2023 Releases
MIRACLE - Released January 9, 2023
12 original songs (some re-recorded) reflecting on my miraculous healing from Covid-19 in 2021.
KOKO (Keep On Keeping On)
Words & music by Doug Hanks
©1978 & 2022 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
Harmonies: Julie Wuertz, Doug Hanks
3:37
All Because of You
Words & music by Doug Hanks
©2022 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
4:22
Blood Red Pool
Words & music by Doug Hanks
©2022 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
3:47
O Magnify the Lord
Words & music by Doug Hanks
©1979 & 2022 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
2:51
Jesus Cracked the Darkness
Words & music by Doug Hanks
©1984 & 2022 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
Harmonies: Julie Wuertz, Julie Stewart, Doug Hanks
4:27
I Know It’s the Lord
Words & music by Doug Hanks
©1982 Rainy Roley Music and ©1997 Rock of Refuge Music CMG Paragon Music. Adm. By EMI Capitol Christian Music.
Additional lyrics ©2022 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
Harmonies: Julie Wuertz, Julie Stewart
2:47
Thank You
Words & music by Doug Hanks
©1977 & 2022 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
4:02
Woman in Prayer
Words & music by Doug Hanks
©2022 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
4:43
Baby Boy
Words & music by Doug Hanks
©2022 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
3:10
Long, Long Road (Isaiah 49)
Words & music by Doug Hanks
©2022 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
3:36
Nothing Compares to Love
Words & music by Doug Hanks
©1972 & 2022 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
Harmonies: Julie Wuertz, Julie Stewart
4:10
There Is None Like You
Words & music by Doug Hanks
©2022 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
Harmonies: Julie Wuertz, Doug Hanks
3:37
2021 Releases
YEARS TICKING BY.
Produced by Doug Hanks.
Released October, 2021. ℗ 2021 Doug Hanks.
Fresh recordings of previously released or previously performed songs.
All recording was completed before Doug contracted Covid-19.
Following the release of Walking in the Father’s Love in 1982, Doug released several cassette projects. Most of those were recorded on 4-track or 8-track machines, and the quality was less than ideal. Years Ticking By is a collection of fresh recordings of songs from those projects and a few that were performed, but never recorded.
This album was recorded in 2019 and 2020. Doug played all the instruments (acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass guitars, lap steel guitar, pianos and keyboards, percussion), sang the vocals, except as noted below, and programmed all the music samples on this recording.
The dark winter. On December 28, 2020, Doug contracted Covid-19 and was hospitalized on January 1, 2021 for 5 months (147 days). He was on a ventilator for 46 days and was saved by the grace of God through the prayers of hundreds of people pleading for his healing. His wife, Mary, organized the prayer meetings and wrote regular updates to keep people informed of his progress. When he returned home, after gaining sufficient strength over three months, he completed recording the vocal for “One Like You” with Julie Wuertz and mastered the recordings.
Doug thanks the following: I wish to thank Mary for her undying love, her support, and her prayers, Evan for becoming the man he is becoming, Koen and Gwen for making me laugh, Rick L, Mike H, Dean C, Byron S, Harvey M, Mervin T, Kent T, Kevin M and the Friday AM Prayer Boys for their prayers, Theresa L, Mary H, Mary Katherine, Judy B, Sarah B and all the Family for their prayers, Leanne G for the Sapphire welcome home parade, Captain Rich T for coming through the door, Nathan B for his poetry, and to hundreds of people throughout the world who prayed for my healing. To Julie and Sheryl for singing. Thank you. All glory to YHWH.
For the recording techies, Doug used the following music samples: Logic Pro Studio, IK Multimedia MODO Drums and MODO Bass, Los Angeles Scoring Strings, Los Angeles Drama Drums, Drums on Demand, Novo, Forza, and Damage 2 by Heavyocity, Garritan Harp, XLN Audio Addictive Keys (Yamaha Upright Piano), SONiVOX Eighty-eight Piano (Steinway 9-foot Grand CD 327 piano), Band in a Box.
