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Melanie Smith

Member since 2009
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About

I have been a writer for many years, but songwriting has become a passion--a calling, really. I want to use my gifts to bring glory to God and to encourage people! I am mostly a word person, so lyrics are my first love in the song realm. I have enjoyed working with songwriters locally and through SongU. I have taught children at church, written curriculum and co-written two musicals. My earlier writing career was as a journalist. My husband and I have two children and two grandchildren.
Genres Christian, Country, Childrens
Instruments No Instrument
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23 songs

RARIN’ TO GO

Plays: 1
Backstory
My co-writer and I both felt the urge to step out of our comfort zones. We enjoyed writing this pop-leaning country song with a fun, positive message!
(We wrote 100% of the melody and lyrics. The demo is AI-generated.)
Lyrics
Rarin’ to Go
 
VS 1
Won't waste my time in sitting down
In looking back or waiting round
Ohh I'm rarin’ to go, come go with me

I'm letting loose, believing in me
'Cause I'm not done bein’ what I can be
Ohh I'm rarin’ to go, come go with me
 
CHORUS
Yes I'm rarin’ to go
Ain’t a bit of quit in me
I'm moving on, not holding back
I'm dreaming wild and free
Oh I'm rarin’ to go, come go with me
 
VS 2
I've known their doubts, heard their rant
I'm blasting past the words “you can't”
Ohh I'm rarin’ to go, come go with me
 
CHORUS
Yes I'm rarin’ to go
Ain’t a bit of quit in me
I'm moving on, not holding back
I'm dreaming wild and free
Oh I'm rarin’ to go, come go with me

BRIDGE
Let’s kick up the dust, cause a fuss
Make them hear us, raise a ruckus
Put it in gear and run right over fear
 
CHORUS
‘Cause I'm rarin’ to go Ain’t a bit of quit in me
I'm moving on, not holding back,
I'm dreaming wild and free
Yes I'm rarin’ to go, come go with me
I’m rarin’ to go …..might go a little crazy…Come go with me!


Melanie B. Smith
msmithwrit@aol.com
Linda Diane Miller
dianemillermusic@comcast.net

How Do You (You Run) bluegrass version

Plays: 0
Backstory
The story of the Prodigal Son is a parable so many could relate to. I wanted to tell it from the perspective of someone wondering about the God who could forgive like that.
Lyrics
How Do You? (You Run)

Vs 1
How do You do it Lord?
Forgive someone
Who’s a runaway son
Who takes all the gifts You’ve given
And wastes them with sinful living
How do You do it, Lord?

CHORUS
If I were You
I’d turn my back
Give them their due
That’s just the facts
But You are a deeper true
No one has compassion like You
When You see broken daughters and sons
You do not wait for them to come—You run
You run to them
You run

Vs 2
How do You do it, Lord?
Forgive someone
Who’s a stay-at-home son
Who’s pleased with himself inside
Whose sins are wrapped up in pride
How do You do it, Lord?

CHORUS
If I were You
I’d turn my back
Give them their due
That’s just the facts
But You are a deeper true
No one has compassion like You
When You see broken daughters and sons
You do not wait for them to come—You run
You run to them
You run

BRIDGE
You run to embrace
All of the runaways
All elder brothers
I know ‘cause I’ve been both one and the other

CHORUS
If I were You
I’d turn my back
Give them their due
That’s just the facts
But You are a deeper true
No one has compassion like you
When You see broken daughters and sons
You do not wait for them to come—You run
You run to them
You run

Melanie B. Smith
msmithwrit@aol.com
256-345-3530
ASCAP

THE BLACKSMITH

Plays: 3
Backstory
In this lyric I wanted to contrast imagery of a blacksmith at work with God's gentle grace in salvation. My cowriter Morgan Trotter used a bluesy melody to help tell the story.
Lyrics
The Blacksmith

I saw a blacksmith hammer down
The sound rang in my ears
It brought to mind my thoughts of God
The punishment I feared
I felt He'd have to pound my life
To shape my hardened soul
And make me feel the suffering
Of angry endless blows
The blacksmith somehow knew my thoughts
He told me what is true
There are no blows to come, my friend
God's Son took those for you

