A few years ago, major-chain retailers decided to be politically correct by banning their employees from saying the words "Merry Christmas" to shoppers. It was replaced with "Happy Holidays", which means "Happy Holy Days". I guess the culturally enlightened smart guys at the home office don’t let etymologists play in any of their reindeer games. Rather than debating the silliness of that decision, it should be noted that many of these corporations have reinstated the traditional use of the Christmas greeting.
Did the merchandising barons have a Scrooge epiphany, awaking in time to make amends, taking the spring out of the Grim Reaper’s step? Hardly. Sales were lower during the seasons that used generic terms for this most wonderful (and profitable) time of the year. The numbers tell the story: the bottom line is higher when Americans are sprinkled with Christmas greetings while we shop. I digress.
It annoyed me to be welcomed with a mandatory "Happy Holidays!" by the rank and file, when I would have been warmed more with a heartfelt "What's up?"
So I wrote a protest song. Kinda my Occupy Nativity. And regardless of why we're hearing "Merry Christmas!", I hope this year you let it remind you why we can be merry. After all, that's what makes it a happy holiday!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
CHRISTMAS CAME TO SHOW THE WAY
Christmas Morning I Can't Wait To See
The Gift That's Hiding Underneath The Tree
Laughing, Sharing, a Moment Caught In Time
Living Pictures Painted In My Mind
I Find In The Eyes Of The Ones I Hold So Dear
The Reason For This Special Time Of Year
Merry Christmas Is More Than Just A Simple Phrase
And It Changes Not Just One But All Our Days
Like The Star That Burned Bright On That First Holy Night
Christmas Came To Show The Way
Every Morning I Can't Wait To See
The Gift That's Hiding Deep Inside Of Me
Loving, Caring, A Moment Caught In Time
Living Stories Written In My Mind
I Find In The Lives Of The Ones I Hold So Dear
The Love That We Must Give Throughout The Year
Merry Christmas Is More Than Just A Simple Phrase
And It Changes Not Just One But All Our Days
Like The Star That Burned Bright On That First Holy Night
Christmas Came To Show The Way
The Gifts We Give Though Precious Now One Day Begin To Fade
The Thrill We Feel Will Disappear Like The Snow That Melts Away
But The Gift That Lasts Forever Was Found Sleeping In The Hay
Given In A Manger On That Blessed Christmas Day
Years Are Passing Oh How Things Have Changed
The Dolls And Soldiers Have All Been Put Away
Still The Meaning Of Christmas Is Alive
Living Pictures In The Gallery Of Time
We Need To Find...
Merry Christmas Is More Than Just A Simple Phrase
And It Changes Not Just One But All Our Days
Like The Star That Burned Bright On That First Holy Night
Christmas Came To Show The Way
He Came To Show The Way
Written by: John MacManamy
Copyright: jmacmusic
Thanks Tori, Grayson, and Jacob for the recording.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Head On Collision
Some years ago I worked with a song writing coach (Penning is a recognized sport in a few countries). One assignment was to weave a colorful tapestry of visual lyrics with every line written. (See- I just did it there.) The idea of the song came at a time when life was as calm as a mountain lake with nothing rocking the boat. (I did it again.) Now things have changed.
Last month we were relocating to Texas. Before that we thought we were staying for good in Overland Park (Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore). Prior to THAT, we were convinced we were lifers in Charlotte. Predating those years, we knew we would grow old together and be buried in Ft Worth. We started in Norman, OK, and NEVER wanted to be there any longer than we had to. Every move was calculated to bring about the dream I carried in me. One terrific marriage, 4+1 great kids (another story), and many lifelong friends later, Patty has been the unsung hero to follow through it all, cheering me on.
