EVERY TIME THE DOOR OPENED Nothing more than a farmhouse Black shudders on white A cherry door for an entrance Plywood sign outside Pews lined the inside stained glass let in the light On that cross behind the altar, above Baptismal water Chorus: Every time the door opened we’d gather there Our hearts full of hope and our hungry souls bared If we were on the top of a mountain or feeling weary and broken We were there every time the door opened Verse 2: My daddy was a deacon Mom sang in the choir Just the sound of those old hymns Set my spirit on fire Hands and voices were raised there rejoicing in praise Then the old preacher would teach us and the Word of God reached us CHORUS I went home last spring and took my whole family On a drive down that old church’s road The stained glass was boarded; the building abandoned But shined through each story I told CHORUS …’Cause God was there every time the door opened © Kerry Jeter 2012
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SOAR VERSE 1: Broken dreams and broken wings left me stuck on the ground I longed for my soul to leap but let my failures hold me down I resented those with trials like me who could still float through life ‘Til one night I cried out on my knees and God, You taught me to fly CHORUS: I can soar above the heartache And rise over the rain Great heights for me You have in store, past mountain peaks where stars adorn With You Lord, I can soar VERSE 2: There will be suffering and sin that weigh me down on this Earth But I will set my eyes on heaven where there will be no hurt My body may break, my loved ones die, but Your love will ever stand To raise me like an Eagle’s flight where I’m fearless in Your hands REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: I can soar above anger, hate, and shame Above all my fear, doubt, and pain You will lift me up where I’ll find peace ‘Til the day I soar with angel wings… REPEAT CHORUS © Kerry Jeter
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CRY OUT TO YOU VERSE 1: Like a child apart from his mother, I seek You and desperately wonder how I’ve wandered so far But I know you are waiting there for me, that I won’t be alone when I’m lonely, or kept in the dark PRE-CHORUS: Let my prayer be more than a whisper Or a single snowflake lost in a blizzard CHORUS: Lord, hear my heart cry out to You As broken as I may be, God listen to my every plea Oh, take my pieces and make me new While my own scars run deep, in Yours I am redeemed So, may the outpour of my soul ring true Lord, hear my heart cry out to You VERSE 2: Jesus, You really know me, from the start to the rest of my story, yet You love me, Lord Therein is the core of Your beauty, You show Your grace and mercy to me as a child of Yours PRE-CHORUS 2: I’ll sing praise so even stars can hear And hope all my love reaches Your ears REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: Whether life bring tears of joy or sorrow You give me hope for every tomorrow REPEAT CHORUS © Kerry Jeter
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POUR INTO ME VERSE 1: Lord, I come to You broken and thirsty And don’t deserve a drop of Your mercy Just clinging to my last ounce of faith A cup in my hand, begging for change CHORUS: Oh pour into me all that’s Holy Please fill me with Your endless love Help every breath be for Your Glory Set my heart on all things above Let the light in You be the light in me and Your goodness be like a gentle stream And pour into me VERSE 2: I’m often drawn to wells that are dry Yearning for more than I find But all I need is Your living water You cleanse my soul, my loving Father REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: I’ve known guilt and I’ve felt shame and drowned in oceans of bitter rage But You send peace down like rain and flood my spirit with Your grace…. REPEAT CHORUS Pour into me x3 © Kerry Jeter
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I LOOK UP Weather man said, “There’s a storm comin’ our way” “You need to take cover now; find a safe place” Grabbed my baby girl, ran downstairs fast The wind hit the house like a train through glass “Daddy, “she cried, “Are we gonna die?” I whispered “no” and lifted my eyes Chorus: I look up When there’s no hope to be found I look up When the tears start rainin’ down I look up Verse 2: Now I can’t believe how little is left Of our two-story home and white picket fence Our clothes are everywhere, furniture scattered A pile of the things I used to think mattered But what really matters is tuggin’ my sleeve So I lift her like God lifts me When... CHORUS People I don’t even know are helping us rebuild our lives They want nothing in return, and I’m left wondering why? Then... CHORUS © D. Cagle, K. Jeter 2012
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STUCK IN THE HARBOR VERSE 1: The anchor is dropped You’re tied to the dock But you’ve got places you’d love to go Many islands to see And all the sea you need Why aren’t you startin’ up your boat? CHORUS: When you’re stuck in the harbor, you make no waves and go nowhere, A year could float by but when you look at your life, you’ll still be there You might as well set sail, stop cheatin’ yourself, and hit open water So, get where you’re goin’ then go even farther, don’t get stuck in the harbor VERSE 2: Go and take a chance Ask that girl to dance Put in for that job you’ve been wantin’ Get in better shape Or take a getaway But you gotta get your motor runnin’ REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: There is so much in this big old world to live for But you gotta be willing to get out and explore… REPEAT CHORUS TAG: A steady wind is blowin’ so you better get goin’ and head on out of the harbor © Kerry Jeter 2020
