I've composed some Christian lyrics reflecting my faith.
Here are some sample lyrics.
FRISKY
Frisky was frolicking far from the fold
Though lambs shouldn’t stray far away
On the far side of the hill so we’re told
The grass is much greener they say
Soon it was sunset and shadows grew long
Frisky was lost and afraid
Bleating was not necessarily wrong
However he shouldn’t have strayed
Hunched on a hill in the hush of the night
A wolf heard the distant lamb bleat
Of at a trot it just drooled in delight
Eager to eat luncheon meat
Searching the slopes again seeking the stray
The shepherd as well heard the bleat
Thankful that Frisky still sounded okay
He rushed to respond to the plea
Frisky was frigid and frozen in fright
The wolf was approaching apace
But just as it opened its jaws for a bite
A stone hit it full in the face
Frisky was following close as he could
The shepherd was leading him home
Now he would stay by the fold as he should
Never again would he roam
James Southern
Cornerstone Choruses 2003
GOD OF ISRAEL
God of Israel, hear my prayer
Anguish is my name
Bless me and help me and keep me from harm
So I’ll be free from pain
Father in Heaven, forgive us our sins
As we as well forgive
Glory to the King of Kings
Who died so we might live
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me
A sinner right from birth
Purify me thoroughly
O Lord of Heaven and Earth.
James Southern
Cornerstone Choruses 2007
I AM THE WAY
“I am . . . the way,” I hear Jesus say
“Trust me, obey; there is no other way”
The path . . . is straight . . . toward the narrow gate
The road . . . is broad . . . that leads away from God
I watch, I pray, I sing along the way
For sure, I know, this is the way to go
“No way!” they say, “Not relevant today
Our way, you know, is going with the flow”
Their way, it might . . . to many folk seem right
But why . . . the fear . . . because the end draws near?
The life . . . I lead . . . is marvellous indeed
The end, for me, is blest eternity
Praise God, the way . . . gets brighter every day
The saints, in song, go marching boldly on
The hosts . . . proclaim, "Glory to the Name!"
Our God . . . is great! Rejoice and celebrate!
James Southern
Cornerstone Choruses 2008
JESUS SEES US
Jesus sees us when we’re hiding
Shrinking from those scornful stares
Shame and guilt heaped high upon us
Only Jesus really cares
Jesus hears us when we’re weeping
‘Cause of hurts or broken dreams
Every tear drop is recorded
Even all those silent screams
Jesus saves us when we’re sinking
In the scummy sea of sin
When we cry out he will help us
Rid us of the scum within
Jesus frees us when we’re captive
To the prince of anarchy
Then we can do what we want to
Serving Jesus gratefully
Jesus heals us when we’re hurting
If we let him take control
Broken bones may need resetting
So he breaks to make us whole
Jesus leads us when we’re weary
By the quiet water way
Just the right path through the valley
He is with us day by day
Jesus bids us join his banquet
Celebrating victory
And we’ll dwell in regal mansions
Praising God eternally
James Southern
Cornerstone Choruses 2002
LORD YOU KNOW
Lord, you know our deepest need
To keep in sync with you
May we stay in harmony
With everything you do
Lord, you test attentiveness
Will we tune in on cue
We strive to do our very best
And trust it pleases you
Lord, you see us faltering
And quite discouraged too
We were wrong we must admit
When out of step with you
Lord, you lead when we’re prepared
We follow you anew
We play the part that you assigned
We need to count on you
James Southern
Cornerstone Choruses 2008
THANK YOU LORD
a grace before meals
Thank you, Lord, for it is you
Who feeds the birds and feeds us too
Bless this food and drink we pray
And help us help someone today
James Southern
Cornerstone Choruses 2006
a bedtime prayer
Thank you, Lord, for a cozy bed
Guide my dreams in the night ahead
Guard my soul throughout the night
In my dreams may I do what’s right
James Southern
Cornerstone Choruses 2013
VANITY
refrain
Vanity, vanity, all is in vain
What is the purpose of life!