CHORUS
Not the strike of judgment's hand
Not the harshness law demands
God had such a gentle touch
When He remade me

I took to heart the blacksmith's words
My soul found quiet peace
I felt God's power and His love
I let Him remake me
And now I love that hammer sound
It's music to my ears
It rings out unrelenting grace
The greatest song you’ll ever hear

CHORUS

Copyright Melanie B. Smith msmithwrit@aol.com
and Morgan Trotter charlesmt63@yahoo.com

Jesus Is Our Rock (Kids Version)

Plays: 1
Backstory
This song is based on Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders. I adapted an earlier version for children.
Lyrics
JESUS IS OUR ROCK (Kids Version)

Jesus is our rock
stronger than granite
He will not crumble
under our feet
If a tempest comes
He will withstand it
Strong in our trouble
when we are weak

Jesus is our rock
Our rock
Our rock
Jesus is our rock
Our rock
Our rock
We land on Jesus
We stand on Jesus
Jesus is our rock


Jesus is our rock
stronger than granite
He will not crumble
under our feet
If a tempest comes
He will withstand it
Strong in our trouble
when we are weak

Jesus is our rock
Our rock
Our rock
Jesus is our rock
Our rock
Our rock
We land on Jesus
We stand on Jesus
Jesus is our rock
Our rock
Our rock


Copyright Melanie B. Smith
msmithwrit@aol.com
256-345-3530
Norman Duffell
normanduffell@gmail.com

MARY, JOSEPH AND JESUS

Plays: 3
Backstory
I wrote this Christmas song after pondering how few songs tell the Nativity story by looking at the characters as a family. I think it gives a poignancy to think that despite their famous individual roles, they created a beautiful little family.
Lyrics
Mary, Joseph and Jesus

VS 1
It was clear from the very start
She would be unique among all mothers
Virgin girl, humble in her heart
God had favored her above all others
His promise was a holy birth
To bring salvation here to earth

CHORUS
No other people lived such a story
God born a human, leaving His glory
Mary who carried Him
Joseph who watched over Him
Mary, Joseph and Jesus

VS 2
Joseph stunned—-had he been betrayed?
Did an angel really visit Mary?
Worried thoughts found him as he prayed
He would cancel quietly their marriage
An angel came to Joseph, too
Then he knew Mary’s word was true
CHORUS
BRIDGE
The Savior brought new hope to earth
As prophecies were spoken
But Jesus was a baby first
So precious to Mary and Joseph
CHORUS

Train (Bluegrass version)

Plays: 2
Backstory
A TV show about current train trips reminded me that trains are still important and viable. And so is the gospel. In the past trains have provided imagery for the message of the salvation, and I hope this song continues that great tradition.
Lyrics
Train

CHORUS
Rumblin’ on,
Clacking track
Miles on miles
Won’t turn back
Train, train, train
Take me home

VS 1
Some folks say it’s worn and old
Far too noisy, just for show
Glad I got on long ago
I am goin’ where it goes

CHORUS

VS 2
There’s a seat for you today
Jesus says no need to wait
He’s already paid your way
All aboard now—don’t delay

CHORUS

BRIDGE
I can’t see around the next bend
But I’m bound for heaven
Jesus said no need to worry
He is in the journey
Come on, come on board
Come on, come on board

CHORUS


Melanie B. Smith, msmithwrit@aol.com, 256-345-3530

GO AHEAD

Plays: 0
Backstory
Jesus invited people to ask, seek, knock, and he promised to respond. But sometimes people think they don’t deserve a relationship with him. My cowriter and I wanted to address fears people have about approaching him. This is a song of invitation.
(This is an AI demo of our original lyrics and melody.)
Lyrics
Go Ahead

Vs 1
Maybe you think your problem is too big for God to see through
So you don’t look for Him
Go ahead, seek Him—He sees you
Maybe you think your troubles are too small for Him to notice
So You don’t talk to Him
Go ahead, speak to Him—He hears you

CHORUS
Go ahead
Go ahead
Go ahead reach out and believe
Jesus knows your every need
So go ahead
Go ahead
Go ahead

