From the Heart......

Can You Hear The Children Crying

2010-11-02T03:20:00.000-07:00

the political version written to express my feelings re the politics of fear, hate and division

Can You Hear The Children Crying

Across this land our children hear people talking hate and fear

They say we’ve lost our country, you’d think the end was near

Hard to find in these tough times anyone to lift a voice

Set petty politics aside and make the harder choice

Refrain

Can you hear the children crying?

Fearing that hate will win the day

Can you hear the children crying?

Calling us to choose a better way

They call our leader hateful names, claim he’s not one of us

Treat the poor among us with disdain, talk of burning holy books

Wrap themselves in the flag, say they do it in God’s name

As they trash the dream we had of bringing hope and change

Repeat refrain

The uninsured, the unemployed the homeless on the streets

Wonder how they’ll pay their bills, feed their families

The answer isn’t saying no, time has come for us to show

We can put aside our differences and choose the higher road

Repeat refrain

Bridge

Hear their prayer for us to join the fight

Show we care as a people we unite

Repeat refrain

Tag

Across this land our children hear people talking hate and fear

Can You Hear the Children Crying

2010-09-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

Vs1
An explosion rocked the mighty rig that tragic April night
Condolences and apologies would never make it right
Eleven lives sacrificed amid the smoke and flames
For their friends and families life would never be the same

Refrain
Can you hear the children crying?
Grieving for all that they have lost
Can you hear the children crying?
Calling us to join their cause

Vs2
The shrimpers and the fishermen watched the tideswept spill
Wondering how they'd feed their families, who would pay their bills
The wetlands and the wildlife that grace the gulf coast shores
Victims of neglect and greed, now stained forever more

Refrain
Can you hear the children crying?
Grieving for all that they have lost
Can you hear the children crying?
Calling us to join their cause

Bridge
Hear their prayer for us to join the fight
Show we care as a nation we unite

Refrain
Can you hear the children crying?
Grieving for all that they have lost
Can you hear the children crying?
Calling us to join their cause

Tag
An explosion rocked the mighty rig that tragic April night……

©bobby watts/steven clawson 2010

Sharing A Home But Not Our Hearts

2010-01-01T20:05:00.000-08:00

Verse 1

We’ve put up this wall between us
A silence that I can’t break through
I don’t know how it started
How we got so hard-hearted
All I know is how much I miss you

Refrain

I miss the laughter and the tears
The friendship shared so many years
Our quiet times…your hand in mine
The joy I felt when you were near
I just can’t tell you, girl, how much
I miss your smile your gentle touch
I can’t go on… living apart
Sharing a home but not our hearts

Verse 2

Can we tear down this wall between us
Please tell me what I need to do
Can't you see the tears falling
Can't you hear my heart calling
Can't you see I'm still in love with you

2nd Refrain

And I long for the laughter and the tears
The friendship shared so many years
Our quiet times…your hand in mine
The joy I felt when you were near
I just can’t tell you, girl, how much
I miss your smile your gentle touch
I can’t go on… living apart
Sharing a home but not our hearts

Bridge

I've learned that love untended fades away
But I never thought I’d live to see this day
How could we let it come to this
Never thought I could feel such emptiness

Repeat chorus w/ key change

©bobby watts 2008

I’m Choosin’ Us

2009-12-25T06:30:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-25T06:27:00.000-08:00

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 plan 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

2009-12-25T06:24:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-24T06:35:00.000-08:00

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 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

2009-07-22T19:31:00.000-07:00

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

I Really Love The View From Here

2009-06-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

Vs1

We started out with our dreams and plans

Had our tickets stamped for life’s big dance

Our road’s had plenty of twists and turns

Seen mistakes made, shared lessons learned

But when I look at you I see what I hold dear

And I’ve gotta tell you I really love the view from here

Refrain

Well they can have their big houses and their fancy cars

Drink their chablis, smoke their fine cigars

When they look at me sadly all that they see

Is a simple man they just can't understand

Sittin’ in my rocker on my back porch with you near

(They can have their fame and money, I'll take my view from here)