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THE PART OF ME I LOVE THE MOST VERSE 1: You say you love the way I walk you out to your Jeep That you appreciate I go see your Granny every week You crack up when I make up funny words to songs Respect how I own up when you’re right and I’m wrong CHORUS: You build me up constantly for what my future holds But for all I could be it’s you that gives me hope ‘Cause you are the part of me I love the most VERSE 2: Somehow you calm me down when the Cowboys get beat In the middle of rush hour you’re my gentle ocean breeze You got me readin’ old books and explorin’ new roads You taught me how to look up to the Lord when I’m low REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: You’re a great page in a good read You’re the good news in a newsfeed Like the best scene in a movie Baby you’re the piece that moves me REPEAT CHORUS © Delbert Cagle and Kerry Jeter 2016
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TWO OF ME VERSE 1: Lovin’ you is like a Rubik’s Cube and I must be color blind But no matter what I do for you nothin’ is black and white If I were to work extra shifts to give you nice gifts you’d say that I don’t have much time for us But if I stayed home with you and couldn’t buy Jimmy Choo’s you’d cry I don’t make enough CHORUS: It’d take two of me to be the one for you I’d work double time to do all you want me to I’m more county fair; you’re more Bel Air; just thinkin’ this twice through It’d take two of me to be the one for you VERSE 2: I’ve known you since we were young, you’re as hot as blue flame There are reasons we fell in love, but sometimes people change I’m just a laid back guy and your maintenance is high, I shouldn’t have to work this hard at love With what you put on me, too bad you can’t clone me, then maybe I could get it all done REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE Girl I hope you find the right kind of guy who can meet all of your needs and wants Maybe I can but I’m not the man who’s gonna try to be two places, two places at once REPEAT CHORUS © Kerry Jeter 2018
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WISHIN’ IT WAS YESTERDAY VERSE 1: I’d break the hourglass to keep the west from stealin’ the sun I had fun with our friends on the pontoon, but I’m glad, on this dock, it’s just us Girl you sure look pretty in the light of that fiery golden sky Can we talk future plans, maybe slow dance and pretend there’s no mornin’ flight? CHORUS: Tomorrow I’ll be wishin’ it was yesterday ‘Cause I’ll know I won’t be with you ‘til I’m home to stay Tonight I’ll savor every second between us ‘til Venus fades away But tomorrow I’ll be wishin’ it was yesterday VERSE 2: Just look at all those stars, but you’re the one who shines I can’t take tears in those emerald eyes, don’t cry, I’m still here for a while Let’s lay down beneath this blanket of moonlight and maple trees I wanna get lost in your kiss and your thoughts ‘til the night runs out on me REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: When we can’t fight the dawn, our moment is gone and we are made to say good-bye Pray for me, please, as I head overseas not knowin’ when I’ll see you next time BREAK WITH FIRST TWO LINES OF CHORUS... REPEAT CHORUS ...Tomorrow I’ll be wishin’ it was yesterday © Kerry Jeter 2015
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WHERE DO I GO FROM HER? I helped her reel in a bass, out on Lake Okeechobee We held up foam number ones, fifty yard line at UT Fried eggs on a campfire, sunrise in the Smokies Went horseback riding on the bluegrass of Kentucky Our future was as clear as the diamond on her hand Now she’s gone it’s like I’m on a plane with no place to land Chorus: Where do I go from her? Can’t find the corner to turn Keep lookin’ back where we were Used to know where I was going Where do I go from her? Verse 2: Played “The Dance” three times today in my car Talked to God on our swing in Centennial Park Passin’ by the Baptist Church and the 3rd Street Bar More thoughts in my head than the country sky has stars One way the road leads me to a dead end The other way just may give me a chance to begin again CHORUS I’ve been out on a few dates though they didn’t go anywhere I’ll keep tryin’ to move on and I’ll keep sayin’ this prayer Lord… CHORUS …Where do I go from her? © D. Cagle, K. Jeter 2012
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I ASKED HER TO DANCE VERSE 1: I figured I probably had two left feet and didn’t care to know differently But a kaleidoscope of colored lights landed on her perfectly Lookin’ over at her sweet face; I tipped the band to play Amazed Not knowin’ as the song rang true, in that hot old gym my life would change CHORUS: I prayed to say what I felt deep down when I asked her to dance Then I twirled that girl like a merry-go-round until I made her laugh And I know there are just those moments when you only get one chance Praise God I made the most of mine when I asked her to dance VERSE 2: The years went by like they had wings; I was thankful she flew with me All the way to that Saturday in June, we said I do for all to see After her cousin caught the bouquet and she smeared cake on my face Amazed was played and all eyes waited on our 1st dance with the same last name REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: To this day some Friday nights under the shine of starlight, I play our song, take her hand in mine, and we step back in time REPEAT CHORUS © Kerry Jeter