Sooooo, here I sit, at the Starbucks in Hopkinsville, KY, with all our worldly goods packed in storage about a mile away. "What happened?!?", you ask. Thank you for asking. The simple answer is... well, there's not a simple answer. But now this song has come back to haunt me. Or inspire me. What was submitted as an exercise has returned as a blueprint. I've heard it said that you are the prophet of your own life. Thus, armed with a song and a hope, I'm going to boldly go where few men have gone before- I'm going to chase Patty's dreams for a while! This is her home town, and by golly, she's gonna shake things up like a $9 blender! (I don't even know what that means, but it's visual!) Stay tuned for more of The MacFamily Adventures.
Did I mention we're one hour outside Nashville, where I was born?
HEAD ON COLLISION
You might be uncomfortable with the lyrics, and that's ok. It's my story.
written by: John MacManamy
copyright: jmacmusic
V
Last month we were relocating to Texas. Before that we thought we were staying for good in Overland Park (Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore). Prior to THAT, we were convinced we were lifers in Charlotte. Predating those years, we knew we would grow old together and be buried in Ft Worth. We started in Norman, OK, and NEVER wanted to be there any longer than we had to. Every move was calculated to bring about the dream I carried in me. One terrific marriage, 4+1 great kids (another story), and many lifelong friends later, Patty has been the unsung hero to follow through it all, cheering me on.
Sooooo, here I sit, at the Starbucks in Hopkinsville, KY, with all our worldly goods packed in storage about a mile away. "What happened?!?", you ask. Thank you for asking. The simple answer is... well, there's not a simple answer. But now this song has come back to haunt me. Or inspire me. What was submitted as an exercise has returned as a blueprint. I've heard it said that you are the prophet of your own life. Thus, armed with a song and a hope, I'm going to boldly go where few men have gone before- I'm going to chase Patty's dreams for a while! This is her home town, and by golly, she's gonna shake things up like a $9 blender! (I don't even know what that means, but it's visual!) Stay tuned for more of The MacFamily Adventures.
Did I mention we're one hour outside Nashville, where I was born?
HEAD ON COLLISION
SUNRISE CREEPS INTO THE ROOM AND WAKES ME IN MY BED
CURTAIN TIME ONCE AGAIN AND THE PLAY RUNS THROUGH MY HEAD
AS LEADING MAN I ACT THE PART OF LIVING THE GOOD LIFE
BUT A COLD SWEAT IT COVERS ME AS I LAY IN BED AT NIGHT
C
(CAUSE I'M STARING AT A)
HEAD ON COLLISION BETWEEN WHAT IS AND WHAT COULD BE
THE REAR VIEW IS AN EMPTY MIST, AHEAD IS CLEAR TO SEE
IT'S A DANGEROUS DECISION CHANGING LANES AT SUCH HIGH SPEED
EVERYTHING IS RACING TOWARD THE HEAD ON COLLISION INSIDE OF ME
V
EVERY DAY THE SHOW GOES ON AND YEARS WILL SLIP AWAY
UNTIL I FIND THE COURAGE TO LIVE OUTSIDE OF THIS CAGE
EASY STREET IS NOT MY GOAL AT THE TOP AND ALL ALONE
AND I DO NOT WANT TO GAIN THE WORLD JUST TO LOSE MY SOUL
C
(BUT THERE'S GOTTA BE A)
HEAD ON COLLISION TO STOP MY LIFE FROM PASSING BY
TO BREAK THE CHAINS THAT HOLD ME DOWN FOR WINGS THAT LET ME FLY
IT'S A RISKY PROPOSITION SINGLE LANE NO IN-BETWEEN
EVERYTHING IS RACING TOWARD THE HEAD ON COLLISION INSIDE OF ME
BRIDGE
LIVING'S MORE THAN BREATHING
IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO JUST SURVIVE
I'M BRACING FOR THE IMPACT
AS TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS COLLIDE
V
IT'S A CRITICAL CONDITION
COMATOSE REALITY
TO THINK THE LIFE I'M LIVING
COULD BE THE DEATH OF ME...
