Lyricists And Poets Where Are You ??

[mrsnacks]

Hi : i am currently working on a CD. I am a pro and I've been wanting to do a Christian CD for some time now featuring various new talent and innovative concepts musically and lyrically. Most christian lyrics I find are very generic and not thought provoking as it could be. I currently work and have for a long time with the tops in the secular music industry as a player, arranger, and producer.

So please send me or contact me privately if you want thru this site any poems ( slam poetry also) or lyrics. The lyrics and poems don't have to be completed for there may be some changes that need to be made in the process ( to fit the song ).

This is on the up and up and this is all professional . Feel free to ask any questions or send samples privately. Then we will correspond email and by phone afterwards.

The songs will be philosophical in nature for the thinking listener in hopes that the listener will get into the music , and the words will speak to their soul in giving them truths about the world they live in from a Godly perspective. They can be about apologetics, worship, but deep. beyond what worship music you hear today. Avant garde christian music. The music has elements of jazz, R and B, Hip Hop, alternative,trance, and instrumental featuring readings of poems with the music.

Anyway any comments or suggestions are welcome. You can post some examples and I look forward to interacting. To God be the glory.

[mrsnacks]

I wanted to add that the direction I wanted to go in the CD as far as the theme of the album would be is that of (1) reaching the unbeliever and (2)uplifting the believer spiritually. maybe two themes or I may have to do 2 separate albums.

In reference to the unbeliever is the starting point of life. Dealing with loneliness and fear. The longing for a real relationship. The emptiness and futility of life described in Ecclesiastes. Pre evangelism . Examples -- " You've got a friend " james Taylor." In my life" Beatles." What's going on " Marvin Gaye. There are many others .

Any thoughts ??

I have 3 tracks almost completed . There are several songs already written ( music with no lyrics. ) . i hope to finish by the end of the year.

So even a chorus will do.



:smile:

[Patroclus]

How do you define Christian music?

[mrsnacks]

Good question . i should have defined my terms. There isn't a difference between a christian C chord or a secular C chord. A C chord is a C chord. I would say music ( lyrics ) that are honoring to God. Maybe some of you in the christian community will disagree , but that's my definition.

Now the music is in a way neutral. It's the lyrics or poems that make the song christian or non christian. i could write an instrumental song with the title" Jesus is The Only Way ." Or i could name it " Girl ,Just Do It To Me."
I wrote an instrumental song and titled it after my wife. It's about her and dedicated to her which is not directed to God but honoring my wife and that is in accord with scripture.


For example take a song with a title let's say " It's Hot in Here so Let's Take off Your Clothes. " The lyrics are promoting pre marital sex. Also women are just a meat market ( check the video out it's promoting lust , drinking, and etc). It's obviously not promoting a christian worldview. The worldview in that particular song is that there is no God and that do your thing whatever it is ( party doing whatever to feel good ) . Complete hedonism directed at the listeners who are generally kids. A song I'm sure wouldn't be played at church during service or even in front of kids .

So i would say a song honoring God as God as far as a definition of a " worship song." Speaking the truths of God about God directed towards Him. That's worship.

Basically what i am searching for are lyrics or poems that are truthful from a Godly perspective ., not from a worldy perspective. Let's say in the world ( and i work in the secular music scene ) the main focus is personal gratification generally speaking where man is God and feelings and self are authoritative in one's life. In christian music it's directed to God or speaking truths about life in that it's honoring Him like my song dedicated to my wife. . It's something I wouldn't mind singing about in God's presence to give a visual.

I hope this clarifies where I'm coming from. I am not trying to engage in debate . I just desire to honor God in music and words. That is my intention as a disciple of Christ. It's that simple. The song may have Jesus mentioned or verses from the Bible or it may not have.

I am pretty open to input . It's simple. i am doing a CD or Cd's and I want to honor the Lord. The song can be directed to God ( worship) or not as long as it promoting truth and honoring God. There is a pretty broad area to cover. I hope this helps.

[Patroclus]

What about music that has lyrics neither contrary, nor in direct support of Christian values? Can such songs be considered "Christian?"

