Carolyn Arends / Pollyanna's Attic Review - ChristianMusic.com
Carolyn's Bio * Carolyn Arends Lyrics * Carolyn's Song Video
MISSION STATEMENT:
"Attics are places where we put stuff we don't want to deal with but can't throw away!"
This collection of songs will:
Inspire us all to explore and examine our own attics where we hide our less-appealing behaviors; (self-centered tendencies, weaknesses which spring from our human condition and our distorted perceptions). These woeful behaviors cause a "celestial frown or two," and disrupt our walk and relationship with the Lord and with people in our lives.
Inspire us, with the Lord's help, to seek better ways to behave which please the Lord, living our faith in love and actively participating in giving and putting other's needs first, as well as loving justice. Micah 6:8
Offer hope and encouragement in our daily struggles to walk with the Lord by reminding us of God's promises and character.
Carolyn gives an insightful explanation about this special collection of songs.
"These are songs about our distortions in our perceptions that pollute our relationships with God and each other and ourselves. Songs about our brokenness. Not hopeless songs, but songs about the kind of hope that shows up more in the cracks and fissures of our lives than in our pinnacle moments."
"We live in a broken world, a world in which our spirits - like all of creation - groan as we wait for a long-promised reconciliation between 'what we hope for and what we have, what we could be and what we are, what we believe and what we see and what we see and feel.' (Brian McLaren)"
"I do believe that we will one day be all that we were created to be, and what we hope for won't even come close to what awaits us. But in the meantime, there's no point in denying the ache. It's part of who we are, it's a promise that we won't always be this way, and it's a call to participate now in the Kingdom of Heaven by decrying injustice and living love."
REVIEW OF POLLYANNA'S ATTIC
Before this collection of songs came together for this CD, Carolyn felt they were a little "too real and too grumpy" to record on the happier albums she had done in the past, though she kept them close to her heart. On New Year's day of 2006, after a restless night's sleep, she felt the strong urge to go ahead and record them, perhaps feeling the hands of the Holy Spirit pushing her out onto a new road in expressing these musical gems she was once a little afraid to produce. New songs began to come to her as well, to add to this effort to create a project which is both most enjoyable to listen to as well as convicting and encouraging, as they help us to look in the mirror and take an inventory as to what we have stashed away in our own attics, so to speak.
Carolyn describes this collection of old and new songs as "being a little darker" than her other more sunnier, perkier compositions recorded on her other 8 projects. For these compositions on Pollyanna's Attic are "all in some way about a dissatisfaction I hope I can accurately call a Holy Discontent."
The result is a fabulous combination of rhythmically interesting, clean, well balanced acoustic compositions, all with memorable melodies, which are paired with very clever, slightly edgy lyrics which prick the collective human conscience, by carrying a truthful, honest messages about behaviors we as human beings with sinful natures all do at one time or another, which displease the Lord and hamper our other relationships as well with people in our lives, causing hurt, disharmony while also disrupting our testimony. The energy and sound thus created and Carol's wonderful vocal delivery and style offer the listener not only an inspiring, most enjoyable musical experience, but also the opportunity to reflect and examine our own areas of behavior that need improvement, which we all conveniently push aside, allowing them to lurk in our own attics!
Six of the songs illustrate these human traits which we all struggle against in one form or another.
Succumbing to values / goals of the secular world.....
JUST PRETENDING - Keeping up appearances at the expense of real life - Hiding our true selves.....
EVERYBODY WANTS EVERYTHING - Human worship of materialism, status and power.
MORE IS LESS - Values and goals promoted by our culture often leave us empty and wanting.Self-centeredness turns us away from God....
WHAT IN THE WORLD - Explores struggles between own comfort, own desires and the needs of others and following the Lord Himself.
FREE - We have free will to not care about justice, needs of others, and can choose to just be about making ourselves happy!