Meaningless, meaningless, nothing to gain
Tedious toil and strife
stanzas
Look at the world that we live in
Age after age it’s the same
Children of each generation
Playing the same crazy game
(Ec 1:3-11)
Knowledge is not the solution
The problem is not understood
Trusting in human discretion
Brings misery rather than good
(Ec 1:18)
Pleasure is never enduring
Laughter sounds somewhat insane
Wine, they say, is a mocker
Dulling a little the pain
(Ec 2:1-21)
Projects amuse for a moment
But don’t in the end satisfy
Wealth is a wasted endeavor
Where will it go when you die?
(Ec 2:4-11)
What do you get for your labour?
Days full of sorrow and grief
Nights with your mind hyperactive
Taking a pill for relief
(Ec 2:22,23)
When you pursue self-fulfillment
Endlessly chasing the wind
Recklessly trampling on others
Who is to say that you sinned?
(Ec 2:26)
Consider two men in a court case
One of the two filthy rich
Which would the judge tend to favour?
Easy to speculate which
(Ec 3:16,17)
Some are oppressed and afflicted
Others depressed and forlorn
Maybe it would have been better
Just to have never been born
(Ec 4:1-3)
Consider an idler on welfare
Compared to the other extreme
Someone stressed out making millions
Which one would God most esteem?
(Ec 4:5,6)
Consider a man who loves money
Striving to get richer yet
Gambling on risky investments
Ending up deeply in debt
(Ec 5:10-14)
A rich man attracts friendly people
But what if he loses his health?
Is this an example to envy
A grumpy old man with his wealth?
(Ec 6:1-6)
A saint suffers death and dishonour
A rogue enjoys life to the full
Why be excessively righteous?
But don’t be abominable
(Ec 7:15-18; 8:14)
The good and the wise end up dying
As do the bad and the fools
Isn’t it rather depressing
Knowing mortality rules?
(Ec 9:1-3)
The strong may not always be winners
Wealth may not come to the wise
The fast may be last in some cases
Misfortune can catch by surprise
(Ec 9:11,12)
The young may enjoy many pleasures
However, they’ll all pass away
Remember while young your Creator
No one escapes Judgement Day
(Ec 11:9,10)
The old fade away into darkness
Under the sun all is flawed
The body returns to its mother
The spirit ascends to God
(Ec 12:1-7)
final refrain
So to conclude for now this sombre song
God has your wages in view
Don’t entertain what you know to be wrong
Do what he wants you to do
James Southern
Cornerstone Choruses 2003
YES I WAS SINKING
Yes, I was sinking in sin’s scummy sea
Sharks circling round and around
There I was thinking of my destiny
Either be eaten or drowned
Then I remembered a childhood prayer
Mama had taught me to say
So I cried out in the depths of despair
Jesus, please save me, I pray
Then a strong arm pulled me out of the sea
Someone just serving the Lord
Seemingly more like an angel to me
Welcoming people aboard
Now in the lifeboat we’re headed for shore
Rescuing folk on the way
Wind in our favour, provisions in store
Sun overhead all the day
No, I will nevermore drift with the tide
Now it’s the Bible’s amen
So I will evermore follow my guide
Listen to this once again
Yes, I was sinking in sin’s scummy sea
Sharks circling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repeat first nineteen lines, then end with
Never to wander again
James Southern
Cornerstone Choruses 2002
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER
When I was younger I wandered around
In truth I was running away
Avoiding commitments that might tie me down
Wanting to go my own way
Although I was footloose I still wasn't free
I was subject to what people thought
Concerned about people's opinion of me
Whether they liked me or not
Then someone told me of God's love for me
In spite of my faults and misdeeds
A love that was more than just leniency
It would satisfy all of my needs
Thus it was useless, my striving to please
I just had to trust in the Lord
So in my bedroom alone on my knees
"Accept me as is," I implored
I sensed that he heard me and answered my plea
All I’d done wrong was forgiven
I had to trust he would look after me
` I needed some changes within
Over the years I've been tested and tried
But not as severely as some
Nothing like Jesus who got crucified
And some who endured martyrdom
Now that I'm older I'm set in my ways
But trying to do what I should
The change that I face at the end of my days
Will trustfully be for the good
James Southern
Cornerstone Choruses 2017
Here are some sample lyrics.