[semmie]

Today @ 04:30 PM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=74862#post74862)
mrsnacks:There isn't a difference between a christian C chord or a secular C chord. A C chord is a C chord.

:lol:

you're C chord is going to HELL, do you hear me?! HELL!!!

sorry. that was pretty funny, mrsnacks. i do some songwriting; i do some poetry. i'm interested in hearing more about your project. are you looking for lyrics and poetry only? or music as well? and...who is the audience for such an album? you mention the themes of reaching unbelievers and uplifting believers; would it be accurate to assume that when you say "unbelievers," you are referring to those seeking, as opposed to any old atheist on the street who doesn't give jack squat about god? and...when you say "believers," are you referring to the mainstream religious culture, or those who've honestly devoted their lives to the seeking, serving, and knowledge of christ?

i'm also curious...you said that you are a professional in the secular music industry? have you ever actually done your own work before?

[mrsnacks]

Oh boy : I am putting together my own project. I have recorded and made a living working in the secular entertainment industry for many years. i have written songs that were recorded and did well in mainly the foreign markets.I want to do this for myself and really as a ministry . if I make any money --great ( most will be contributed to a cause that will bring honor to God). but it's purpose is to communicate to the listeners what's inside of me musically.

It's very simple. the reason i came to this site is that after checking out other poetry (christian) sites on the net , I wanted more than what I was reading. This site seems to attract thinking christians more than the other sites. The poems were very sincere and some( very few) I may still use. But most of the poems were very amateurish. i could easily write" Jesus is the answer". He meets my needs and He's the Light in a world of darkness etc. This has been done many times over and I'm searching for something either deeper or different metaphorically. It is two-fold.

The christian worship music will be directed to the Lord. Sung in church . Typical worship. The christian music type songs are songs communicating truth with the christian worldview as it's base.And 3rd for the unbeliever songs about life's truths . i want the songs to have lyrical depth. Not just about" I love you and you love me and oh how happy we will be." More philosophical and not shallow like so many of the lyrics i hear today.

I am looking for some ideas and concepts from you lyricists and poets out there.


I did a whole album many years ago and donated my services to a christian album featuring known christian artists. The company had a very small budget. They wanted to distrubute the CD's to aids patients dying in the hospitals across the country. The lyrics talked of God's love , mercy and forgiveness in today's language. It was a gift to those suffering and it was received with a lot of thanksgiving that a christian ministry went out to those personally.


So that's what I want to do in a way.

Yes those involved will have their names for credits on the CD and will get royalties based on sales and airplay. You will not be asked to contribute financially EXCEPT for copyright cost split between the writers of the song which comes to about $15- $20 a song . So if I wrote a song with you --we would pay 10 a piece max to the Library of Congress for song protection. I am doing this recording at home in my home pro tools studio. It is not a scam . I will have a future web site as soon as the project or projects are finished where people can purchase the CD's . i also have friends in high places and will try to get a label to pick it up for distrubution etc. there will be standard contracts and registration of course with BMI or ASCAP.

So there you have it.

[Patroclus]

So, what is your philosophy behind the integration of poetry/lyrics and music?

[Alden]

Hey snacks, are you gonna give us some references? Who have you worked with? Who have you toured with? I don't give my Gems to just anyone.

[semmie]

Today @ 02:15 AM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=79913#post79913)
Alden:

Hey snacks, are you gonna give us some references? Who have you worked with? Who have you toured with? I don't give my Gems to just anyone.

agreed. give us reason to trust that this is not some silly scam, snacks.

[mrsnacks]

Hey Alden : I sent you a private message in answer to your request.

Patroclus :As far as my philosophy in the integration of my music / lyrics /poetry -- this particular project is that the message ( lyrics and poems ) are philosophical and express truths much deeper than the surface. The music is sophisticated with a few commercial tunes. You don't hear jazz in christian music. It seems that that's a worldy form according to the christian labels.God created music and we just discover what he has already created.


Also I am bringing in spoken word poetry with beats ( R and B , jazz, and Hip Hop ) behing the lyric or poem. i want the young to dig it as well as the older generation.

