John Davis / JOHN DAVIS CD Review - ChristianMusic.com

Mission Statement: To use the best qualities that the Lord has given him to serve the Lord through the creation and presentation of music which glorifies Jesus Christ.

"So that’s what I’m trying to do; just take the absolute best I’ve got and hand it over to the Lord as a means of thanking Him for saving my life." - John Davis

Themes of Redemption / God's love for us: "I wanted this album to have an overt Gospel influence, and not in some thinly-veiled kind of way. I wanted it to be straight out of the church that I went to as a kid! I want people to feel loved when they hear it."

Scriptures which Inspire His Songs....

Romans 12:21: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 John 4:4: He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

About John Davis....

John Davis was born into a strong Christian family and grew up in a rural Tennessee community, attending the small but active Baptist Church with his extended family, which was very close to his parents' home, four times a week, as a child. Musically, he was exposed early to not only the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Word, but also Gospel, country, and bluegrass music through his immediate family, his church family, and friends.

John Davis shares with ChristianMusic.com his upbringing and early influences on his spiritual development in his growing up years.

"I was brought up in the church from a very young age; as a matter of fact, the church we went to (First Baptist Church Of Bluegrass, Knoxville, TN) was more or less in our back yard. You can look right out the back door and see the steeple. The parking lot is about 50 yards from the back of the house. My folks were and are very active in the church there. Years and years ago, my grandfather owned the piece of property that the church sits on. All that to say, the Christian faith had a lot to do with my upbringing."

During his growing up years, John Davis was exposed to and soaked in a variety of music genres, including rock, southern Gospel, country, and folk, each which influenced his developing musical gifts, given to him from God.

Musical Influences - "I have got some fairly obvious influences; the ones that rise to the top the quickest are The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Guided By Voices, Cheap Trick, The Band, Larry Norman, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Big Star, My Bloody Valentine, Swervedriver, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Louvin Brothers, Chuck Berry, Jimmy Reed, Slim Harpo, Freddie King, John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, The Clash, Dinosaur Jr, Husker Du, The Replacements, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Buck Owens & His Buckaroos, T-Model Ford----I could go on all day!"

As his musical talents were considerable, John Davis began his professional career as a singer, songwriter, and performer on several instruments in secular music, as John Davis had drifted away from his Christian faith sometime in his youth, creating a void in his life, that he didn't realize at the time. These events were not exactly what the Lord had planned, but the merciful Lord is patient and waited, as He does with all of us, for the time when John would turn back to Him.

Around 1994, John Davis became the "lead creative force" in the secular band, SUPERDRAG, described as a "melodic, power-pop rock band" who created music which "combined punk energy, bittersweet melodies, and classic British influences." John Davis' used his unique ability and talent to create quite inventive melodies and compositions which brought success to SUPERDRAG. As their loyal fan base grew, their songs were brought to the attention of the secular music industry.

A single from SUPERDRAG's debut album, REGRETFULLY YOURS, called "Sucked Out", became a "Top 20 Modern Rock Hit." Over the next ten years, SUPERDRAG gave their fans 4 albums and many single releases and EPs. Many of their music videos were played on MTV, and they were the guest band twice on Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

While John Davis and fellow SUPERDRAG band members enjoyed commercial success with their music, John Davis still suffered from a void, an emptiness in his life and tried to fill it up with self-medication via booze. John Davis found himself in an out of control spiral due to his increasing alcohol consumption, almost to a life or death situation, as he flirted with drinking to a point of risking death by alcohol overdose, a la Bon Scott, ACDC singer; 1980. (YIKES!).

John Davis commented in a Rambler Records bio, "I had a charter membership in the 'Bon Scott Club.' I can make light of it now, but it really did almost become a life or death situation."

You may ask, what stopped this destructive, deadly downward spiral? Mercifully, John Davis was rescued by the Lord one night, who made a house call in a car to a child of His (John Davis) in trouble and lost down the wrong path, and hitting rock bottom, a cold, lonely, and frightening place to be.

His Personal Testimony ......His "Road to Damascus" Experience.

It happened while John Davis was on his way over to his parent's house, driving in his car. He suddenly was overwhelmed with an overbearing sensation which was described by John Davis as being a combination of "being struck by lightening, getting hit by a cannonball and having a piano dropped on your head."