NO TRESPASSING - Explores the human tendency to rationalize inactivity in helping others, staying safe in our own comfort zone.Six of the songs are hopeful and encouraging. Some offer alternative behaviors to follow, which means we have to step out in faith in doing them, with results which can counteract the urges to sin, to live just for self. Others offer hope and encouragement in our daily struggles to walk with the Lord in His will, by remembering His promises to us and pointing out His faithful character and merciful love for us, despite what we hide in our attics.
Using our gifts and talents for the good of others...
SOMETHING TO GIVE - Using the gifts the Lord gives us in productive ways to help others.The Lord is faithful, a loving presence in times of trouble.
THE LAND OF THE LIVING - The Lord has promised never to leave us or forsake us. Even when we can't feel Him, He is there.
NOT ALONE - The Lord can be depended upon to get us through any trial, disaster or tragedy in our lives.We need to depend on and turn to our merciful, Lord to forgive, love, guide, support and lead us - Can't do it on our own....
THE WASTELAND - We need the intervention of the Lord to change our hearts and strengthen our resolve in our on-going struggles. Someday he will lead us away to a place far from temptation.
TO SEEK YOU FACE - Seeking, knowing, hearing, needing the Lord's love and forgiveness.The Lord offers us a hope not of this world.
I'VE GOT A HOPE - Jesus is our source of strength in this world and our hope promising eternal life in the next....Paired with these lyrical messages which provide food for reflection and inspiration, even conviction, are a variety of delightful, wonderful acoustic compositions ranging from spirited, driven guitar ensemble work to more mellower, poignant guitar / piano ensembles, depending on the mood of the song.
Carolyn explains about the musical sound on this CD. "Musically, we did our best to keep this record very stripped down and pure. On each tune I play guitar or piano, my duo partner Spencer Capier plays one of his instruments (mandolin, guitar, violin or bouzouki), and a rhythm section (Adrian Walther and Phil Robertson lay down the grooves. We allowed ourselves a few extras here and there, but overall we kept it pretty streamlined. We hope we've captured a musical honesty appropriate, to the candor of the lyrics."
There is a wonderful variety of tempos, moods, melodies which create the perfect musical vehicle for Carolyn's lyrical messages in these anthems, ballads and hymns which creates a very balanced, varied selection of songs, through well-composed musical compositions.
Carolyn is a talented vocalist, who displays her heart and spirit in her songs, using a variety of vocal styles, though always clearly understood and most enjoyable, giving just the right performance for each song.
THE WASTELAND * WHAT IN THE WORLD * JUST PRETENDING are wonderfully driven by a tight acoustic ensemble sound, proving what a versatile instrument the guitar can be; setting the tempo and spirit of the song, as well as to help support the melody.
EVERYONE WANTS EVERYTHING - Written in a minor key, is also an energetic, spirited acoustic-driven song with a touches of blues and soul from an electric guitar, which also plays a bluesy rift in the interlude. Great driving dotted eighth - 16th note rhythm in the melody.
MORE IS LESS - Written in a minor key which has an easy beat, sports a sad melody which fits the sad, blunt commentary on our secular culture's love affair with sex, money, the easy way and self-indulgence.
FREE * NO TRESPASSING are easy beat guitar/ piano, acoustic pop ballads which each offer just the perfect musical complement for the edgy, truth portrayed plainly in the sometimes satirical, slightly biting, lyrical messages expressed so well by Carolyn's vocal style in each song. Perhaps the most honest songs illustrating the perceived happiness and rationalizations of someone who is self-serving (FREE), or doesn't want to help others in real trouble (NO TRESPASSING).
LAND OF THE LIVING - Interesting 3/4 meter, swirling peaceful, hopeful acoustic ballad.
SOMETHING TO GIVE is a perky, encouraging anthem, easy pop beat dotted note rhythm; probably 4 /4 or 2/2 meter, with a catchy melody which has a nice trumpet swing sound in parts. Very nice dynamics build throughout the song.