I have no problem getting a lyricist with credits for the project. I have worked with the top in the music field. The lyricists I know are very commercial and don't write gospel with the exception of one female writer who is a friend of many years. she was with Motown as a writer. I just thought I would try this site .

Anyway don't make it a big deal. just show me what you have .

I haven't come up with the theme for the CD geared for unbelievers . The christian CD is another story. I am open for new ideas and concepts. We can all work together on this.

[mrsnacks]

Semmie : My goodness ! It ain't no scam. What do I have to gain from this. I am not asking for any money . I am doing the work and it is a lot of work producing , arranging, writing and recording etc. I mentioned $15 or $20 for copyright cost between the writer per song. I'm pulling favors and I have vocal talent who are willing to give their time and energy to get a chance at this. Try finding someone ( a producer and musicians ) to record a project with you and see how much it will cost you.

[semmie]

Today @ 07:52 AM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=79974#post79974)
mrsnacks:

Semmie : My goodness ! It ain't no scam. What do I have to gain from this. I am not asking for any money . I am doing the work and it is a lot of work producing , arranging, writing and recording etc. I mentioned $15 or $20 for copyright cost between the writer per song. I'm pulling favors and I have vocal talent who are willing to give their time and energy to get a chance at this. Try finding someone ( a producer and musicians ) to record a project with you and see how much it will cost you.

what do you have to gain? well...for all i know, you could be some young, snot-nosed brat of a musician trying to make a buck.....and from the looks of the talent on this board (it obviously has some), it seems that you could gain some phenomenal lyrical and musical ideas and walk out without any of us knowing who you are or where you went.

not a personal attack...just in need of some clarification, i suppose.

[mrsnacks]

Semmie : Then get a copyright and protect your poems and lyrics. That's what you do in the world.

Trying to make a buck ?? Yes I am. I do this for a living. I hope it will sell . If it does then whoever is involved will benefit. I am puttiing many hours of work into it. The difference is that when I am hired by an artist or label ---I get paid up front and when the project is completed. In this case --it's my own time and energy invested for a later return. If it doesn't sell or get picked up by a label-- then praise God I tried and will move on and do it again.

If I wanted to steal lyrics I could've done it already. Just go from one site to another and believe me there are plenty of poetry and lyric sites on the net. Stealing is easy . Am I doing that ?? No of course not. Obviously most of you shouldn't be posting your poetry anywhere in public without it being protected by copyright.And i know it's not protected . I am trusted you by being upfront.Have you read my previous posts ?????

I am giving you all an opportunity because I have recognized some talent here.I would like to collaborate with some of you . I have 3 ladies so far who are very good singers and I will feature them along with other talent . It's a go for them. Their voices do no good in the shower. I want them at worst to have a pro CD with their name on it . Like i said --it could sell a lot. If not , we'll all be happy.

By the way , the royalties that my company will pay out is far more than any record company will pay you.

It's your choice.

[mrsnacks]

Another point : If there is a collaboration , than we will go back and forth by email privately and also by phone. we will have each other's address and hopefully we will talk and exchange ideas and become friends as well as partners in this project.

[Patroclus]

Semmie, if you are worried about your stuff being stolen, do what I do. Date a manuscript, and mail it to yourself. Leave it sealed, and file it away somewhere. Also, I try my best to put my name and date with anything I post online. Of course, I am not too worried about anonymity, which is a concern for other people.

Mrsnacks, I suppose the problem for me is that I disagree, almost entirely, with your philosophy. First of all, I am not looking for a music deal anyway. What is the least bit interesting is the opportunity to expand my poetic ability into lyrics. However, Tennyson wrote the most amazing lyric poetry ever, without music. If you are familiar with Madeline L'Engle, you will probably like this quote of hers in The Doors magazine: "If it is good literature, it is Christian. If it is bad literature, it is not." Of course, she was more concerned with literature. But I believe that the concept stretches into all artistic media.

