Anthem Copyright, Kevin W. Kenney Verse 1 You thought your poison words would kill but you were wrong I thank you for the broken heart, you made me strong  Bravery, like music Became my fighting song    I sing my anthem proud, I survived I sing my anthem loud, I'm alive There's power in my scars that's  So much stronger than your darkness My confidence is my revenge When I sing my anthem Some days still hit like clenched up fists to knock me down  No punching bag, I fight you back, and stand my ground  I won't surrender I'm the warrior now Chorus  I rise like a champion with the last few notes My heart becomes a stadium when a cheer explodes  Chorus
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Baby Steps Copyright, 2019 Kevin W. Kenney Verse 1 One year old, he’s wobbling toward me Holding the edge of the coffee table He lets go, stands still for a moment, then zooms right past me as I say “Be careful” On his way, on his own- I blink my eyes and I swear he grows Chorus He moves away in baby steps It's nature's way of helping me accept He's growing up before my eyes A fleeting glimpse, I realize With baby steps, time sneaks by Verse 2 Sixteen years old, where'd the time go? He's holding on tightly to a steering wheel Gives it a little gas, pulls away a bit too fast, down our street as I pray that he’s careful On his way, on his grown- I wave goodbye and away he goes Chorus Bridge Now he is grown, with kids of his own Someday he'll know How fast the time goes Chorus They move away in baby steps But even so, it won’t hurt any less We never see how fast time flies 'Til we look back and realize With baby steps, life snuck by
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Bang Bang Boom Boom Copyright, Kevin W. Kenney Verse 1 Laptop’s off, dark screen reflecting tired eyes Over it, on the edge, hate my flatline life Boss calls on the phone, I press decline Pour gas across the floor and start a fire Chorus Gonna blow it up - bang bang boom boom Light the fuse to fun - bang bang boom boom Out of give a fucks - bang bang boom boom Alive again because, bang bang boom boom Oo oo oo oo oo oo bang, bang! Oo oo oo oo boom, boom! Verse 2 Tight red dress, cute shoes, I brought the fireworks Look so good, feel so hot, I’m ready to burst I laugh and check my lipstick in the mirror I see my happy girl a little clearer Bridge Drinking champagne, dancing under colored lights Gotta glow up goin’, I’m explodin’ to the other side Chorus
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Bang Bang Boom Boom Copyright, Kevin W. Kenney Laptop’s off, dark screen reflecting tired eyes Over it, on the edge, hate my flatline life Boss calls on the phone, I press decline Pour gas across the floor and start a fire Gonna blow it up - bang bang boom boom! Light the fuse to fun - bang Bang boom boom! Out of fricks to give - bang bang boom boom! Alive again because bang bang boom boom! Oo oo oo oo oo oo bang, bang! Oo oo oo oo boom, boom! Tight red dress, cute shoes, I brought the fireworks Look so good, feel so hot, I’m ready to burst I laugh and check my lipstick in the mirror I see my happy girl a little clearer Chorus Drinking champagne, dancing under colored lights Gotta glow up goin’, I’m explodin’ to the other side Chorus
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Engrave My Heart Copyright, 2023 Kevin W. Kenney Debbie Z. Comments: -Beautiful  -replace “calamine” - reminds her of poison ivy  -use bridge lyrics as pre-chorus - thought it was a powerful set up - [not really possible with verse 1, but works well with verse 2] -probably lose the “thank the lord” lyrics - eliminates the possibility that this is an ode to God (as well as to a friend, spouse, lover)  -with these changes, would pass along to Trisha Yearwood and/or her producer  Verse 1 The pain left no clues What I should do  When the life that I knew was gone My world torn in two I came to you For a reason for me to go on You knew exactly what to say, now I’m forever blessed Whenever life is hard I’ll place my palm against my chest Chorus Engrave my heart with what you said  With every beat, I'll hear it again  "You're beautiful, you're strong, and you're enough Remember most of all that you are loved" Across my scars  Engrave my heart  Verse 2 I looked in the mirror   A smile reappeared My reflection repeated your words  You felt so near  Calming my fears  My faith in the future returned  You gave me something to remind me I’m forever blessed Whenever life is hard I’ll place my palm against my chest Bridge I searched your eyes, you smiled at me, one hand against my face With the other, like a whisper, I felt you softly trace  Chorus Engrave My Heart The pain left no clues What I should do When the life that I knew was gone My world torn in two I came to you For a reason for me to go on You knew exactly what to say, now I’m forever blessed Whenever life is hard I’ll place my palm against my chest Engrave my heart with what you said With every beat, I'll hear it again "You're beautiful, you're strong, and you're enough Remember most of all that you are loved" Across my scars - engrave my heart I looked in the mirror A smile reappeared My reflection repeated your words You felt so near Calming my fears My faith in the future’s returned [You gave me something to remind me/I think of you _ _ remember I’m forever blessed Whenever life is hard I’ll place my palm against my chest Engrave my heart with what you said With every beat, I'll hear it again "You're beautiful, you're strong, and you're enough Remember most of all that you are loved" Across my scars - engrave my heart I searched your eyes, you smiled at me, one hand against my face With the other, like a whisper, I felt you softly trace Engrave my heart with what you said With every beat, I'll hear it again "You're beautiful, you're strong, and you're enough Remember most of all that you are loved" Across my scars - engrave my heart Copyright, 2023 Kevin W. Kenney
