{ Koo Chung }

Gullible Me
A scruffy boy goes walkin’ round
On a cold night ponderin’
And his mind goes wanderin’

To a time and place where hope was young
So he reminisces of the God he misses
And he’s crying out

You give me something to believe
So give me something to believe with
Cause my wits are running out
Give me courage to go on
The narrow path is looking dark
Looking like it’d be
Only traveled by gullible me

It works for me but not for them
So I’m still holding on
While they go moving on

And I am sharing something I don’t understand
I’m needing You so much, but not like You’re some crutch
And so I’m here still crying out

Opposites Attract
You're a well of wisdom
I'm a puddle of folly
You're so full of giving
I'm the master of selfish living
Although I'm rotten deep
Down to the core
I'm still the apple that Your eyes adore

You are holy
And I am wholly a mess
I'm causing trouble
While You remain blameless
You'll always love me
As much as I need You
And I'm so thankful
That opposites attract

You functioned as a standard
Of humility
I'm often humbled by my
Dysfunctionality
The crowds surrounded you to learn to believe
But the only thing I'd teach someone
Is not to be like me... cause

Stuck On You
So, right around the time I was just about to finish up my last album (Commas Come First), I started writing what I jokingly call "The Trilogy". Since there are three, I've given them nicknames: BR, DR, AR. (before rejection, during rejection, and after rejection). If you've been to my live shows in the past year, you've heard at least one of these songs. I've never gotten to posting the lyrics up here, because at the time, all of the emotions were still pretty raw, and it was hard to wear my heart on my sleeve any more than I had been doing. Also, these were the first songs about "relationships" I'd ever written (yikes). But now that a good amount of time has passed, I just wanted to share this story with you, in lyric form.

The first one comes from that time in your life when you are really starting to like someone. It's about being around the girl that makes you try to act way cooler than you are. When your voice drops an octave when you see that it's her calling on the phone. It's the "I've got a crush on you" song.

PS - I'm an idiot, and got my Greek mythology wrong. Apparently it is not Medusa's HAIR, but her EYES that made people turn to stone. I knew it was too good of a rhyme for it to make sense. Oh well, too late now.

Your eyes are like Medusa's hair, cuz when I dared to stare
Well, I froze and turned to stone
And I'm acting like I'd never seen a lovely smile before
Well, at least none quite like yours

And I'll take you anywhere you'd like, though you complain all night
About the way I drive
So how bout just you and me, we grab a cup of tea
And talk until it's bright

So don't go and run away with my heart
Cuz it's stuck on you, stuck on you
Stop pulling with your perfect charm
Cuz it's stuck on you, stuck on you, yeah...

My heart, it keeps a steady beat, but when you're next to me
It's playing rock n' roll
You're stories always make me smile
And your laughter spreads to me like wildfire

Chorus

Here To Stay
I began to realize it was no longer just a small 'crush', and thought, "Wait a sec, I think I'm really beginning to like this person... a lot". But as God would have it for both of us, it never worked out in the 'romantic' way, and I'm thankful that we're still friends today. The funny thing is, the oh so painful "no" came right when I was in the middle of writing this song. "Here To Stay" actually came from some experiences outside of the ones I had with this specific person. A good friend of mine at the time was experiencing a break up of a relationship that had gone on for FOUR YEARS. I think what it came down to was that the guy just realized he couldn't commit to her (this is beginning to sound like a soap opera, but please bear with me). Seeing my friend in pain was really difficult, because she was such a great friend. I mean, she really loved him and spent four years thinking that this was the man she was going to marry! And I thought to myself "I'm never gonna be that guy".... only to realize in a few moments that I actually once was "that guy"... the guy who pursued a relationship way before he was ready for it and scarred someone else as well as himself in the process. It was humbling... I'm thankful that I had that person's forgiveness, but there I was in my mid twenties, just learning for the first time what it means to really want to commit to someone... Through the good and bad. We were created with that longning... to be with that special someone even when the intial crush dissipates... when the honeymoom phase is over...

When God is in your life though, there is a slight twist to all of this. Sure, the intentions might be good, but there is also the issue of trusting God with all aspects of your life. At this time, God was not giving me the green light to pursue someone. It wasn't a breeze to accept this, because we all get very melodramatic and highly illogical when we're "in love". But I'm thankful to have learned this lesson even though the answer was "no".