Overtaken with this intense swirl of sensation, John Davis instinctively turned back to the Lord.

John Davis explains, "Before I had a chance to think about what I was doing, I started praying. I cried out to God. Instantly, I knew that the void inside of me would never be filled with the liquor. I just got tired of running. I remember thinking that I needed peace, and it just came over me like a cool breeze - God's peace. At that moment, it was like a huge burden had been lifted. I got to my folks' house looking like I'd been run over by a truck." (Taken from Rambler Records Bio)

Needless to say, John Davis rediscovered / returned quickly to his faith and embraced Jesus Christ, who filled this void in his life. Relying on the power of the Lord, John Davis gave up alcohol and related ways of thinking/ behaving which were destroying his life.

Though he finished his current commitments to SUPERDRAG by completing the band's 2002 album, LAST CALL FOR VITRIOL and went on tour as well, John Davis shared, "My heart just wasn't in it anymore."

John Davis then made a clean start by moving to Nashville, hooking up with old friend, R.S. Field, an established and respected music producer who John had first met at a Nashville SUPERDRAG show. This was the first step in John Davis' switch to composing his own unique brand of Christian music which glorifies and pleases the Lord and gives John a personal satisfaction.

What a merciful, loving Savior we have in Jesus Christ!

John Davis was / is a changed man, healed from old hurts and weaknesses through faith in Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. In that painful void in his being, he has been filled with the love of and for the Lord Jesus, which has resulted in being freed from old demons and the chains of his past, and is now free of all this baggage to step out in faith to create and explore the Christian music genre.

A Personal Revelation on the Gospel Story; John 3:16 -- God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, will not perish but have eternal life. (NIV)

Another experience that gave John Davis personal spiritual insight of John 3:16 was the birth of a little son, Paul Isaac, whose arrival greatly blessed both John Davis and his wife. It added a new dimension to his songwriting as the meaning of John 3:16 became close and personal.

John Davis shares with ChristianMusic.com, "I became a father recently; we have a three month old boy here at home, Paul Isaac. He pretty much came on the scene and started educating his Daddy immediately. To tell you the truth, he gave me an entirely new perspective on the Gospel story, just by being alive and being our son. You know, we read and understand the language of God's word, love it, dedicate ourselves to living by it, as Christians, but the notion of God's Son being tortured, beaten, and murdered for something I had done took on a whole new level of profundity for me once I had a son of my own."

These two most powerful experiences influenced John Davis; the night the Lord reached down for him and the birth of his new son, events which changed both him and his wife, helping John to compose and write songs for the Lord and his Gospel, from a personal perspective which touches and inspires the listener in their own spiritual journey and struggles with faith and weaknesses.

About John Davis' Music...

ChristianMusic.com asked John Davis, "Your Music, how would you describe it?"

"It is Rock’N’Roll, generally. So by definition, that means it’s Country, Gospel, Blues, R & B, Soul, Hillbilly, Rockabilly, Folk, Folk-Rock--- I’d like to think it’s either a combination of everything I’ve ever heard and loved, or a reaction to it."

While John Davis still is proud of the music he created during the ten year period with SUPERDRAG, John describes the music as being composed "by a completely different guy. There's a real emotional distance between life then and life now."

ChristianMusic.com asked John Davis, How were you led by the Lord to use your musical gifts to write and sing songs?

"It was a matter of surrendering my all to Jesus. Composing songs, producing records, and performing for people are not only the best ways I know of to communicate to people the way I feel, I’m inclined to think they’re the best qualities God has endowed me with as a human being; the best I have to serve Him with. So that’s what I’m trying to do; just take the absolute best I’ve got and hand it over to the Lord as a means of thanking Him for saving my life." - John Davis

ChristianMusic.com, always fascinated with the creative musical process, had to know; How do you compose your songs? Group jam sessions? Do you compose from a keyboard or guitar? What comes first, the lyrics or the melody / composition?

John Davis explains, "I will ordinarily sit down and write on whatever instrument immediately suggests itself if I have an idea taking shape. On this album it ended up being split about 50/50 between guitars and the piano. I wrote an entire song with a bass the other day--that's atypical for me, and kinda backwards, but I had fun at it. I do all the writing for my material. Generally, I write music and lyrics simultaneously, but not always. I still make demos on 4-track cassette."