C
HEAD ON COLLISION BETWEEN MY LIFE AND ALL MY DREAMS
I'LL LET THE PAST THAT HOLDS ME BACK COME CRASHING TO MY FEET
I'LL BREAK THROUGH THIS TRANSITION I KNOW WHO I'M MADE TO BE
A FREE MAN WILL WALK AWAY FROM THE HEAD ON COLLISION INSIDE OF MEYou might be uncomfortable with the lyrics, and that's ok. It's my story.
written by: John MacManamy
copyright: jmacmusic
V
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Another Man's Arms
Weddings make me cry...sometimes. Mine didn't. I was too young to have a clue. After nearly 3 decades of wedded bliss, I'm starting to piece together some of the concepts of this deal I agreed to as an almost-adult. When I said "I do", I didn't realize what I had done. The twists and turns, the highs and lows, the joy and sorrow, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat...sounds like a sports commercial.
Then come the milestones we pass along the way- the birth of a child, first day of school, Christmas mornings, inaugural bike ride without training wheels, white-knuckled driving lessons, graduations, goodbyes, playing ukulele for tips in Central Park...Wait! These are all about the kids! Well, there's plenty that center around just Patty and me, like.....umm........thinking.... I'll cover those in another post.
I digress- back to weddings. Tori and Grayson just celebrated their "married one/tenth as long as our folks" anniversary, and Patty and I just returned from my nephew's wedding in Detroit. I wrote a song for both of those occasions, so it seems right to share the one I wrote for a totally different wedding- my niece's. (Why certain things make sense in my head, I don't know.) Told by Daddy on his daughter's wedding day.
ANOTHER MAN'S ARMS
v
I cried as I held you in my arms
Seems I'd waited for so long
Now a baby girl had come to stay
Through times of joy and times of fear
Daddy's arms would hold you near
But something will change today
c
Like the rising and the setting of the sun
I always knew this day would finally come
When my little girl would find another hand to hold, not mine
She would give away her heart
And I will give her into another man's arms
v
We laughed as I'd swing you in my arms
I'd always catch you when you'd fall
My love for you will never fail
You're still my little girl right now
Dressed in your wedding gown
Like the princess in a fairy tale
c
Like the rising and the setting of the sun
I always prayed a special man would come
To be a shelter for her soul
Their love will build a happy home
She would give away her heart
And I will give her into another man's arms
Bridge
They will love each other as they should
And they'll have all the good things they deserve
I'm trusting God to hold them in His arms
c
Like the rising and the setting of the sun
I always knew this special day would come
When my little girl would find another hand to hold, not mine
She would give away her heart
And I will give her...Today I will give her
Daddy will give her into her husband's arms
Written by: John MacManamy
Copyright: jmacmusic
Sarah and Brad- I'm proud of you both . And Halee and Darrell and Ella!
Then come the milestones we pass along the way- the birth of a child, first day of school, Christmas mornings, inaugural bike ride without training wheels, white-knuckled driving lessons, graduations, goodbyes, playing ukulele for tips in Central Park...Wait! These are all about the kids! Well, there's plenty that center around just Patty and me, like.....umm........thinking.... I'll cover those in another post.
I digress- back to weddings. Tori and Grayson just celebrated their "married one/tenth as long as our folks" anniversary, and Patty and I just returned from my nephew's wedding in Detroit. I wrote a song for both of those occasions, so it seems right to share the one I wrote for a totally different wedding- my niece's. (Why certain things make sense in my head, I don't know.) Told by Daddy on his daughter's wedding day.