Hallelu Yah!
Words & music by Doug Hanks.
©1986 & 2021 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
From Praising God! cassette release (1986)
CH: Hallelu YAH! Hallelu YAH!
Hallelu YAH! Praise the LORD!
Hallelu YAH! Hallelu YAH!
Hallelu YAH! Praise the LORD!
Verse: You are the Lord of all things
Precious Redeemer and King of all kings
CH: Hallelu YAH! Hallelu YAH!
Hallelu YAH! Praise the LORD!
Hallelu YAH! Hallelu YAH!
Hallelu YAH! Praise the LORD!
Verse: Maker of heaven and earth
All Your creation will sing of Your worth
CH: Hallelu YAH! Hallelu YAH!
Hallelu YAH! Praise the LORD!
Hallelu YAH! Hallelu YAH!
Hallelu YAH! Praise the LORD!
Bridge: You left Your holy throne
Took the form of man
Spilled your precious blood for me
(Hallelu YAH!)
The Father raised you up
And He exalted You
And now my sinful heart is free
Hallelu YAH!
CH: Hallelu YAH! Hallelu YAH!
Hallelu YAH! Praise the LORD!
Hallelu YAH! Hallelu YAH!
Hallelu YAH! Praise the LORD!
God Can
Original words & music by Doug Hanks.
©1982 Rainy Roley Music ©1997 Capitol CMG o/b/o Rock of Refuge Music.
New lyrics ©2021 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
Originally released on Walking in the Father’s Love LP/cassette release (1982)
Verse: Who can straighten out the things that the Lord has bent?
Who can change the things that he has done?
Who can make the sun stand still?
Make it happen with His will?
Who can make the stars fall from the sky?
Not you, not I – But GOD CAN
Verse: Who can straighten out the things that the Lord has bent?
Who can change the things that he has done?
Who can take a broken plan –
Fix it with his mighty hand?
Who rebuilds a life then sets it free -
Not you, not me – But GOD CAN
CH: When your days are going well, be happy
When your life is easy, just be glad
When the times are harder just remember
He did not make it hard to make you sad
You can’t control tomorrow
Verse: Who can straighten out the things that the Lord has bent?
Who can change the things that he has done?
Who can take a heart of stone –
Melt it with his love alone?
Who can move the mountains to the sea?
Not you, not me – But GOD CAN
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!
Holy, Holy, Holy (There Is No God Like Our God)
Words: Reginald Heber, 1826. Music: 'Nicaea' John Bacchus Dykes, 1861.
First published: "Hymns Ancient and Modern", 1869. © Public domain.
Bridge: Words and music by Doug Hanks. ©2021 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
8-track demo tape - never released
Verse: Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity
Verse: Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be
CH: There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
CH: There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
Verse: Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity
The Lord is Good to All – Psalm 145:8-9
Words from the New International Version Bible, Used by permission.
Additional words & music by Doug Hanks.
©1987 & 2021 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
From Hide the Bible in Your Heart cassette release (1987)
Verse: The LORD is gracious and compassionate
Slow to anger and rich in love
The LORD is gracious and compassionate
Slow to anger and rich in love
CH: The LORD is good to all
The LORD is good to all
He has compassion on all He has made
The LORD is good to all
The LORD is good to all
He has compassion on all He has made
Verse: The LORD is gracious and compassionate
Slow to anger and rich in love
The LORD is gracious and compassionate
Slow to anger and rich in love
CH: The LORD is good to all
The LORD is good to all
He has compassion on all He has made
The LORD is good to all
The LORD is good to all
He has compassion on all He has made
Bridge: (The Lord is good) And the rains fall down
(Good things grow) And the good things grow
So all the people on the earth may come to know
The Lord is good (Lord is good)
And His love is free (Love is free)
And He hands out hope to all the world
So all will see –
CH: The LORD is good to all
The LORD is good to all
He has compassion on all He has made
The LORD is good to all
The LORD is good to all
He has compassion on all He has made
Trusting
Words & music by Doug Hanks.