NOT ALONE - Dynamic, touching acoustic anthem with heart-felt vocals and lovely harmonies!
TO SEEK YOUR FACE - Dynamic, heart-felt prayer of confession hymn, accompaniment mainly being the piano.
I'VE GOT A HOPE is moving piano/ guitar anthem hymn with a dynamic poignant melody, which the encouraging, smooth, heart-felt vocals and lyrics sit nicely on top of this truly inspiring, hopeful effort.
Carolyn Arends has put together a truly entertaining collection of songs which not only offer a delightful variety of musical compositions, but also carry lyrical messages which tweak the conscience and encourage self-reflection, making this album perfect to listen to during the Lenten season, or anytime a person feels the need to do some self-evaluation, perhaps prompted by the Holy Spirit. The songs are at the same time very encouraging, pointing to the Lord as the source of our strength to walk in His ways, and a source of hope.
I highly recommend this superb album, a MUST for any acoustic music lover's Christian music collection, and for anyone else who enjoys being entertained and challenged at the same time to become more like Christ, which means letting Him help us clean out our own attics!
More About Carolyn Arends
She lives in Surrey, BC - with her husband Mark, son Ben, and daughter Bethany.
Carolyn Arends has released 9 albums and is the author of 2 critically-acclaimed books.
"I write primarily about God because he is what captivates my imagination. The idea that we can know the Creator of the Universe, and that he knows us... I simply can't think of any more fascinating subject matter."
* 15 of Arends' songs - Have become top 10 radio singles on the Canadian pop and US Christian charts.
* Arends has earned: 2 Dove Awards, 2 Juno Nominations, and was recognized as the West Coast Music Awards' Songwriter of the Year.
* Carolyn and Pollyanna's Attic - Produced by Carolyn Arends and Roy Salmond . Was nominated for a total of 5 Covenant Awards, AND won two awards at the award ceremony held on Friday, October 27th, 2006.
Pollyanna's Attic won CD/DVD Artwork Design of the Year (recognizing the stellar work of graphic designer Brent Flink/Indivisual Design)
* NOT SO HIP - (Carolyn Arrends & Bec Abbot) won Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year *
* SHE WAS ALSO NOMINATED FOR: Female Vocalist of the Year * SOMETHING TO GIVE - Folk/Roots Song of the Year
* POLLYANNA'S ATTIC - Folk/Roots Album of the Year.* Pollyanna's Attic was just nominated for a Juno for the 2007 Juno Awards.
Individual Song Evaluation - My most favorite songs are rated * * * * + +
* * * * + + JUST PRETENDING - Carolyn Arends/Spencer Capier
Who needs drums when the acoustic guitar is played like this! Rousing acoustic ensemble in the intro gets this song off to an invigorating start! Engaging, irresistible dotted note rhythm and melody paired with imaginative lyrics, well presented vocally with a style befitting this clever song!
Scriptural References:(Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15-16, Col.3:5)
Lyrics:
Nice shirt, and khaki chinos / Dessert and cappuccinos /SUV, he looks good in it / Driving past his credit limit / She's climbing that Stairmaster / Up to Happy Ever After / Though she never seems to get there / She can't stop /No she can't stop
Why do we try so hard? / Life's not some greeting card / Models and movie stars / They're just pretending / They're just pretending //
Family full of achievers / Beat the Jones and be the Cleavers /Give the lawn a manicure / No rough edges, that's for sure / Sunday the whole congregation / Doesn't seem to need salvation /Everybody's just terrific / All the time / All the time//
Why do we try so hard?/ Life's not some greeting card / Models and movie stars/ They're just pretending / They're just pretending //
Everybody's under pressure / Got to get our acts together / Living out these scripted roles/ Tidy and predictable What if we just all agreed / To wear our hearts on wrinkled sleeves / And live the mess and mystery / Of a real life / Live real life //
Why do we try so hard?/ Life's not some greeting card / If we aren't who we are? / we're just pretending We're just pretending. Why do we try so hard?/ Life's not some greeting card / Models and movie stars They're just pretending / They're just pretending //
Why don't we just be who we are?