You were there, pulling thorns from your fingers
From all the foolish flowers placed in tender hands
And so I'm here, making sure there is not one left
On this hopeless little rose, I've been saving for you

Maybe it's love, or maybe it's two years down the drain
But where there is no pain, I guess there is no gain
Maybe it's tough, but you're more than worth the wait
And so I'm here to stay, yeah I'm here to stay

You inspire, and you keep me on my toes
And the weight of your words like an anchor to my soul
And if I could, I would summon all I have in me
To see that smile once again, and have you feel the way I do

Chorus

And now the questions are hanging over like a cloud
Have I done harm all the more to your broken heart
Time move fast, cuz letting go has never been so hard
When there's a whole sea to swim, and I'd find only one of you

Chorus

Maybe it's love, maybe I am the one to blame
For entertaining pain all over again
Maybe it's tough, but you were more than worth the wait
Am I still here to stay, am I still here to stay

Cuz you're gone today, you're gone..

Am I still here to stay

Natural
Ah, so the story ends here. I wrote it mostly as a way to cope with letting go. It was self therapeutic for me to deal with things by writing music. I'm thankful for having that outlet. Haha.. It wasn't the end of the world, but it sure feels like it when you're going through it. This one goes out to all the guys out there who've done their best to woo someone but ended up being heartbroken. I can tell you this much though, God wouldn't have it any other way than to have us end up with someone who He believes is perfect for us. I pray we can learn to trust Him so much more than we do.

Walkin' down these city blocks
I might as well be creeping down an aisle of egg shells
Juming every single time
My cruel imagination sees a ghost of you

Wrinkles runnin' down my clothes
There's no one to impress, why try to look my best
Shaving has become a chore
When most weeknights are nothing but a bore

So get outta my head, I'm sayin'
Get outta my mind
All this in vain when you are all I'm trying to find

Tell me is it natural that no one is as beautiful
When you were never mine, and I was never yours
Sorry that it's awkward, I'm always walking backwards
To the times we had, when I meant nothing more

Sitting at this restaurant
I'm trying to recall this life before I met you
Here with different company
But the only face I'm seeing is yours before me

So get outta my head I'm sayin'
Get outta my brain
All this in vain when in my heart you still remain

Chorus

I think it's only natural that no one is as beautiful
When you were never mine, and I was never yours
Sorry that it's awkward, I'm always running backwards
To the times we had when you meant something more

Something more... wish I was something more...

Through The Night
This song was written for one of my best friends growing up, Joseph Park. He is now a Lieutenant in the USMC, 1st division. It's not so much a song about where I stand politically when it comes to this war, but it's a personal prayer for my friend. I hope as you read the lyrics, or hear the song in concert, that you'd be reminded to continue to pray for all of the people this war is affecting.

Your gun for a pillow tonight
As you breathe hostile air
While we gripe but still sleep tight
After home cooked meals

As you go prepare to fight
For the ones you love
May Jesus be by your side
May you hear his voice saying

I’ll stay up through the night with you
Cause I know what it means
To lay down my life for my friends

And so you send us funny letters
Still the same old boy
Cause for the worried sick it’s better
To offer peace of mind

The smallest one in 5th grade lines
Now you’re at the front for war
Oh how we’ve changed through the course of time
But the steady rock of love says

I’ll stay up through the night with you
Cause I know what it means
To lay down my life for my friends

And I’ve shed more than a tear for you
I gave my very blood
And laid down my life for you

A prayer is said, oh friend of mine
That you’d get home alright
We’ll go out and have good times
In a different light
We’ll go out and have good times
In a different light

(3/5/03)

If Anything
I've had lots of people come up to me and say, "man, I can totally relate with this song". Having feelings for someone is such a tricky thing when you're 25. You are past the place where you feel as though you can just move on so easily if things didn't work out too well. You've had your share of crushes and "deep and significant" feelings for people in the past, and having been around many different kinds of people, you know when someone's special. Sometimes, you can be willing to be with someone and settle down, but perhaps God doesn't think you're quite ready yet. You don't know whether to swallow your pride and be a helpless romantic and keep pursuing, or just give up entirely. Well, this song's for those who have felt that way at one point or another. It's about surrendering the entire situation to God. It's about asking God to stretch us and give us a complete trust to believe that He has it all under control. It's not about giving up, necessarily... It's about letting God do His thang.