The concept is very simple: 1) As Christians, we are called to reflect the most perfect creator. Our art should strive to be no less. 2) Since Christ wants us to have a full life, every life issue is a Christian issue, whether or not God is specifically named. 3) Since all persons are reflections of the Creator, and artist who creates can glorify God in excellence without knowing it. As you said:

God created music and we just discover what he has already created.

Also, one of my biggest beefs with music today is that the music serves as a mere backdrop for the lyrics. The music and the lyrical themes do not necessarily coalesce. I think that is poor writing. For a good example, consider "O Little Town of Bethlehem"

"O Little Town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above they deep and dreamless streets
the silent stars go by"

At this point, the song maintains an almost wistful tone, which makes sense considering the images and themes.

"Yet in thy dark streets shineth"

Here, the tone becomes more serious as the music also drops its tone. Why, because it is talking about "Dark streets," a foreboding danger.

"The everlasting light"

Here, the music rises to meet the theme. It is almost as though the listener is being pulled out of danger by the ultimate hope that is Christ.

The song continues. But, I think I have made my point. I would be leery of writing lyrics for somebody to affix music to.

[HemofHisGarment]

mr~
I have read through all the posts here so far, and my only question is this:
Why do you call yourself mrsnacks?
:bunny: No really, I would be extremely interested in helping out with your project if possible. I write, and my husband is a poet. I love the idea - I dig all kinds of music including positive hip-hop/R & B/ ambient grooves as well as beautiful voices. I listen to Christian radio everyday at work, and I know what you mean about the fact that there really doesn't seem to be a whole lot out there. A well put together sound can really make an impact on the soul, and I admire you for looking to achieve that.
Adrianne

"Music I heard with you was more than music,
And bread I broke with you was more than bread."
~Conrad Aiken (1889–1973)

[mrsnacks]

Patroclus: You say you disagree almost entirely with my philosophy of music. I don't see ,where the disagreement is to be honest with you. I stated that I wanted to reflect the truth and going deeper than the surface issues of life. I also said that the lyrics can have references to God directly or indirectly. I said much more but your statement has me puzzled.

Just because I am looking for a deal doesn't make it wrong or any less christian.I also stated that I am not putting all my eggs in one basket. If there's a deal great -- if not I will put release it anyway. Look at all the books out there by christians and non- christians alike. They don't seem to have a problem getting their thoughts out there for people to read and benefit. And they make money while they're at it. Check the poetry section at Barnes and Noble.

If it's not for you than fine. It may be for someone else.

Your beef with todays music is your opinion and I disagree. You are obviously not involved in the music industry. The music is a vehicle for the lyrics but the lyrics can be a vehicle for the music. They work together. It's a marriage reaching the listener emotionally and thru the mind.

Todays youth embrace hip hop and R and B mostly. It's the groove that's important. If it ain't there in that genre, then it won't sell. Music is powerful . It can move you to dance, praise God, fall in love, cause you to daydream, cry, laugh, and etc.

That's the barometer --people buy what they like. And record companies christian and non-christian are there to make money. Making money isn't a bad thing. Poets lyricists, musicians must make a living. the companies must survive.

I am not doing it for the money number one. If I was I would be doing a commercial record for the masses.

Well in your definition of good literature, I guess unbelievers and people of other beliefs are capable of writing christian literature.

I wonder why in the christian market ----we are copycats. I mean the world's music is innovative and a leader in the arts. some unbeliever jokingly said that they prefer hell to heaven because that's where the good music is. He has a point in a way. I mean the world has James Taylor, Michael Jackson, Charlie Parker, Herbie Hancock, Earth Wind and Fire, Hendrix, Chicago, Coltrane, Jobim , James Brown, Eric Clapton, Doobies, and the list goes on.

The world doesn't follow the christian music scene. It's the opposite.

Anyway if it is not for anyone out there than it's okay. I'll keep you up to date on the project.


God Bless and i enjoyed reading the poems.

[Patroclus]

You say you disagree almost entirely with my philosophy of music. I don't see ,where the disagreement is to be honest with you.

I disagree with your philosophy based on the very reasons that you disagree with me.

Just because I am looking for a deal doesn't make it wrong or any less christian.