* * * * + SOMETHING TO GIVE - Carolyn Arends
Scriptural References:( 1 Cor. 12:4, Ephes. 4:11-12, John 15:16)
Lyrics:
Hey you, with the time why don't you spend it / If you've got a dime why don't you lend it / If you've got hands then get them reaching out / If you've got feet then get up off the couch
Chorus: There's nothing so rude As a gift you don't use Or a life that you choose not to live 'Cause you're blessed to bless And the best of possessions is Having something to give
Hey you, with the song, why don't you sing it / If you've got a lunch why don't you bring it / And if you've got a dream don't let it die / If you've got a will come on and try //
There's nothing so rude As a gift you don't use / Or a life that you choose not to live / 'Cause you're blessed to bless And the best of possessions is / Having something to give //
Bridge: Strength that's wasted always wastes away / But love that's lived gets stronger every day /
There's nothing so rude / As a gift you don't use / Or a life that you choose not to live / 'Cause you're blessed to bless And the best of possessions is / Having something... You've got something / You've got something to give / /
C Running Arends Music (ASCAP)
* * * * + + What in the World Carolyn Arends/Connie Harrington
Another stirring, driving acoustic accompaniment which is the driving force in the tempo and spirit of the song, supporting the melody and poignant lyrics which wonders why we turn away from God by our actions and by what comes out of our mouths! It ends on the hopeful promise that the indwelling Holy Spirit is the only way to stay on top of our tendency to do the wrong thing!
Related Scriptures: (Romans 7:14-25, Ephesians 4:22-24, James 3)
Lyrics:
Last night I woke to siren screams / Just like I did the night before / Help coming late to some crime scene / It wasn't far from my front door / I tried to hold the thoughts at bay / Of someone's faceless pain / But I knew tears would flow like blood / In the indifferent rain I cried: /
What darkness hides within the hearts of men? / Where did this madness all begin? ///
Chorus: And what in the world / What in the world / What in the world / Makes us act this way / and turn away from You //
Today I woke to my alarm / Just like I did the day before / I stretched and put the coffee on / I kissed my baby out the door / Then as he turned to wave good-bye / I said some petty thing / I saw the light in his eyes die / It left me wondering / What darkness hides within this heart of mine? / Why do I do what I despise? //
And what in the world / What in the world / What in the world / Makes us act this way and turn away from You ///
Hook: Tonight I look into my soul / I don't like what I see / No room for you for I am full / This is so much of me / And suddenly, there's no mystery...
What in the world / What in the world / What in the world / Makes us act this and turn away from You / What in the world / What in the world / Makes us act this way and / Turn away from You //
TAG: Greater is He / That is in me / Than He who's in the world / What in the world //
Copyright New Spring, INC (ASCAP)
* * * * + + THE WASTELAND - Carolyn Arends/Dwight Liles
Memorable melody and lyrics stay in the mind, making an impression, reminding us that we can't follow the Lord without His help.
