Sometimes people ask me where I get ideas for my songs. The answer is as varied as there are songs in my catalog. But one thing that scares every songwriter is that this great new song that you've written is based on an idea that was subconsciously "borrowed" from some other, already famous, song.
So, that happened to me the other day. I wrote this song, and after working on it for a couple of days, practicing it, reworking it, I suddenly realized that a major part of the hook was from somebody else's song. You'll probably pick it up right away.
So, I doubt I'll ever record this one, but I thought I'd at least share the lyrics here...
I've been thinking a lot about joy lately, as I've been considering what to blog about and how to direct my life this year. I've also been going through some tough times. Which is probably why I'm so urgently looking for joy.
I started to realize that the whole opposition in all things is very much in play. With struggles comes blessings, with suffering can come inspiration and humility. Ultimately, after despair and futility can come love and forgiveness.
Anyway, here's the lyrics of my newest song of 2009!
Alleluia
By Mark Hansen
1/11/09
It feels like you're taking the hits one by one
You look for a plan and you're sure there is none
And your hope dries like water in the afternoon sun
You look at your life, "God what have you done"
But somehow it all works out right, just like He knew ya
Alleluia, Alleluia
Alleluia, Alleluia
The world is just full of bullies and fools
Who break into your life and scatter your jewels
They're selfish and spiteful, angry and cruel
You want to strike back, cause revenge is the rule
But still you pray for them in spite of all that they've done to ya
Alleluia, Alleluia
Alleluia, Alleluia
After all you've been through
You just feel like you've had it rough
After all that you've done
It still feels like it isn't enough
But then, life should be all about joy, you know that
Or do you?
The more that you try the more you feel less
Like all that you've made of your life is a mess
At the end of it all you're just left with a guess
If it was all worth it, if you made the test
And you'll stand before Him and you'll feel His love flowing through ya
Alleluia, Alleluia
Alleluia, Alleluia
MRKH
Mark Hansen
http://markhansenmusic.com
Great lyrics, Mark! (By the way, I have no idea which song you were refering to, but I'm sure yours is much better.)
ReplyDeleteMark,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Mariah Proctor and I work with Meridian Magazine (www.ldsmag.com). Right now I'm in the process of heading up a new section secifically geared towards the younger members of the church. I'm looking for people to get involved in various capacities and I was wondering if you'd be willing to lend a bit of that clean rebellion of yours to what we're trying to do. If you're interested or if you have any questions, email me at:
proctormariah@hotmail.com
Thanks,
Mariah
Thank you for sharing your lyrics! I'm learning to make the shift from poetry to lyrics and I appreciate examples to guide me. Beautiful message in this song!
ReplyDelete