©1973 & 2021 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
Julie Wuertz - harmony
Performed by Blanco&Hanks in 1972-1973
Verse: Trusting, I am trusting in you
For a love that is real, for a love that is true
Feeling like my troubles have gone
And I’m trusting that I can carry on
CH: I have trusted a lot of things before
But I’ve never felt anything this real
I have opened a lot of doors before
But I’ve never felt this sure and I’ve
Never asked for more
Verse: Trusting, I am trusting in you
For a love that is long and will see my life through
Praising which I’ve never done before
‘Cause I found someone who’ll last forevermore
CH: I have trusted a lot of things before
But I’ve never felt anything this real
I have opened a lot of doors before
But I’ve never felt this sure and I’ve
Never asked for more
Verse: Trusting, I am trusting in you
For a love that is long and will see my life through
Feeling like my troubles have gone
And I’m trusting that I can carry on
Tag: Oh, my sweet Lord
I have found you
To trust in, trust forevermore
Great Is Your Faithfulness - Lamentations 3:22-23
Words from New International Version Bible. Used by permission. Music by Doug Hanks.
©1987 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
From Hide the Bible in Your Heart cassette release (1987)
Verse: Because of the LORD’s great love
We are not consumed
Because of the Lord’s great love
We are not consumed
For his compassions never fail
They are new every morning
CH: Great is your faithfulness
Great is your faithfulness
Great is your faithfulness
Verse: Because of the LORD’s great love
We are not consumed
Because of the Lord’s great love
We are not consumed
For his compassions never fail
They are new every morning
CH: Great is your faithfulness
Great is your faithfulness
Great is your faithfulness
Strong Hand
Words & music by Doug Hanks.
©1990 & 2021 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
From Blind Dog Barking cassette release (1990)
Verse: I hear a blind dog barking at a lamp on the street
He thinks he sees the light of the moon
When you tear at your anger and face your defeat
There’s little left that you can exhume
And though you hear a voice echo behind you
Bringing back all your mistakes of the past
Face the wind and press against those who’d remind you
And know the STRONG HAND will hold you fast
CH: His STRONG HAND will pull you free
Tear you from the terror of hell
His STRONG HAND will guarantee
Freedom from your old hotel
And the tears that you’ll cry then
Will be sweeter than the tears that have been
For His STRONG HAND
Will have rescued once again
Verse: I know some children in the world who settle in their beds
But tremble ‘bout the visions they’ll dream
For the evil they fear as they lay down their heads
Would cause any sane man to scream
They will journey down paths where no one should go
They will run till they can’t anymore
Some of the pain they will never outgrow
Till the STRONG HAND of God lifts them off of the floor
CH: His STRONG HAND will pull you free
Tear you from the terror of hell
His STRONG HAND will guarantee
Freedom from your old hotel
And the tears that you’ll cry then
Will be sweeter than the tears that have been
For His STRONG HAND
Will have rescued once again
TAG: His STRONG HAND
HIS STRONG HAND
His STRONG HAND
Will have rescued once again
Will have rescued once again
He’ll wipe away your tears
He’ll toss away your fear
He’ll never let you go
It’s something you should know
He’s got the father, He’s got the mother in His strong hand
He’s got the sister, He’s got her brother in His strong hand
He’s got the little bitty baby
He’s got the whole world in his strong hand
He’ll never let you go
Walking in the Father’s Love
Words & music by Doug Hanks.
©1982 Rainy Roley Music ©1997 Capitol CMG o/b/o Rock of Refuge Music.
