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HOLDING ONTO HOPE
HOLDING ON TO HOPE
Avrim Max Topel
My peace of mind has gone
I'm tryin' to hang on
Like stars that hide at dawn
When sunrise comes along
When day has finally woke
There’s just one way I cope …
CHORUS
I'm holding onto hope
I’m fightin’ for my faith
The powers I evoke
To keep me here and safe
When life feels so unfair
And my whole world goes up in smoke
I handle my despair
With prayer
I’m holding onto hope
RAP
Yo, I’m still holding on tight to my hope
It’s the way that I roll and the way that I cope
People tellin’ me I’m at the end of my rope
But ain’t no way in hell I’m not bailing’ on hope
They say if ya’ sway from your faith just one day
That you’ll never find grace and you’ll never be safe
So I gotta good grip and I ain’t lettin’ it go
And I’m not gonna slip holding on to my hope
No, it’s not an illusion
It’s my faith that I’m usin’
CHORUS
OUTRO
Can you grasp or imagine
You try to be strong
But your trust and your passion
Have sung their last song …
END --- END ---
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TESTIMONY
Testimony
Avrim Max Topel
I sit in solitary alone inside my head
Thinkin’ how I lived my life an’ what I shoulda done instead
We swore we’d be forever but I didn’t stick around
You waited half a lifetime, I left and let you down
CHORUS
This is my testimony, this is my one and only truth
If leavin’ makes me guilty, my crime was leavin’ you
This is my testimony, this is my nothin’ but the truth
I’d tell a judge and jury my crime was leaving you
Nah nah-nah-nah Nah-nah, nah-nah
Nah nah-nah-nah Nah-nah
If I could do it over I’d have never left this dance
But now I’m back again, asking you for one more chance
You said the clock was tickin’, and the deck was stacked too high
I folded on commitment, you said your last goodbye
CHORUS
Now I wait, wait, wait, til the jury casts my fate
CHORUS
END
Avrim Max Topel
ave@avrimtopel.com
302-750-8563 --- END ---
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DON'T FEEL MUCH LIKE CHRISTMAS
Don't Feel Much Like Christmas
There’s something that I wanna do
Before this holiday is through
I’ve been calling up my angels, I don’t want to be alone anymore
I need to make things right with you
and I’m praying that you’ll hear me through
All I wanna do is fix us and get back to where we were before
‘cause it don’t feel much like Christmas since the day that you walked out the door
You got the kids on Christmas eve
I’m home alone but I still believe
in redemption and forgiveness and the power to renew and restore
‘cause the way that I’ve been feeling it just don’t feel much like Christmas no more
I know I’m not the only Dad
who’s sitting home alone and sad this Christmas.
The gifts beneath my Christmas tree
seem empty without you and me, I miss us
So there’s something that I gotta to do
to bring it back to me and you
I’ve been prayin’ to my angels that they’ll carry me this Christmas Day
‘cause it don’t feel much like Christmas ever since you left and went away
I know I’m not a perfect man
But I need you understand this Christmas.
I’ve changed my ways, I’ve seen the light
and what I need this holy night’s forgiveness
There’s something that I’m gonna do
Before this holiday is through
I’ve been calling up my angels, I don’t wanna be alone any more
‘Cause it don’t feel much like Christmas since the day that you walked out the door
No, it don’t feel much like Christmas since the day that you walked out the door
Avrim Topel ave@avrimtopel.com 302-750-8563 --- END ---
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WINDOWS AND DOORS
Windows and Doors
Avrim Max Topel, Jason Severs, Jody Sloan,
He could see it right away, I was busy building walls
Wasn’t dirt under my fingernails and I wasn’t wearing overalls
Was the way I was orderin’ double rounds round here at 2:00 p.m.