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TOUGH VERSE 1: I was known to kick a butt or two Hit sixth gear and get tattoos I lifted weights and drank whiskey straight Though when my baby girl was born My first tears in years hit the floor It was my happiest day, I knew I’d have to change But ‘til the day that she was eight and they tested her blood Man, I thought I was tough VERSE 2: I watched her lose her hair each day And lose her weight ‘til I lost my faith I felt helpless, and I was such a mess But my girl picked dandelions like roses And stood in the mirror strikin’ poses Like a princess in her momma’s dress She’d smile and say someday dad things will look up Man, I thought I was tough CHORUS: We all show our strength in different ways Some fight, some never cry or show off their scars Though everyone has to face life and death someday And that’s when we all find out just how strong we are VERSE 3: From a stark white bed in a light blue room She’d just asked if I’d seen the moon Peekin’ through the trees, as she struggled to breathe She battled to live; I wrestled with God Beggin’ for her life and for her pain to stop Then right there on my knees, her blue eyes looked at me She gave me hope when she whispered, “daddy don’t you give up” Man, I thought I was tough REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: Tonight as I light these nine candles, guess I won’t hide my tears As she makes her wish and blows them out I bow my head and thank God she’s here TAG: Her faith and fighting heart have taught me so much Man, I thought I was tough I thought I was tough © Kerry Jeter, Delbert Cagle
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WORTH DYING FOR VERSE 1: Grandpa never talked much about the war ‘Til the day I found his medals in a dusty drawer I said, “You must have been the bravest, strongest hero” He said, “No, boy, those are my friends who never came home” CHORUS: So, live your life like you’re worth dying for Spend your time like it’s your greatest reward Every sunrise greeting you is like a brand new open door Live your life like you’re worth dying for VERSE 2: Beneath the medals was a worn out leather Bible Grandpa said he got it right before his last battle A note inside read, “The answers all lie within” He said, “My brother gave it to me the last time I saw him” REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: I asked if he really found the answers in those pages He said “I read about one who loves us enough to save us” “Many brave men and women have died to give us freedom But one suffered on a cross to truly free us, His name is Jesus” REPEAT CHORUS © Kerry Jeter 2019
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THE WORK WAS DONE VERSE 1: The rooster crowed, the sun arose A humble man with calloused hands Was waking up, a long day to come Building things that last while sunlight passed PRE-CHORUS: And he wouldn’t stop Based on a clock… CHORUS: When the work was done, he could finally rest Knowing that everyone he had served had been blessed That he hadn’t quit ‘til everything he did was finished with blood, sweat, and love He kept goin’ ‘til he could go home when the work was done VERSE 2: He always helped, those who themselves Just couldn’t seem to meet their own needs Even travelled around, from town to town Spreading a little peace with everyone he’d meet PRE-CHORUS 2: From widows to orphans To the sick and poor then… REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: His selfless life came to an end and all who knew him felt the loss As they watched the one who saved them hang upon a cross REPEAT CHORUS TAG: The rooster crowed, the Son arose God and man with nail-scarred hands © Kerry Jeter
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I STAY VERSE 1: Ain’t nothin’ open past eight pm Except the factory at second shift No highway comes close to town Had a fast-food joint but it shut down PRE-CHORUS 1: Most of my friends moved to cities that are nowhere near Every time they’re with me they ask what I’m doin’ here CHORUS: I stay to help my momma ‘cause daddy’s gone now And I stay to go to my little church on the edge of town I’ve got nothin’ against the people who move away But here the best things in life remain the same, that’s why I stay VERSE 2: Momma’s always happy when I stop by Gives me a big hug and peanut butter pie Got a pretty brunette who says I’m sweet Likes to make me move my two left feet PRE-CHORUS 2: I’ve got buddies who never left here that like a good ballgame There are endless woods to hunt deer and one heck of a lake REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: I don’t need a golf course, a stadium, or the movies It’s the starry skies, the country drives, and the people here who move me REPEAT CHORUS © Kerry Jeter 2022
