[sanzi]

Originally Posted by galen

Thanks, Vikki. Allow me to refer you to one of my CGR friends who is a much better lyricist than I.

ohhh not a problem. still, i don't hear lyrics i like too much often. I like lyrics with a lot of imagery in them most and that last one especially was VERY imagerical. Some how I felt like i could write a lot of good music to that. It felt easy to hear the music in my head. That's how I know they're good lyrics (for me anyway).

Originally Posted by galen

I'm not nearly as good as you think I am, I'm afraid.

keep writing then and I'll tell you my (amateur, yet experienced) opinion on [your] lyrics and music.

Originally Posted by Lee

Sometimes I just feel like curling up in bed and pulling a Brian Wilson

who's that?

[Leboman]

I'll put my comments in parenthetically.....


Step by step one foot in front of the other
One half mile is eaten up by my shoes (I love this)
Turn around head back home to leave again
The sun rays warm my face
And you warm my heart

Right beside, a shadow of a memory paces mine
Around the world, pushing me on when I slow down
When I get tired you are there to keep me strong
One more half mile to go
One more lifetime

(When I read this I'm reminded that no matter which of my past sins pop back up, God is still there with me to get me through it.)

This love we celebrate is not the kind you usually write songs about
But it's one that got me moving up and out
like I've never moved before
And so I move

(Once again, this strikes me more at a spiritual level and I'm not sure that's the way it is intended, but it works)

Sweat rolls down, earned through our exertion
Walking now, soft wind blowing through the blades of the field
Gathers me up, I spread my wings to fly
I feel like I could try
Like I could soar to you

(And then this pops up and I'm left thinking something totally different.)

This love we celebrate is not the kind you usually write songs about
But it's one that got me moving up and out
like I've never moved before
This love we consecrate is not the kind that leads to a bed
But its one that's helped me rise from the dead
(Great, great imagery here)
Like I've never risen before
And so I move

Together with you I move
To move with you is heaven
Without the fear of hell
Together with you I move
To move with you is heaven
Without the fear of hell

Water caresses, smooth against my skin
Soothes away the pain to leave a pleasant aching
Water fills me, replenishes my life
Much like the love
much like the blood

This love we celebrate is not the kind you usually write songs about
But it's one that got me moving up and out
like I've never moved before
This love we consecrate is not the kind that leads to a bed
But its one that's helped me rise from the dead
Like I've never risen before
And so I move

I'm looking forward to running with more than your memory
More than an imagined shadow
More than a half-seen hollow
(repeat and fade)


There is a lot of great imagery in this bro. It can be taken at so many different levels. Some lines seem to refer directly to God and then it becomes obvious that there's a physical relationship being discussed as well. I know that my relationship my wife is a spiritual thing and this song does a pretty good job of conveying some of those thoughts and feelings.

Of course, that's just what I get out of it.

[Ordinary Sarah]

Hey, Galen! Just thought I'd drop by and see how it's going!

I love your song! it's really awesome sounds a lot like some of the older sixpence stuff I really like it

especially this part:

This love we celebrate is not the kind you usually write songs about
But it's one that got me moving up and out
like I've never moved before

anyways, hope everything's going well! I'm praying about your job situation

sarah

[guitarfan01]

Originally Posted by Vikki, the multi - instrumentalist I would like to jam with

ohhh not a problem. still, i don't hear lyrics i like too much often. I like lyrics with a lot of imagery in them most and that last one especially was VERY imagerical. Some how I felt like i could write a lot of good music to that. It felt easy to hear the music in my head. That's how I know they're good lyrics (for me anyway).

Cool. Because I'm at a loss for music for that one, at least right now. I have a tempo I want to use, and maybe a small guitar riff or bass pattern, but I really don't have any idea about melodies or harmonies or anything. It's like a big blank, and that's never happened before with lyrics of mine that I've liked. I've always written lyrics either after or in conjunction with music (for example, by singing a line I like and recording it on my microcassette), and now I have no idea what to do about these!

Originally Posted by (see above)

keep writing then and I'll tell you my (amateur, yet experienced) opinion on [your] lyrics and music.

hah, ok. I really think this might be one of those one-time things though... one of those songs that I write and think, "wow! That was awesome!" and never write something anywhere near close to that again. Oh well.

Originally Posted by vik' the Canadian chik

who's that?

He was the main songwriter for the Beach Boys, and responsible for the classic Pet Sounds album (which, I admit, I haven't heard. ).

Originally Posted by Lee Modlin

I'll put my comments in parenthetically.....

I'll skip most of this...