It's not like she was just the next one I was stuck on
Falling this hard ain't just for fun you know
I'd be frantic and defenseless whenever she'd glance my way
Never knew I'd build the courage up to pray

I surrender, I surrender
Maybe she'll walk with a better man
Or hit me like a boomerang
Either way, I surrender

Guess I can go on and on about the coolest girl I've met
But I'll have missed the point entirely, making room for more regret
So take it as the second verse being the same as the first
I'm just waiting till the part where I can say*

Bridge:
Unwrap the fingers of this tight little fist
I'm letting go for the One who never lets me go

Cause I surrender, I surrender
If anything she'll be my friend
Unless she hits like a boomerang
Even still, I surrender

You Alone
A good friend of mine, named Maria Moon (you might have seen her helping sell CDs at the end of several of my NY shows. ) is an incredibly gifted writer. Her writings often have lines that make me think, "Man, I wish I had written that!". This song is a collaboration of sorts with this writing marvel... haha! Not really a concert type song, but perhaps you'll hear it on my next album.

Tears bow before the living King
Lips form the words our hearts long to know
Truth that transforms us all
Change the desires of these darkened souls

As we cast a final glance at this trodden past
It disappears from Your sight once and for all
Like photographic images brought to the light
They fade.. and fade away

So be our eyes
Be our hands
Lifted to You
To You alone

Take hold of stubborn guilt we bring to You
Melodies our voices yearn to sing
Passion of youth come invade me now
Joy let your strength break through

As we come out from behind these walls of sorrow
Covered by a grace so bold
And everything we know shall pass but your love
Remains.. it still remains

Chorus

More breath-taking than a gaze at perfect scenery
Your silence hushes thundering storms
All this might and glory yet you still choose to dwell
In me... in me

No Mistake
Bobby Choy, a great friend and singer/songwriter came up with the intro guitar riff as well as the concept for this song. I was invited to sing a song for all these newcomers at Boston University, and so I decided to just write a new song (we did so in about half and hour). The lyrics have been revised since the first time we performed it. The song had a good response, but I needed to make it more applicable to the world outside of Boston University students, if I was going to perform it elsewhere. Thanks Bobby. Couldn't have done this one without you!

Ever seen this world from out there
In the endless universe
We might look small
But we're the very details
Of a very divine design

*And it's no mistake you're here
Cause I'm not one to believe
In coincidences
Yeah, it's no mistake you're here
Cause the artist of the universe
Drew you right here in this place
And I assure you
He never makes mistakes

Hey complainer
Well, I'm no different
Plain angry in bitter situations
But no matter how confused and shaken
We are sealed in sovereignty

Better Be You
This song was inspired by the weekend over at Cherry Hill with Dave and Bobby, and a conversation with Monica, and Danny (the youth group pastor at our church). It's a cry from my heart, asking God to win my heart in the midst of my own apathy. It's also a prayer for my friends and for my church's youth group (and youth in general) that might go through similar struggles. I'm letting them know I'm not any better, but I'm praying for us.)

The dirt in this place has filled my eyes
And I can't see, no I can't see a thing
Perhaps this next step will take me home
Or for all I know, lead me to certain death

Pretty Sunday, wooden pews
Word of God, healing for my soul
Friday night, rusty park bench
Laughter and addictions for my pain

*Cause I don't know who's winning this tug of war
But it better be You, it better be You
For heaven's sake, my heart's about to rip in two
So it better be You, it better be You

Sometimes I don't know why You would fight
Take battle scars and waste Your angels on me
Cause when you ask me if I love You
In all I do, at best I say "I don't know"*

Tonight I pray, tonight I cry
For kindred souls, souls that have starved like mine
And so I sing, and so I shout
So we might give and sing our hearts out to You!

**Cause I don't know who's winning this tug of war
So let it be You, let it be You
For heaven's sake, my heart's about to rip in two
So let it be You, let it be You

Samuel(Instrumental)
My friend Moses, a very talented film-maker asked me to come up with some music for a movie he was going to make. It was supposed to be a light-hearted comedy, so he didn't want anything "haha" funny, but just "bob your head and smile" type of funny. This song is what I came up with. I once played this song and asked a friend in Boston what it made him think of. He said he pictured Samuel (a little boy at church, whose actually the son of Eric Kim, the guy who designed our first album cover), running around. He's really a cute kid. So, it's called Samuel.