VS 2
Maybe you feel He’ll hold your doubt and disbelief against you
So you don’t trust in Him
Go ahead, hope in Him—He loves you
Maybe you fear He won’t forgive those sins that overwhelm you
So you don’t turn to Him
Go ahead, ask Him
—He frees you

CHORUS
Go ahead
Go ahead
Go ahead reach out and believe
Jesus knows your every need
So go ahead
Go ahead
Go ahead

BRIDGE
Knock, ask, seek—He told us to
Watch and see what He will do

CHORUS
Go ahead
Go ahead
Go ahead reach out and believe
Jesus knows your every need
So go ahead
Go ahead
Go ahead

Copyright Linda Diane Miller
and Melanie B. Smith
msmithwrit@aol.com
dianemillermusic@comcast.com

IT'S REALLY CHRISTMAS

Plays: 3
Backstory
My co-writer and I wanted to write a classic-sounding Christmas song. I wrote the lyric and Norman came up with a smooth jazz melody and arrangement.
Lyrics
It's Really Christmas

VS 1
I'm thinking of old Christmas times
So many snapshots in my mind
The catalogs that tantalized
The carol songs we harmonized
Candy canes on the tree
Those are sweet memories

VS 2
Before the gifts on Christmas morn
We'd read aloud that Christ was born
The Savior come down to our earth
Amazing His holy birth
I could just see that scene
It was so real to me

CHORUS
The shepherds in their fields
An angel so surreal
The glory from above
A baby wrapped in love
That story's never old
And when I hear it told
I know it's really Christmas

VS 3
And still today with Christmas near
Those voices from the past I hear
They're telling all the shepherds saw
And saying angel words in awe
Glorious sounds to me
And they always will be

CHORUS

Copyright Melanie B. Smith msmithwrit@aol.com
and Norman Duffell normanduffell@gmail.com

Reckoning

Plays: 0
Backstory
A songwriting mentor challenged me to write a song based on something from history. I knew about how Civil War chaplains on both sides gave soldiers the same message: get your soul right. I think people in any uncertain time can relate to the song’s message.
Lyrics
RECKONING

[VERSE 1]
Chaplains for the blue and gray
When they preached to their men
Had the same true words to say
“One day our lives will end
Battles are in store, my boys
One of them won’t need guns
Fight the devil, trust the Lord
So the war for your souls will be won”

[CHORUS]
Oh-h-h
Judgment beckoning
Oh-h-h
Time for reckoning
Oh-h-h
Judgment beckoning
Oh-h-h
Time for reckoning
Oh
(Oh-h-h, oh)

[VERSE 2]
Johnny Reb and Yankee Will
They both wrote back to home
“Ma, I hear I’m done with drills
And at dawn showdown comes
If I fall on the battlefield
Don’t you fret ‘bout my soul
I’ve had me a reckoning
And I’ll see you in Heaven, I know!”

[CHORUS]
Oh-h-h
Judgment beckoning
Oh-h-h
Time for reckoning
Oh-h-h
Judgment beckoning
Oh-h-h
Time for reckoning
Oh

[BRIDGE]
Prayers rose like campfire smoke
“Lord, help me make it home”

[CHORUS]
Oh-h-h
Judgment beckoning
Oh-h-h
Time for reckoning
Oh-h-h
Judgment beckoning
Oh-h-h
Time for reckoning
Oh-h-h Oh

Copyright Melanie B. Smith
msmithwrit@aol.com
ASCAP

Heaven’s Help

Plays: 0
Backstory
My backyard is home to a redbird pair and their songs and devoted care for each other and their nestlings makes me happy. That inspiration led me to consider how God cares for the world and gives Heaven’s help every moment. My cowriter adapted my lyric and gave it a melody with a bluegrass/country feel.
Lyrics
Mama redbird in an old tall pine
Singing her song in the warm sunshine
Papa redbird keeps watch all day
Guarding their little ones in every way
They're just doin’ all they can do
Workin’ so hard till the day is through

