I’m Choosin’ Us

Vs1

A friendship born on a grade school play yard

And soon a young romance sparked

His friends didn’t care for her, she wasn’t cool or popular

They couldn’t see the hold she had on his heart

Then one day in a high school hall cool moved into cruel

Told him he needed to ditch her , “she’s not good enough for you”

He took her hand as he told them clear, “you’ve got a lot to learn about love”

Kissed her and whispered in her ear, “I’m choosin” us”

Refrain

I’m choosin’ us

And in my heart I know I’m right

There’s no way I’m givin’ up

The best thing in my life

And you can trust

That in the good times and the worst

I’ll put our love first

I’m choosin’ us

Vs2

She understood his parents looked down

On the folks from her part of town

And in her heart she’d always known

She was never really welcome in their home

Listenin’ as he shared with them the decision he had made

She sadly thought of the price they’d have to pay

He told them the choice was clear, regret or happiness

Kissed her and whispered in her ear, “I’m choosin” us”

Repeat refrain

Vs3

Her family gathered round her bed as the doctor shared the news

We didn’t catch this quick enough and there’s little we can do

And we recommend that you leave her here

Where she’ll have her nurse and all she needs near

She turned to him and said “hon, please just take me home “

The children protested, “Dad, you can’t do this on your own”

And again for him the choice was clear, regret or happiness

Kissed her and whispered in her ear, “I’m choosin” us”

Last refrain

bjw 2009

Christmas In Our Hearts

Christmas In Our Hearts

Vs1

We await in anticipation

The coming Yuletide celebration

Counting the days till that joyous season starts

And it defies explanation

Why we don’t use our imagination

And live each day with Christmas in our hearts

Refrain

The spirit of the season and all that it imparts

Is ours when we choose to live with Christmas in our hearts

The gift that keeps on giving

It’s magic never far

Each day that we spend living

With Christmas in our hearts

Vs2

It’s the Christmas choirs singing

The silver bells ringing

And the tale of a wondrous star

Leaves me believing

The reason for the season

Is to plant the seed of Christmas in our hearts

Repeat refrain

Bridge

So no matter what season of the year

We can find the Christmas spirit near

And it can play a special part

Brighten every day we start

When we keep Christmas in our hearts

Refrain

The spirit of the season and all that it imparts

Is ours when we choose to live with Christmas in our hearts

The gift that keeps on giving

It’s magic never far

Each day that we spend living

With Christmas in our hearts

bjw 2009

Christmas Musings

A child was born

And through His life

He showed us the way to the Kingdom

If we will but trust Him

And claim His promise of love

We too, at our birth, carry the seed of God’s hope

For love, peace and life lived in a new way

But often the important people in our lives

Do not affirm the unselfish love and simple trust

Of the little child

And so we hide away this special part of us

Oft forgotten, sometimes lost

Jesus calls us to breathe new life

Into our inner child

To know that we are loved just as we are

To live fully in the moment

To reach for our dreams

And love ourselves and others

As He loves us

bjw

12/09

Work This Thing Out

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Vs1

Remember when each day we’d spend

Enjoying each other

Sharin’ our hopes and our dreams

But we lost our way and there came a day

We sadly discovered

The heartache that love’s absence can bring

1^st Refrain

All this cussin’, and fussin’ and heavy discussin’

Can’t be what love’s all about

Let’s do some touchin’ and sharin’ and a whole lotta carin’

And see if we can’t work this thing out

Vs2 (key change—slight step up)

What happened to the joy we knew

When we were first lovers

Tell me how did we reach this lonely place

Where all we share is a quiet despair

Strangers to each other

An ending that I just can’t face

2^nd Refrain

So let’s start over, get back to, takin’ care of each other

Rediscover what love’s all about

Let’s do some touchin’ and sharin’ and a whole lotta carin’

And see if we can’t work this thing out

Bridge

Last night we sat down and shared

Broke it down and stripped it bare

Gave me the hope that now

We can still work this thing out

Last refrain (key change—melody higher)

So let’s start over, get back to, takin’ care of each other

Rediscover what love’s all about

Let’s do some touchin’ and sharin’ and a whole lotta carin’