I totally agree with you there man. Why shouldn't a man who works also eat? I wish you success.

If it's not for you than fine. It may be for someone else.

Agreed. I just wanted to let you know where I stand.

You are obviously not involved in the music industry.

As a producer or artist, no. However, I study it closely. I have also interviewed many industry proffessionals. I know very well what sells and what does not. I believe that I am qualified to make educated statements.

The music is a vehicle for the lyrics but the lyrics can be a vehicle for the music.

Just like cigarettes are a vehicle for nicotine, and nicotine sells cigarettes. Personally, I think this is a trend that is merely accepted. I was not trying to say that I am committed to the genre of "O Little Town of Bethlehem." What I am saying is that music of that sort continued the convention of lyrics being highlighted. and thematically portrayed in the music, and visa versa. A very good contemporary example, in my opinion, is "Today" by the Smashing Pumpkins. It just so happens that song was incredibly popular when it was released as a single. What I am saying is that, from an artistic standpoint, the accepted duality of music verus lyrics is diplorable. I strongly believe that the art in music is declining. If Christian music leads in a trend, is in that trend alone (I think you and I agree on that).

Todays youth embrace hip hop and R and B mostly. It's the groove that's important. If it ain't there in that genre, then it won't sell. Music is powerful.

Hey, I am not going to argue there. Like I said, I know very well what sells. What I am saying is "why can't that same 'groove' compliment the themes of the lyrics, rather than just being the 'vehicle' of the lyrics?" Why not just write good poetry? Why not just write good poetry? In all honesty, in the best artists, I think that the poetry ususally is superior to the music.

It can move you to dance, praise God, fall in love, cause you to daydream, cry, laugh, and etc.

Sure, it can cause you to do many things. I am a Pentecostal, so I know very well the joy of revelry in the Holy Spirit. However, I wonder how much of the revelry is merely emotive. How many times have you seen young people singing along with their favorite music while they are in their cars? Except for the fact that their eyes are usually open, it looks very much like a "typical" pentecostal experience. Again, I do not doubt that the Spirit moves. But I do think that many groups have confused a spychological state, induced by repetitive, over-simple music with the moving of the Holy Spirit. If one teaches that to a young person, he or shee will keep that for life.

Instead, there are certain groups and artists that I listen to, that in the hearing of, encourages me to continue to be creative. In that I create, my desire is to bring glory to God. In that, I worship. Music that spurs people to Christian service and action, in my opinion, more valuable than music that spurs people to emotional response.

That's the barometer --people buy what they like.

People buy what they are taught to like. Imagine if all music was high art? What kind of music would people be buying? high art! The challenge is to make music that is both appealing and of high art. Music today is poetry (usually poor) with a musical backdrop. That isn't high art, that is the folk music of this culture. The supreme opportunity that we have is in the fact that we do not have rigid social stratification as Americans. Therefore, we can bring high art to the masses in a medium that they can enjoy. Would a common person of Brahms' day have enjoyed Brahms? No. Did the common people of Mozarts' day enjoy Mozart? Yes. Why? Because he knew how to bridge the gap. Consider movies like "O" and "A Mid Summer Night's Dream." "O" is based on "Othello." The other is obvious. Shakespeare is being played in movie theatres. Playboy produced "Macbeth" in 1971. Do you like Kenneth Brannaugh? Why can't music do the same?

I submit that if you teach people to like high art, that people will learn to like it.

Making money isn't a bad thing. Poets lyricists, musicians must make a living. the companies must survive.

I totally agree.

Well in your definition of good literature, I guess unbelievers and people of other beliefs are capable of writing christian literature.

That is exactly my point.

I wonder why in the christian market ----we are copycats.
/me added emphasis

I would be careful to not associate myself with that which can never truly be Christian. People are Christians. Music never can be. If then, the word Christian, in relationship to an industry, is not completely arbitrary, it must mean something else. I submit that "Christian," in relationship to industry and/or art is that which achieves the highest standards of excellence. After all, Christ calls us to the highest standard of living. Why should our artwork be any different. For that reason, when I say that good music is more Christian than "Christian" music, I mean that it attains higher levels of excellence.