Gotta tell you, honey, I really love the view from here

Vs2

You won't see no tuxedos, no elegant gowns

Not much use for all that in our little town

But we look after each other

Neighbors, sisters and brothers

Friends and family that’s what we hold dear

Just gotta say we really love the view from here

Repeat refrain

Bridge

As I look around seems all I see

Is people chasing luxury

Long as I have you and my loved ones near

I’ll just keep enjoying the view from here

Last refrain

bjw 2009

©bobby watts 2009

How Did That Work Out For You

2009-06-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-16T18:12:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

2009-04-14T18:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

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
Don't need no sign
Not hard to find
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
Don't need no sign
Not hard to find
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

2009-04-13T18:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-10T23:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-09T21:10:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-08T20:54:00.000-07:00

(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

2009-04-07T21:07:00.000-07:00

hook from line in "The Firm"

(in progress)

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

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

2009-03-07T19:57:00.000-08:00

(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

2009-01-19T14:49:00.000-08:00

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 plan 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

Desert Place

2008-11-02T18:21:00.000-08:00

(based on the temptation of Jesus in the desert)

(Acapella intro solo--refrain)

Why have you brought me to this desert place

My eyes are burning and I can’t see your face

All my strength you’ve taken…left me here forsaken

Why have you brought me to this desert place

Vs1

What is the purpose

What is the point

Hear your people calling for a king to anoint

Where is my army

Where is my throne

Why have you left me, Father, here all alone

Refrain

Vs2

You left me hungry

You left me thirsty

Tired and alone and left to Satan’s mercy

Time’s come to pass the test

Give you my very best

And rise victorious from this wilderness

Refrain

Bridge

Burning…heart on fire

Burning….my one desire

Burning…lift me higher, Lord

2^nd Refrain

I’ll rise victorious from this wilderness

Calling on Your power I’ll pass Satan’s test

Resist temptation ….know God’s salvation

I’ll rise victorious from this wilderness

One Look

2008-09-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

A glance across a crowded room

And then my eyes found you

The soulmate I’d been searching for

A southern beauty and so much more

One look

That’s all it took

To capture my heart forever

A single glance

Sparked sweet romance

That’s filled our lives together

And each year

I hold more dear

The gift of you in my life

And from my heart I share

The gratitude I feel there

For each moment you’ve spent at my side

bjw

Sounds Like A Plan To Me (song in progress)

2008-09-30T18:01:00.000-07:00

Refrain

You said forget the rules and regulations

Throw away the book

Tossed your hair back, crooked your finger

And gave me that come-here look

Inviting me to live a life simple and carefree

Well, I say amen, you can count me in

Sounds like a plan to me

Vs1

All the years of living my life

By society’s master plan

Toed the line…working day and night

Always tryin’ to please the man

Time to give it up

Just ain’t good enough

Tired of colorin’ between the lines

Gonna take your hand

Time to make my stand

Rememberin’ the very first time...

Refrain

You said forget the rules and regulations

Throw away the book

Tossed your hair back, crooked your finger

And gave me that come-here look

Inviting me to live a life simple and carefree

Well, I say amen, you can count me in

Sounds like a plan to me

Livin’ the Dream (inspired by my friend Dan W)

2008-09-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

Vs1

When I was a young man I had some big dreams

Wanted fame and fortune and bright shiny things

Then I found all I need in a gold wedding ring

Nothin’ else really matters, I’m livin’ the dream

Refrain

Livin’ the dream, yeah, I’m livin’ the dream

Took most of my life just to learn what that means

The love of a woman and the joy that it brings

Livin’ the dream, yeah, I’m livin’ the dream

Vs2

Sometimes life has dealt me a pretty bad hand

No point in me asking God what does it all mean

I find all I need in that gold wedding band

With you by my side I keep livin’ the dream

Repeat refrain

Rest Me In Your Hands

2008-09-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

Rest me in your hands, O Lord
I long for your peace as I journey to you
Rest me in your hands, O Lord
Refresh me with your love as I journey to you