Julie Wuertz, Sheryl Briggs - harmonies
Originally released on Walking in the Father’s Love LP/cassette release (1982)
Verse: In my life there’ve been times when the pain has brought me down
To the point where I was reaching for the towel
But then Your grace revived me and Your power inside me
Lifted me up so I could carry on
CH: And I’m walking in the Father’s love
Walking in the Father’s love
Rocking to the things I find hidden in Your word
Locking down the things I need to know to help me grow
Verse: In my life there’ve been days when the testing was so hard
That I thought I would suffer from the flames
Now I know the trouble was just a little rubble
That You were working hard to burn away
CH: And I’m walking in the Father’s love
Walking in the Father’s love
Rocking to the things I find hidden in Your word
Locking down the things I need to know to help me grow
Bridge: Can’t you see that I’ve been moving along down a two-lane road
Singing a song that’s pleasing to the Lord
Sometimes I’ve been falling – It’s an uphill climb
But I’m trying to do the will of God ‘cause there’s so little time
Walking in the Father’s love
Walking in the Father’s love
Walking in the Father’s love
I’m walking
One Like You
Words & music by Doug Hanks.
Julie Wuertz - solo
©2021 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
Performed at “Prophets of These Days” concert, 1981 by Ron Theissen
Never released
Verse: Sail a ship out into the sea
With the bow to the rising sun
The billowed sails would take me on where hues of blues collide
I’d turn and I’d find you there
CH: Nowhere is there One like You
Out beyond the farthest world, yet near me
Nowhere is there One so true
Beyond the stars, yet living in my heart
You are the LORD
You are the LORD
Verse: Scale a peak till there’s nowhere to go
Stretch my hands high into the sky
The wings of eagles in me soar so high into the air
I’d turn and I’d find You there
CH: Nowhere is there One like You
Out beyond the farthest world, yet near me
Nowhere is there One so true
Beyond the stars, yet living in my heart
You are the LORD
You are the LORD
And nowhere is there One like You
There Once Walked a Man
Words & music by Doug Hanks.
©1972 & 2021 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
Performed by Blanco&Hanks in 1972-73
Verse:
There once walked upon the earth a lowly man of lowly birth
And people say he lives today
He gave the good news to the poor, he opened up the captives’ door
And sent the prisoners on their way
Ooo – They never would return
Verse:
He gave sight to every eye blinded and shielded from the ight
And spoke the words that they would trust
He gave hope to every heart broken and shattered in the night
And raised the beggars from the dust
Ooo – And called them all His friends
CH: They say he came to give love
By taking fear away
That he died to do that
And lives on today
Verse:
There once lived a man whose love was strong, it lasted long
And lasts on forever I am told
And they say he died to free us from the guilt of sin, he rose again
In three days from the cold
Ooo – They say he is the Lord
CH: They say he came to give love
By taking fear away
That he died to do that
And lives on today
My Sheep - John 10:27-29
Words from New American Standard Bible - 1995 edition. Used by permission.
Music by Doug Hanks.
©1990 & 2021 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
From Blind Dog Barking cassette release (1990)
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me
And I give eternal life to them and they will never perish
And no one will snatch them out of my hand
And no one will snatch them out of my hand
And no one will snatch them out of my hand
Where Can I Go?
Words & music by Doug Hanks.
©1980 & 2021 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
Never recorded. Performed with The Boys 1980-1983
Where can I go from Thy Spirit
Or where can I flee from Thy presence?
If I ascend to heaven, Thou art there
If I make my bed in hell, Lord, You’re there as well
If I take the wings of the morning and fly
If I dwell in the farthest part of the sea
Even there Thy hand will lead me
And Thy right hand will lay hold of me
Where can I go from Thy Spirit
Or where can I flee from Thy presence?
If I say surely darkness will bruise me
And the light around me will be night
Even darkness is not dark to Thee
For the night is like the day
Darkness and light are both alike to Thee
Where can I go from Thy Spirit
Or where can I flee from Thy presence, O Lord
On the day that I believed You
I was sealed with a promise as Your own
And nothing can take it away
For Your Spirit lives within me
I can’t escape from Your almighty Love
Where can I go from Thy Spirit
Where can I go from Your almighty Love
He’ll Never Go Away
Words & music by Doug Hanks.