ANOTHER MAN'S ARMS
v
I cried as I held you in my arms
Seems I'd waited for so long
Now a baby girl had come to stay
Through times of joy and times of fear
Daddy's arms would hold you near
But something will change today
c
Like the rising and the setting of the sun
I always knew this day would finally come
When my little girl would find another hand to hold, not mine
She would give away her heart
And I will give her into another man's arms
v
We laughed as I'd swing you in my arms
I'd always catch you when you'd fall
My love for you will never fail
You're still my little girl right now
Dressed in your wedding gown
Like the princess in a fairy tale
c
Like the rising and the setting of the sun
I always prayed a special man would come
To be a shelter for her soul
Their love will build a happy home
She would give away her heart
And I will give her into another man's arms
Bridge
They will love each other as they should
And they'll have all the good things they deserve
I'm trusting God to hold them in His arms
c
Like the rising and the setting of the sun
I always knew this special day would come
When my little girl would find another hand to hold, not mine
She would give away her heart
And I will give her...Today I will give her
Daddy will give her into her husband's arms
Written by: John MacManamy
Copyright: jmacmusic
Sarah and Brad- I'm proud of you both . And Halee and Darrell and Ella!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
A Jealous Love
TO VIEW THE VIDEO OF THIS SONG GO TO:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Su3y1KEmKo
The pilot's voice sounded unsure, and his announcement was cryptic: "The Company thinks there's a problem so we'll be landing shortly". When you're miles above the ocean the last thing you want to hear is "...there's a problem...". The Company? How does The Company know that something is wrong with the plane I'm on?
Banking into the new heading, and after what seemed like an eternity, we touched down in Dublin. The full flight included our little American contingent returning home from a prayer conference in Moscow. Yesterday, I celebrated my 42nd birthday across the street from the Kremlin. Earlier today I settled in as the plane reached altitude on September 11, 2001. Now, I was one of hundreds of bewildered passengers, dragging luggage through and out of the airport, herded toward buses waiting to whisk us all to points unclear. The flow of travellers lurched obediently along under a shroud of some impending doom. Vague comments from cell phone users told of attacks, casualties, and terror.
Then, through the open door of an airport bar, we saw it. A suspended large screen TV displayed the video images that the world would soon be flooded with. Just hours after the attack, the endless loop had begun.
The next four days were spent in Ireland, while folks stateside looked for ways to get us back home. As we visited around the city, I was truly touched by the sympathy and outrage expressed by the Irish over the destructive acts of cowardice. Their desire to console and stand with us as brothers was genuine and overwhelming. Even in that dark day, goodness rose up in the most unexpected places and times.
This song was written shortly after returning from that trip. God said He is jealous about His relationship with us. It literally means He is impassioned about it. God goes so far as to say His name is Jealous. And He desires to be impassioned like that for WhoSoEver will call on Him. The juxtaposition of man's cruelty and God's mercy should never deceive us to believe His judgement precedes His salvation. God's saving grace is always extended and we are forever safe in the Father's arms.
A JEALOUS LOVE
When Dreams of Men Come Crashing Down
A Strong Tower of Hope Can Still be Found
God of Power God of Endless Might
Always Watching With a Father's Eyes
When Terror Strikes the Heart of Men
A Saving God is Close at Hand
God Will Save Who So Ever Will Call His Name
The Shelter of His Love Brings Sweet Escape
Every Nation Will Assemble
Evil Men Will Bow and Tremble
Before the Throne of God
My Father
Every Nation Will Assemble
Every Man Will Bow and Tremble
Before the Throne of God
As Night Surrenders to the Day
The Kingdom of Light Will Sweep the Dark Away
God Avenges God Defends the Just
Like a Father Who Guards With a Jealous Love
He's a Father Who Guards With a Jealous Love
And His Children are Safe in the Arms of His Love
Written by: John MacManamy
Copyright: jmacmusic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Su3y1KEmKo
The pilot's voice sounded unsure, and his announcement was cryptic: "The Company thinks there's a problem so we'll be landing shortly". When you're miles above the ocean the last thing you want to hear is "...there's a problem...". The Company? How does The Company know that something is wrong with the plane I'm on?
Banking into the new heading, and after what seemed like an eternity, we touched down in Dublin. The full flight included our little American contingent returning home from a prayer conference in Moscow. Yesterday, I celebrated my 42nd birthday across the street from the Kremlin. Earlier today I settled in as the plane reached altitude on September 11, 2001. Now, I was one of hundreds of bewildered passengers, dragging luggage through and out of the airport, herded toward buses waiting to whisk us all to points unclear. The flow of travellers lurched obediently along under a shroud of some impending doom. Vague comments from cell phone users told of attacks, casualties, and terror.