CHORUS:
How can they make it by themselves?
What they need is heaven's help

Little girl sitting on a front porch swing
List'nin' to the song that the redbirds sing
Daddy searchin' for the words to say
That Mama left with the angels today
He's just doin’ all he can do
Prayin’ so hard till the day is through

CHORUS:
How can they make it by themselves?
What they need is heaven's help

The same God who makes the redbird sing
Is watching over everything
Every burden and every step
Has a need for heaven’s help

CHORUS:
We can't make it by ourselves?
What we need is heaven's help
(repeat)

Little girl sittin’ on a front porch swing
List'nin’ to the song that the redbirds sing

Goes By

Plays: 0
Backstory
My co-writer and I were thinking about how often we let moments slip by and then began wondering what real memories we are making…
This is an AI demo of our original lyrics and melody.
Lyrics
Goes By

VS 1
I’m trying to be in the moment
It’s all that we really have
But I look down, check my phone
That moment’s gone too fast

A moment can make a memory
And good ones are worth their keep
They give our past its meaning
Are we storing fantasies?

CHORUS
It all goes by
All goes by
It all goes by so fast
A fleeting smile
A quiet sigh
And our lives are past
It all goes by…so fast

VS 2
So much I hope I’ve noticed
Your eyes inviting my kiss
Girl, I sure do see this
But what all have I missed?

All I’ve let go by not seeing
Might be worthless anyway
But I just have a feeling
I’ve missed what I should have saved

CHORUS

BRIDGE
Will regret be my preacher
With a sermon that I’ve heard?
I hope it’s my teacher
With a lesson that I’ve learned

CHORUS

Copyright Melanie B. Smith
Linda Diane Miller

Fire and Brimstone (Bluegrass version)

Plays: 0
Backstory
I knew a preacher who delivered “fire and brimstone” gospel on the radio for 50 years. His is a story of strong faithfulness that needed to be told.
Lyrics
Fire and Brimstone f
VS 1
Come every Saturday
He’d be preaching
Live in a studio
His words reaching
Far and wide
Don’t change that dial

CHORUS
Fire and brimstone preacher man
Called by God to take a stand
Red hot sermons, loud and long
‘Cause the gospel’s bold and strong
Burnin’ up the radio
He kept on keeping on
With fire and brimstone
Warning ‘bout fire and brimstone

VS 2
God’s Truth is powerful
That’s how he preached it
He told his listeners
Now believe it
Don’t delay
Repent today

CHORUS

BRIDGE
On the air for fifty years
Out of love compelled to tell
Worth it all to persevere
If one person turned from hell

CHORUS

Copyright Melanie B. Smith
msmithwrit@aol.com
ASCAP

THEY MEAN THE WORLD TO ME

Plays: 2
Backstory
After a close relative died, I brought home one of her Bibles, and the items she had tucked inside, as well as the underlined verses and crinkled pages, touched me. I knew she used and loved that Bible, and it was a treasure store, both in its words and the keepsakes it held. I wanted others to hear about "a lifetime of faith I could see."
Lyrics
They Mean the World to Me

VS 1
Her Bible well-worn with tear stains in places
The verses of hope that saw saw her heart through
Some flowers she pressed as wedding day keepsakes
From the love of her life who left earth far too soon

CHORUS
My grandmother saw them as treasures
Her Bible and those memories
They wouldn’t mean much to the rest of world
But they mean the world to me

VS 2
A clipping about the beauty of Heaven
A card from her class that said, We miss you
An envelope filled with dollars for giving
A prayer list with names and mine was there, too

CHORUS

BRIDGE
Her valleys and shadows
Her comforts and vict’ries
All there in those pages
A lifetime of faith I could see

CHORUS

Copyright Melanie B. Smith/
Linda Diane Miller
msmithwrit@aol.com
256-345-3530

ALIVE IN HIS HOPE

Plays: 0
Backstory
I wanted to write about Christian hope as something powerful and almost tangible. Using the imagery of hope as a lifeboat or a tractor seemed a strong way to show how Jesus could use his hope to rescue someone.
My co-writer and I wrote melody and lyrics. This demo is AI generated.
Lyrics
Alive in His Hope

