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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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A Portrait of the Savior 1. One day Jesus rode through the city The crowds were excited, waving leaves Singing Hosannas from every street That day was bright, bright green 2. Thursday was filled with faded hues Goodbye supper in the Upper Room Weary, lonely garden doom Thursday was sad, sad blue CHORUS A portrait of the Savior The last days of his life In vivid living color Jesus is what grace looks like 3. Friday was fearful, filled with dread Jesus stumbling, thorns on His head Nailed to a cross where His body bled Friday was deep, deep red 4. Darkness filled the colorless trap Where Jesus was buried, His body wrapped Death held tight with an icy grasp Saturday was cold, cold black CHORUS 5. Sunday was glory, shimmering white Sunrise turning warm and bright No more a gravesite, dark as night Sunday was pure, pure light! ©Melanie B. Smith/Wendy Sightler 2013
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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
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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]
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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
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What Christmas Does to Me Melanie B. Smith, Taylor Harris VS 1 I’m hearing those carol songs Can’t help myself I’ve got to sing along-- fa la VS 2 I’m shopping for toys to share Can’t help myself I buy a life-size bear--ho, ho CHORUS That's what Christmas does What Christmas does What Christmas does to me (Repeat) V S 3 I’m at a church for a play Can’t help myself I join them on the stage--pa-rum CHORUS BRIDGE I can’t help but think of all the ways I want to share the joy How God has given such a gift—His Son, that baby boy VS 4 I see a world all forlorn Can’t help myself I tell it Christ is born -- good news CHORUS ©Melanie B. Smith, msmithwrit@aol.com, 256-345-3530
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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
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Even Here, Even Now Melanie Smith/Diane Miller Vs1 At the manger, lowly place Here I kneel down, here I say This is where my worship starts No one else is God's only Son In Your presence I am undone This is when I give my heart CHORUS (For, That) Even here, even here You're my Savior Even now, even now You're my Lord Even here, even now Even here, even now Vs2 To the tempest of this earth Lord, You've come down in human birth This is where You're born for me You are mercy made manifest I am thankful, Lord, I am blessed This is when I see my need CHORUS BRIDGE In this world of doubt and despair I will lift my voice to declare CHORUS Copyright Melanie Smith, 256-345-3530 msmithwrit@gmail.com Linda Diane Miller 256-603-7257
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Ageless Grace I’m humbled in this place under Your gaze You have me lift my head to see Your face I am not worthy, Lord, I can never be Of what I find there – Your ageless grace You’re Alpha and Omega, ever the same Through history Your goodness has amazed I feel Your mercy, Lord, pouring fresh on me My salvation -- Your ageless grace CHORUS Lord, I’m overwhelmed that You forgive me I see it now, I see it in Your face Unchanging … ageless… Unchanging, ageless grace BRIDGE Jesus, You laid down Your life A timeless sacrifice for me, for me You washed my sins away Hallelujah--I'm amazed, I'm amazed CHORUS (2X) Copyright Melanie B. Smith/Linda Diane Miller msmithwrit@aol.com
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All the Glory to Jesus By Karen Newsum and Melanie Smith We'll give all the glory to Jesus Our creator and maker is He We'll give all the glory to Jesus For all that we are and will be We'll take off our fire hats and take off our crowns At the feet of our Savior we'll lay them all down We'll serve Him and praise Him who sits on the throne We will all know Him and He'll know His own We'll give all the glory to Jesus Our creator and Maker is He We'll give all the glory to Jesus For all that we are and will be Jesus we love You Jesus we thank You Jesus we praise You All glory to Your name Copyright Karen Newsum/Melanie Smith msmithwrit@aol.com
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Main Street, Heaven Karen Newsum and Melanie Smith Marching Main Street Heaven before God’s throne In a rainbow of color with a dazzling glow Marching Main Street Heaven before God’s throne My heart is so happy—I’m forever home There are no flashlights here No candles to burn No lampposts here Anyway you turn There’s no darkness here And no more night I’m never afraid I have Jesus’ light Marching Main Street Heaven before God’s throne In a rainbow of color with a dazzling glow Marching Main Street Heaven before God’s throne My heart is so happy—I’m forever home I’m seeing Great-grandpa There’s my cousin, too There’s David the King Naomi and Ruth Now I see Abraham St. Peter and John Marching ‘round the throne Singing on and on Marching Main Street Heaven before God’s throne In a rainbow of color with a dazzling glow Marching Main Street Heaven before God’s throne My heart is so happy—I’m forever home ©Karen Newsum and Melanie B. Smith msmithwrit@aol.com
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A Tree for Me Karen Newsum & Melanie B. Smith Here in Heaven there’s a tree That was made for me There’s a branch down low So I can climb and see All the things my Savior Has made for you and me Here in Heaven, there’s a tree for me Here in Heaven there’s a tree That was made for me There is always fruit Hanging fresh for me to eat I am resting in The healing leaves of green Here in Heaven, there’s a tree for me Here in Heaven there’s a tree That was made for me In the arms of Christ I will live eternally With my Father God And all His family Here in Heaven, there’s a tree for me ©Karen Newsum and Melanie B. Smith
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By Your Everyday Livin’ M.B. Smith Vs. 1 I may leave this earth before you I’m not worried if I do I learned how to get to glory I know how because you showed me You taught me of heaven by your everyday livin’ Your everyday livin’ And if I get there first... Chorus I hope I can sit by heaven’s gate Watching for the saints, brimming with faith But you are the one I’ll be waiting to greet See your joyful face, looking for me ‘Cause you taught me of heaven by your everyday livin’ By your everyday livin’ Vs. 2 I saw you each day live Jesus’ words Felt His mercy where you were Heard your prayers to heaven winging Saw your face when you were singing You taught me of heaven by your everyday livin’ By your everyday livin’ And if I get there first... Chorus Bridge I know you didn’t achieve perfection But you showed me the way to salvation I learned it all because of your livin’ My everyday lesson of heaven Chorus ©Melanie B. Smith
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Remake You VS 1 Maybe your dearest dream has come to quiet end So silent only you could hear it die Or maybe your perfect world exploded in a flash And even faithful friends have run to hide Feels like disaster What comes after?... CHORUS You fall apart, you fall apart The living God is always making new His work is not to pick up pieces But to remake you, remake you VS 2 Maybe you've been the hope for souls who looked to you No matter what, you never turned away But maybe your weary heart can't bear another load Your weakness tells your spirit you have failed Feels like disaster What comes after?... CHORUS You fall apart, you fall apart The living God is always making new His work is not to pick up pieces But to remake you, remake you BRIDGE You can start fresh A brand new life Reborn, remade By faith in Christ CHORUS You fall apart, you fall apart The living God is always making new His work is not to pick up pieces But to remake you, remake you Copyright Melanie B. Smith
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Time Worth Taking VERSE 1 Thinking how our first kiss will be Sweet taste of mystery I know the what and I know the who I'm aching, not yet asking Don't want to move too fast I'll find the when with you Knowing it will be CHORUS Time worth taking Worth the waiting Won't be wasting A moment we're alone Time worth taking It's love I'm craving Worth savoring A memory of our own A time worth making is time worth taking VERSE 2 Thinking how our first kiss will feel Anticipation's finally real Time nearly standing still Slow motion trembling touch Our lips revealing love As long as we live We'll know that it will be CHORUS BRIDGE Always been in such a rush Need something now, somehow I can sink my heart into and trust Something more than just enough A last first time for love CHORUS (last line)A time worth making is time A time worth making is time A time worth making is time worth taking c. Gary Todd & Melanie B. Smith
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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
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