Scriptural References: ( Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:22-23, Rev. 21:1-4)
Lyrics:
You can lead us to water but you can't make us drink it / You can lead us to wisdom but you can’t make us think it / So we're dry and we’re foolish and that's how we're gonna stay / ‘Til you lead us away / From the Wasteland //
You can show us your goodness but we won't recognize it / You can show us what love is but we’ll only despise it / So we’re bad and we're lonely and that's how we're gonna stay /‘Til you lead us away / From the Wasteland
Chorus: Yeah from the mental / state / so far from the Heartland / Where fear /and / hate /make everything quicksand / We've lost / our way /in this barren place / Life's as empty as the time we waste / In the Wasteland
There's a snake in the shadow and he's looking us over / A vulture above us and he's circling lower / See we're poisoned and we’re dying just a little everyday / You've got to lead us away / From the Wasteland //
Chorus: Yeah from the mental state so far from the Heartland / Where fear and hate make everything quicksand // We've lost / our / way / in this barren place / Life's as empty as the time we waste / In the Wasteland //
You can give us your justice but we'll only defy it / You can send us salvation but we'll just crucify it / Still you rise from the ruins and you promise us a day / When you’ll lead us away / From the Wasteland //
© Ariose Music/Sunday's Shoes Music (ASCAP)
* * * * + + THE LAND OF THE LIVING - Words and Music by Carolyn Arends / 2006 Running Arends Music/ASCAP
Carolyn Comments: "I have a friend who struggles with clinical depression. When her world gets dark and small she clings to Psalm 27:13: I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Hearing the Psalmist, a man the Bible says was after God's own heart, admit that there are times He cannot perceive God's goodness, my friend does not feel so alone. She can cling, just like David did, to the soul-level belief that God is there; somehow she can find just enough strength to wait and to believe that there will come a time when the clouds will lift and she will once again recognize His hand in her life. This song was born in a chilly season of my own life -- a rather miserable winter of discontent. The chorus is directly from the Scripture, and every time I sing those words, I love them a little more.
Scriptural Reference: (Psalm 27:13)
Lyrics:
The frost came so early this year / Springtime is long overdue / And my heavy coat, it don't keep out the cold / Like it used to / Nothing but fog in my mind / Nothing but ice in my veins / I know everything's got a season, but tell me please the reason / This winter will not go away //
Chorus: Oh I, I would despair / If I did not believe / That I would see again / Your hand in the land of the living//
I know I'm not the first soul / To find myself lost in the night / But it's so long and dark, I'm not sure that my heart / Can survive / Still I've got no choice but to wait / And cling to this last bit of rope / It's the promise that you made me not to leave me or forsake me / So here I am hoping that hope //
Chorus: Cause I, I would despair / If I did not believe / That I would see again / Your hand in the land of the living //
Sometimes I dream that the summer has come / I feel the warmth of the afternoon sun / But then I awaken and I'm back to waiting / Oh how much longer Lord?//
I, I would despair / If I did not believe / That I would see again / Your hand in the land of the living / I, I would despair / If I did not believe / That I would see again / Your hand in the land of the living //
* * * * + TO SEE YOUR FACE - Words and Music by Mark Heard
Scriptural References: (Dt. 4:29, Chr. 7:14, Ps.105:4 & 119:58, Lke 10:27, 1 John 2:15-16)
Lyrics:
If I ever get to see your face / And if you will spare me / I know that my allegiance to the human race / Will not ensnare me / /
If I ever get to know your mind /And I survive it / I'm sure that I will leave a way of life behind / I won't revive it
Chorus: Lord, you know I need your love so bad / I hardly even have the strength / To take Your hand //
If I ever set to hear / Your voice / And I can take it / I'm certain that I will listen / To the better choice / And I will make it //
Chorus: Lord, you know I need your love so bad I hardly even have the strength To take Your hand //
If I ever get to see your face / And if you will spare me / I know that my allegiance to the human race / Will not ensnare me //
© Word Music, LLC. All Rights Reserved
* * * * + + EVERYBODY WANTS EVERYTHING - Chris Jonat/Carolyn Arends
Scriptural References: (Matt. 6:21 & 33, Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15-16, 1 Timothy 6:10)
Lyrics:
Everybody wants to be this year's rock star / Sound like Clapton on guitar / Trash a room, crash a car / So everyone knows who you are / It’s so bizarre / Everybody wants everything//
Everybody wants to be a modern day Don Juan / Everyday a different blonde / Heart weak, head strong / Absolutely nothing wrong/ 'Til youth is gone / Everybody wants everything
Chorus: Everybody wants it / Everybody needs it /Everybody wants everything ///
Everybody wants to be the hero in the neighborhood / Standing in for brotherhood / If we fail it's understood / We did everything we could / So it still feels good / Everybody wants everything
Everybody wants to get a piece of the big pie / Everything that money buys / Wanting more until we die / Deep inside we wonder why /We even try / Everybody wants everything
Chorus
Everybody wants to get ahead of the rat race / Find ourselves a better place / Can't we see it's such a waste / All we need is just one taste / Of amazing grace/ Everybody wants everything ///
Tag: Everybody wants it /Everybody needs it /Everybody wants everything ///
© Chris Jonat (SOCAN)/Running Arends Music (ASCAP)
* * * * + MORE IS LESS - Words and Music by Carolyn Arends/Spencer Capier
A truthful look at some of the things that tempt human beings in our culture.