VS 1
Hope like a lifeboat
Rushed to my aid
Flood waters rose
But it came when I prayed
I was sinking below
I was so overwhelmed
Jesus saved me then
He was at the helm

CHORUS
He’s the captain
The driver
He is in control
He’s my Savior
My refuge
He revives my soul
Jesus rescued me
I’m alive in His hope
Yes, He rescued me
I’m alive in His hope

VS 2
Hope like a tractor
Plowed up new rows
Turning the soil
Where my future will grow
I was stumbling and lost
I fell down on the ground
Jesus raised me up
Now in Him I’m found

CHORUS

BRIDGE
He sees all of my struggles
He is near when there’s trouble
Yes His love gives me hope
A powerful hope

CHORUS

Copyright Melanie Smith
msmithwrit@aol.com
Norman Duffell
normanduffell@gmail.com

TRAIN

Plays: 3
Backstory
I was watching a TV show about trains in Europe and began thinking about how train travel might seem outmoded but is still viable transportation. That led to a lyric using a train as imagery for the relevance of the gospel message. I think the song captures the idea with a fun and driving rhythm.
Lyrics
Train

CHORUS
Rumblin’ on,
Clacking track
Miles on miles
Won’t turn back
Train, train, train
Take me home

VS 1
Some folks say it’s worn and old
Far too noisy, just for show
Glad I got on long ago
I am goin’ where it goes

CHORUS

VS 2
There’s a seat for you today
Jesus says no need to wait
He’s already paid your way
All aboard now—don’t delay

CHORUS

BRIDGE
I can’t see around the next bend
But I’m bound for heaven
Jesus said no need to worry
He is in the journey
Come on, come on board
Come on, come on board

CHORUS


Melanie B. Smith, msmithwrit@aol.com, 256-345-3530

RUGGED FOR ME

Plays: 2
Backstory
I was pondering how brutally Jesus was treated before and during his crucifixion. And the thought came, "He had to be rugged to go through it all!"
Lyrics
Rugged For Me

Melanie Smith & Karen Newsum

Fearful was Gethsemane
Ruthless the guard’s command
Hurtful was betrayal’s kiss
Futile was Peter’s stand
So strong was He
To follow His Father’s will
Rugged was the Man
Who was sentenced to Calvary’s hill

CHORUS
He had to be
He had to be
He had to be
Rugged for me

Wrenching was redemption’s cost
Cruel the crowd’s demand
Brutal was the dreaded cross
Calloused the soldier’s hands
His life was lost
He knew what we would gain
Rugged was the Man
In agony endured the pain

CHORUS

BRIDGE
So strong His loving arms
Outstretched upon that tree
Broken was his heart
Just for a wretch like me

CHORUS

©Melanie B. Smith & Karen Newsum
msmithwrit@aol.com 256-345-3530

The Next Aisle

Plays: 0
Backstory
"The Next Aisle" came about after thinking about how a Christian in today's world could apply Jesus' teaching about walking the extra mile. We have all encountered situations where someone was in dire need of compassion and care, and we had to decide how to respond. Sometimes the choice is whether or not to walk over to someone in the next aisle in a grocery store.
Lyrics
The Next Aisle



VS 1

You’re in a store to buy some bread

A family stops ahead

The man begins to raise his voice

The mom says, There’s no choice

Our baby needs to eat

The daddy swears and leaves

You hear the mama start to cry

Over in the next aisle



CHORUS

The next aisle

The next aisle

You hear Jesus’ call to walk the extra mile

Over in the next aisle



VS 2

You push your cart to where they’ve gone

The mom and child alone

She says, I know how bad this seems

We’ve made an awful scene

You hug her as she sobs

She says, He’s lost his job

He’ll come back for us in a while

Over in the next aisle



CHORUS

The next aisle

The next aisle

You hear Jesus’ call to walk the extra mile

Over in the next aisle



BRIDGE

She starts to put back baby food

Her tears on every label

But people come from every aisle

To help you fill that family’s table



CHORUS

The next aisle

The next aisle

You hear Jesus’ call to walk the extra mile

Over in the next aisle



Copyright Melanie B. Smith

msmithwrit@aol.com

JESUS IS OUR ROCK

Plays: 0
Backstory
A discussion with my high school-age granddaughter made me begin thinking of about writing a song to encourage her and her friends in their Christian faith. I began thinking about Christ being the foundation all believers need. Then the parable Jesus told about a house built on a rock came to mind. The song went from there.
Lyrics
JESUS IS OUR ROCK