And see if we can’t work this thing out

I still love you, let’s work this thing out

I really love you, let’s work this thing out (spoken)

bjw 2009

I Thank My God Always For You

Vs1
Sittin’ alone in the still of the night
Reflecting on the blessings in my life
My home and my children are but a few
That fill my heart with gratitude
And at the end of each day as I kneel to pray
I thank my God always for you

refrain
You’ve been my anchor
When I’ve faced life’s storms
And I find such sweet comfort
Embraced in your arms
So at the end of each day
As I kneel to pray
One thing I know to be true
I thank my God always for you


Vs2
Counting the minutes to the end of the day
Homeward bound just a heartbeat away
All the stress and the worry ‘bout stuff left to do
Fading away in my rearview
As I hit that highway I pause to pray
And I thank my God always for you

refrain
You’ve been my anchor
When I’ve faced life’s storms
And I find such sweet comfort
Embraced in your arms
So at the end of each day
As I kneel to pray
One thing I know to be true
I thank my God always for you

bjw 2009

How Did That Work Out For You

Vs1
You had a life that everybody dreams of
Everything you needed and your friends and family’s love
But you walked away and gave it up
Thinking all you had couldn’t be enough
Broke the hearts of everyone you knew
Tell me how did that work out for you?

Vs2
Old friends rallied round, brought you to some meetings
Shared what they’d found, a new way of living
But I guess you had too many fears, regrets
And hadn’t been faced with enough painful yets
Too proud to surrender, “too much living to do”
Well tell me how’s that working out for you?

Refrain
How did that work out for you?
Looks like another crash and burn
Stuck in your selfish point of view
And so another painful lesson learned
Are you ready to face the cold, hard facts?
Or again have someone stop and ask
How did that work out for you?
Tell me, how that did work out for you?

Bridge
You know the definition of insanity
Is blinding repeating the same mistake
Think it’s time to face reality?
Count your blessings every day you wake
Let go and let God lead you to the truth
And see how that works out for you

©bobby watts 2009

I Choose to Love You

When we were young we learned life’s lessons side by side

The struggles of each day eased by the comforts shared at night

Sometimes you disappointed me; so many times I let you down

We discovered we could disagree and still find some common ground

But the most important thing I learned to do

Is to start each day choosing to love you

More than a warm reflection of momentary passion

More than a heartfelt emotion or a lifetime of devotion

In the best of times and the worst deciding to put our love first

Loving you is a choice I make as I rise to meet each day

I choose to love you, I choose to love you

The years passed as we made a family and home

Opportunities offered up—we claimed them for our own

The precious gift of children taught us the lesson of sacrifice

Found there was nothing more fulfilling than being a special part of their lives

But the most important thing I learned to do

Is to start each day choosing to love you

More than a warm reflection of momentary passion

More than a heartfelt emotion or a lifetime of devotion

In the best of times and the worst deciding to put our love first

Loving you is a choice I make as I rise to meet each day

I choose to love you, I choose to love you

We’ve shared our hopes and chased our dreams

Became best friends and an awesome team

And the most important thing I learned to do

Is to start each day choosing to love you

More than a warm reflection of momentary passion

More than a heartfelt emotion or a lifetime of devotion

In the best of times and the worst always deciding to put our love first

Loving you is a choice I make as I rise to meet each day

I choose to love you, I choose to love you

bjw

5/25/09

our 35^th anniversary

Where Did Time Go

Vs1

Life comes at you hard and fast

Sand pouring through an hourglass

Not much chance for a day’s slow dance

And the only questions people ask

Are did you pass the test, did you do your best?

Did you reach your dreams and all the rest?

When all I really want to know

Is where did time go, tell me, where did time go?

Refrain

And did I drink down life to the very last drop?

Did I say I love you every chance I got?

Did I take the special moments nice and slow?

Did I dare to journey the less traveled road?

When I reach that final destination

Don’t want to face that haunting question

Where did time go, oh tell me, where did time go?

Vs2

Black hearse parade with their headlights lit

And the questions raised at the sight of it

When I take that final ride and reach the other side

Will my heart be saddened, will I feel regret?

Or will I take pride, feel satisfied

At the way I lived my life

Don’t wanna hear no choir singin’ low

Where did time go, oh tell me, where did time go?