This collection of songs found on his new album, JOHN DAVIS, is the next evolving phase of John Davis' musical gifts, adding elements of country, blues, soul, and rock to his Gospel Christian Spiritual foundation. His combined musical experiences are rolled /melded into his musical composition style which began to cement with his work for SUPERDRAG, and is now evolving to a completeness that only the Holy Spirit can inspire.

WOW! What an album! As you can tell, this reviewer really enjoyed and was blessed by these songs of struggle, salvation, redemption, and the Lord's love and mercy which is available to all of us through Jesus Christ.

This reviewer highly recommends this CD for your Christian music collection! In both minor and major keys, John Davis combines his Gospel, country, and blues roots with what he learned about rock and "creating inventive melodies" from his songwriting with his 10 year stint with SUPERDRAG to offer the listener a very interesting variety of Christian music songs which have both a creative edge, and meaningful spiritual truths, brought to life with strong dynamics, effective vocals and harmonies.

This reviewer especially appreciated the wonderful melodies, the precision & sound in the accompaniment instruments, the glorious choruses which often contained the punchline of the song, both musically and message-wise, and of course John Davis' considerable vocal talents.

However, the songs on his new CD, JOHN DAVIS not only offer the listener a variety of genres, memorable melodies, and great use of chordal structures and musical segues, instrumental rifts, soulful inspiring vocals, but also offer inspiring messages perfectly expressed by John's vocals, which explore the Lord's mercy, love and redemption in a personal, clear way.

The compositions offer just the right musical tone and style, instinctively paired with these clear messages, which John Davis excels in expressing through his lyrics. John Davis has a gift of being able to lyrically express his experiences and spiritual truths about the Lord. For John describes his spiritual transformation and what he has experienced and learned, telling about how much the Lord loves us, and our need for a Savior, through the "lyrical language of traditional Gospel and Gospel-blues."

The resulting faith and love for Jesus he now embraces because of his personal Damascus experience is weaved into his lyrics, which clearly express the theme of redemption, a life-saving reality, which John Davis personally experienced and now lives his life by, with his wife and baby.

Themes / Spiritual meanings found in these songs......

Explore hitting rock bottom and turning back to God; Personal confession - "I Hear Your Voice" * "Have Mercy" * "Salvation"

Blessings of Believing, relying on the Lord - "Nothing Gers Me Down" * "Jesus Gonna Build Me A Home"

Depending on the Lord's power - "Tear Me Apart"

About the Love of our Savior / Our need for Him - "The Kind Of Heart" * "Do You Know How Much You've Been Loved"

Love and Commitment in a Christian Marriage: "Stained Glass Window" * "My Girl"

We need Jesus, choose life in Him - "Too Far Out" * "Lay Your Burden Down" * "Do You Know How Much You've Been Loved"

Songs on JOHN DAVIS CD - Songs by John Davis. 2004 John Davis brand Music (BMI). Administered by The Loving Company ( Printed with permission).

* * * + + "I Hear Your Voice" - Words and Music by John Davis.

2nd favorite song of this reviewer! A moving prayer hymn, with a solemn beat, written in the minor key in the first half. John Davis makes good use of chord changes / modulations to start off this prayer hymn, which lyrically expresses his experience of asking for God's help in changing his life, when he reached rock bottom. Lyrics and heartfelt vocals tug at the heart. Melody segues into a major key at the Bridge, as it lyrically expresses his turning to God, and the new hope which became a reality. Hook has a happy, peaceful mood, with smooth harmony.

Related Scriptural References (John 10:14 & 27-30, Phil.4:6-8, Romans 15:13)

Lyrics:

I hear Your voice inside my heart but I'm so afraid to change. With this place I've been since my life caved in getting cold, dark, and strange.

Chorus: I don't know whether to laugh or cry. And I feel like I wanna lay down and die.

I see Your face, it's in my mind, and I look into Your eyes. I feel so low, I cry out loud, and I look into the sky.

I don't know whether to laugh or cry. And I feel like I wanna lay down and die.

Bridge: How can I keep drifting for the rest of my life? God, I need uplifting. I wanna know what's it's like to be free. To be the way that You want me to be.