Scriptural References:(Matt. 6:33, Luke 21:34, 1 Timothy 6:10)
Lyrics:
We've got food that makes you hungry / Drink that makes you sick / We've got cars that go in circles / Real nice clothes that do not fit / Here the money makes you paranoid / There's no one you can trust / The sex will leave you lonely / And the love all turns to rust //
Chorus: This is how the world looks when / We turn the means into the ends / Who on earth would ever guess / Less is more and more is less //
We've got sleep that makes you tired / 'Til you're worn out and depressed / We've got drugs to make you better / 'Til you feel the side effects Here the dreams will make you bitter /And the truth will leave you cold 'Cause there isn't any refund / On the lies that you are sold //
This is how the world looks when / We turn the means into the ends / Who on earth would ever guess / Less is more and more is less //
No one could blame us for wanting more / But isn't it strange who the more leaves us wanting? … wanting /
This is how the world looks when / We turn the means into the ends / Who on earth would ever guess / Less is more and more is less More is less //
© 2006 Running Arends Music (ASCAP)/Spencer Capier Music (SOCAN)
* * * * ++ FREE - Words and Music by Carolyn Arends © Running Arends Music (ASCAP)
A great favorite which combines an upbeat melody with satirical lyrical message, which expresses the freedom people have not to care, not to have meaning in their lives. Carolyn's vocals are happy and upbeat, giving these satirically biting lyrics even more umph to good effect!!!!
Scriptural References: (Gen.2:16-17, Deut.11:26,Romans 1:24-32)
Lyrics:
I count my blessings, I am a daughter / Of the Land of Opportunity I want for nothing, no one can stop me / Or take away my liberties / I've got a flag in my backyard / And a gun in my hand /And every night I thank the Good Lord / For this great land //
Chorus: 'Cause we are free / From the cradle to the grave / So free of meaning and we like it that way / Yeah we are free, we played it all so smart / 'Cause ain't nobody gonna bother stopping / What we never did start /Yeah we are free //
Can't see the forest for the skyscraper / Locked in cold war with the sun /Which one will kill us: hate or indifference? / Or has all the killing been done? / Well I don't know why I'm asking / 'Cause I'm well aware / That while we're free to wonder / We're more free not to care //
Chorus:
Now we're so full of freedom / That we may just well /Split down the middle like the Liberty Bell /There's just too many lies that we're too free to tell /We're all free to die, we're free to go to hell... //
Yeah we are free / From the cradle to the grave / So free of meaning and we like it that way / Yeah we are free, we played it all so smart / 'Cause ain't nobody gonna bother stopping / What we never did start /Yeah we are free //
Tag: How does it feel to be free? / Ain't nobody gonna bother, 'body gonna bother stopping now...
* * * * + + NO TRESPASSING - Words and Music by Carolyn Arends
Biting lyrics take a truthful look at the human tendency to rationalize in order to jusitfy not getting involved with people in trouble. Perhaps one of her "grumpiest efforts," but real food for thought.