Then, through the open door of an airport bar, we saw it. A suspended large screen TV displayed the video images that the world would soon be flooded with. Just hours after the attack, the endless loop had begun.
The next four days were spent in Ireland, while folks stateside looked for ways to get us back home. As we visited around the city, I was truly touched by the sympathy and outrage expressed by the Irish over the destructive acts of cowardice. Their desire to console and stand with us as brothers was genuine and overwhelming. Even in that dark day, goodness rose up in the most unexpected places and times.
This song was written shortly after returning from that trip. God said He is jealous about His relationship with us. It literally means He is impassioned about it. God goes so far as to say His name is Jealous. And He desires to be impassioned like that for WhoSoEver will call on Him. The juxtaposition of man's cruelty and God's mercy should never deceive us to believe His judgement precedes His salvation. God's saving grace is always extended and we are forever safe in the Father's arms.
A JEALOUS LOVE
When Dreams of Men Come Crashing Down
A Strong Tower of Hope Can Still be Found
God of Power God of Endless Might
Always Watching With a Father's Eyes
When Terror Strikes the Heart of Men
A Saving God is Close at Hand
God Will Save Who So Ever Will Call His Name
The Shelter of His Love Brings Sweet Escape
Every Nation Will Assemble
Evil Men Will Bow and Tremble
Before the Throne of God
My Father
Every Nation Will Assemble
Every Man Will Bow and Tremble
Before the Throne of God
As Night Surrenders to the Day
The Kingdom of Light Will Sweep the Dark Away
God Avenges God Defends the Just
Like a Father Who Guards With a Jealous Love
He's a Father Who Guards With a Jealous Love
And His Children are Safe in the Arms of His Love
Written by: John MacManamy
Copyright: jmacmusic
Monday, August 29, 2011
Higher
The old guys from back in the day could really paint a picture. Like when Habakkuk wrote:
I see God moving across the deserts...
When he stops, the earth shakes...
He shatters the everlasting mountains...
You went out to rescue your chosen people,
to save your anointed ones.
As the reel turns in the theater of my mind, and there's one crashing realization.
I want to be in that last group- chosen. And since one day the picture will be plain for every man, woman, boy, and girl, it's a better idea to throw in on this side of eternity.
HIGHER
Your Love is Higher
Your Love is Deeper
Your Love is Stronger
Your Love is Freedom
The World Cannot Explain the Power of Your Name
The World Cannot Compare to the Life You Came to Share
The World Cannot Replace the Beauty of Your Grace
The World Cannot Behold the Glory to Unfold
Yet I Can Look into Your Eyes
My Shame is Gone, I Recognize
That One Man's Greatest Sacrifice
Has Changed My Life
Your Love is Higher
Your Love is Deeper
Your Love is Stronger
Your Love is Freedom
The World Will Question Why a Savior Had to Die
But the World Will Not Bring Loss to the Measure of the Cross
The World Will Breath its Last While All You've Said Will Come to Pass
And All the World Will Finally See Jesus Was and Is and Will Always Be
Yet Written in the Maker's Hand
Is Every Name and Every Plan
Before the World the Father Prayed
None Should Die and All Be Saved
Your Love is Higher
Your Love is Deeper
Your Love is Stronger
Your Love is Freedom
written by: John MacManamy
copyright jmacmusic
I see God moving across the deserts...
When he stops, the earth shakes...
He shatters the everlasting mountains...
You went out to rescue your chosen people,
to save your anointed ones.
As the reel turns in the theater of my mind, and there's one crashing realization.
I want to be in that last group- chosen. And since one day the picture will be plain for every man, woman, boy, and girl, it's a better idea to throw in on this side of eternity.
