36. Simple Joys

 

 So today in the USA is Thanksgiving Day. Could there be a better day to post  thanksgiving song? "Simple Joys."

https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=14007864

I've heard other people respond when they are asked how they are doing say, "Better than I deserve!" When it boils down to it I am thankful for much the same stuff as everybody else. Family, friends, good health, good music and faith. I totally understand that when it comes to beliefs we are not all on the same page, but we all have faith in something, even if we can't put it into words.

I recently had the opportunity to take part in an interfaith Thanksgiving Service held at the Old Whalers Presbyterian Church, in Sag Harbor, NY. It was wonderful to share in giving thanks with representatives of Buddhist, Islamic, Jewish and various Christian traditions.

 
At the start of the service we were each asked to share something from within our own faith traditions. So I put on my 'Morrison' tartan tie (my family clan and expressing connections with the Scottish Presbyterian Church) and read out the words of 'Simple Joys' as a poem.

It was encouraging to afterwards have a few folk comment that they had found it meaningful. Quite a boost when your lyrics can communicate something without their accompanying music. But I do prefer the musical version!

The original was written quite early after I began my ministry with my first congregations in Wales. I recall sharing it a few occasions over the years. It really has been a lifelong privilege to be involved in the life and ministry of different churches and their congregants. I often feel extremely blessed... beyond what I deserve. Such is the nature of grace.

But... enough with the sermonizing. Just hope somebody out there enjoys the music and I hope it may be a prompt for some personal thanksgiving.

Simple Joys
Copyright Adrian Pratt 1985

For my home for my family
For all the special things You have given to me
The laughter of children
The warmth of sunshine
Everything you have done for this life of mine

Lord I want to thank You for the simple joys
The every day memories which no one can destroy
The life that You have given freely to me
Your light and Your peace which have set me so free
Thank You Lord for simple joys
Thank You Lord for simple joys

I'm nobody special
Yet You treat me like a King
Give me the song
And the ability to sing
Give to me my strength,
Give to my my health
Opened up my life to the treasures of Your wealth

Lord I want to thank You for the simple joys
The every day memories which no one can destroy
The life that You have given freely to me
Your light and Your peace which have set me so free
Thank You Lord for simple joys
Thank You Lord for simple joys

Forgive me Lord when I feel to see
All the blessings
You have showered down on me
Help me Lord to live my life for You
And walk in Your will whatever I do

Lord I want to thank You for the simple joys
The every day memories which no one can destroy
The life that You have given freely to me
Your light and Your peace which have set me so free

Thank You Lord for simple joys
Thank You Lord for simple joys
 

35. Nothing That I Need

 

Well. It may be a song every other week or so, but today... get ready to rock. 

"Nothing that I Need." Listen here:
https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=14512900

If a phrase strikes me as interesting or memorable I will sometimes jot it down. Might just turn out I can use it in a sermon or a song. Oftentimes such phrases sit around for quite a while till I rediscover them on whatever piece of paper or device I left them on.

I recently rediscovered in my notes a jotting that said '"You are not what I need but you are everything I want." I have no idea of the original context.

When driving in my car I have a load of my old LP's on a USB device that plugs into the sound system. One of my favorite albums growing up in the 1970's was 'Dog of Two Heads' by UK band 'Status Quo.' Those guys knew how to boogie.

When I looked at the phrase (and turned it around) "You are everything I want, but you're nothing that I need" sounded rhythmically like a Quo song from the 70's. So I plugged in the guitar, turned it up to 11 and indulged in some song writing time traveling nostalgia. Haven't rocked out for a while so some head down no nonsense mindless boogie time was well overdue.

It is not about anybody or any situation in particular, but it could be. lol. Read into it whatever you please.

For home recording enthusiasts the guitars are being recorded through an old version of 'Guitar Port,' an interface from Line 6, that allows you to plug directly into the computer and seeks to simulate various amps and speaker cab set ups. For sure the resulting sound is not as dynamic as a room full of Marshall cabs, but I'm sure the neighbor's appreciate me confining my rock concerts to my headphones.

Methinks though that I'd have a lot of fun performing this with a live band. But that is highly unlikely to ever happen. So instead... wherever you are.... time for some head banging. Enjoy.

Nothing that I Need

© Adrian J Pratt November 7 2022

Don't know where, you get the idea, that we could ever be friends,
Don't know when, you thought I was yours, but this is where it all ends.
I can see you, but I don't need you
I can see you, but I don't need you
Get away from me!

Don't know when, you got the idea, of chasing me around,
Don't know when, you lifted me up, getting ready to pull me down.
I can see you, but I don't need you
I can see you, but I don't need you
Get away from me!

You're everything I want, but you're nothing that I need
I don't like the way that you're bugging me
You're everything I want, but you're nothing that I need
Got to get you out of my life (repeat)

(Guitar solo)

You're everything I want, but you're nothing that I need
I don't like the way that you're bugging me
You're everything I want, but you're nothing that I need
Got to get you out of my life (repeat)

Get away from me!
Get away from me!
Get away.