I mean the world's music is innovative and a leader in the arts. some unbeliever jokingly said that they prefer hell to heaven because that's where the good music is. He has a point in a way. I mean the world has James Taylor, Michael Jackson, Charlie Parker, Herbie Hancock, Earth Wind and Fire, Hendrix, Chicago, Coltrane, Jobim , James Brown, Eric Clapton, Doobies, and the list goes on.

Why give the devil all the good music? You have been listening to too much Larry Norman. Who created these artists? In whose image are they made. If there music is beautiful, who does beauty ultimately reflect?

[semmie]

Yesterday @ 04:35 PM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=81136#post81136)
Patroclus:
Why not just write good poetry? Why not just write good poetry? In all honesty, in the best artists, I think that the poetry ususally is superior to the music.


very well said, patro.

[mrsnacks]

Good morning ; I am writing on the road on tour. I have a wake up call at 6:30 am which is an hour away and then it is off to the airport to another city and show.

I appreciate your input Patroclus. that is the exact reason I'm doing this project. I believe my music writing and what I want to communicate musically with the right kind of music and poetry is at a very high level . Most of my music is not commercial and geared to the masses. I want my CD to for a " thinking person ."

An example would be Marvin Gaye's" What's Going On" album. It wasn't released until 2 years after the recording of it because Berry Gordy thought the public not only wouldn't buy it, but that it was too different lyrically and it was too jazzy musically. In other words it was a controversial record.

Marvin wanted to express his concern over the Vietnam war and the drugs and killing in the ghettos etc. Love was the answer he stated in his songs. We must turn to God and wake up to what's going on around us.

It not only sold but started a revolution in the recording industry of lyrics being about other topics other than romance and partying. It brought attention to the social issues in our country along with the war that was going on.

I have the music which can be a vehicle for poems and lyrics out there. i want to say something to the church and to the unbelieving world. What exactly i don't know. The church needs a wake up call. The world needs one to. That's what I'm looking for. i don't have the gift to put the words down or else i would do it. I have the musical ability to do a Janet Jackson track , a James Taylor, Steely Dan, or a Herbie Hancock type track . I just know when I see the right poem or lyric, I'll know it should be on the CD .

You said I've listened to Larry Norman. No I don't listen to christian music hardly at all. Yes God has created us all. But the unbeliever puts the music out and doesn't acknowledge God . He takes credit for it and in many ways mocks God in the lyrics. Read the lyrics of today. The artists sets himself up as god and points to sex, drugs, self gratification and lust not love as the gods to be worshipped. I think it's you that has been listening too much to Larry Norman whoever he is.

People buy what they like. You say they buy what they are taught to like. You 've been talking to the wrong people. I've been in record companies offices where they bring in the common people and play the music of the album and ask them what they like and dislike. In a disco people dance to the music they like. If it ain't happening then the DJ takes that info to the radio people and the record label execs.

I studied at conservatory at age 6 in Europe. I played on radio at age 9 playing Chopin, Schumann, and Mozart. I was taught to like classical music. No one taught me to like jazz or R and B or rock and roll. But when I heard it ----I LOVED IT. In fact classical music was boring to me and i only did it because i was forced. so don't tell me about I like it because I was taught to like it. It's like vegetables. My mom taught me it was very good for me to eat those vegetables and the second i tasted the peas, I didn't like them at all. I was taught sweets weren't good for and boy did i love sweets.

You're on the ouside looking in brother.

[mrsnacks]

I think I'll get a cinnabun at the airport . I am hungry. Sorry mom --peas ??? Not this morning. :lol:

[Patroclus]

Thanks for fleshing things out, mrsnacks.

I still do not totally agree with everything you say, and I maintain that at least a majority of kids like what they are taught to like--marketing samples are not cross sectional. However, i am glad to better know where you are coming from.

Larry Norman wrote a song in the late 70's pr early 80's called "Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music." You made a similar statement in one of your posts. I don't listen to Larry Norman.