FRISKY
Frisky was frolicking far from the fold
Though lambs shouldn’t stray far away
On the far side of the hill so we’re told
The grass is much greener they say
Soon it was sunset and shadows grew long
Frisky was lost and afraid
Bleating was not necessarily wrong
However he shouldn’t have strayed
Hunched on a hill in the hush of the night
A wolf heard the distant lamb bleat
Of at a trot it just drooled in delight
Eager to eat luncheon meat
Searching the slopes again seeking the stray
The shepherd as well heard the bleat
Thankful that Frisky still sounded okay
He rushed to respond to the plea
Frisky was frigid and frozen in fright
The wolf was approaching apace
But just as it opened its jaws for a bite
A stone hit it full in the face
Frisky was following close as he could
The shepherd was leading him home
Now he would stay by the fold as he should
Never again would he roam
James Southern
Cornerstone Choruses 2003
GOD OF ISRAEL
God of Israel, hear my prayer
Anguish is my name
Bless me and help me and keep me from harm
So I’ll be free from pain
Father in Heaven, forgive us our sins
As we as well forgive
Glory to the King of Kings
Who died so we might live
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me
A sinner right from birth
Purify me thoroughly
O Lord of Heaven and Earth.
James Southern
Cornerstone Choruses 2007
I AM THE WAY
“I am . . . the way,” I hear Jesus say
“Trust me, obey; there is no other way”
The path . . . is straight . . . toward the narrow gate
The road . . . is broad . . . that leads away from God
I watch, I pray, I sing along the way
For sure, I know, this is the way to go
“No way!” they say, “Not relevant today
Our way, you know, is going with the flow”
Their way, it might . . . to many folk seem right
But why . . . the fear . . . because the end draws near?
The life . . . I lead . . . is marvellous indeed
The end, for me, is blest eternity
Praise God, the way . . . gets brighter every day
The saints, in song, go marching boldly on
The hosts . . . proclaim, "Glory to the Name!"
Our God . . . is great! Rejoice and celebrate!
James Southern
Cornerstone Choruses 2008
JESUS SEES US
Jesus sees us when we’re hiding
Shrinking from those scornful stares
Shame and guilt heaped high upon us
Only Jesus really cares
Jesus hears us when we’re weeping
‘Cause of hurts or broken dreams
Every tear drop is recorded
Even all those silent screams
Jesus saves us when we’re sinking
In the scummy sea of sin
When we cry out he will help us
Rid us of the scum within
Jesus frees us when we’re captive
To the prince of anarchy
Then we can do what we want to
Serving Jesus gratefully
Jesus heals us when we’re hurting
If we let him take control
Broken bones may need resetting
So he breaks to make us whole
Jesus leads us when we’re weary
By the quiet water way
Just the right path through the valley
He is with us day by day
Jesus bids us join his banquet
Celebrating victory
And we’ll dwell in regal mansions
Praising God eternally
James Southern
Cornerstone Choruses 2002
LORD YOU KNOW
Lord, you know our deepest need
To keep in sync with you
May we stay in harmony
With everything you do
Lord, you test attentiveness
Will we tune in on cue
We strive to do our very best
And trust it pleases you
Lord, you see us faltering
And quite discouraged too
We were wrong we must admit
When out of step with you
Lord, you lead when we’re prepared
We follow you anew
We play the part that you assigned
We need to count on you
James Southern
Cornerstone Choruses 2008
THANK YOU LORD
a grace before meals
Thank you, Lord, for it is you
Who feeds the birds and feeds us too
Bless this food and drink we pray
And help us help someone today
James Southern
Cornerstone Choruses 2006
a bedtime prayer
Thank you, Lord, for a cozy bed
Guide my dreams in the night ahead
Guard my soul throughout the night
In my dreams may I do what’s right
James Southern
Cornerstone Choruses 2013
VANITY
refrain
Vanity, vanity, all is in vain
What is the purpose of life!