Rigatoni Girl
I have a feeling I’ll get a lot of eyebrow raises for this one, so let me explain it to you here. It’s a song about a friend of mine who went to study abroad in Italy. As most close friends do, we had a lot of inside jokes, and a lot of them for some reason had Italian themes. I don’t know why… and the fact that she went to Italy to study just made things even funnier to me. So anyway, the parking lot I speak of is the one over at our church, and in some ways, this song is also about how everyone plays a different role in the body of Christ and how important each role is. Sometimes we don’t notice these things and take them for granted until the people are not around.

Come Stay, my little sis
In Florence Italy
Just thought I’d write this song to say
You’re much too far away

They say each face of every heart
Displays a million miles
But without you here, we’re missing more
Than the comfort of that smile

So we think of you, yeah we think of you

          Cause there’s one less car found in the middle
          Of this parking lot
          So hurry home, I’ll save a spot
          And post a sign that says:
          “You take a my space, I break you face”

Your better half, well he’s doing fine
Or so it seems in broad daylight
But I wouldn’t be surprised if he
Ate pasta every night

Just to think of you, just to think of you

It’s quiet now as I crash and burn
Boring all my crowds to tears
And I’m telling jokes but the crickets chirp
Help me out I’m dyin’ here*

Blue
I’ve always been amazed at how God can take something bad and use it for His good purposes. As a child, I was very stubborn, and when I wanted something, I’ve been known to throw some hideous fits in order to get my way. It wasn’t a good thing, but the one thing I knew was that I was determined to get that thing, no matter what it was. Turning “Blue” is about asking God to take that determination and put it towards my passion for wanting to know Him more. While a temper tantrum is not a good thing, perhaps a passion of the same magnitude of will help me to experience that promise in the bible that says that if we seek Him with all we have, we’ll find Him.

There’s a fine line, where childish meets child-like
And I’ve been dancing in between
Always getting what I want
And not wanting what I need

As I linger here with pouting lips and hissy fits
Little king of temper tantrums
Help me trade these stomping feet
For some bruises on my knees

    So I hold my breath
    Till I turn blue
    No I won’t rest
    Till I see You

Losing sleep, not to mention some hair
Over crushes and dreams and envy
But if I had just one obsession
It’s the kind that I should have with You

Chorus

Instrumental

(BGVs during last chorus)

Turn my temper into passion
Turn my greed into desire
Turn this awful noise I make into songs I sing
For You

(2nd part)
If I seek you Lord with all I have, I know that I will find You (repeat)

Don't Let Go
My mom used to take me to Macy's every once in a while when I was young. This would be my chance to go to the toy section! One time, I decided to let go of my mom's hand and run off to go see the toys by myself. She hid close by to see what I'd do. I started playing with some of the toys, but in less than a minute's time, something didn't feel right. Mom was gone! I remember the panic I felt when I realized that I was there by myself, and I didn't care about the stupid toys anymore. How was I going to find her, and how was I going to get home? Fortunately my mom came out from where she was hiding and found me in a shocked state of sobbing. This is a lot like my walk with God. Fortunately, I never am out of His reach, but I insist so many times on letting go of His hand to go and do my own things, and the "toys" are the equivalent to success and filling the void with things other than Him. I'm thankful that He holds on to us, when we are utterly faithless.

Eight years old and I am big enough
To walk around all by myself
I'll keep my distance so they will not see
That I still need to hold your hand

Don't you know you're embarrassing me
I need to let go before they start to laugh and tease

Another day and yet you find another way
To keep me close to you again
And so I find myself another way as well
To slip myself out of your grip

Alone here on the fourth floor of this department store
You know I'm headed for those toys
Cause they've got everything I'd ever need
Buried in gold, could I ask for more

But after all the happiness has settled down
I manage to climb out of my mess
I look from left to right and see that you are gone
Panic hits me and I start to cry

*I want to walk by your side once again
And although I might resist like a fool
Put my little hand in yours and please don't let go

And now I'm 22 but I'm still holding on
Or is it that You're holding me
Although sometimes I'm still slippin' from your grip
I'll never fall out of Your reach*

Used To You
I guess I'm pretty big on friendships, and I'm very loyal to the ones I have. These friendships change from time to time. Some friends you keep for the longest time, and things don't change, but sometimes you grow distant with some your closest ones. When the latter happens, I miss them dearly, and miss the good times we've had. This song's just about that.