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HELLO, TENNESSEE VERSE 1: I can still hear the water splashin’ and the sound of her laughin’ We were April backyard dancin’ in the cool Kentucky rain She was always there to help me study and was my karaoke buddy But graduation made things muddy because our plans were night and day CHORUS: She’ll always be my first everything There’s part of her in the songs I sing But when I gave her a ring, she sweetly turned it down She wanted our hometown as her home And loved me enough to let me go I think that she’d always known I was born Nashville bound I would have given up mine to live life in her dreams Instead, it was goodbye girl; hello, Tennessee VERSE 2: She told everyone I’d be a star, sharing my thoughts on guitar I feel her cheer for me in every bar when I’m up on a stage I heard she got her law degree, married Dr. Mr. Right, MD I’m so happy that she’s happy, and made the choice I couldn’t make REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: She hurt me as a lover but loved me as a true friend I don’t wonder what might’ve been; we’re both where we should be in the end REPEAT CHORUS © Kerry Jeter 2022
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ALONG THE WAY VERSE 1: I’ve broken more commandments than I care to admit I’ve wasted money I didn’t have and time that I did There’s plenty of smoke from the fires I’ve left behind In almost all of my lovers’, friends’, and families’ lives CHORUS: Along the way I’d broken hearts and had mine broken Spent many days blind from the dark with eyes wide open But now my scars are about to fade, because in two moments my life changed Thank God, I met you and Jesus along the way VERSE 2: The Lord was an acquaintance since I was a child I never knew I needed to know Him ‘til I’d gone wild Once He saved my soul, like a miracle right on cue I ran to the light, and He led me straight to you REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: I believe that I was lost right from the start And guess God knew that I needed two North Stars REPEAT CHORUS © Kerry Jeter 2022
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WHEN TWILIGHT COMES VERSE 1: As a kid it meant momma calling me home The crickets sang songs, and the streetlights came on Memories I share with a million other people just like me When I got a little older it meant work was over It was time to go out with some buddies for a cold one The best times of my life came with the sun fleeting CHORUS: It’s a beautiful mixture of shadow and glow A time to look back and time to have hope While I ain’t there yet, I feel it creeping up But I ain’t dreading it, and I’ll be ready when twilight comes VERSE 2: I’d be willing to bet it’s my best years yet With a little gray hair from a lot of life’s lessons That taught me to be a solid husband, father, and friend I’ll have a little more money and a little less stress Help my kids through mistakes; watch them at their best I’ll spoil my wife like the queen she has always been REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: Like every stage of life, I’ll make the most of my time And not worry about the clock striking midnight REPEAT CHORUS © Kerry Jeter 2022
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STARS AT NOON VERSE 1: It’s a hurricane season; the knees on my jeans are darn near worn through Begging Jesus if He’d please keep me from coming unglued PRECHORUS: But money’s still tight, love ain’t going right, I only see blue when I look to the sky… CHORUS: Like stars at noon, I know He’s up there His plan comes through; mine’s up in the air Sometimes God doesn’t show His light off bright or clear as the sun and moon But He’s up there like stars at noon VERSE 2: Too many times I’ve worked overtime since daddy’s been sick All I’ve wanted was to help out momma and be there for him PRECHORUS: Sundays I choose an old back row pew Pray for my dad though God’s not in my view Repeat Chorus BRIDGE: From floods and fires to getting flat tires, life will test if you’re tough But there’s a promised land for every woman and man; don’t ever stop looking up… Repeat Chorus © Kerry Jeter 2022
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MOMMA’S HOUSE VERSE 1: Past the tobacco a few miles out Sits mom’s weathered white farm house The farm went belly up but her home was saved What you’ll find might be a surprise 100 cars and all kinds of beer signs Mom left it to me, so I left one thing the same CHORUS: Everybody’s welcome at Momma’s House Lovin’ livin’s what we’re all about Come on in, we’ll learn your name Drink and dance, or just watch the game We’ll leave a neon light on for you, have a cold one out Cause everybody’s welcome at Momma’s House VERSE 2: There may be a Lexus next to a Harley Doc is always talking to the barkeep The barber and banker wear out the dance floor Ex cons, ex-wives, and ex preachers Politicians, policemen, and public-school teachers Get lost in the booze and music ‘til last call at 4 REPEAT CHORUS BRIDGE: So, raise one up to the troops, pour some out for long lost loved ones Buy wine for the girl you love; we’re all just family like momma would want REPEAT CHORUS Yeah, y’all are all welcome at momma’s house © 2023 Kerry Jeter
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