©1982 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
From Dawson McAllister’s How to Get Along with Your Parents video series (1983)
CH: He’ll never go away
No, He’ll never go away
In His Word it’s understood
That He will always stay
And He’ll never go away
Verse:Jesus Christ is the same
Yesterday, today
And until the end of time
He’ll remain that way
CH: He’ll never go away
No, He’ll never go away
In His Word it’s understood
That He will always stay
And He’ll never go away
Verse:I won’t fear, God is near
And Jesus is my guide
What shall man do to me
When He is on my side?
CH: He’ll never go away
No, He’ll never go away
In His Word it’s understood
That He will always stay
And He’ll never go away
Bridge: Be content with what you have
For the old ways are now dead
He’ll supply all you need
For He Himself has said
CH: He’ll never go away
No, He’ll never go away
In His Word it’s understood
That He will always stay
And He’ll never go away
Old 100th (Doxology)
Music attributed to Louis Bourgeois. © Public domain.
Arranged by Doug Hanks. ©2020 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
Originally a ringtone for my brother-in-law, Jim.
2020 Singles
KOKO (Keep On Keepin' On)
Words & music by Doug Hanks. ©1976 & 2107 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI)
9 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them.
11 They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11 NASB)
“Every time I look up in the sky….” Originally I called the song “Keep On Keeping On,” but the boys renamed it KOKO for the acronym, and it was easier to write on the set list (KOKO, EGG, NW.) It turns out that KOKO means “The most important matter” in Nigerian. This was one of the songs that came out of the summer at my mom’s condo in Carmichael, CA in 1976 along with “Bad News,” “I Will Never Leave You,” and my arrangement of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” for my sister’s wedding.
“Keep Your Eyes on the Sky” from Blue Sky Sliding was the follow-up to this song.
Railroad XING
Music by Doug Hanks. ©2020 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI).
A person loaned me their Kurzweil piano back in the 80s. I wrote the main theme for 'Railroad XING' at that time. I always loved watching a train pass at a railroad crossing. The power of the locomotive, the rhythmic clacking of the wheels on the track, the imminent danger of the passing train, and waving at the brakeman in the caboose - all of it fascinated me.
Trusting
Words & music by Doug Hanks. ©1972 & 2020 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI).
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB)
I wrote this in 1972 when I was traveling and performing with Jim Blanco as Blanco&Hanks. The song displays my country roots all the way back to 1972. The song was inspired by 'Font Seat, Back Seat' by Love Song. The first 8 bars of the solo are exactly what I played. Background vocals: Julie Wuertz
Christmas in Collegetown. Words and music by Doug Hanks. ©2019 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI).
Claremont, California held a C******** tree lighting ceremony and asked us to play. They insisted that we sing no songs with the word "C********" in them. No "We Wish You a Merry C********", no "Have Yourself a Merry Little C********", no "Rockin' Around the C******** Tree." But songwriters get the last word... or the last lyric.
Old Hotel. Words & music by Doug Hanks. ©1992 and 2020 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI). Originally released on Blind Dog Barking project.
I watched a brick apartment building being dismantled with a wrecking ball. I wrote it as I watched.
Walking in the Father's Love. Words and music by Doug Hanks. ©1982 Rainy Roley Music. ©1997 Rock of Refuge Music. Adm. by EMI Capitol Christian Music.
For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light. (Ephesians 5:8 NASB)
I wrote this the night before I left for Nashville to record my album of the same name. When I went to a camp the next week, I didn’t know the words yet – it was so new! This was my 80’s “hit” on Christian radio along with “God Can.” Man, I can sing this any day of my life and it’s relevant.
Background vocals: Julie Wuertz, Sheryl Briggs
Strong Hand. Words & music by Doug Hanks. ©1990 & 2018 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI). Originally released on Blind Dog Barking project.