A thick cloud of people
You're the only color I see
The gray stays as you leave
And your voice just goes fading
As the crowd comes screamin' in

*Getting used to you
Not being where I need you
All I have's this song
I finally made to replace you

So I'd sing, that they've all left
As the doors slammed one by one
Well, that's just fine
Just fine by me
But you're the only door that I go poundin' on

*Cause I'm not used to you
Not being where I need you
All I have's this song
I finally made to replace you

So I'm singing fairy tale songs
As life moves along
I'm singing fairy tale songs
As life moves along (2x)

*Cause I'm not used to you
Not being where I need you
All I have's this song
I finally made to replace you
Cause I'm not used to you
Not being where I need you
I need you…

Mercy's Door
This one's about the loneliness I felt as I continued to discourage people through my sinfulness. I wrote this as I thought about God's mercy, and how it gave me strength to be hopeful, and to try to be a blessing to others once again.)

I often sing, and often preach
Of bleeding hands and bleeding feet
And after all that has been done for me
I pay Him back with some sorta "Sammy Jankis" disease

A winner's life, a winner's smile
I paint you pictures with my art of denial
Feed you lies, feed me benefit of the doubt
Till all I've left is this mask that's wearing out

*So the doors slammed one by one
Never felt this pain/rage of feelin' so alone
Yeah, they all slammed one by one
All except for mercy's door
Forgiveness never felt so sweet before
And grace's wings have never helped me fly so high

A broken heart, broken trust
These things I've caused are the very things I've lost
So take a look, take my hand
Cause there's nothin' left here but this bitter voice chanting

"Love me world, love me Lord
Love me family, love me friends"
But the only love that grows in my heart
Is that cursed love for me, for me*

Manger(Instrumental)
December of 2000, I got to go and open up a few dates for the Andrew Peterson/Silers Bald Christmas concert. Gabe Scott, musician extraordinaire played a few instrumental pieces on the guitar during this concert, and they were simply beautiful. This piece was definitely inspired by Gabe. It sounds "Christmas-like". I called in "Manger" because if I wrote this back 2000 years ago, and I got to tag along with the three wise men, I would have played this for baby Jesus.

Walking My Way
Sometimes I’m too much of a cerebral believer in God. While having good questions and getting facts straight is not a bad thing, it seems to replace faith too often in my walk. I was speaking to a friend about how it would be easier for me to believe if I was around during the times that Jesus was alive. I wanted to see Jesus walking on water, opening blind eyes, curing the crippled. But as God would have it, I was born in 1977. Obsessing over those things, I’ve missed the mark time and time again. Reading the bible, I would shake my head and say to myself, “It just doesn’t make sense”. This song is a cry for help, so that I will not miss God when He is being present in my life. Through this song I ask that He’d “help my unbelief”, so that even though I missed Jesus “walking my way” on the waters, that I would have faith to see him “walking my way” when he comes back again. A good friend encouraged me to not only seek God with my mind, but with my heart. I share that challenge with you.

Confessions of this overgrown boy
Swimming never stuck with me
Even dogs have their own paddle
But without a kick off a pool’s wall, I’m not getting anywhere

Stranded on this island where the sun has set
I wait for it to rise again
And all I possess is my faith, so small
What good’s a mustard seed trampled, without it’s land to grow in

          And I’ve missed the boat so many times
          Delusional waters are inching up on me
          And I need to sail that ship to see
          You’re walkin’ my way

Sometimes it’s not the world’s voice, but my very own
That calls me a fool for believing in You
So I send an S.O.S., crying Savior oh Savior
Don’t wanna be the sniveling traitor anymore

So they got to see You walk on waves
But I guess I have this hope You’re coming back again

Chorus

For Me
I was supposed to be studying when I wrote this. Being an English major, I had to read a lot of poems. In one of these poems, (forgot which one) the crucifixion was described in a very detailed way. I saw the word "jeer", and pictured the crown of thorns, and people mocking Jesus. It's one thing to read about this and think, "Wow, that must have been excruciating and unbearable", and it's another thing to realize that he endured it not for anything else, but for me and for you.

Your eyes look up and close
Can't bear to see the pain
Blood falling to the ground
Can't bear to see you slain

*But you'd bear it for me
Betraying nails and jeers of scornful man
You'd bear it for me
The hate you never deserved
The crown of thorns upon your head
For me, for me

Pierced perfect loving hands
Can't bear to take the blame
Spit upon your countenance
Can't bear see the shame

Heartbeat
I wrote this is as a birthday gift for a friend of mine. I'm sure you have friends like these in your life too: hard-working, always on the go, and always trying to serve others. Well, this was my first attempt at writing a lullaby, because I figured that I'd write a song about finding rest in God. I wanted her to know that God loves her and holds her in His arms, and I guess for anyone, that's a good thought to fall asleep to.