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Engrave My Heart The pain left no clues What I should do When the life that I knew was gone My world torn in two I came to you For a reason for me to go on You knew exactly what to say, you healed the ache with love You filled that empty hole with hope, you're part of me because There was a gift in what you said All my life, I'll hear it again "You're beautiful, you're strong, and you're enough Remember most of all that you are loved" Replace my scars - engrave my heart You've been there for me So faithfully Someone like you's a rare find You helped me believe What I couldn't see I'm so grateful that you're in my life You gave me something to remind me I’m forever blessed When life is hard, I’ll think of you, my palm against my chest Chorus If you ever come to me, pain on your bravest face I'll repeat your words to you, as my fingers gently trace "You're beautiful, you're strong, and you're enough Remember most of all that you are loved" The promise that you engraved upon my heart Copyright, KWK
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Get My Love Up Rainbow rescues the sky Sun comes out and inspires Little children to sell lemonade I give those kids a high five and a ten as I buy A cup and tell them they can keep the change I show a little skin, struttin' in summer clothes Today's a sandy beach that warms my soul Been waitin' for a sunny day to get my love up Got a pocketful of rays, heart beats hallelujah I'll share the light with everyone Gets brighter when they pass it on I start a chain reaction When I get my love up Warm breeze uncombs my hair Inhale the sweet taffy air Tastes so good don't want to let it out Put on my peace sign pair of cool shades to declare A parade down every street in town I show a little skin, struttin' in summer clothes Today's a sandy beach that warms my soul Been waitin' for a sunny day to get my love up Got a pocketful of rays, heart beats hallelujah I'll share the light with everyone Gets brighter when they pass it on I start a chain reaction When I get my love up Soakin' up that solar power My heart opens like a flower Been waitin' for a sunny day to get my love up Got a pocketful of rays, heart beats hallelujah I'll share the light with everyone Gets brighter when they pass it on I start a chain reaction When I get my love up Copyright, Kevin W. Kenney
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Goosebumps Some boys brought me flowers, or let me grab their ass Superficial thrills -their bullshit made me sad But I can tell you're different My body doesn't lie It tells me you're the chills running up my spine Ooo, ooo, ooo, you give me goosebumps This ain't no delusionship - might fall in love Ooo, ooo, ooo you give me goosebumps Kiss me, I quiver Touch me, I shiver Baby, deliver those goosebumps Na na na na na na na na na na Na na na na na na na Hey, go get us coffee Text me something flirty I'm still wet in bed, so I'll think something dirty But I love you more than sex You make me laugh again When you say I'm beautiful that's you on my skin Chorus When you’re near me I lose all control I explode all over with the language of my soul Chorus Copyright Kevin W. Kenney
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I'm Here I know that you're hurting My heart beats with your pain Wish we could trade places And make it go away You wouldn’t believe that you'll heal with time So I'll say the only words I can find I'm here When hope's a coat that's full of holes And emptiness blows through your soul I'm here If you need someone to listen I won't judge or try to fix it If you feel broken, let your pieces fall You don't have to worry, l will catch them all I'm here Whoa oh oh I'm here If you’re not up to talking I'll sit quietly with you Tell me if you’re frightened I'll be brave enough for two You won't be alone, I'll stay by your side Your steady candle through the night Chorus Life will lift you up Life will let you down No matter what you're going through I'll always be around Chorus Copyright 2025 Kevin W. Kenney
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I'm Here I know that you're hurting My heart beats with your pain Wish we could trade places And make it go away You wouldn’t believe that you'll heal with time So I'll say the only words I can find I'm here When hope's a coat that's full of holes And emptiness blows through your soul I'm here If you need someone to listen I won't judge or try to fix it If you feel broken, let your pieces fall You don't have to worry, l will catch them all I'm here Whoa oh oh I'm here If you’re not up to talking I'll sit quietly with you Tell me if you’re frightened I'll be brave enough for two You won't be alone, I'll stay by your side Your steady candle through the night Chorus Life will lift you up Life will let you down No matter what you're going through I'll always be around Chorus