He’d seen him me here a hundred times but never seen me with a friend
You’d think I’d know his name by now, he damn sure knows mine
He never has that much to say but there’s wisdom in his eyes
I can tell he has a story one I probably should’ve asked
I was holed up in my own little world, drowning in a glass
CHORUS
I wasn’t there to hear him preach
I wasn’t payin’ him for advice
I was payin’ him for top shelf whiskey
Lies poured over ice,
He wasn’t there to judge me
When I ordered up one more
But he said, I can’t watch this kid,
And went off to sweep his floors,
He said go on and build your walls son,
but don’t forget the windows and the doors
I sat there on that barstool, and I let those words sink in
I’d been pushin’ everyone away, ‘n I was doin’ it to him
Didn’t happen in an instant, it took a little time
But one by one those bricks I laid started comin’ down that night
CHORUS
I walked out to that parking lot and sat there in my truck
I watched him turn off the neon sign and lock those front doors up
CHORUS
END
Avrim Max Topel
ave@avrimtopel.com
302-750-8563
--- END ---
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HEROES (POP)
HEROES
A Topel, L Miller, P Dodge
From the farmers waking up plowing crops in the field
To the business suits making Wall Street deals
To the single moms working double hard
To the dreamer kid staring at the stars
To the stranger passing you on the street in a rush
Different walk of life, same race to run
All looking for a way to just get by
Wishing that the world will make itself right, but
Waiting for the hurt to stop hurting
Like waiting for the earth to stop turning
We don’t need a superman
Just the face in the mirror and our own two hands
CHORUS
Heroes
Heroes
Heroes
Don’t we know,
We are the heroes
Heroes
Heroes
Don’t we know
We can be the heroes
Some of us been waiting for a voice on tv
To tell us how to be, how to fix everything
Some of us turn to a God in the sky
Others to Jack poured over ice, but
PRE-CHORUS
CHORUS
We can be the light in the dark
and the helping hands
Isn’t it time we start
Having each other’s back
We bleed the same red blood
walk the same brown dirt
That means that all of us have gotta do the work
CHORUS
END --- END ---
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PHASES
PHASES
Avrim Max Topel
It was freshman year, early September
when I first felt the power of love
She launched my heart into her orbit
I was too young to know what it was,
My world went dark the night she left me
like the shadow from a lunar eclipse,
now every time I see that crescent
I go back and get lost in that kiss
CHORUS
In a lifetime, love constantly changes
like the moon as it goes through its phases,
From sliver to full, it evolves like we do
push and pull as it’s waxing and waning,
You try to recapture the passion and rapture
when its gravity’s felt so amazing
These days all I know is love ebbs, and it flows
like the moon, as is goes through its phases
When moonbeams shine on your forever
you’ll wish time would stop and stand still,
but you find yourselves knee-deep in children
and caught up with paying those bills,
You’ll live for those Friday nite date nites
when you’ll stare at those stars in her eyes
it’s not always romance and moonlight,
but you laugh ‘cause you understand why
{CHORUS}
BRIDGE
It’s a journey with lulls and elations
rotating beyond expectations
{CHORUS}
END
--- END ---
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SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE TO BE
Searching For Someone To Be
Avrim Max Topel
We could have called that girl Columbus
As she sailed off to find a new world
In search of her right place among us
With her freak flag and colors unfurled
He mapped out his route like Magellan
As he charted his course ‘cross the sea
He was open and there was no tellin'
Where he’d wind up or who he might be
CHORUS
Life is relentless with questions
Fate brings the answers we find
Struggle is part of the journey
Destiny takes a long time,
You won’t heal your heart
With a map or a chart
Or by changing geography,
Love’s sweet rewards
Are the dominant chords
We’re all searching for someone to be,
We’re all searching for someone to be
Trial is how we are tested
Error’s the way that we learn
Knowledge is always respected,
Reward’s not how much we earn
CHORUS ?
There's no guarantees or for-certains
In a life full of uncertainty,
There’ll be plenty of times when we’re hurtin’
Where only the truth sets us free
CHORUS
END?
--- END ---
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BE THE SPARK
BE THE SPARK
AVRIM MAX TOPEL
We’ve all heard that the way you treat others
is the same that you’d hope they treat you,
When we love everyone like a brother
there’s no limit to what we can do ?
No one ever needs being reminded
In this world that we all play a part,
We’re all neighbors deserving of kindness
so remember, wherever you are
CHORUS
BE THE SPARK, SHINE A LIGHT
TOUCH A HEART, CHANGE A LIFE,
YOU CAN ALWAYS HELP SOMEONE
WITH JUST A KIND WORD
AND A SMILE,
SHARE THE LOVE, IT AIN’T HARD
RISE ABOVE, TOUCH A HEART
SHINE A LIGHT, CHANGE A LIFE
BE THE SPARK
When you see someone down, make a difference
all it takes is a moment or two,
In the end, little things like that matter
when someone needs a hand getting through