[mrsnacks]

Patroclus: I do appreciate the interaction even if we agree to disagree. It has helped me think thru all this.

I know this much. We have a different culture and mindset today. The youth and baby boomers are the MTV generation. I have a 17 year old and a 24 year old daughter. I work in the entertainment industry and I am surrounded by unbelievers. When I use the term unbelievers --I do mean those who are not necessarily atheists but really could give a ____ about God. They are mostly agnostics that are not interested.

i am an apologist and have studied presup and evidential apologetics and philosophy. I still continue in my studies in an attempt to strengthen my faith and" to have an answer."

The music is a very big thing , now more than ever . It is I believe a vehicle for pre-evangelism and communicating truth and reality from God's perspective to the new generation . It's a visual generation. They will pick up a DVD and watch a video or listen to a song before picking up a book. Their church is Starbucks or the mall.

I mentioned that I worked on a project for aids patients who were dying in the hospitals. They all accepted the free gift of a CD . So they were all exposed to God's truths and other attributes expressed in song and lyrics. Now if we were to hand them books or tracts---I'm sure most of them would be tossed aside.

My unbelieving friends will listen to my CD. i would ask them (when it's done ) to check it out and tell me what you think. If I hand them a book by a christian author --there is a 80 to 20 chance they won't read it and I'm being generous.

So this brings me to my point. I am an instrument of God. I want to communicate utilizing my talent along with others to reach the MTV generation. To reach believers and unbelievers with a message. The deep poetry and lyrics will open up discussion when I ask them , ----what do you think of the lyrics ??? How about the poem ??? What did you get out of it ?? Do you agree or disgree and why ???

Anyway I better go. I hope you at least understand where I 'm coming from.

[jtrattner]

Check out my site, there are 2 songs you should look at: Vertago and Crown Of Thorns
http://www.jtrattner.com


Hi : i am currently working on a CD. I am a pro and I've been wanting to do a Christian CD for some time now featuring various new talent and innovative concepts musically and lyrically. Most christian lyrics I find are very generic and not thought provoking as it could be. I currently work and have for a long time with the tops in the secular music industry as a player, arranger, and producer.

So please send me or contact me privately if you want thru this site any poems ( slam poetry also) or lyrics. The lyrics and poems don't have to be completed for there may be some changes that need to be made in the process ( to fit the song ).

This is on the up and up and this is all professional . Feel free to ask any questions or send samples privately. Then we will correspond email and by phone afterwards.

The songs will be philosophical in nature for the thinking listener in hopes that the listener will get into the music , and the words will speak to their soul in giving them truths about the world they live in from a Godly perspective. They can be about apologetics, worship, but deep. beyond what worship music you hear today. Avant garde christian music. The music has elements of jazz, R and B, Hip Hop, alternative,trance, and instrumental featuring readings of poems with the music.

Anyway any comments or suggestions are welcome. You can post some examples and I look forward to interacting. To God be the glory.

[Straylight]

Been a songwriter and (mostly) a guitar player for about 15 years. I generally just write music though, and never take time to fit words to songs.....But I do have poems:

The Cape

Cool September, fixed..

On Augustine grass I burrowed my soul,
as I lied low and thought that was all

Indigo crashed
Slivers of light
A scope was held, my throat was held,
I was as pale as the dunes

Like a drowning child
My body surfed
The undercurrents of a shifting mind
My heroes -- None in sight
My hero is the claimant sea

Then I saw the coast in all it's hue
and the beasts spring to life
A cold shoulder turned to me
With the stars of the Autumn sky

I breathed the cool air
Naked and dry
and recalled my forethought as a child
About the dying leaves

9 Months in the Sea

A ship with a thousand sails
Losing control in phantasmaghoric throes
Throwing anchor in the deep abyss
Viscid fluid from a harlot's kiss

Timid crewman all in wake
Swollen knees, shackles and chains
Bedtime stories about Vitamin C
Land exploration and territory

Pray alone

The sails pushed and pulled
One against the other
Instruments froze
Frothing at their dials

Climatic shift

Cool

Cold

Rotting woods rouse a sailor's chanty:

Mistaken by the Ocean
Dreaming of Tides
Land has not been spotted
9 months in the Sea

I have now met violence
Splinters in my side
I pray for silence
9 months in the Sea

Telegram

I called up one morning,
said, "This is my swan song,
and now I leave all my desires."