Pitter-patter, I hear her feet
They're trotting through another day
A pace so fast, it's hard to keep up
So, I'll meet her at the end instead
Where she lifts a prayer and lays her thought-filled head down
I would say goodnight this way

*If you close your eyes and listen real close
You just might hear your heartbeat
And may its rhythm lull you to rest
On this peaceful or unsettled night
For it's the whisper of His love for you

How many smiles she wins a day it's hard to say
Supposing heaven only knows
Gives all she has and hardly asks for a thing
She even sings herself to sleep
But if I had the honor tonight
I'd sing for her this melody*

The lights are off and darkness fills your little room
But you could still see everything
And if you're restless tonight

Just close your eyes and listen real close
So close you'd hear your heartbeat
And may its rhythm lull you to rest
On this peaceful or unsettled night
For it's the whisper of His love for you
For it's His whisper saying "I love you"

Eight years old and I am big enough
To walk around all by myself
I'll keep my distance so they will not see
That I still need to hold your hand

Don't you know you're embarrassing me
I need to let go before they start to laugh and tease

Another day and yet you find another way
To keep me close to you again
And so I find myself another way as well
To slip myself out of your grip

Alone here on the fourth floor of this department store
You know I'm headed for those toys
Cause they've got everything I'd ever need
Buried in gold, could I ask for more

But after all the happiness has settled down
I manage to climb out of my mess
I look from left to right and see that you are gone
Panic hits me and I start to cry

*I want to walk by your side once again
And although I might resist like a fool
Put my little hand in yours and please don't let go

And now I'm 22 but I'm still holding on
Or is it that You're holding me
Although sometimes I'm still slippin' from your grip
I'll never fall out of Your reach*

As Lovely
Yup, another one about my mom. But actually, it's more than that. It's a prayer to God about several things. Of course, the obvious one is that I hope to meet someone as beautiful as my mom, and that I'd trust that God would indeed provide a partner for me at the right time. My mom's a role model to me, and she has shown tremendous patience and love, and has given all of herself through the most difficult times that my family has undergone. But another prayer I'm praying is that as we move from generation to generation, that we'd make a conscious effort to not let some of the sinful aspects of our parents to be "passed on" to ourselves. It might sound weird to a child, but even parents aren't perfect. We are called to love them and obey them. But no matter what, God is first. I think this is hard for parents to accept, especially if you have parents that might not be Christians, or don't go to church and don't know and understand God the same way as some of us do. My parents are great people, and my dad, well, he's had a hard life, and I could understand the bitterness that comes from painful experiences he's had. We have many quarrels, and I'll be the first to confess that so many times, I don't show enough of God's love to him in the ways that I react to him. This is an ongoing struggle, and if you're reading this, I could sure use your prayers about all of these things.

She says I'm just a chip off the old block
Well not exactly, but something like "blood can't deceive"
"You tease him now, but child you'd better refrain
Cause one day you'll awake and look in the mirror and say
'I'm just like him'"

*And I would deny it
I thought that I'd turn out to be a little different

Once in a while those words would come to haunt me
Comparing pictures of me now, to the ones of him back then
Right down to the wrinkles on my forehead
I know the way I walk and talk belongs to me
But they seem like his

*And I can't deny it
I guess I'm just becoming more and more like my old man
But as you've made "like father like son"
Please don't leave out this one thing
The gift he had to meet someone as lovely as my mom

Some say I've got his sense of humor
Don't know if that's always a great thing
But it'll do if I could make her laugh
Sometimes I see his temper creeping up through me
Let me learn to keep the good and leave the bad to Your fixing

Climb
I decided to go for an old 60's-70's feel during the chorus of the song. Clapping and all. Well, this song is about pressing on to know God, even though the world throws us many obstacles, like discouragement and doubt. See the big picture. Enjoy climbing, enjoy the hard work, and sweat, and perhaps we can even learn to truly rejoice in all circumstances. Sometimes, it's not good news when they say it's going to be all "downhill" and easy.