Repeat refrain

Bridge

Where did time go, oh tell me, where did time go?

Did I fight the good fight, did I get it right

That what I wanna know

©bobby watts 2009

With These Roots

Inspired by the uplifting testimony of Denise Jackson

Vs1
When I’m in need of inspiration
I know just where to go
Find that old oak tree still standin’
Planted centuries ago
A reminder of my parent’s love
And the strength of family
That old tree recalls fond memories of
The roots they’ve given me

Chorus
And with these roots no storm can break me
I can rise and face each day
With these roots no wind can shake me
I stand tall and unafraid
With these roots I never face alone
Life’s sorrow and despair
With these roots I’m never far from home
And the love that I found there

Vs2
When I’m in need of consolation
Feelin’ lonely, feelin’ low
I find that old oak tree still standin’
Planted centuries ago
A reminder of my parent’s faith
And the comfort of family
Lifts my spirits as I pause to pray
These roots they’ve given me

Chorus
And with these roots no storm can break me
I can rise and face each day
With these roots no wind can shake me
I stand tall and unafraid
With these roots I never face alone
Life’s sorrow and despair
With these roots I’m never far from home
And the love that I found there

©bobby watts/cheryl clawson 2008

The Gift that Just Keeps on Giving

Vs1

I’ve been blessed in my life with a wonderful wife

And if you ask me what gives my life meaning

It’s the home that we share and the love I find there

You’re the gift that just keeps on giving

You’re the gift that just keeps on giving

Refrain

Out lives haven’t turned out the way that we planned

Sometimes we’ve been dealt a pretty tough hand

We’ve shared good times and bad and memories joyful and sad

And you’ve been my best friend from beginning to end

So if you ask me what makes life worth living

You’re the gift that just keeps on giving

You’re the gift that just keeps on giving

Vs2

I’ve made my share of mistakes—caused you pain and heartache

Countless times I have needed forgiving

Each time you’ve opened your heart and gave our love a fresh start

You’re the gift that just keeps on giving

You’re the gift that just keeps on giving

Refrain

Out lives haven’t turned out the way that we planned

Sometimes we’ve been dealt a pretty tough hand

We’ve shared good times and bad and memories joyful and sad

And you’ve been my best friend from beginning to end

So if you ask me what makes life worth living

You’re the gift that just keeps on giving

You’re the gift that just keeps on giving

Bridge

Sadly I haven’t said often enough

How much I treasure the gift of your love

And as I searched for a way to share my gratitude

I wrote down the words of this song just for you

©bobby watts 2008

First In and the Last to Leave

Dedicated to America’s everyday heroes—Sparky and all of our first responders and their bravery and dedication to our safety

1^st verse

Did you see our friends and neighbors bravely lead the way

As we saw those towers fall that black September day

While others ran for shelter

Our heroes joined the fight

No time for fear—their mission clear

To save another life

They live their lives by a simple creed

Be the first in and the last to leave

2^nd verse

Did you see our sons and daughters bravely heed the call

As Katrina’s mighty storm surge breached the levee walls

On the rooftops people clung in shock

As our heroes filled the skies

No time for fear—their mission clear

To save another life

They live their lives by a simple creed

Be the first in and the last to leave

Refrain

Did you know that heroes walk our streets

Young and old—every nationality

And when we face a desperate time

They always put it on the line

Unafraid to pay the price

Ever ready to sacrifice

Living their lives by a simple creed

Be the first in and the last to leave

Bridge

With heads bowed we pay them homage

For the sacrifices made

We salute them for their courage

And the lives that they have saved

©bobby watts/cheryl clawson 2008

Lone Star State of Mind

Vs1

Rockin’ to  some Willie on a warm summer night

Dancin' with my honey holdin' her real tight

Resin up the bow and turn the lights down low

Play me a Strait tune nice and slow

Nothin’ quite so fine

As spendin’ time

In that Lone Star state of mind

Chorus

Take me straight to that Lone Star state of mind

No better place than that Lone Star state of mind

You don't need no sign

Never hard to find

That Lone Star state of mind

Vs2

You know it’s heaven for a Texan spend a night two-steppin'