Hook: ewwwww, ewwwww, ewwwww, ewwwww, ewwwww, ewwwww (Ba ba ba).

* * * + "Salvation" - - Words and Music by John Davis.

A hopeful prayer hymn composed in a major key, which continues the theme where the last song ends. The song has another catchy melody with nice intervals and a peppy beat - short staccato chordal accompaniment (which supports the melody) on beats 1, 2, 3 & 4, changing chords every two measures until the chorus when broken chords are effectively played in a bluegrass style for a few stanzas, offering a nice contrast to the staccato chordal accompaniment. Nice dynamic buildup throughout the composition in both music and vocals. Very nice piano interlude between chorus and 2nd verse. Especially love the chorus.

Vocals show what a talent John Davis has, as he can sing hard intervals and makes it easily into the upper register in one part of the song (I lost my reason to keep living).

Related Scriptural References (Jon. 2:9, Acts 4:12, Romans 1:16, 2nd Tim 3:15, Ephes.2:13)

Lyrics:

Long, long ago, and far away, I lost my reason to keep living. When I gave up on salvation. Now I wanna hear that station.

God, can You hear me drawing near? I lost my reason to keep living. When I gave up on salvation. Now I wanna hear that station.

Chorus: Let it roll. Let it fill my soul. Let it make me whole again. Let it rain salvation. Now I wanna hear that station.

Nice piano interlude combined with staccato chords.

God, can You see what's left of me? I lost my reason to keep living. When I gave up on salvation. Now I wanna hear that station.

* * * Chorus: Let it roll. Let it fill my soul. Let it make me whole again. Let it rain salvation. Now I wanna hear that station. Then I gave up on salvation. Now I wanna hear that station. (Great piano interlude).

Hook: Then I gave up on salvation. Now I wanna hear that station. (Great piano counter melody).

* * * + "Me & My Girl" - Words and Music by John Davis.

Acoustic ensemble ballad with a peppy beat and a nice full sound, courtesy of acoustic and electric guitars, with some piano work. Bass has some nice counter melody scales to add in parts. Very nice chord progressions in catchy melody.

Vocals and lyrics describe the joy of a loving relationship, and the joy of belonging to the Lord -- eternal life forever together with the Lord.

Related Scriptural References (Ephesians 3:16-18, Romans 8:38, Psalm 6:3, 2nd Cor. 5:1)

Lyrics:

As surely as the world is round and spinning in midair. You know I'll always be around if you should want me there. There's something we can share. As surely as the sun gives light and beckons each new day. I'm gonna be with you tonight though I may be away.

There's something we can play. Something we can laugh about in the evening. Something we can smile about as we're leaving.

And we'll know each other there. It's written here somewhere. A little hole in the ground, couldn't hold what we've found. We are no longer bound to the things of this world.

Chorus: Me and my girl. I said she is my girl. Yes, she's my kind of girl. My beautiful girl.

(Nice electrical guitar solo in interlude).

And we'll know each other there. It's written here somewhere. A little hole in the ground couldn't hold what we've found. We are no longer bound to the things of this world.

Chorus: Me and my girl. I said she is my girl. Yes, she's my kind of girl. My beautiful girl.

* * * + "Nothing Gets Me Down" - Words and Music by John Davis.

An upbeat joyous, energetic rock praise song, with great electric guitar work, thanking the Lord for his faithfulness, and testifies that the way he got back into life was being ironclad in the truth; God's Word, and not looking back at past failures, old behaviors. First part of verse, talked about his old life and the difference now that he has turned back to Jesus.

Solid electric guitar work with a rock beat with some great rock guitar rifts in the interludes.

Related Scriptural References (John 14:1, Ephes. 6:10-18, Heb. 12:1-3 & 10:22-24, Psalm 119:10)

Lyrics:

Every night is a Saturday night and it makes me sick. Every night I'm a meteorite on a one-way trip and I can't admit the truth staring me in the face. And my heart's all over the place. I know it's just a question of faith. It follows me around.

Nothing gets me down today. If it's pushing me around, get it outta my way. Your faithfulness is found in the words that You say. It follows me around. That's why nothing gets me down.

Every night is a Saturday night and it makes me sad. Skirmish lines and perimeter mines 'round the things we had. I'm ironclad in truth and I'm back in the race. And I can't look back in disgrace. 'Cause that's the kinda slap in the face I ran into the ground.