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Imagine That Copyright Kevin W. Kenney Verse 1 Used to picture the perfect girl for me Daydream pretty, as sweet as she could be Thought she'd always be a fantasy Now she's having morning coffee with me Chorus Ooh, imagine that, I fell in love Ooh, ooh, imagine that Ooh, imagine that, can't get enough Ooh, ooh, imagine that So beautiful and kind She's always on my mind Imagine that Verse 2 Last night's perfume blows kisses through the air When she smiles it's an answer to a prayer Changes me with just a look I've never felt so understood Chorus Bridge The scent of summer flowers A love song's tender words The soul kiss of a sunset All make me think of her
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Imagine That Brown eyes through candlelight Softly steal my breath Holding hands, I think back To life before we met I’d picture her and pray "God, please" Now she's all the proof of Heaven I need Ooo, imagine that - I fell in love Ooo, ooo, imagine that Ooo, I fall a little deeper every day because The girl of my dreams Is my sweet reality Imagine that One touch, I feel things My heart has never felt One look, she sees things I keep deep inside myself Only she can pull me in this close And free what’s hidden in my soul Chorus When she was my fantasy Never thought I could feel this way I grieve for all the lonely days I lived before she came Chorus Copyright Kevin W. Kenney
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Let Me Cry Your Tears My dog Dakota died when I was nine years old I learned the worst part of love was the letting go The hurt shook my shoulders, Mom sat by my bed Wiped my cheeks with a tissue, as she softly said Let me cry your tears, let my heart do the breaking I'll dream your sad dreams so that when you awaken With every tomorrow, some sorrow will fade Until it's so light, your pain floats away Try to sleep now, let me cry your tears Grew up, got married, but he broke my heart in two He kept the apartment, I moved home to my old room The hurt shook my shoulders, Mom sat by the bed Wiped my cheeks with a tissue, as she softly said Chorus When Mom passed away, I wept and I prayed Wondering if I would pull through On my knees by my bed, heard an angel's voice say Don't worry child, I'm here for you Chorus Copyright, Kevin W. Kenney
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Let Me Cry Your Tears My dog Dakota died when I was nine years old I learned the worst part of love was the letting go The hurt shook my shoulders, Mom sat by my bed Wiped my cheeks with a tissue, as she softly said Let me cry your tears, let my heart do the breaking I'll dream your sad dreams so that when you awaken With every tomorrow, some sorrow will fade Until it's so light, your pain floats away Try to sleep now, let me cry your tears Grew up, got married, but he broke my heart in two He kept the apartment, I moved home to my old room The hurt shook my shoulders, Mom sat by the bed Wiped my cheeks with a tissue, as she softly said Chorus When Mom passed away, I wept and I prayed Wondering if I would pull through On my knees by my bed, heard an angel's voice say Don't worry child, I'm here for you Chorus Copyright, Kevin W. Kenney
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My Heart is Leading Me Home Copyright 2023 Kevin W. Kenney  Loneliness rides shotgun as my tires hum  I'm weary from a world that takes too much  Need a break from strugglin', need to feel loved   And taste a cool drink from the giving cup Memories take the wheel and steer me to the only place Everyone still mentions my name every time they pray My heart is leading me home  My heart is leading me home I'm coming, Mama Leave the porch light on  My heart is leading me My heart is leading me home  I'll be at that table of familiar faces Passing grins and green beans to the left Celebrating time at life's oasis Smart-ass toasts, champagne on our breath  The liquor and the laughter will go straight to my head  I can't wait to get that family buzz on once again Chorus I'll walk through that door, they'll give me what I need To hear that someone still believes in me  Chorus
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My Turn Copyright Kevin W. Kenney Moonlight through the window while she sleeps Watching her, I fall down on my knees Whisper "God, I thank you For your gift to me" Remember when I used to pray for someone just like her? I promised You so many things and I meant every word You gave me so much more than I deserve From now on I'll always put You first It's my turn, it's my turn I dump all my whiskey down the drain Sunday I'll sit in that pew again Next to an angel And bow my head Chorus Of everything I swore to You on all those lonely nights I'll open up my heart to love and let it change my life Chorus