And we jump in that line when it’s boot-scootin’ time

Can’t think of  nothin’ better than a southern get-together

All night party with these outlaw friends of mine

Nothin’ quite so fine

As spendin’ time

In that Lone Star state of mind

Bridge

Shake off all my worries leave that job behind

No more need to hurry, no more daily grind

Let my hair down, kick back, take my own sweet time

Make my way back to that Lone Star state of mind

Key change-last chorus

©bobby watts 2008

Your Love Is A Healing Place

Vs1
Remembering the call I made that cold and rainy day
A friendship lost I always thought would be there come what may
You said I’ll be right there, an answer to my prayers
And I felt my spirits raise
When I need a friend, when I need to mend
Your love is a healing place

Refrain
Your love (your love) is a healing place
Where I go to free my soul from the pain I can’t let go
Your love (your love) is a healing place
In your strong yet gentle arms I find shelter from life’s storms
Lost in your embrace I find amazing grace
Your love is a healing place
Your love is a healing place

Vs2
A letter from a dear friend’s mom bearing tragic news
He had lost his life in a desert fight
Left a wife and child he never knew
Thank God you were there to quietly share
The grief I felt those days
When I need a friend, when I need to mend
Your love is a healing place

Repeat refrain

Bridge
Every time life leaves me hurtin’
When I feel like givin’ up
I know one thing for certain
I can count on is your love

Key change and repeat refrain
Your love (your love) is a healing place
Where I go to free my soul from the pain I can’t let go
Your love (your love) is a healing place
In your strong yet gentle arms I find shelter from life’s storms
Lost in your embrace I find amazing grace
Your love is a healing place
Your love is a healing place
………
Lost in your embrace I find amazing grace
Your love is a healing place
Your love is a healing place

©bobby watts 2008

I Could Always Count On You

I regret the times I didn’t make you proud
Choosing to run with a fast, loose crowd
And it saddens me to know I caused you heartache
With my prideful arrogance and bad choices made
I thank God always for you being there
And for the assurance that you really cared
And the one thing that I knew was always true
I could always count on you

No matter what tough hand I’ve been dealt
And no matter how alone I sometimes felt
Through the joyful times and the sad
You were always there for me, Dad
And the one thing I always knew
I could always count on you

As I reflect this Father’s Day on all you mean to me
I know that words can’t express or fully let you see
You’re the strength at my core and so much more
And your heart’s always been an open door
Your example a compass to point the way
To the best man I can strive to be each day
And I thank God always for this simple truth
I could always count on you

No matter what tough hand I’ve been dealt
And no matter how alone I sometimes felt
Through the joyful times and the sad
You were always there for me, Dad
And the one thing I always knew
I could always count on you

And no matter what the future holds
I’ll bear witness to this simple truth
You’ll be always there in my heart and soul
And I’ll just keep counting on you

No matter what tough hand I’ve been dealt
And no matter how alone I sometimes felt
Through the joyful times and the sad
You were always there for me, Dad
And the one thing I always knew
I could always count on you

Father's Day 2009
©bobby watts 2009

Who Was This Man

Who was this man that Mary called her son
Who was this man that Peter called his friend
A patient teacher wise beyond his years
A gentle healer who soothed away their tears

His name was Jesus a maverick in his day
A Nazarean who followed a new way
God became man and shattered history
He took on flesh to show us what we could be

He gathered round him a band of gentle men
And welcomed all no matter what their sin
He lived and taught a truth they’d never heard
The spirit of the law embodied in God’s word

His journey took him to a cruel cross
His friends forsook him thinking everything was lost
But on that fateful day on a hill called Calvary
He did His Father’s will and won the victory

Who was this man that Mary called her son
Who was this man that Peter called his friend
A patient teacher wise beyond his years
A gentle healer who soothed away their tears


©bobby watts 2008

One Candle’s Light

With faith and hope we pledge our love
Reflected in one candle’s light
Rings exchanged … a symbol of
A commitment made for life

No longer shall I walk alone
There’s someone at my side
A lifelong friend I can count on
On whose love I can rely

The good times will be richer
The sad times we will bear
For now we have each other
To listen and to share

Lord, sanctify this marriage
Let it be a witness to
The love we have for each other
And the love we have for you

Let our marriage be a witness to
The love we share in you.