HIGHER
Your Love is Higher
Your Love is Deeper
Your Love is Stronger
Your Love is Freedom
The World Cannot Explain the Power of Your Name
The World Cannot Compare to the Life You Came to Share
The World Cannot Replace the Beauty of Your Grace
The World Cannot Behold the Glory to Unfold
Yet I Can Look into Your Eyes
My Shame is Gone, I Recognize
That One Man's Greatest Sacrifice
Has Changed My Life
Your Love is Higher
Your Love is Deeper
Your Love is Stronger
Your Love is Freedom
The World Will Question Why a Savior Had to Die
But the World Will Not Bring Loss to the Measure of the Cross
The World Will Breath its Last While All You've Said Will Come to Pass
And All the World Will Finally See Jesus Was and Is and Will Always Be
Yet Written in the Maker's Hand
Is Every Name and Every Plan
Before the World the Father Prayed
None Should Die and All Be Saved
Your Love is Higher
Your Love is Deeper
Your Love is Stronger
Your Love is Freedom
written by: John MacManamy
copyright jmacmusic
Friday, August 19, 2011
Just Like The Mountains
Epic. It's the new awesome. Although I have heard them both used in the same sentence...
Anyway, I'm not sure anything I have to say is either/or, but through these entrys I will share lyrics from songs I have written across the years. Some tell where I was; some reveal who I was. Some will sound confidently arrogant, others will desperately cry for help. Certain excerpts will come across kinda churchy, then some will bite with irreverence. I can guarantee a few that are silly or clumsy or juvenile. Most will be a finite attempt to honor the eternal Savior Who speaks to me in the cool of the day. Ah, those are the words I hope to share- the eternal stuff. That is EPIC!
Peter grasps this Greatness when he answers the scoffers who question "Where is His promise...?", to which Peter responds that, "...they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old...The Lord is not slack concerning His promises...". Whether mocker or true believer, we will all some day be quite astounded when we come face to face with the infinite Creator Who has no beginning and no end. And He knows your name...
I hope you enjoy turning the pages with me from the book of jmac. I believe it will encourage you to sense the grandness that is the God of history past, life today, and tomorrow's great and precious promises fulfilled!
JUST LIKE THE MOUNTAINS
verse
The Reigning King Of Earth And Heaven
Is Reigning Over Me
Reign Over Me
Forever
I Can See The King Of Glory
He's Great In Majesty
And I Bow My Knee
Forever
prechorus
I've Come To Worship At Your Feet
In This Holy Place We Meet
And I Will Bow Down
chorus
An Ocean Of Worship
Is Pouring From Heaven
Filling The Earth With Its Sound
My Heart Will Worship
And Just Like The Mountains
I Will Bow Down
written by: John MacManamy
copyright: jmacmusic
Anyway, I'm not sure anything I have to say is either/or, but through these entrys I will share lyrics from songs I have written across the years. Some tell where I was; some reveal who I was. Some will sound confidently arrogant, others will desperately cry for help. Certain excerpts will come across kinda churchy, then some will bite with irreverence. I can guarantee a few that are silly or clumsy or juvenile. Most will be a finite attempt to honor the eternal Savior Who speaks to me in the cool of the day. Ah, those are the words I hope to share- the eternal stuff. That is EPIC!
Peter grasps this Greatness when he answers the scoffers who question "Where is His promise...?", to which Peter responds that, "...they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old...The Lord is not slack concerning His promises...". Whether mocker or true believer, we will all some day be quite astounded when we come face to face with the infinite Creator Who has no beginning and no end. And He knows your name...
I hope you enjoy turning the pages with me from the book of jmac. I believe it will encourage you to sense the grandness that is the God of history past, life today, and tomorrow's great and precious promises fulfilled!
JUST LIKE THE MOUNTAINS
verse
The Reigning King Of Earth And Heaven
Is Reigning Over Me
Reign Over Me
Forever
I Can See The King Of Glory
He's Great In Majesty
And I Bow My Knee
Forever
prechorus
I've Come To Worship At Your Feet
In This Holy Place We Meet
And I Will Bow Down
chorus
An Ocean Of Worship
Is Pouring From Heaven
Filling The Earth With Its Sound
My Heart Will Worship
And Just Like The Mountains
I Will Bow Down
written by: John MacManamy
copyright: jmacmusic
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