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Sanctuary Copyright, 2025 Kevin W. Kenney Verse 1 When the hurt is so big it takes over your life Surrounds you with shadows, but there's no place to hide You ache when you're sleeping - your dreams bring no peace I'll sit by your bed, when you wake, reach for me Chorus I'm your sanctuary Your lighthouse of love shining on the shore I'm your sanctuary Waiting here for you with shelter from the storm Here in my arms Here in my heart I'm your sanctuary Verse 2 I know how life looks when your world falls apart Sunshine is gray, black holes swallow the stars You drive 'round all night, pain's still right where you are You don’t have to struggle alone in the dark Chorus Bridge When words can't explain what you're feeling But you don't want to feel it alone It's too soon to hear about healing But you still need a safe place to go
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Sanctuary Copyright Kevin W. Kenney
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Shine! Copyright, KWK Verse 1 You were hurt by what they said The little voice inside your head repeats it When you're down, a lie sounds true The shadows in your eyes say you believe it Look inside, beneath the dark There's stardust in your heart Chorus Shine Shine It's your life, it's your right To love yourself, to be alive To dance in your amazing light Shine Be you, beautiful and bright Shine Verse 2 When that sad old rain won't stop Don't lose hope, let love be your umbrella Take shelter in my smile Stay awhile, then show them what you're made of Together we can beat those clouds We'll bring your sun back out Chorus Let your sparkle show Don't let anything or anybody ever dim your glow
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Small Town Young  Copyright Kevin W. Kenney  I hit that interstate the day I turned 18  Thought this city life would have everything I need  But there are no givers here I'm surrounded by alone One night I called my dad Said Can I move back home? He said Don't give up, remember what you're made of   The cheers for your team at the top of your lungs    The light you soaked up from that big country sun   The Word of God from when the hymns were sung  Can do is in your blood Cause you are small town young  I had never felt so proud, the goosebumps left no doubt Pulled the Bible off the shelf, got my pom poms out Put my high school t-shirt on, Go Salem across the chest  Surprised by happy tears that told me I'd been blessed   To live like I grew up, I love what I'm made of  Chorus
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Sunday is Coming Copyright, Kevin W. Kenney Verse 1 Debit card declined at the dollar store Truck's making a noise I can't ignore Both kids are sick, doctor bills stamped past due Laid off from my job, my soul's black and blue Pre-chorus Sweet Lord Jesus, when a cross weighs too much You showed us when you fall to rise up Chorus Bravely facing Calvary On the third day, victory My hope is in Your strength, my King It's my Good Friday now, but Sunday is coming Verse 2 Applying online, but it's hard to find work Got food for the week from the pantry at church Struggling each step, but I trust in You When I feel broken, Your love is the glue My next season will bring laughter not tears You're the reason my faith’s stronger than fear Chorus Bridge This isn't the end of my story For that, I give You all the glory ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ PREVIOUS VERSION Sunday is Coming Copyright, Kevin W. Kenney Verse 1 G Am Got some bad news Em C I'm worried and scared G Am My shoulder is numb Em C From the cross I bear G Am Stumbling down Em C A dark road in my soul G Am Fall to the ground Em C Crushed by the load Chorus G Em+c Now I'm kneelin' A2 C And I'm pleadin' G A2 Em D C For release from this season of life G Em+c Still there's reason A2. C For believin' G. A2. Em D C I'll find peace when I reach the other side Em. C There’s hope in holding onto something A2 Em or Bm C D G It’s my Good Friday now, but Sunday is coming Verse 2 Don't want to pay This debt I don't owe Life's taking me where I don’t want to go This pain's just begun It's gonna get worse But one day there'll be An end to this hurt Chorus Bridge
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There's Music Between the Notes Can this be real? I've never felt this way The words I love you only half explain Emotions so wonderful and strange But you can hear what I'm trying to say, 'cause There's music between the notes When true love plays its part A mystery that's a melody we hear only in our hearts There's music between the notes It's where the sweetest sounds are I feel the same way, too Please hold my hand I want to touch your soul with who I am I send my fingers' silent telegram Your gentle squeeze tells me you understand Chorus With a look, a hug, a smile, a kiss, we tenderly compose The tune of love in the spaces of the song that we both know Chorus Copyright Kevin W. Kenney
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Unstuck Copyright, Kevin W. Kenney On my knees to pray again Can't go back to where I've been The past has trapped me like quicksand I’m going under, please grab my hand Pull me out of this mess Hallelujah Raise me from broken to blessed Hallelujah Your grace redeems Sets me free Your love lifts me up And I'm unstuck (Final chorus: Your love redeems and lifts me up And I'm unstuck) When my mistakes won't let go Like shadows clutching at my soul Your perfect Word shines in my heart To light my way into Your arms Chorus Whenever I believe that my old story is still true You save me from its grasp of lies Remind me I'm brand new Chorus