©bobby watts 2008

Deep In My Heart

(in progress)

Refrain

Deep in my heart in a safe hiding place

I'll carry our love's memoir all of my days

Wherever you are you'll never be far

There will always be a part of you in me

Vs 1

How it hurt me when you said you were leaving

And you told me you couldn't go on make-believing

Girl you left me grieving

Vs2

Your face haunts me in my dreams and reveries

All my life I will cherish the precious memories

And you know you'll always be

vs/bridge

When I met you I knew my life had changed forever

Have I Lost You

hook from line in "The Firm"

(in progress)

vs

Have I lost you

Is that look I see in your eyes

Telling me you've come today to say good-bye

I know I hurt you

Broke a solemn promise made

One moment's lust and I lost your trust

What an awful price to pay

refrain

What can I say, what can I do

To make you believe that I still love you

Don't want to lose you

Breaks my heart to see this end

Don't want to say good-bye to

My lover, my best friend

vs

Have I lost you

Is the sadness I hear in your voice

A sign your heart's no longer mine

You've made your choice

What was I thinking

How could I put our love at risk

And I'm so ashamed as I see the pain

Caused by that stolen kiss

Dare to Chase Your Dreams

(dedicated to the life and testimony of Edna Faye Watts, my mother who I love dearly)

As a little girl I sat and studied my family’s bowed backs

Toiling daily in the heat in another man’s pea patch

Wondering if I dared to hope for more or if this was all my future held in store

And so at an early age I found a special place where I could always go to find God’s grace

I’d just close my eyes, find a favorite scene

Run in a flowered pasture, splash in a cool, clear spring

And as a soft breeze stirred I’d hear the words an angel softly sings

Let joy fill your heart, my child, and dare to chase your dreams

The youngest of twelve in our sharecropper family

A late life surprise when my mom gave birth to me

Sure we had our share of hard times but never more than we could bear

We lived off the land and trusted in God’s plan for why he put us there

And whenever I got to feeling low I had a special place I could always go

I’d just close my eyes, find a favorite scene

Run in a flowered pasture, splash in a cool, clear spring

And as a soft breeze stirred I’d hear the words an angel softly sings

Let joy fill your heart, my child, and dare to chase your dreams

I remember that star-filled state fair night when a tall, handsome fella caught my eye

He’d walk nine miles just to see me smile and I knew I’d found my Mr. Right

We got on a bus with a quarter to our name--never found riches, never looked for fame

But we taught our children what love and family means

And gave them the courage to dare to chase their dreams

And I carry with me always that special place where I can go and find God’s grace

I just close my eyes, find a favorite scene

Run in a flowered pasture, splash in a cool, clear spring

And as a soft breeze stirs I still hear the words my angel softly sings

Let joy fill your heart, my child, and dare to chase your dreams

You see my parents gave us the hope of a better life

If you worked real hard and lived it right

No homestead, no vote-the poll tax saw to that

But they had their faith, a compass sure and they walked a righteous path

They taught me what love and family means

And gave me the courage to dare to chase my dreams

bjw

Mother’s Day 2009

Christmas In Our Hearts

Vs1
We await in anticipation
The coming Yuletide celebration
Counting the days till that joyous season starts
And it defies explanation
Why we don’t use our imagination
And live each day with Christmas in our hearts

Refrain
The spirit of the season and all that it imparts
Is ours when we choose to live with Christmas in our hearts
The gift that keeps on giving
It’s magic never far
Each day that we spend living
With Christmas in our hearts

Vs2
It’s the Christmas choirs singing
The silver bells ringing
And the tale of a wondrous star
Leaves me believing
The reason for the season
Is to plant the seed of Christmas in our hearts

Repeat refrain

Bridge
So no matter what season of the year
We can find the Christmas spirit near
And it can play a special part
Brighten every day we start
When we keep Christmas in our hearts

Refrain
The spirit of the season and all that it imparts
Is ours when we choose to live with Christmas in our hearts
The gift that keeps on giving
It’s magic never far
Each day that we spend living
With Christmas in our hearts

©bobby watts 2008