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12. |
ABC's For The OT
03:15
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"ABC's For The O.T."
from "Artist's Hand" album
"ABC's For The O.T."
Now if you want to memorize the books of the O.T.
Well I've figured out a way to make it easy for you, easy for me
Kind of like the way you once had to learn those A, B, C, D, E, F, G's
I'm gonna commit to my memory these ABC's for the O.T.-- (ABC's for the O.T.)
You can memorize the Old Testament with these ABC's for the O.T.
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, that's the Pentateuch of Moses (repeat)
Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 2 Sam's, 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles (repeat)
Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, sing a little Psalm, and get wise with a Proverb (repeat)
Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations (repeat)
Zeke and Dan, Hosea and Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah and Micah (repeat)
Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and last is Malachi (repeat)
(Chorus)
Memorize the Old Testament with these ABC's for the O.T.
You can ...memorize the Old Testament with these ABC's for the O.T.
Note the following abbreviations:
2 Sam's = 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel
2Kings = 1 Kings and 2 Kings
2 Chronicles = 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles
Zeke = Ezekiel
Dan = Daniel
Credits:
Music & Lyrics By Bryan Sirchio
Crosswind Music, 1995.
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13. |
Dream God's Dream
04:06
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"Dream God's Dream"
from "Artist's Hand" album
"Dream God's Dream"
(Chorus)
Dream God's dream
Holy Spirit, help us dream...
Of a world where there is justice, and where everyone is free
To build and grow and love
And to simply have enough
The world will change when we dream God's dream
I'm dreaming of a world where the color of one's skin
Will mean less than what's within the person's heart
A world where water's clean, and where air is safe to breathe
And every child born has enough to eat.
(Chorus)
I'm dreaming of the call God is offering to me
How to use my energy and my best gifts
To do the work of Christ -- to say, God please use my life
To spread Your healing love -- and to live your Truth
(Chorus)
I'm dreaming of the way that I want my life to go
I've got hopes and I've got goals I'd like to meet
I'm reaching for the stars, but I won't forget the scars
Of Christ who died to show that the Dream's for all...
(Chorus)
Credits:
Words & Music By Bryan Sirchio
Crosswind Music, 1991
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