{CHORUS}
WHEN IT SEEMS… ALL IS DARK…
LET ‘EM SEE … THEY’RE A STAR…
{CHORUS}
OUTRO
SHINE A LIGHT, CHANGE A LIFE
BE THE SPARK
END? --- END ---
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TO BEACH HIS OWN
TO BEACH HIS OWN
Avrim Topel, Kenny Curcio , Dan Harrison, Karen Kiley
Some people like to dip their toes, in Mexico, spring break Cancun
Some like to catch a couple waves, bathe in those rays, off Malibu
Or Tybee Island, Georgia
Key West, edge of Florida
PCB or LBI
Where ever it feels right
CHORUS
To beach his own
it’s all good
There’s a spot for you by the water
Grab somethin’ cold
Cuz we all could
Use a little buzz as the sun gets hotter
Board shorts or bikinis
From Maui to Fiji
As long there’s sand on a coast
Jamaica, Bahamas
Yeah wherever you wanna go
To beach their own
Barefootin’ like a Buffet song. get your chill out on, park it in a chair
Fish hookin’ as you reel ‘em in, salt on the rim and in the air
This rock’s just one big island
Wherever you wanna dive in
REPEAT CHORUS
Each one’s a paradise that’s different from the rest
Find that vibe that fits you best
REPEAT CHORUS
END
--- END ---
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CHANGE THE WORLD
The Girl Who Changed The World
aka Change The World
Avrim Max Topel
My Dad said there's no limits as to all that I can be
If I follow in the footsteps other women left for me
I wanna right the dark like Rosa Parks who sat strong on that bus
And sing out like Aretha with Respect for everyone
I’ll kiss the sky like Whitney ‘fore I die
And NASA’s Katherine Johnson who gave us space to fly
CHORUS
I’ll dare to make a difference like those women did for me
The ones who went the distance going down in history,
I’ll spend my whole life learning
How to stand up like they stood
I’’ll dedicate my life each day to hope and spreading good,
Yeah, I’ll be flying with my freedom flag unfurled
I wanna be that girl and change the world
POST CHORUS
Oo oo oo oo oo oo
Change the world,
Oo oo oo oo oo oo
I’ve been watching Oprah Winfrey touching lives and healing hearts
An’ I’ll take those lessons with me when it’s time to lead the charge
I’ll be speaking truth like Maya Angelou
And soar Godspeed like Flo Jo before my time is through
CHORUS
You’re gonna watch me go the distance
Change the world
You’re gonna see me make a difference
BREAKDOWN
I’ll dare to make a difference like those women did for me
The ones who went the distance going down in history
CHORUS
I’ll spend my whole life learning
How to stand up like they stood
I’’ll dedicate my life each day to hope and spreading good,
Yeah, I’ll be flying with my freedom flag unfurled
I wanna be that girl and change the world
OUTRO
You’re gonna watch me go the distance
Change the world
You’re gonna see me make a difference
END --- END ---
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HURT PEOPLE HURT PEOPLE (FEMALE)
HURT PEOPLE HURT PEOPLE - FEMALE VOCAL
Avrim Max Topel
We all have loved ones
That we rely on
They light us up
On rainy days
But when their hearts break
We feel the heartache
That’s when our happy
Walks away
CHORUS
Hurt people hurt people
While the heart keeps score
Love heals when love’s real
It seals the deal
But never before,
Worry when our close ones fall apart
Back to being lonesome once they start
And that’s how we feel today because
Hurt people hurt people
Whenever we’d be feelin’ down
They laugh and dance to Crazy Town
But now they don’t come ‘round
Anymore
You can try a hundred times
To comfort them and stop their cryin’
I don’t know what they need more time for
{CHORUS}
INSTRUMENTAL
They go from catch us when we fall
To now they won't return our calls
{CHORUS/BREAKDOWN}
END --- END ---
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HURT PEOPLE HURT PEOPLE (MALE)
HURT PEOPLE HURT PEOPLE - FEMALE VOCAL
Avrim Max Topel
We all have loved ones
That we rely on
They light us up
On rainy days
But when their hearts break
We feel the heartache
That’s when our happy
Walks away
CHORUS
Hurt people hurt people
While the heart keeps score
Love heals when love’s real
It seals the deal
But never before,
Worry when our close ones fall apart
Back to being lonesome once they start
And that’s how we feel today because
Hurt people hurt people
Whenever we’d be feelin’ down
They laugh and dance to Crazy Town
But now they don’t come ‘round
Anymore
You can try a hundred times
To comfort them and stop their cryin’
I don’t know what they need more time for
{CHORUS}
INSTRUMENTAL
They go from catch us when we fall
To now they won't return our calls
{CHORUS/BREAKDOWN}
END --- END ---
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SHADOWLAND
Shadowland
Avrim Max Topel
I hustle hearin' footsteps
I stumble in my fright
That rustle in the bushes
Got my radar up tonight
I’m feelin’ like some heathen
Has made me as his mark
I’m havin’ trouble breathin’
(‘Cause) There’s danger in the dark …
CHORUS
Shadowland, Shadowland
Haven’t sensed this kind of violence
Since the silence of the lambs,
It might be Jeffrey Dahmer
Or another Son of Sam
No I can’t see who’s stalkin’ me
But I won’t stand a chance
Tonight from where I am
In Shadowland, Shadowland
There's evil large and lurkin'
Loomin' behind every tree
The way my mind is working’s
Gonna be the death of me ...