They were listening...
And waiting...
As I hung up the phone.

I called again,
said, "I can steal no longer."
Silence...
I dialed the wrong number.

The door bell rings,
Flowers at my steps,
A Courier sings a song,
Twisting her locks

(She says she's in love,
She says she's my admirer)

She hands me a candy rose
and sings to me again
About a special note for me

[36grit]

This one should provoke a little thought:


Feast Of Trumpets
(Course heavy metal music, stern male voice as a captain giving an order sings)
Sound the trumpet!
His Majesty is in the sky
Tell those who worship idols
There is nowhere to run and hide
Tell those who rise against him
They shall surely die!
Tell those observing this feast
They might be saved alive
(Music)
(pause)
Devil I see your
anti-christ,
and I see
the beast he rides!
(music changes instantly)
(Chimes accent)(soft melody plays mimicking the fore hand words)
(female voice sings out)
Wash your hands of the blood of Christ
Then take a bath in the blood of the christians
(short rift)
(Hard melody w/ strong bass male voice)
Set yourself up as a god on top of the world
then call all others heretics and wicked
(mixed voices sing)
Wash your hands of the blood of Christ
Then take a bath in the blood of the christians
(short rift)
Set yourself up as a god on top of the world
then call all others heretics and wicked
(many voices sing)
Wash your hands of the blood of Christ
then take a bath in the blood of the christians
(Big dramatic musical ending)

Or How about this one:



Distant Thunder
( a dramatic song)

He-A-ay Ephraim I see you
Hey-A-ay Ephraim. . . you know-o I see you
Tell your brother Manessah . . .I see him too
Tell your uncle Judah . . . that I'll be coming home soon
and there'll be noooo moooore war
noooo mooooore waAr

There are no lost tribes
there are no lost tribes
There is no where to hide
so put away your false gods
I think their sick
the cross around your neck
Easter and Saint Nick
The beast is rising
the beast is rising
He's coming after you!
What will you do?
I'll be coming home soon
and there'll be noooo moooore war
noooo mooooore waAr

Abram I love you
I love your children too
but look what they do
The beast is rising
the beast is rising
but I'll be coming back soon
and there'll be no more war
(The drama becomes increasingly intense over these next few verses)
You've known it almost since birth
the meek shall inherit the earth
Hey man here I come
Hey man here I come
I'm even knocking at the door
and you know there'll be no more war
It should come as no surprise
when dead prophets open their eyes
Christ will make the meek whole
He'll resurrect their soul
and I heard him say
I will have my day
They'll gather two hundred million strong
At Armageddon before to long
To war against the capital of Kingdom come
HEY MAN,
CAN YOU HEAR THIS SONG?!!
( Explosions bring the intense dramatic end and then a pause. Then the slow march as at the beginning of the song and then)

Will Christ remember me?
Will Christ remember you?
What will we do?
Lets put away our false gods

Many more where these came from.
icurnsane@aol.com

[36grit]

Silence??

no replies?
not to theirs and not to mine
The herotic hunters surely see me here
did their devils get up and run for fear
come O antichrist's
I am waiting
have you no reply
are you just gonna lay there and die
come, lets get it on and fight
Have I not challenged you to a dual of words
What on earth could it hurt
your pride?
I didn't know you were such a proud fellow
the belly of the dragon seems to be yellow
Or perhaps he is to drunk to get off the ground
drunk from the blood of the prophets he found
now silence his only sound
while I stand here a simple soul
believing the testimony of the prophets of old
Repent O hearts of stone
Repent to tears I say
for it is the end of the world
how ya gonna crawl out from such a grave
think you'll find another way
O devil when will you learn
contrary to the word of God
and you will surely burn
Repent and set the crooked back again straight
Repent today before it's all to late
for I am here and the Master is comming