Nothing gets me down today. If it's pushing me around, get it outta my way. Your faithfulness is found in the words that You say. It follows me around. That's why nothing gets me down.

* * * + + "Jesus Gonna Build Me A Home" - Words and Music by John Davis.

A great example of country Gospel, done the John Davis way. Begins with Great piano chordal support of vocals with background organ. Has easy, steady beat. A slide guitar & electric guitar add spice and texture to the composition.. Very nice interlude of electric guitar, exploring the melody a bit! Vocals strongly carry the melody.

John Davis said in a Rambler Records Bio, "That's just straight-out Gospel music. As R.S. says, 'its a little bit tie-dyed.' It has sort of a music- from Big Pink meets -'Hey Jude' kind of feel. But to me, it's straight-out Gospel music."

John Davis comments to Christianmusic.com, "'Jesus Gonna Build Me A Home' is always a highlight of our stage show for me; no matter what the circumstances; that song always feels right."

Related Scriptural References (John 14:2-3, 2nd Cor. 5:1-2, 1 Thes. 5:10, Galations 6:7)

Lyrics:

Lay me down next to my kin. Some day when that trumpet sounds I'm gonna see 'em again. Everybody's gonna reap what they've sown. Jesus gonna build me a home.

Don't you cry, baby, please don't you mourn. Everybody's got to die as sure as we're born. But the Bible tells me Death has no sting. Jesus gonna make me a king.

What's the use in believing? Satan overjoys in deceiving. We've got to run the race. If we're gonna see His face. There's nothing I'd rather do. Oh no.

Lay me down, baby, please let me go. Someday when that trumpet sounds, like I told you before. Everybody's gonna reap what they've sown. Jesus gonna build me a home. One I never could've built on my own. Jesus gonna build me a home.

* * * ++ "The Kind Of Heart" - Words and Music by John Davis.

Flowing, 3/4 meter worship hymn which explores the kind of love, kind of heart that Jesus had to become our sin offering.

Intro begins with interesting effects of the synthesizer and strings + piano. First verse to the Bridge is simply the vocals and piano chord on the first beat, reinforced by synthesizer. Sounds build throughout the composition, as piano part becomes more intricate, and the dynamics build in intensity and feeling. Nice change in rhythm and tone of song during the Bridge. Chorus is quieter, poignant and reverent - quite touching. After chorus, dynamics go up a notch. 2nd verse again begins quietly, but builds again. John Davis' lovely vocals, and haunting melody and the excellent lyrical message shine nicely on top of the musical accompaniment.

Related Scriptural References (Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:4-7, John 1:29 & 3:16, Rev. 5:6)

Lyrics:

If you took all the sorrows in all of our tomorrow's, and you took all the heartaches, and misery, and big mistakes, the failures, frustrations, defeats, and damnations, and you added 'em up, and multiplied that by the weight of the world and the knife in your back you'd arrive at the equation that would yield you the price of salvation.

Bridge: But there's no way known to Man to even calculate how to build the kind of heart that wouldn't hesitate to take all of the wrong that would ever be and then swallow it all up in victory.

* * * Chorus: That's what Jesus did for you. And He did it for me. So unselfishly. And so gracefully.

Sometimes I find myself at a loss for words. When taken at face value, it seems so absurd, to believe in a love that comes on like that. Asking nothing in return, with no strings attached, to suffer and die, with nothing in mind but the will of the Father and hope for mankind. We arrive, at the station, all dressed up for our Transfiguration.

Bridge: But there's no way known to Man to even calculate, how to build the kind of heart that wouldn't hesitate, to take all of the wrong that would ever be, and then swallow it all up in victory.

That's what Jesus did for you. And He did it for me. So unselfishly. And so gracefully.

* * * + + "Have Mercy" - Words and Music by John Davis.

Related Scriptural References (Psalm 51)

Third favorite song of this reviewer! An inspired mix of blues, soul, and rock combo used as a backdrop for a heartfelt prayer hymn, with spunk, rhythm, and drive. Driving, precise electric guitars, background piano counter-melody parts support, strong, simple 2 meter drum beat and soulful vocals all work together to provide a fine example of a blues rock blend prayer hymn, which all cooks along with intensity, with great vocals from John Davis. Song has another great electric guitar work in the interlude before HOOK.