HALF CHORUS
Shadowland, shadowland
Haven’t sensed this kind of violence
Since the silence of the lambs,
It might be Jeffrey Dahmer
Or another Son of Sam…
RAP
It's clear the fear that's here tonight
Is kickin' in my fright and flight
This shortcut that I’m takin’ home
Has now become my own death row,
Imagination got to me
It’s not the way I thought it’d be
I'm tryin' to conjure up my faith
But now it’s all a waste,
I'm blinded by what I can't see
This terror is insanity
I'm runnin’ from that Boogyman
Right here in Shadowland …
All these devils and demons …
All these nightmares I’m dreamin’
CHORUS
END --- END ---
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THE PROMISE
THE PROMISE
Avrim Max Topel
I was havin' a li'l guy talk with a friend
About spending life with someone til the end
He asked me 'bout commitment
What it is and what it isn't
And today, if I would do it all again
He said that he loved everything about her
But was scared somehow the sweet would turn to sour
I smiled because I knew
How love had changed me, too,
But I never knew until I said I do
CHORUS
'Cause it's way more than a courthouse piece of paper
Or my grandma’s emerald diamond ring I gave her
I knew she was the one
When those vows were said and done
To the girl I loved
And witnessed by my Maker,
So, lookin’ back, now
If I’m bein’ honest,
When I said I do I knew it was
The promise
There’ll come a day your heart will let you know
You’ve found the perfect one you can’t let go
You’ll feel the joy inside
When you’re standing side by side
And those two words you recite produce one soul
CHORUS
When he asked me if I’d do it all again ?
I told him, “In a heartbeat, my old friend”
CHORUS/BREAKDOWN
END
--- END ---
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THIS IS THE VIBE
THIS IS THE VIBE
Avrim Max Topel, Kyle Jefferson
Oh Yeah Oh Yeah!
This is the vibe!
This is the vibe
Yeah,
This is the vibe!
All that and a bag of chips
Sun in the sky bout to take a dip
Feeling so good yeah I’m feeling fresh
Gotta go big never second guess
PRE CHORUS
We vibing we thriving
We’re so high we’re flyin
Yeah we got that perfect timing
We shine bright like diamonds
What we doin?
Yeah what’s up
Got that fire
We bout to light it up
CHORUS
Yeah what sup!
What’s Up What’s Up
Light it up Light it Up! (2x)
Its that best day ever
It’s a vibe
Party all night
Gonna have a good time
Yeah!
POST CHORUS
This is the vibe
Ahhhhhh (3x)
Everybody throw ya hands in the air
I’m on top make the haters stare
Fame and the glam I’m everywhere
Wanna ride with us pull up a chair
PRE CHORUS
CHORUS
POST CHORUS
VAMP OUT
We doin’ what we doin’ what we doin’?
What we doin’, what we doin’ let’s get to it!
POST CHORUS
END --- END ---
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HANDLE IT WITH PRAYER
Handle It With Prayer
Avrim Max Topel, Jason Sever, Les Hague
Been rode hard and put up wet
Run as ragged as it can get
Not sure that there’s much left
For you to use
Still you’re wantin’ too
So if you wanna take hold girl you gotta know
I’ve taken this thing far as it can go
You better take it slow
And since we’re telling truth
Girl if I were you
CHORUS
I’d handle it with prayer
Cuz it’s cold and dark in there
It ain't seen the sunshine
Since it got broke up the last time
I’ve drug that thing around
Chasin’ whiskey down
It’s been places even the devil would dare
My heart’s in a sad state of repair
If you can handle it
Handle it with prayer
I know this ain’t your first rodeo
We’re diggin’ deep we’re gettin close
That cross hangin’ round your neck
Is the only faith I’ve known
I’ve been going it alone
So when you’re talking to God say a little for me
Help me be the man I know you’re gonna need
Cuz when I’m with you girl that's who I wanna be
I hope that there’s hope for me
CHORUS
CHORUS/BREAKDOWN
END --- END ---
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TOMORROW TONIGHT
Tomorrow Tonight
Avrim Max Topel, Riley Roth, Karen Kiley
I’ve never felt this way before
Sitting on a kitchen floor
Sharing everything about me, to you
There must be magic in the air
Something ‘bout you I swear
Has me falling and forgetting how to
Breathe
Yeah I
Don’t wanna sleep
Or say goodbye
CHORUS
I wanna stay in this moment
Lost in your eyes
So let's keep this conversation going
Like we’re never gonna run out of time
Like we got forever
Til the sun’s in the sky
Cuz Baby, I don’t wanna think about
Tomorrow tonight
Let’s put the world on pause
Keep it all about us
While we still got the moonlight shining
I know it’s not just me
Feeling something between
You and I, baby let’s not fight it
We
Feel right
To hell with the sleep
Or saying goodbye
{CHORUS}
{CHORUS}
END --- END ---
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