Sweat rolls down, earned through our exertion
Walking now, soft wind blowing through the blades of the field
Gathers me up, I spread my wings to fly
I feel like I could try
Like I could soar to you

(And then this pops up and I'm left thinking something totally different.)

fast forward again...

There is a lot of great imagery in this bro. It can be taken at so many different levels. Some lines seem to refer directly to God and then it becomes obvious that there's a physical relationship being discussed as well. I know that my relationship my wife is a spiritual thing and this song does a pretty good job of conveying some of those thoughts and feelings.

Of course, that's just what I get out of it.

Thanks, Lee. Is there anything you think it might be a good idea to ruthlessly edit? It seems to me that the first line of the section I left in is sort of a 'jolt', taking the reader/listener out of the mood/image the rest of the song conveys. I'm honestly not sure if this is a good thing or not. I'm a very young songwriter, and I really don't know what makes a song good, bad, or "indifferent to critics", haha. But I don't want to write stuff a certain way just because the prevailing opinion among songwriters is that method x is best. So, eh, I'm a terrible critic. I'm glad it struck something in you, Lee. I read your comments, and went outside and danced around for a bit. I was happy.

Originally Posted by a sarah-girl who plays guitar

Hey, Galen! Just thought I'd drop by and see how it's going!

I love your song! it's really awesome sounds a lot like some of the older sixpence stuff I really like it

especially this part:

Thanks, Sarah! That means quite a bit. I have This Beautiful Mess, is that about the time frame you mean? I like that album. Actually, I'm listening to it right now, thanks to your comment, haha. But man, the songs on that album are so good, I don't know if I could ever approach them, lyrically. Actually, God willing, I could, but...

Originally Posted by the girl from New Mexico who shares my birthday

anyways, hope everything's going well! I'm praying about your job situation

Thanks, Sarah. It's much appreciated.

Well, last night, I was playing guitar, and envisioning playing in front of people, and trying to figure out who I could con into playing with me at the ASU talent show next year (they have to be ASU students, or we're disqualified). I figured I could probably get Kasey to play piano, unless she wanted to try it solo again -- she won this year, so she might either be bored with that or want to do it over again, I don't know. Adam would probably be up for playing bass or guitar -- he's great on both instruments, and sometimes I envy him his talent. Usually, though, I just like listening to him jam -- either by himself or with others, it's great stuff. And I might be able to get Jay to play drums, which would be good. Chance might be up to lending his guitar talents to the project as well.

Anyway, as I was thinking about all of this (it was after I had watched Switchfoot's Live in San Diego DVD, by the way -- a really good show), a question swam up to the surface of the mind, sent from that wonderful One who resides at the bottom -- who would I be seeking glory for by this? Mine, or Someone else's? Of course, it was mine. The thing is, I want people to recognize me as a talented songwriter and singer, and (this is somewhat funny in its idiocy) worship leader. Here I am, God gives me a chance, a song above the rest that I write, encouragement from my friends, and what do I immediately focus on? How I can put myself forward.

Anyway, Intermission this year is going to be missing some of our better musicians. I've heard that Kasey isn't going to be playing piano anymore, and I know that Kendra (acoustic guitar, vocals) will be in South Africa being a missionary, and it's very possible that Wade (our very talented electric guitarist) will have been employed by some federal law-enforcement agency by the time we start in September. Also, Megan (who is another great singer) will be in Germany this whole year. The thing is, I want to take someone's place, if Mills (the guy in charge) wants me to. But I don't know if I should, anymore, especially since my behavior before. Actually, I think I wouldn't mind staying in the audience, at least at this moment.

I just finished watching the new Fairly Oddparents movie, Channel Chasers, on Nickelodeon. Like most Fairly Oddparents stuff, it was pretty good. For one thing, it sent up all the old cartoons that I used to watch before Cartoon Network went to crap (and while it was going to crap, and after) -- except Freakazoid, which would have been nice to see made fun of -- it even included some artistic references to The Matrix and The Terminator. Unfortunately, it was also depressing, in a way, expressing a bit of how Jeff helped me to look at total depravity -- that no matter what we do, or how good the things we do are, there is always a flaw near the very center of ourselves, tragic flaws that will doom us and those we love to horrible fates, even on earth, without Christ. But before I prove my shallowness and idiocy beyond all doubt, I'm going to shut up about the silly little cartoon movie I just watched. One thing I did miss while watching it, however, was my little brother, because we always watch things like that together and laugh and laugh... so it was bittersweet, even without the depressing ending.