Lyrics:

Broke-down and fed-up and I can't keep my head up and I feel like goin' home. Broke-down and fed-up and I can't keep my head up I believe I'll go back home.

Oh Lord have mercy, pour out Your mercy on me. Good Lord have mercy, pour out Your mercy, bring down Your mercy on me. Yeah.

Help me Jesus 'fore I fall all to pieces won't You carry me back home. Help me Jesus 'fore I fall all to pieces won't You carry me back home.

Oh Lord have mercy, pour out Your mercy on me. Good Lord have mercy, pour out Your mercy, bring down Your mercy on me. Yeah.

Hook: Well my mind is made up and I know my way up. I believe I'll go back home.

* * * + + "Tear Me Apart" - Words and Music by John Davis.

Written in a minor key, a slow-but steady paced Christian blues style prayer hymn with inspiring guitar blues rifts and vocals. Begins with a mournful electric guitar intro, segues into broken chords which support the main melody carried by fine bluesy vocals of John Davis, singing from his heart and soul.

Related Scriptural References (Heb. 13:5, 6, Psalm 46:10 & Psalm 51:10, Romans 12:2)

Lyrics:

Speak through me. Why don't You speak to me. Lord, break me down and set me right. Glory be, it ain't no mystery. Transfigure darkness into light.

Well I'm down here on my knees. And I'm weakened by disease. I want You to tear me apart. I'll give You back my broken heart, a case of the blues, and some broke-down travelin' shoes. Whatever I own. Lord I'm afraid to be alone. Way down in my bones. Lord I'm a long, long way from home. And I don't wanna die alone. Oh no no no.

Speak through me. Don't ever let me be. Don't ever let me tumble down. Who am I that You should come to bleed and die? Transfigure silence into sound.

Well I'm down here on my knees. And I'm weakened by disease. I want You to tear me apart. And transplant Your perfect heart. Blow down my blues with some supernatural news. Whatever I own, Lord I lay it before Your throne. Way down in my bones. Lord I'm a long, long way from home. And I don't wanna die alone. Oh no no no.

* * * + "Stained Glass Window" - Words and Music by John Davis.

A lovely love ballad, sung by a man head over heels in love with his wife! A light, delicate melody begins with light, delicate guitar work and faint string support, playing support melody for sweet vocals. Nice dynamics throughout the piece.

Related Scriptural References (Psalm 1:16, 5:8, 2:6)

Lyrics:

I'm singing a song to you. All day long if you want me to. 'Cause I wouldn't be who I am if I wasn't your man anymore. Your love is the rain in spring. Brings new life into everything we do.

If it wasn't for you, I'd be lonesome and blue that's for sure. So please don't ever replace me in your heart. Perish the thought of living if we should be apart. I'll give you my love completely and indiscreetly and tell the world who you are.

I'm singing myself to sleep. All my dreams will be yours to keep. 'Cause I wouldn't know what I know if I wasn't your man anymore. Your love is the sunshine too.

A stained glass window I'm looking through. It's true, if it wasn't for you, I'd be lonesome and blue that's for sure.

So please don't ever replace me in your heart. Perish the thought of living if we should be apart. I'll give you my love completely and indiscreetly and tell the world who you are.

* * * + + "Too Far Out" - Words and Music by John Davis.

A joyous rock worship and praise song which celebrates the love of God for us, lyrics inspired from John's Damascus experience. Usual interesting melody, effective vocals bring message to life! Song begins with variety of electric guitars playing acoustic guitar parts, which become more joyous and rock-oriented as the song progresses.

Great interlude - syncopated melody provided courtesy of electric guitars, while one talented soul (John Davis) provides a splendid guitar rift, which all erupts into a joyous guitar celebration of sound going into the next verse.

Related Scriptural References (1 Peter 5:7, 1 John 4:19, Galations 5:16-17)

Lyrics:

If the supernatural seems a little out there, maybe there's a thing or two somebody ought to say to you. This same God who spared an instant listening to my cries, opening my disembodied eyes, yonder where the Spirit never dies said to paddle it in, son.

You're too far out. Don't get too far out. You win some, you lose some. And you can live without. Then your life winds out. Are you in or out?