Meaningless, meaningless, nothing to gain
Tedious toil and strife
stanzas
Look at the world that we live in
Age after age it’s the same
Children of each generation
Playing the same crazy game
(Ec 1:3-11)
Knowledge is not the solution
The problem is not understood
Trusting in human discretion
Brings misery rather than good
(Ec 1:18)
Pleasure is never enduring
Laughter sounds somewhat insane
Wine, they say, is a mocker
Dulling a little the pain
(Ec 2:1-21)
Projects amuse for a moment
But don’t in the end satisfy
Wealth is a wasted endeavor
Where will it go when you die?
(Ec 2:4-11)
What do you get for your labour?
Days full of sorrow and grief
Nights with your mind hyperactive
Taking a pill for relief
(Ec 2:22,23)
When you pursue self-fulfillment
Endlessly chasing the wind
Recklessly trampling on others
Who is to say that you sinned?
(Ec 2:26)
Consider two men in a court case
One of the two filthy rich
Which would the judge tend to favour?
Easy to speculate which
(Ec 3:16,17)
Some are oppressed and afflicted
Others depressed and forlorn
Maybe it would have been better
Just to have never been born
(Ec 4:1-3)
Consider an idler on welfare
Compared to the other extreme
Someone stressed out making millions
Which one would God most esteem?
(Ec 4:5,6)
Consider a man who loves money
Striving to get richer yet
Gambling on risky investments
Ending up deeply in debt
(Ec 5:10-14)
A rich man attracts friendly people
But what if he loses his health?
Is this an example to envy
A grumpy old man with his wealth?
(Ec 6:1-6)
A saint suffers death and dishonour
A rogue enjoys life to the full
Why be excessively righteous?
But don’t be abominable
(Ec 7:15-18; 8:14)
The good and the wise end up dying
As do the bad and the fools
Isn’t it rather depressing
Knowing mortality rules?
(Ec 9:1-3)
The strong may not always be winners
Wealth may not come to the wise
The fast may be last in some cases
Misfortune can catch by surprise
(Ec 9:11,12)
The young may enjoy many pleasures
However, they’ll all pass away
Remember while young your Creator
No one escapes Judgement Day
(Ec 11:9,10)
The old fade away into darkness
Under the sun all is flawed
The body returns to its mother
The spirit ascends to God
(Ec 12:1-7)
final refrain
So to conclude for now this sombre song
God has your wages in view
Don’t entertain what you know to be wrong
Do what he wants you to do
James Southern
Cornerstone Choruses 2003
YES I WAS SINKING
Yes, I was sinking in sin’s scummy sea
Sharks circling round and around
There I was thinking of my destiny
Either be eaten or drowned
Then I remembered a childhood prayer
Mama had taught me to say
So I cried out in the depths of despair
Jesus, please save me, I pray
Then a strong arm pulled me out of the sea
Someone just serving the Lord
Seemingly more like an angel to me
Welcoming people aboard
Now in the lifeboat we’re headed for shore
Rescuing folk on the way
Wind in our favour, provisions in store
Sun overhead all the day
No, I will nevermore drift with the tide
Now it’s the Bible’s amen
So I will evermore follow my guide
Listen to this once again
Yes, I was sinking in sin’s scummy sea
Sharks circling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repeat first nineteen lines, then end with
Never to wander again
James Southern
Cornerstone Choruses 2002
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER
When I was younger I wandered around
In truth I was running away
Avoiding commitments that might tie me down
Wanting to go my own way
Although I was footloose I still wasn't free
I was subject to what people thought
Concerned about people's opinion of me
Whether they liked me or not
Then someone told me of God's love for me
In spite of my faults and misdeeds
A love that was more than just leniency
It would satisfy all of my needs
Thus it was useless, my striving to please
I just had to trust in the Lord
So in my bedroom alone on my knees
"Accept me as is," I implored
I sensed that he heard me and answered my plea
All I’d done wrong was forgiven
I had to trust he would look after me
` I needed some changes within
Over the years I've been tested and tried
But not as severely as some
Nothing like Jesus who got crucified
And some who endured martyrdom
Now that I'm older I'm set in my ways
But trying to do what I should
The change that I face at the end of my days
Will trustfully be for the good
James Southern
Cornerstone Choruses 2017