Tag Archives: gig

Under the Shadow

So you know how I mentioned Friday I kind of maybe perhaps might have maybe written a song?

Well, here it is. Our band has performed it at our last two gigs, and I decided it was high time to share it with you all. It’s a simple lullaby that talks about the blessing of sleep and the protection that God brings–from the lions and tigers in the outside world as well as the evil and heaviness in our own hearts. As you’ll hear on the recording (live from last month), my friend Carrie is singing the lead, and I’m on harmony.

I can’t embed the audio directly in this post, so just click here to listen.

The song was birthed from an old tape from my high school days that I unearthed last fall, labeled in black permanent marker: “Mis Composiciones.” Most of the content of the tape was rather ridiculous, but there were a few treasures. So I took the good scraps of melody, put them together, and wrote some lyrics with the help of my wonderful and creative husband.

I’m tempted to say that songwriting is new to me, but it’s really not. What’s new is that I’m actually finishing what I start, and bringing songs to completion . . . and to the stage to share with others. For me, being in a band really helps give me the kick-in-the-butt style of motivation that’s necessary to put everything together until the final chord and final lyric is in place.

I’ll be sharing more with you here!

Under the Shadow

Concern thee not for the night
I’ll be by your side
and if you wake from bitter dreams
I’ll hold you close until morning’s light

I know we’ll be safe in our Father’s arms
though cast adrift in helpless sleep
he’ll guard us with his angels from harm

Safe beneath the shadow of his loving wings
comforted and guarded by the peace he brings
lulled to sleep ’cause I am in his hands

And lions from the pit
and tigers of the night
will flee before his sight
And every bitter thought
and every wicked deed
is taken off of me

Concern thee not for the night
I’ll be by your side
and if you wake from bitter dreams
I’ll hold you close until morning’s light

I know we’ll be safe
in our Father’s home
whatever ghosts may roam the night
he promised he won’t leave us alone

I know that I have fallen and forgotten
and I know I don’t deserve the Father’s care
but he chose to lavish me with love and grace
promised he would go and make for me a place
I belong with him forevermore

And lions from the pit
and tigers of the night
will flee before his sight
And every bitter thought
and every wicked deed
is taken off of me

Singin' and shakin'

I’m still getting used to saying the phrase “I’m in a band.” But I am. In fact, after months of anguish trying to name our little band (this involved multiple rounds of picking a name and then discovering to our chagrin that it had already been taken), we finally have one on lockdown. We’re just waiting to announce it until the corresponding website is up and running. In the meantime, you can check out Carrie’s music website and listen to some of her beautiful melodies.

Regardless of what we’re currently calling or not calling ourselves, music will be happening tomorrow at our regular once-a-month gig at CityGrounds coffee shop in Lincoln Park. The music starts at 7pm and we’re doing two 45 minute sets, so come one and come all if you’re in town. There will definitely be singin’ . . . as for the shakin’ part, probably not so much. I just put it in there to sound more interesting. I should also mention that the coffee shop has one of the best fruit tarts I’ve ever tasted. I will personally be snagging one during the break between sets, to the dismay of my vocal chords. Vocal chords schmocal chords . . . they’re not the boss of me!

If you’ve heard us before, don’t worry–you’ll be hearing some fresh material along with the oldies but goodies–the 3 new songs we inaugurated last month as well as 3 brand-spankin’ new ones.

Love you guys! If we can get a good recording I’ll make sure to post it for all you wonderful people.

Also, I, um, wrote some songs. More about that at a later date.