Scriptural References: (Micah 6:8, Romans 14;10-12, Phil. 4:13, 1Cor.16:14, 2nd Cor: 5:14)
Lyrics:
They heard his cries in the night from across the lawn / They found him dead at the bottom of the lake at dawn / Nobody'd come running to the rescue and when they were asked / The passersby said that the signs that they read said "Keep Off the Grass"/
Chorus: 'Cause you can't go near / Anybody else's private ground / See folks 'round here / Have got a democratic right to drown / And you're just a fool / If you care about the faces in the crowd / We've got a new edition of the Golden Rule: No trespassing allowed //
Nobody asked her 'bout the bruises on her face / I guess she was glad that they gave her her personal space / When the bones wouldn't mend and it came to an end in the dead of the night / The neighbors were sad but at least they had respected her rights //
Chorus: 'Cause you can't go near / Anybody else's private ground / See folks 'round here / Have got a democratic right to drown / And you're just a fool / If you care about the faces in the crowd / We've got a new edition of the Golden Rule: No trespassing allowed //
Hook: Can't you read the signs? / These are enlightened times / Got to be careful not to think too much / You can watch 'em going under but you just can't touch / /
'Cause you can't go near / Anybody else's private ground See folks 'round here / Have got a democratic right to drown And you're just a fool / If you care about the faces in the crowd We've got a new edition of the Golden Rule: No trespassing allowed //
* * * * + + NOT ALONE - Words and Music by Carolyn Arends
Lovely anthem filled with the promise that we can depend on the Lord for endurance and strength for anything we have to face.
Scriptural References: ( Romans 5:1-5, 2nd Cor.4:8-10, Psalm 27:14, Joshua 1:9)
Lyrics:
We are frightened by the frailty of this life / And so we pretend that we are strong / Till the telephone starts ringing in the dead of the night / And all at once we know the world's gone wrong / When tragedy comes calling, it'll shake us to the core / 'Til the things we thought were solid aren't certain anymore / But even when our words desert us and our spirits groan / We are not alone //
Chorus: We are hard pressed, but we are not crushed / We are struck down but not destroyed / Cause no matter what may happen / We are not abandoned / We are not alone //
There are friends who offer comfort, and they mean well / But sometimes it's like salt inside a wound / And it's good to speak of heaven, when it feels more like hell / But we ask our hearts for healing much too soon / There's a Man of Sorrows, acquainted with our grief / And He's done His share of crying in the night with no relief / There isn't any heartache that He has not known / So we are not alone //
Chorus: We are hard pressed, but we are not crushed / We are struck down but not destroyed / Cause no matter what may happen / We are not abandoned / We are not alone //
* * * * I'VE GOT A HOPE - Words and Music by Eric Fiedor & Pierce Pettis ©9/21/00 Cal IV. Publishing/Slapfight Songs (ASCAP) all rights reserved
We may struggle against our tendency to sin in this world, but we have hope in Jesus which can sustain us in this world and can look forward to going home to be with Him.
Scriptural References: (Hebrews 6:19-20, & 12:1-3, 1 Cor 15:42-44,& 51-57).
Lyrics:
Man is born to trouble / All the days of his life / As the sparks fly upward / From bonfires at night / They fill up the heavens / With pin points of light / And I've got a hope / That is not in this world //
Time, it is turning / Like a plow in the field / It roots up the earth / And what's hidden is revealed / Sowing the future / While the past, it is sealed / I've got a hope / That is not in this world / /
Half of the battle / Is only with myself / While the other half / Is something I can't help / /
Lest I should stumble / I try not to forget / That every hair is numbered / Every footstep, every breath / And this life that I'm living / It will not end in death / I've got a hope / That is not in this world / /
I've got a hope that is not in this world //
Reviewed by Julie Carr for ChristianMusic.com
Visit: CarolynArends.com to hear some of her songs and buy her album.
Sources: Material found on Caroyn Arends' websites, and from material she sent me for this review.