They say it's all downhill from here
Don't think it's time to hear that yet
Cause I for one enjoy the climb
So please do not deny me that

These days I'm aging so fast
But hardly growing up at all
So as the last leaf of autumn falls
I'll try to catch it and turn it over

*And I will climb a little higher today
Life's already tough so I might as well anyway
And I will climb a little higher today
Though my feet are tired and I can't see hope's face
Let's face the facts, in this world I'll never fly
And if climbing is the closest I will get
Help me climb higher today

I feel like I'm in the middle of two worlds
And both of them they call me a fool
One for believing in You
And Yours because I don't believe

Scrutiny has become my enemy
Picky-picky is all I seem to be
And if I look to close there's scratchy gray
But there's a mountain top when seen from far away*

Might have to bring a change of clothes
Cause on the way I know I'll sweat
But once I reach my Father's house
I'll dress to celebrate all life long
All life long! *

*If you close your eyes and listen real close
You just might hear your heartbeat
And may its rhythm lull you to rest
On this peaceful or unsettled night
For it's the whisper of His love for you

The lights are off and darkness fills your little room
But you could still see everything
And if you're restless tonight

Ever seen this world from out there
In the endless universe
We might look small
But we're the very details
Of a very divine design

Hey complainer
Well, I'm no different
Plain angry in bitter situations
But no matter how confused and shaken
We are sealed in sovereignty

Your eyes look up and close
Can't bear to see the pain
Blood falling to the ground
Can't bear to see you slain

*But you'd bear it for me
Betraying nails and jeers of scornful man
You'd bear it for me
The hate you never deserved
The crown of thorns upon your head
For me, for me

Pierced perfect loving hands
Can't bear to take the blame
Spit upon your countenance
Can't bear see the shame

Sonrise
"Broken For Good" was invited to perform a special song at the Boston wide Sunrise Service for Easter in 1999. I had no idea what we were going to perform, but about 5 days before the service, I sat down and started working on this song, and actually got to finish it and teach it to the rest of the guys in time for the service. I imagined what it would feel like to be there with a throng of people at 6:00 am in the morning, celebrating the victory and the resurrection of Jesus. It was overwhelming to even think about how beautiful it would be, and how this would just be a small glimpse of heaven.

After what seemed
To be the two longest nights in history
I heard the angels
Singing in triumphant victory
And they lift their voices and thank the Lord on high
For making the Son rise

*He is risen, let us shout for joy
And cry out our hallelujahs
Yeah sing hallelujah
Cause He made the Son rise

And so we stand here today
In the awesome light of His compassion
I still hear the angels
They invite us to sing in celebration
So we lift our hearts for He's given life to us
By making the Son rise

We cannot contain our praise for You
Oh might savior
Passing over death to life
And that's how we'll be

Eclipse
(John 1:1-9) - I wrote this one during one of my English classes in college. My friend Sean McLaughlin leans over to me, and says "Are you writing a song? Because you're kind humming loud!" I miss you Sean! "Before you… do me in" (a little inside joke).

Been nothing else to everyone but a cloudy day
Silhouette of hindrance puzzling all
Been lying here in pity's pit all night and day
Watching walls of bitterness enclose
My heart, slave of the dark, wasting precious time
If there's a world out there, and we're more than conquerors
Please awake from sleep dear me

*Never be an eclipse of the Son
But be a clear, true sky
Let the light from above shine its love through You
Never be an eclipse of the Son
But be the end of the night
Let the Lord of light be the only sight
Never be an eclipse of the Son

Climbing high but I find that I've been falling away
When did my goal become the pedestal
Struggle of pride as I stand there on the carpet of red
Like a thief confused of what is mine
But to Him be all things, His name alone I will praise
And even as I sing on this stage of glory
Would you pray for me that I'll never be

*Never be an eclipse of the Son
But be a clear, true sky
Let the light from above shine its love through You
Never be an eclipse of the Son But be the end of the night
Let the Lord of light be the only sight
Never be an eclipse of the Son

*Never be an eclipse of the Son
Be the salt of the earth
Never be an eclipse of the Son
Be the city on a hill
Never be an eclipse of the Son
Never be an eclipse of the Son

Wings of Victory
Hebrews 2:10, Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Trapped there in your dark world by the chains of routine
What ever blew out that burning fire of passion
Blinded by some bitterness,
you lose sight of His face you know the path,
but you can't seem to find a way
But let's be encouraged by his everlasting promise
"You will seek me and find me
when you seek with all your heart"