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Until the Song is Over Copyright Kevin W. Kenney The music played me back to when I was seventeen Young Romeo in love with the girl of my dreams So beautiful the flowers blossomed jealous in the spring Saving every penny so I could buy her a diamond ring She cried and answered “yes” the day I slipped it on her finger Now I’m in the front seat listening to the memory as it lingers Sitting in the car until the song is over Every magic note brings her a little closer I can taste her sweet perfume as she nestles in my arms We're swaying to the beat Soon she's beating in my heart Kisses flowing through my soul, singing softly as I hold her Sitting in the car, until the song is over Parked there in the driveway, didn't want the song to end I knew the words so well, it was like a family friend My wife came out, hopped in, scooted over, grabbed my hand She turned it up, said, "This one takes me there and back again" Head resting on my shoulder like in our high school parking lot Lip-syncing to the soundtrack of the good thing that we've got Chorus Twenty years from now I know our love will still be strong As long as I’m with her, I'll be right where I belong Chorus
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When You Least Expect It Copyright, 2022 Kevin W. Kenney Verse 1 Sometimes life is like a playground You sit on the swings all by yourself Left out of dodge ball, by the cool kids You're not like everybody else Who said that you had to be like them? Be a brand-new color of M&M Chorus When you least expect it When no one’s picked you for their side Play your own game You’ll win every time You’re a superstar in disguise When you least expect it, on wings of dreams you’ll fly Verse 2 Being different is your secret power, to do what no one else can do Wear that weirdness like a magic cape You can’t fail at being you Everything you do is original With a heart like that you’ll be unstoppable
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You're the Peace Lighting matches just to watch them burn Lost in fire I forget to hurt I blow the last one out and you’re standing there Like the smoke had said a prayer You're the peace that calms my heart, hold my hand in the dark Quiet my soul with one touch Lay me down, lift me up Mmm, you're the peace Would you save me for a little while? You don't have to talk or make me smile I’ll sit inside your presence like it was a church Where pain's voice can't be heard Chorus Lord knows I’ve tried everything else Being near you is the only thing that helps Chorus Copyright, Kevin W. Kenney
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When You Least Expect It Sometimes life is like a playground You sit on the swings all by yourself Left out of dodge ball, by the cool kids You're not like everybody else Who said that you had to be like them? Be a brand-new color of M&M When you least expect it When no one’s picked you for their side Play your own game You’ll win every time You’re a superstar in disguise When you least expect it, on wings of dreams you’ll fly Being different is your secret power To do what no one else can do Wear that weirdness like a magic cape You can’t fail at being you Everything you do is original With a heart like that you’ll be unstoppable When you least expect it When no one’s picked you for their side Play your own game You’ll win every time You’re a superstar in disguise When you least expect it, on wings of dreams you’ll fly You have what the world’s been waiting for You’ll be what no one’s been before You’ll go where no one’s gone before ‘Cause no one quite like you has ever been born When you least expect it When no one’s picked you for their side Play your own game You’ll win every time You’re a superstar in disguise When you least expect it, on wings of dreams you’ll fly Copyright, Kevin W. Kenney
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36 Cents He gave her black eyes so everyone would see That the woman on his arm was his property Until one night in Dallas he passed out on the floor She grabbed the spare change from his dresser, ran out the door Stopped for just a moment to pray Scared, bruised, and exhausted Ran across eight lanes of freeway Faith jingling in her pocket A quarter, a penny, and a dime Not much 36 cents would buy Except hope, sweet freedom And a second chance To live for herself Doesn't need that man She won't ever She will never spend His 36 cents She got to California on the Fourth of July Stopped running away from him, ran toward her new life Cleaning houses paid the bills while a dream burned in her soul She was shining from a stage - singing rock 'n' roll Made her golden wishes come true With the power in her voice Danced like she had nothing to lose Holding tight to those three coins Chorus Tina Turner was a star But a hero for escaping Inspired a million women To save their bones from breaking With a Chorus
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