Sometimes in our journey we encounter life’s pain
And He tells us, He’ll help us, if we call on His name
We’re not alone, He’s always there
To ease the burdens we find hard to bear
As I journey to you, Lord, today
Hear the words that I pray

Rest me in your hands, O Lord
I long for your peace as I journey to you
Rest me in your hands, O Lord
Refresh me with your love as I journey to you

©bobby watts 2008

A Patient’s Prayer

2008-09-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

Smilin’ on the outside
While I’m cryin’ on the inside
Why can‘t I just let you know
Why is it that I can’t show you
Who I really am

Behind my mask, beneath my shell
If you look hard you will find
A lonely child with a sad sweet smile
A special friend of mine
That part of me I won’t let you see
Unless I know it’s safe
Let me open up,let me learn to trust
For this, O Lord, I pray

Or I’ll keep smilin’ on the outside
While I’m cryin’ on the inside
Afraid to let you really know
Scared you’d leave me if I showed you
Who I really am

©bobby watts 2008

A Love That Sets Me Free

2008-09-24T18:03:00.000-07:00

Verse 1

I’ve stood right at the edge where fear and freedom meet
Peered into the dark afraid to take the leap
Not knowing where I’d land…not knowing if I can
Just step out fearlessly

Chorus

But when I close my eyes and leap I fall into your arms
You give me all I ever need—safe haven from life’s storms
Knowing that you’re always near—such sweet security
Just on the other side of fear I find a love that sets me free

Verse 2

Waiting for a sign...searching for the light
Not seeing all the time the treasure here inside
All I have to do is fully trust in you
And your love will pierce the night

Chorus

But when I close my eyes and leap I fall into your arms
You give me I ever need—safe haven from life’s storms
Knowing that you’re always near—such sweet security
Just on the other side of fear I find a love that sets me free

Bridge

Standing at the edge
I face the mystery
As I empty myself you fill me
In surrender you set me free

Chorus

©bobby watts 2008

Let Hope Float

2008-09-23T03:33:00.000-07:00

Beginnings can be scary
Endings are often sad
It’s the stuff in the middle that matters
That’s where we find love at

So with each new beginning
As we reach a fork in the road
Take time to pause and remember
To make room to let hope float

Love can hurt you when you least expect it to
It can bruise your very soul
And despair can overwhelm you
In the fight to be made whole

Face the fear..reach out your hand
Dare to let love grow
Trust that someone really understands
And make room to let hope float

It’s not easy..this business of giving up
Your heart’s guardian one you hardly know
But surrender yields treasures..the reward is love
When you make room to let hope float

©bobby watts 2008

Make My Life a Prayer To You

2008-09-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

refrain
Make my life a prayer to you
A portrait of your love
Let me be a witness to
The life you offer us

vs1
All the years that I spent searching
For a peace I never knew
While with outstretched arm you waited
Calling me to walk with you

vs2
I can lose my way so quickly
When I turn my eyes from you
But your hand is there to guide me
Your loving presence sees me through

vs3
In the darkness your love lights the way
When the shadows fall you're near
Trusting in your love I live each day
Free of worry..free of fear

Bridge
The gift of your unselfish love
The promise waiting for our claim
The power poured upon us
As we call upon your name

©bobby watts 2008

An Army of One

2008-09-21T06:08:00.000-07:00

Resolute with heads held high,
Best and brightest of a generation,
Ready and willing to give their lives,
For the cause of liberation.

Fighting for freedom and liberty,
These young heroes of our great nation,
Sharing a special camaraderie,
Joined as one to achieve their mission.

Always with us in our prayers and reveries,
Evoking a smile, a tear,
As they fight with honor and bravery
For the values we hold dear.

©bobby watts 2008- Dedicated to his son:
Luke Watts - 82 Airborne Division and to ALL who serve.

Dreams

2008-09-21T05:56:00.000-07:00

Our dreams unlock the door
To a place we once called home
Where full of life’s sweet promise

Our spirits freely roamed

Back to a time when we still believed

In all of life’s possibilities

Our dreams can lead us

To a future all our own