There are songs whose music and lyrics have the power to touch our hearts, minds and souls and transform our personal perspectives. They grip our attention and cause us to listen and re-listen as the spirit of the words and collaborative music reach the depths of our being. They team up to extricate us from our daily world of activity and challenge us to consider who we are and why we are here and where we might chose to go. I found these songs to be thoughtfully written and sung and touch me deeply each time I hear them. I present the lyrics and then a link to YouTube so you can listen. Hopefully you too might find them something special.
God’s Gift To The World
This one
That one
Each one
Is God’s gift to the world
They are
We are
Each one
Is God’s gift to the world
There are no extra people
In a mansion or a ghetto
Each heart and soul is counted
Though they’re different than you
So look across the ocean
See those on distant corners
Or see the one beside you
Look in their eyes and you’ll know that it’s true
And all the lonely people
The first ones and the last ones
All the great and small ones
The ones that win and lose
All of the remembered
Even the forgotten
From every single nation
You know it’s true… for me and you
This one
That one
Each one
Is God’s gift to the world
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Michael Himelstein / Terry Sampson
God’s Gift To The World lyrics © Wb Music Corp., The Joe Brothers Music
Link to Carl Anderson’s rendition of “God’s Gift To The World”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQ8nOrQ2A-M
Not Too Far From Here
Song by Hilary Weeks
Somebody’s down to their last dime
Somebody’s runnin’ out of time
Not too far from here
Somebody’s got nowhere else to go
Somebody needs a little hope
Not too far from here
And I may not know their name
But I’m prayin’ just the same
That you’ll use me Lord,
To wipe away the tears
‘Cause somebody’s cryin’
Not too far from here
Somebody’s troubled and confused
Somebody’s got nothin’ left to loose
Not too far from here
Somebody’s forgotten how to trust
Somebody’s dyin’ for love
Not too far from here
It may be a strangers face
But I’m prayin’ for your grace
To move me and take away the fear
‘Cause somebody’s hurting
Not too far from here
Help me Lord,
not to turn away
From Him
Help me not to rest
While those around me weep
Give me your strength and compassion
When somebody finds the road of life
Too steep
Somebody’s troubled and confused
Somebody’s got nothin’ left to loose
Not too far from here
Somebody’s forgotten how to trust
Somebody’s dyin’ for love
Not too far from here
Now I’m letting down my guard
And I’m opening my heart
Help me speak your love
To every need-full ear
Somebody’s waiting
Not too far from here
Somebody’s waiting
Not too far from here
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Steve Siler / Ty Lacy
Not Too Far From Here lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Link to Video with lyrics:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1mkVnuTUD8
Link to Michael Crawford’s rendition of “Not Too Far From Here”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtSlnoSz6Ac
Love Understands
I see the empty souls,
That walk the streets alone,
Families that hunger for a home.
Their pride is gone.
And I don’t realize,
That I could change their lives,
And mine by wanting to give more.
Open up your door.
So when you see a broken heart
Extend your hand,
Love understands,
Come up with more than just a dime,
Invest your hope,
And give your time.
Now wonder if this was you,
How would you get through?
And if you had others to feed?
Imagine all you’d need.
Too have to start again,
At someplace that I have been,
And I get to help to find a way.
I’m gonna start today.
So when you see a broken heart
Extend your hand,
Love understands,
Come up with more than just a dime,
Invest your hope,
And give your time.
A place to sleep, a place to start.
But when you give yourself it warms the heart.
So when you see a broken heart
Extend your hand,
Love understands,
Come up with more than just a dime,
Invest your hope,
And give your time.
So when you see a broken heart
Extend your hand,
Love understands,
Come up with more than just a dime,
Invest your hope,
And give your time.
Link to Marilyn Scott’s rendition of “Love Understands”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IaLzbMYGjg
[A future Post will explore spiritual hymns and hope they soothe, inspire and comfort the soul]
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Turning Point
I find that many songs contain words that reveal as a prism previously hidden the essence of our deepest thoughts confirming our vision of our life’s purpose. And like a diamond, each time we hear them they reveal a facet not seen in previous listening moments. It’s like a flower unfolding revealing beauty previously hidden within its bud. And at times we can even see how that song has had its effect upon our hearts, souls and minds fulfilling its intended divine purpose. And how sweet when the lyrics to a song amplify the essence of our life.