*There's a light that faithfully shines
To lead us out of our darkest nights
So let our hopes not die, 'cause soon we will fly
With our wings of victory

Let's find life in His living word, let it pierce out unbelief
For it is sharper than any double edged sword
Put your trust in the only truth, let it guide your every step
His word will always be a lamp unto our feet
So as you walk through the desert of uncertainty,
don't be so easily discouraged
Just let your pages of life be filled by the author
And perfector of our faith

*'Cause He's the light that faithfully shines
To lead us out of our darkest nights
So let our hopes not die, 'cause soon we will fly
with our wings of victory

As you approach His light and your sins are exposed before your eyes
Don't turn away in shame, you will be pure gold
When He takes you out of the flames

*So let us carry the light of salvation
As He clothes our hearts with joy
Let our hopes not die, 'cause soon we will fly
With our wings of victory
As we carry the torch of our passion
Let's shine like stars in the universe
Let our hopes not die, 'cause I know we will fly
With our wings of victory

We've got the victory (3x)
Oh no our hopes won't die, for we'll never die
'Cause the Lord has the...Victory
We've got the victory

Less of Me
(John 3:30) -In college, I used to live with a guy named Joseph, and down the hill, lived Jeanie Park (she wrote the song "Only You"). They helped me get this song done. Thanks Joseph and Jeanie!

My mirror reflects more than it absorbs
It's times like these I know You live in me
Complications, when I find my life
Sneak away to the path of my old ways
And so I lift my eyes far beyond the skies
I feel heaven is changing my heart
And I know one day, perfect I'll be made
But until then I'll pray

*More of You, less of me (yeah)
More of You, less of me
Lord I know that You can see
I'm dying to be true
More of You, less of me (yeah)
More of You, less of me
So when the world will look at me
All they see would be You

Who am I?
To think that if I try, surely I'll get by
With my own strength
When will I see (when will I see)
It's only Your love that carries me
And it's Your grace that walks me though the length
Sometimes I might forget Your Spirit's in me yet
But it isn't too long 'till I see
There's such an awesome power, every time, each hour
You use this little vessel called "me"

Ba da ba ba...
What a nice thing to say
"I want God glorified today"
But do we live what we pray?

One Day
(Revelation 21-22) -This is the first song that I wrote when I got into college. I specifically wrote it so that all the members of "Broken For Good" had their own part. It's a little hard for me to perform this one by myself.

This heart was made to love You
Yet I still feel so far from You
These lips were made to praise Your name
But some things that I say would only break Your heart
But I know that now
There's no room for hate or anger in my heart
And I know that now
I want to give my all to You,
place my hope and my trust in Your hands

*For I know one day, you'll take my fears away
And I know one day, You'll do away with my pride
For I know one day, I'll see You face to face
And I hope one day, we'll hear You say "Well done"
And I just can't wait to get home to You
when I think of that one day

This heart was made to love You
And to love You oh Lord means to love one another too
These lips were made to praise Your name
Help me not just to speak but to live every word I say
But I know that now
That everything passes but You are forever
And I know that now I want to live each day
to glorify my King! Yeah!

And I just can't wait to get home to You
And I just can't help these tears from falling
And I just can't help but laugh and shout for joy
And I just can't help but praise Your name
And I just can't wait to get home to You
when I think of that one day
When I think of that one day

Broken for Good
A lot of the imagery from this song comes from this one time when I went with Bill (one of my closest friends and roommates in college) to go watch the sun rise. It's one of those memories that I'll never forget. I observed the way the sun came up, melting the Charles River. I started hearing crackling of ice even before I could see the sun's rays. To witness the effects of a force so powerful, even before I could see it, made me think of God, and how He works sometimes. Whenever I sing this song, I think about this beautiful sunrise, and I think about the "BFG" members. We all went through a lot of being "broken" and humbled by God together in college.

Lost it all, misunderstood
The days are blue, what else is new
Shivering in callousness
Don't know why I can't feel a thing
A dry tear falls, begins to melt
Through the frozen river of my heart
And I begin to flow with life
I'm being broken...

*But we are broken for good
We'll never be the same again
'Cause through all the pain,
we know our death is our gain
As we follow You to the mighty cross
Where we'll be broken for good
We'll never be the same again
Won't you put us through the fire,
Lord You know it's our desire
To turn away from us
To be broken for good

To be broken for good