11 And brought Israel out from their midst,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting,
12 With a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting. (Psalm 136:11-12 NASB)
Written after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the first verse about “I hear the roar of the tanks…” is omitted here to make this song less than seven minutes long. It starts with the second verse: “I see a blind dog barking at a lamp on the street….” Growing up, I actually had a blind dog named “Boogalatesk.” We got her a seeing-eye cat.
I have personally witnessed people set free by the strong hand of God from addictions and being victimized by unspeakable acts of humanity. And yes, the whole world is in His hand.
My Sheep – John 10:27-28. Words by John the Apostle quoting Jesus of Nazareth, arranged by Doug Hanks. Music by Doug Hanks. Text from New American Standard Bible. Used by permission. ©1990 & 2018 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI) Originally released on Hide the Bible in Your Heart (1987)
27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. (John 10:27-28 NASB)
This song became a staple of the later Son City Raft Rallies sponsored by Village Church, Beaverton, OR under Scott Mauck’s leadership.
You Never Said. Words & music by Doug Hanks. ©1972 and 2020 Lambs in the Meadow Music (BMI).
Part of the Suite:Christine songs.
Blue Sky Sliding
Released April, 2011.
Blue Sky Sliding is my first time out of the house in 18 years. Blind Dog Barking was my last time out in 1992. I wanted to see if the sun was still shining.
Contact me through: doughanksmusic.com
Equipment:
I sang and played through some tin cans and string into a British console (Had to edit out the accent) and recorded into a 24 bit American hard disk recorder. At times, I used Apple Logic Pro 9. Then, I mixed to digital two-track at 24 bit/44.1Hz. (Old school language: DDD). I tried to do the project on tape, but my cassettes kept getting stuck in the player. I started the project on a PC and crashed it every eight minutes. So, I bit the Apple and planted the seeds.
Mics: Some Shure mics, a Studio Projects C1, and an Audio Technica AT4040.
Preamps: Focusrite ISA One, Joe Meek OneQ
I used Snow Leopard interfaced through Apogee Duet.
Guitars: Some Taylors, a Takamine EAN10K, a Gibson LG-1, an Epiphone FT-79 Texan (one from the USA), a Gibson Les Paul Studio and Melody Maker, a Fender Stratocaster, Chandler Lap Steel, Fender Precision Bass.
Most guitars processed through a Line 6 modelers, SansAmp, and BOSS stompboxes.
Mastered in Apple Logic Studio 9 and Waveburner.
Transferred to Green Tune CD media and duplicated at Oasis Disc Manufacturing.
Musicians:
I sang the vocals, played the guitars, bass, keys, various percussion, programmed some loops and beats, and washed the dishes.
Some friends helped me. Also featured are:
Smitty Price - kickin’ keys on Gotta Serve Somebody
Dean Christensen - vocals on Gotta Serve Somebody
Wendy Hinkle - vocals on Gotta Serve Somebody
Dianne Jackson - vocals on Gotta Serve Somebody
Teri Goodwin - vocals on Gotta Serve Somebody
Julie Wuertz - vocals on Tomorrow on Her Mind, Every Good Gift and When You’re Not Here
Julie Stewart - vocals on Tomorrow On Her Mind
Mike Heil - vocals on Tomorrow On Her Mind
Steve Sanchez - guitar solo on Tomorrow on Her Mind
Kevin Moore - vocals on A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Dan Bathauer - low vocals on Elvis on a Greyhound
The “I Ain’t Dig a Pygmy” Orchestra conducted by D. Richard Henrys.
I also used Apple Logic Studio 9 / Instant Drummer™/ Drums on Demand® / AppleLoops® / Orchestral samples are from Garritan Personal Orchestra® and World Instruments / Drums: Instant Drummer™ or Drums on Demand® imported into Apple Loops. Some of the early tracks were Instant Drummer and I found that they were not as crisp as the DOD stuff and Apple Loops, but I kept them anyway.