I really don't know how I feel tonight. I suppose it's either "at peace" or "empty." Mylene tells me that I self-analyze too much, and perhaps she's right. But I am who I am, and God will cleanse me of all things that make me less than what He wants me to be, in time. It's a good thing to know, the love of God. And to think that as much as I understand it -- which I think is more than many "Christians" do, if less than most true disciples -- it is so much greater than anything I could ever comprehend! Our God truly is an awesome God. May He bless all of you with the knowledge of His love and the comfort of that knowledge.

Galen

[Leboman]

First of all, I like the song as it is. I'd like to hear it one day.


Secondly, self-analysis is one of my fatal flaws. When used under the Spirit's influence it is the way God purges all the crap out of our systems. But when undertaken on our own it is a tool that Satan uses to accuse and condemn us of all our past failures. I fall victim to that occasionally. It's so easy to get caught up in the despair and hopelessnes of my situation without the grace and mercy of Christ. But I must constantly remind myself that His blood covers my iniquities and His grace is more than sufficient for me.

Keep writing.

Peace bro.

[Braid]

I read your entire post and then scrolled down to reply. I decided to read Lee's post just to see what he had said... and low and behold! He read my mind and stole my thoughts!

Originally Posted by Lee Modlin

First of all, I like the song as it is. I'd like to hear it one day.


Secondly, self-analysis is one of my fatal flaws. When used under the Spirit's influence it is the way God purges all the crap out of our systems. But when undertaken on our own it is a tool that Satan uses to accuse and condemn us of all our past failures. I fall victim to that occasionally. It's so easy to get caught up in the despair and hopelessnes of my situation without the grace and mercy of Christ. But I must constantly remind myself that His blood covers my iniquities and His grace is more than sufficient for me.

Keep writing.

Peace bro.

Anyways, I will continue to keep you in my prayers

[IdidntDoIt]

hey galen! whats up? i figured since you posted in my blog that i'd return the favor! so yeah ... man you've got some awesome lyrics in here. very good ... i was reading them and i was just floored. very good yeah, im really sorry about your family situation ... i'll definetly be praying for you. its got to be rough. but you got your bros and sis' here pullin for ya! anyways, yeah ... well ... hope alls going well! talk to you later!
troy

[guitarfan01]

I was just contacted by a friend of mine, Adam, who plays bass for Intermission. He's selling an Epiphone G-400 (cheaper SG), with hardshell case and amp, for $650. I want it, providing that it plays well, of course. But I don't have very much money at the moment -- and, considering my recent "me-ness", I don't know if I should, even if I can afford it, through some miracle. Pray for guidance for me on this, please, and for me to get the money if it's supposed to happen.

Galen

[swim2112]

i will be praying for the right thing to happen...


...subscribing...

[guitarfan01]

Thanks, Lindsey. You should drive down here (San Angelo) sometime and go to SNL (Sunday Night at the Lighthouse) if you don't have anything to do one Sunday night. Because SNL rocks the house, I mean, it's awesome. Kevin Kirkland (www.katalystministries.org) does the speaking, and Ornan's Floor (www.ornansfloor.com) does the music. Not to mention how neato it would be to finally meet someone from CGR in person. Even if it's someone I don't know very well, heh. I suppose I should subscribe to your journal (assuming you have one), so we can actually get to know each other, at least sort of.

Anyway, I got on here to give all you people a link to the kind of guitar Adam is selling. HERE!!!!!

[littlemissgeeky]

Thanks for the nice comments about my artwork
I like your poetry

[littlemissgeeky]

Originally Posted by Zanzi

that happened to me. It was on the line we were using for internet turns out we got some dialers. They racked up about 250$ on my phone bill. I was very mad and I HAD to pay it. It made me sooo mad. They WOULDN'T rectify the situation.

Just to let you guys know that you don't have to pay if someone steals your identity or steals money rfom you be stealing your phone line credit cards and such.....

These companies will try to make you pay because it's easier than getting into who owes them, and they just want to get paid. So they will tell you payment is your only option.

This is a lie. Write to them. Dispute the charges. Save a copy and contact the credit bureaus to see what further steps you need to take. They will give you copies of your report to see if soemone has stolen your identity and tell you what you can do as far as removing unwanted untrue information.

DO NOT PAY!!!!!!!!!

Never pay for something you don't owe. Don't allow people to steal from you because you don't understand billing proccesses and think you have no option. It will affect your credit negativly more-so if you pay for the fraudulant charges and do nothing.

My parents got someone using thier information and a different address. This showed on thier report. They were getting negative feedback on the credit report that they didn't even know about.