Thank You, Jesus. Abba, Father. All things are possible with You.

If the weight of something's got you buckled under, maybe there's a love above. One you know the story of. This same God whose every feature's chiseled into your face. Fountain of a boundless grace. One who has the final say said to paddle it in, son.

You're too far out. Don't get too far out. You win some, you lose some. And you can live without. Then your life winds out. Are you in or out? Thank You, Jesus. Abba, Father. All things are possible with You.

Thank You, Jesus. Abba, Father. All things are possible with You.

* * * + + "Lay Your Burden Down" - Words and Music by John Davis.

Favorite song of this reviewer! Heartfelt, dynamically moving ballad - Written in a minor key - Begins on a mournful mood, with piano and strings, light percussion, memorable melody, effective dynamics provide the perfect musical vehicle for this lyrically expressed this heart to heart talk with some one on a downward spiral, facing serious problems /trials, who needs Jesus. Some lovely little counter melodies by strings throughout the song. Especially love the heartfelt chorus!

Related Scriptural References (Galations 5:1, Matt: 11:28-30, Romans 5:1-5 & 8:35-37, Rev. 3:20)

Lyrics:

Just as you were leaving, I was in my own world. Keeping busy breathing. Man, I had it all wrong.

Bridge: You went away without telling anyone. What's to be gained in never loving anyone, just to cheat the pain of losing someone? Don't you know some hard rain is bound to come? There's gonna be some dark days you'll never outrun.

* * * ++ Chorus: Brother, won't you lay.... your burden down? Don't you wanna find some way you won't have to drag it around no more? When you lie awake, when you break right down, don't you wanna find some way you won't have to drag it around no more? Don't have to be afraid of the knock at your door.

I have seen you dreaming. Frame-by-frame in slow-MO. Whimpering and screaming. I could not let you go oh no.

Bridge: You went away without telling anyone. What's to be gained in never loving anyone, just to cheat the pain of losing someone? Don't you know some hard rain is bound to come? There's gonna be some dark days you'll never outrun.

Chorus: Brother, won't you lay, your burden down? Don't you wanna find some way, you won't have to drag it around no more? When you lie awake, when you break right down, don't you wanna find some way you won't have to drag it around no more? Don't have to be afraid of the knock at your door.

* * * + + "Do You Know How Much You've Been Loved" - Words and Music by John Davis.

Fourth favorite song of this reviewer. Delightful southern Gospel - country style alter call song, with lovely ensemble harmony, written in easy 3/4 meter, great full support from acoustic guitars, electric guitar and slide guitars. Once again the listener hears some effective chord changes and progressions, which flow smoothly within the delightful melody, which again support the dynamic vocals and meaningful message of the Lord's love for us and our need for our Savior, Jesus.

Again another lyrical one on one talk with someone who needs to know Jesus.

Related Scriptural References (John 10:11, 1 John 4:19, Romans 7:14-25, & 12:2, Ephesians 3:16-19)

Lyrics:

Do you know how much you've been loved? Have you stopped to consider? Afraid of lookin' like a quitter? And just being stuck here seems better than nothing.

Do you know how much you've been loved? Has anyone tried to show you? Wouldn't let 'em try to get to know you. We keep holding onto our hearts. Your senses deceive you, but Christ can retrieve you. Time's gonna tear us apart. We need something greater. Sooner or later, you will come to a fork in the road.

Man, I've been there myself and I know. It was laid out and played out a long time ago. Do you know how much you've been loved?

Do you know how much you've been loved? While you sit there getting older. Always lookin' over your shoulder. We keep holding onto our past. Your senses might fail you, don't let 'em derail you. The way of the world takes you fast. We need something straighter. Sooner or later, you will come to a fork in the road.

Man, I've been there myself and I know. It was laid out and played out a long time ago. Do you know how much you've been loved?

TAG: Do you know how much you've been loved? Do you know how much you've been loved? Do you know how much you've been loved?

Reviewed by Julie Carr - ChristianMusic.com

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John Davis & Logan Sekulow - Logan Show

11 / 08 / 2005 - John Davis was the guest performer on The Logan Show, a clever and hilariously funny nationally syndicated show, hosted by the witty, 19 year old Logan Sekulow.

show's website: http://theloganshow.com

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