Cross the River (For Tim Hunt)
During the summer between sixth and seventh grade, Tim Hunt, Rick Lovett, and I took our guitars to summer camp and learned three songs-- Gloria, House of the Rising Sun, and Rain. We instantly formed The Red Barons (We all had red hair!) and played a talent show and two Sunday school parties. We listened to Beatles records and learned every Beatles song. We learned to play in the cracks. We played off and on through junior high school-- the last time getting together to rehearse the chord changes for The Beatles’ Revolution.
In the early nineties, I got a call from a childhood friend that Tim had died in a tragic car accident. I started writing the song that night. A little while later, I saw a funeral procession on the freeway and noticed that the other cars rushed by at their usual raceway speed, seemingly apathetic to the pain of the mourners. For some reason, the song came back into my mind as did all the memories of that week near the Bear River in California when I was twelve.
Tim lived on the north side of the American River in Sacramento, and to rehearse, one of us had to cross the river. As well, the dying words of Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson were "Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade of the trees." I treasure that image of the hereafter.
Rick Lovett passed away in Hawaii a few years later. I am the sole surviving member of The Red Barons.
A Distant Friend (for George Harrison)
The Beatles taught me how to play guitar; I listened to the radio and their records and learned every chord in every Beatles song. The George songs taught me how to play diminished chords (root + minor third + minor third.) On the day that George Harrison died, the line “A distant friend is gone” stuck itself in my head. At the most surprising moments, I still find myself singing his songs, especially the weird Indian stuff. (I paid tribute [ripped off] to the intro to “Taxman.”)
Tomorrow on Her Mind
I sent this to four country singers looking for songs. Then I sent it to the good folks at Nashville Songwriters Association, who looked at it seriously, considered it for their publisher’s luncheon, but sent it back to me. I told myself if they sent it back I would record it myself and release it.
I always saw it as a car commercial for Chevy. An ever-popular theme in country music-- escaping the little town and exploring beyond personal borders. The Silverados, the country band in which I have performed for 18 years, are featured in the background vocals and Steve Sanchez plays the lead guitar part.
BGVocals: Julie Wuertz, Julie Stewart, Mike Heil, Doug Hanks.
Electric guitar solo: Steve Sanchez.
Elvis on a Greyhound
I wrote this for my sister, Squid. She is a conspirator in the Elvis Didn’t Really Die theory and she loves Priscilla. After a gig in Pasadena, CA, I actually met the Memphis school bus driver for Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
BG vocals: The Blackstone Bros. (Dan Bathauer and me.)
I Remember the Night (8:46 P.M. on 9/11)
On the night of 9/11, I stood in my front yard, stared into the incredibly clear southern California night, and listened to the unusual and curious silence. I live about six miles from Ontario (California) International Airport, but that night the sky was ominously still. While I was outside, a military jet flew by about 2500 feet off the deck. Its air space was unrestricted. When I went back inside, I realized that I had been outside exactly twelve hours after the attack in New York. The bell toll at the end of the song is spaced eleven seconds apart - one for each plane that went down that fateful morn.
When You’re Not Here
A friend of mine on Facebook talks about her fiancé who is stationed in Afghanistan every chance she gets.
The BG vocals: Julie Wuertz and me.
This Love I Have for You
A simple one for Mary. She likes the raspy voice.
Watch the Lions Play (Sunday Morning, Lyon, 177 A.D.)
Many consider Rome to be a great, ancient civilization, yet it had its dark side. People gathered to watch gladiators maim and kill each other and animals tear each other apart. At a few times in history, followers of Jesus were placed into an arena with wild beasts and devoured. This certainly happened at Lyon; a memorial stands in the arena to those who lost their lives.
Some promoter made money on the horrific spectacle. So I asked myself, What did a person have to do to get a ticket? And did he take a date? Were tickets available through Ticketmaster or did you have to go through a scalper? (Scalper could have a more literal meaning in the second century.) With the spread of pop atheism and the polarization of religious belief, the atmosphere towards those who follow Jesus has become slightly more hostile in these civilized times. All of this led to this song... and reading Foxes Book of Martyrs at bedtime.