VS 1
Jesus is our rock
stronger than granite
He will not crumble
under our feet
If a tempest comes
He will withstand it
Strong in our trouble
when we are weak

PRE-CHORUS
In winds of worry
In thunders of dread
We’ll trust the Rock
And do what He said
And if somebody
Goes down in a storm
We’ll help them up
Beside us once more

CHORUS
Jesus is our rock
Our rock
Our rock
Jesus is our rock
Our rock
Our rock
Destination to land on
Foundation we stand on
Jesus is our rock


VS 2
We could build on sand
but when the floods came
Houses would fall down
swept out to sea
Jesus is our rock
He never changes
That’s where our home’s found
we’ll never leave

PRE-CHORUS
In winds of worry
In thunders of dread
We’ll trust the Rock
And do what He said
And if somebody
Goes down in a storm
We’ll help them up
Beside us once more

CHORUS
Jesus is our rock
Our rock
Our rock
Jesus is our rock
Our rock
Our rock
Destination to land on
Foundation we stand on
Jesus is our rock


BRIDGE
Whatever tomorrow brings
We stand up in faith and sing

CHORUS
Jesus is our rock
Our rock
Our rock
Jesus is our rock
Our rock
Our rock
Destination to land on
Foundation we stand on
Jesus is our rock
Jesus is our rock



Copyright Melanie B. Smith
msmithwrit@aol.com
256-345-3530

NEVER ABANDONED

Plays: 1
Backstory
Sometimes the presence of God seems distant. For many people the isolation during the pandemic was one of those times. My co-writer and I wanted to remind ourselves and others that we are never abandoned by God. His Holy Spirit is a constant friend in the lives of believers.
Lyrics
Never Abandoned”
Words and Music by Melanie Smith and Norman Duffell

Whenever my thoughts start spiraling down
Whenever my spirit gets low
I know there’s someone who can lift my head
Give me comfort and heal my soul

When I’m feeling weary and my faith grows cold
I know who can give me hope
My friend - the Holy Spirit
And I’ll never be alone

Chorus:
Never abandoned, never alone
The Spirt of God has made my heart his home
The greatest gift that I have ever known
So I’m never abandoned and I’m never alone

Whenever darkness comes over me
Whenever tears start to flow
I know there’s someone who can take my hand
Give me strength for tomorrow

When I’m feeling weary and my faith grows cold
I know who can give me hope
My friend - the Holy Spirit
And I’ll never be alone

[Repeat Chorus]

Holy Spirit – Be my guide
Holy Spirit – Stay by my side
(Repeat)

[Repeat Chorus]

BETTER TOGETHER

Plays: 8
Backstory
My co-writers and I enjoyed writing “Better Together” as a song to pitch to a children’s choir. We feel it has a timeless message for choirs and everyone. We are better when we join voices together.
Lyrics
Better Together
Verse 1
You didn't know me, and I didn't know you
And we didn't know the good we could do
You didn't know me, and I didn't know you
I was one voice, and then you made two
Chorus
When we're united, we're one voice strong
A line, a verse, and now we're a song
When we're united, we're one voice strong
We feel such joy because we belong
Better together
Better together
Vs. 2
When we share our hearts, we make harmony
The music, the spark between you and me
When we share our hearts, we make harmony
A vision of who we were meant to be
Chorus
When we're united, we're one voice strong
A line, a verse, and now we're a song
When we're united, we're
One voice strong
We feel such joy because we belong
Better together
Better together
BRIDGE
What is transpiring is so inspiring
There’s magic when we work as one
For moments, for lifetimes hope is rising
Let’s hold on to what we’ve become
Tag
Better together
Better together
Better together
Better together