I had a hospital send a bill to the wrong address for 3 years and they filed a judgement against me. If I would have gotton the bill it would have been turned into my insurence. this is the hospitals mistake... i got other bills from them to the right address. they just messed up one. do you think i should pay for that? no! I wont! this is more complicated though.

If you have an identity theft it gets taken care of right away.

my dad had a guy call him saying he had overdue cell phone chages in florida and asked for information to see if they had the "right" person. they were asking for socail security #'s and stuff. They sounded very concerned and upset because they wanted to be paid. and these poeple can intimidate you into giving you information. they will say you owe them money or claim your wages are being garnished.

they are preditors.... so protect yourself.

[sanzi]

Originally Posted by Galen

Cool. Because I'm at a loss for music for that one, at least right now. I have a tempo I want to use, and maybe a small guitar riff or bass pattern, but I really don't have any idea about melodies or harmonies or anything.

What kind of music are you thinkin, like ballad, jazz, punk???
I generally tend to think jazz/blues deal for songs.

Originally Posted by Galen

I really think this might be one of those one-time things though...

maybe, maybe not.

Originally Posted by Galen again...don't you think he talks a lot?? ;)

He was the main songwriter for the Beach Boys, and responsible for the classic Pet Sounds album (which, I admit, I haven't heard. ).

sorry

Originally Posted by Galen

I was playing guitar, and envisioning playing in front of people, and trying to figure out who I could con into playing with me at the ASU talent show next year (they have to be ASU students, or we're disqualified).

PICK ME PICK ME!!!!!! i guess not eh?

Originally Posted by Galen

But before I prove my shallowness and idiocy beyond all doubt

you are neither shallow or idiotic. not even close to either. let me say that not thinking about yourself sometimes can be extremely dangerous and that sometimes getting something you want isn't going to ruin your life or take God away from you. You know beyond a doubt that God will NEVER leave you, so worrying about how much you love this world doesn't matter much unless you take it too far. That's my opinion and that's how I try to live. By not worrying about too much, at least until/unless it interferes with my walk with God. Then interference is good.

Originally Posted by littlemissgeeky

Just to let you guys know that you don't have to pay if someone steals your identity or steals money rfom you be stealing your phone line credit cards and such.....
...
they are preditors.... so protect yourself

true, but i don't know how to fight something like internet dialers.

[littlemissgeeky]

Originally Posted by sanzi

true, but i don't know how to fight something like internet dialers.

next time something like that happens to you. (and it probably will) just send a letter disputing the charges and say that you won't pay. the phone company needs to figure out a way to beef up security so people can't do that. it could have even been a mistake or someone with in the company abusing information.

it's not your problem to figure it out. all you have to do is send a letter telling them that these are not calls that you made and that you wont pay and keep a copy of the letter and the bills. if they send you another one, then you send them another one.

then call the credit bureus to see what you need to do to dispute anything that gets on your report, but it shouldnt get that far anyway. after a couple bills they will apologize and drop the charges.

Think about it. If you have to pay asything they send you regarless if its yours or not, whats stopping these companies from just plain out stealing money from you.

If it gets to the point where they won't drop it (which is pretty stupid) then contact the "Better Buisness Bureau" With the letters and the bills and they will be in some trouble.

[guitarfan01]

Originally Posted by sanzi

What kind of music are you thinkin, like ballad, jazz, punk???
I generally tend to think jazz/blues deal for songs

ooh, that would be really cool, I think.

you are neither shallow or idiotic. not even close to either. let me say that not thinking about yourself sometimes can be extremely dangerous and that sometimes getting something you want isn't going to ruin your life or take God away from you. You know beyond a doubt that God will NEVER leave you, so worrying about how much you love this world doesn't matter much unless you take it too far. That's my opinion and that's how I try to live. By not worrying about too much, at least until/unless it interferes with my walk with God. Then interference is good.

Thanks, Vikki. But I guess I just have the philosophy that all I need to worry about is what He's given me to do, and let Him worry about me, since He's much better than I at that. But that wasn't what I was doing, I admit. I was worrying about tomorrow, in direct contravention of Christ's instructions. Silly me. Not to mention putting myself down and saying things that weren't true. I am nothing but a human being, with all the pleasures and pains, triumphs and tragedies, hopes and fears that come with it. But I am a human being inhabited by the Spirit of the Living God. Christ lives in me, and this makes me more -- more than just a human being. It makes me a Son of God, adopted through God's love, demonstrated in the blood of the only begotten Son of God.

Galen