A Mighty Fortress / A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (Psalm 9)
Julie Larson’s arrangement of “A Mighty Fortress” on Revelation inspired me to do a similar arrangement. Her B section contains the descending bass part against a relative minor six chord which is so prominent in my songs. And I was listening to the Lord of the Rings soundtrack at the time of my arrangement.
I led my first orchestra when I was 21. There is nothing that equals that many musicians playing together. However, here the tiny musicians are all inside a computer because they would not fit into my minuscule recording studio.
Martin Luther did not write the music (only the lyrics), so he cannot collect licensing fees. And about the lyrics... No, I could not find a way to fit the word “bulwark” into the rhyme scheme!
High tenor: Kevin Moore
More of Ms. Larson’s music at www.julielarson.com
Gotta Serve Somebody
(Words and music by Bob Dylan. ©1979 Special Rider Music. All rights reserved. Used by permission.)
The debate raged for months in the late 70s about Dylan and his new-found belief. God is the ultimate judge of a man’s heart, so I’ll leave that part up to Him. In the meantime, I get to sing this great music from the master wordsmith.
In 2010, I sang this at Hillside Community Church, Alta Loma, CA where I serve as part of the worship ministry and music director Smitty Price nailed the vibe, so I asked him to lay this down for me.
Korg keys: Smitty Price.
BGVocals: Wendy Hinkle, Dianne Jackson, Teri Goodwin, Dean Christensen.
Dean’s vocals were recorded in Beaverton, Oregon and FTP’ed to me. I imported them into Apple Logic Studio and re-recorded them into the hard disk to match the others.
Anyone But Jesus
Download the first episode of CBS’ Survivor:China. During a welcoming ceremony, the survivors are asked to receive a gift and bow to some Buddhist idols in a temple. A woman named Leslie states that she cannot. After the host, Jeff Probst, reassures her that it is not a religious ceremony, Leslie states that the only one she will put her face to the ground for is Jesus. And this song was born. Thanks, Leslie!
Every Good Gift
I wrote this in 1983 and used to do it with my band in Portland, OR. This is a slightly milder version.
BG vocals: Julie Wuertz
Look at All the Children
I traveled to Kenya in 2006-2007 and spent a fortnight among the people at the SamRoc School and the Children’s Home in Ilula near Eldoret. Every one of the 96 children there were orphaned by AIDS. AIDS is so rampant in Africa that it is the same as 40 Boeing 747s crashing each day. Malaria, which is preventable with a simple $10 net, continues to devastate the population.
Daffodils at the Resurrection
Sure, they were there! It was Passover, after all, in a Mediterranean climate!
The last minute features eight different acoustic guitars.
Ode to the Penguin Café (instrumental)
Inspired by “Perpetuum Mobile” by the Penguin Cafe Orchestra. I knew about them in the 70s, but when a girl used it as the soundtrack for her viral video of self-portraits over 200 days, I had to pay tribute. When the founder of PCO, Simon Jeffes, passed in 1997 the world lost a truly creative talent. The group is eclectic and not for all, but their music was clearly unequaled at the time of its inception and is definitely hard to classify. Most of you have heard a guitar arrangement of their “Ode to a Found Harmonium” in Napoleon Dynamite.
Keep Your Eyes on the Sky
After he [Jesus] said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their [disciples] sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:9-11
Will it really happen? Some people think it was a spiritual resurrection and that His return will be a metaphorical, metaphysical one. It really doesn’t sound like that in the Acts passage. Jesus said something and people heard it well enough to write it down. People on the scene of His ascension are looking up into the sky. It’s pretty difficult to imagine a cloud hiding a ghost (since they look alike!) And then two men show up and give witness to the entire situation.
Keep looking up... that’s what faith and hope are about after all.
The hidden track: The Joker Isn’t Laughing
I wrote it when I was 19 or 20. I thought I would finally get it laid down.