Copyright Melanie Smith, Karen Newsum, Diane Miller, Jennifer Sloan
msmithwrit@aol.com

What I Am

Plays: 2
Backstory
My co-writer and I were trying to think of how someone like Willie Nelson would sing about the Christian topic of grace. I think the result of our session, "What I Am," shares that concept with a down-home sound and a relatable lyric.
Lyrics
What I Am
Karen Newsum/Melanie Smith

If grace were like blankets I could get in a store
I’d buy up each one and wish they had more
‘Cause I can’t imagine the number I would need
To cover up all of my unrighteous deeds
But mercy’s not for sale, thank You, Lord
You give it free to anyone in need, like me

I am what I am by Your grace, oh, God
And what I am is Your child
You won’t let me be anything less
No matter how I see myself

I’m like a wayward child who let go of Your hand
I found myself wandering all over the land
I’m seeing the road signs that still point to You
If I turn around, what toll will be due?
But mercy’s not for sale, thank you, Lord
You give it free to anyone in need, like me

I am what I am by Your grace, oh, God
And what I am is Your child
You won’t let me be anything less
No matter how I see myself

You know I’ve got nothing on my own, not a thing
I come empty-handed – to the cross I cling

I am what I am by Your grace, oh, God
And what I am is Your child
You won’t let me be anything less
No matter how I see myself

©Melanie B. Smith/Karen Newsum msmithwrit@aol.com 256-345-3530

HEAVEN MUSICAL - RAIN BOOTS

Plays: 6
Backstory
Children have questions about heaven, questions like "Will I know people in heaven?" and "Will I take my toys to heaven?" Karen Newsum, a kindergarten teacher and songwriter, and I wrote a musical for young children that answers some of their questions in a kid-friendly, memorable way. "Rain Boots" is one of four songs. The musical includes a choice of a simple drama or a narration and is appropriate for ages 4 through 8 in churches, Christian schools or day cares.
Lyrics
Rain Boots
By Melanie B. Smith/Karen Newsum

I’ve got my rain boots on and I’m walking in the river of God’s love
I’ve got my rain boots on and I’m walking in the river of God’s love
I’ve got my rain boots on and I’m walking in the river of God’s eternal love
I’ve got my rain boots on and I’m walking in the river of God’s great love
The water’s feeling fine
‘Cause Jesus is mine
For all eternity
It’s joy that I feel “splash”
I see the water shine and I’m splashing in the river of God’s love
I see the water shine and I’m splashing in the river of God’s love
I see the water shine and I’m splashing in the river of God’s eternal love
I see the water shine and I’m splashing in the river of God’s great love
The water’s feeling fine
‘Cause Jesus is mine
For all eternity
It’s joy that I feel “splash”
I see my Jesus smile as I’m playing in the river of God’s love
I see my Jesus smile as I’m playing in the river of God’s love
I see my Jesus smile as I’m playing in the river of God’s eternal love
I see my Jesus smile as I’m playing in the river of God’s great love

©Karen Newsum and Melanie B. Smith
msmithwrit@aol.com

THE POWER OF GRACE

Plays: 0
Backstory
The idea of grace as a powerful, unique, extravagant reality captured my heart. I want other people to view God's grace in a way that will transform them. I hope the song conveys that hope.
Lyrics
The Power of Grace

VS 1
In this world there’s power known of many different kinds
Power made of iron and will and power of the mind
But far beyond what we control
There’s something mighty for our souls
A holy power from above
Showing mercy, giving love

CHORUS
Grace
Heart-changing
Shame-erasing
Dark-breaking
Light-embracing
Nothing else can do what grace can do
Peace-making
Joy-reclaiming
Way-paving
Life-reshaping
Giving us the hope to be made new
Grace—the power of grace

VS 2
You and I if we are wise will see what grace has done
Coldest hearts have warmed to grace like glaciers in the sun
We’re undeserving, all of us
But we’re in need of it so much
A shattered life can still be saved
Jesus never rationed grace

CHORUS

BRIDGE
Amazing to know it, show it
Amazing to live it, give it
Grace--amazing the power of grace

CHORUS

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