Music

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Scroll down this page for more about this album and song lyrics.

All words and music by Joie Burchell (2001-2010).  All tracks recorded by Pete Wildman with Ableton Live software at the Upper Woodstock Spare Room Studio. (2009-2010). 

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ABOUT THIS ALBUM:

I have always loved making music, but usually I could think of someone else's song that said what I wanted to express better than I could.  It wasn't until late in High School that I began to think about writing my own songs.  As life has carried on, I have found myself increasingly in places where I don't have other people's songs to express my experiences and emotions. "Where is the song my heart longs to sing?"  I have found myself crying out inside.

For a few years in university I attempted to write a song here and there- but with little success.  I'd try to envision the audience and write for them.  And then one night a couple of years ago, I stumbled upon a recorded interview with Sara Groves, in which she said that she had realized that she needed to write songs just for herself - whether or not anyone ever heard them.   It struck me that perhaps I, similarly, just need to write - because God put music in my heart and has given me a desire to sing my own tunes about my own experiences.  So I began to write songs for me.  Truths I needed to remember, precious memories, thoughts I was sorting through - expressions of my heart in my own feeble words.  Songs come easier to me when they're honest and I am enjoying the process of learning as I go about song-writing, about life, about myself and my great God. 

Many of Sara Groves' songs have spoken to my heart in ways I did not imagine a song written about someone else's experiences could.  Even though she probably wrote them simply to express herself, her willingness to share them has allowed God to use her words and music to encourage me deeply.  In sharing my own songs, I aim for that - to encourage others and to allow God to use my 'heart-spoken lines' for His purposes and glory.

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MY THANKS!

This winter, my talented friend Pete Wildman very graciously allowed me to record my best efforts in his studio.  I spent a handful of hours recording my parts... and he spent about a hundred hours (!) mixing the songs and adding instruments that complement each piece.  He deserves all the credit for producing such a nice finished product!  I cannot thank him enough for his time, support and suggestions.  I learned a LOT from him about writing music while we worked on this album and I love the finishing touches he added to each song.  Thank you Pete!

I had fun writing the song "Why" as a conversation between two friends... but then I needed help to sing the other part so that it would sound right- so I asked Nicole Farley to help me out.  While she was already spending some time singing with me, I got her to play keyboard for some of the other songs.  She did an excellent job and I LOVE the way all the songs she helped me with turned out.  I could never have made the keyboard sing like she did, so Thank you, Nicole!

I mentioned to my friend Christina Guenther that I was putting together the cover and CD lyrics sheet, and she (being an artist) offered to do some sketches to illustrate my songs.  Every one turned out so beautiful and so I wanted to share them here.  Thank you Christina!

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LYRICS

1. Monsoon

The refreshing changes that flood Mussoorie during the monsoon season each year remind me of the Hope that Heaven will be in contrast to this Earth. (2007)

I glance around, uncertain, in a casual sort of way. And glimpse the crowds and trash-infested path with great dismay. Now search ancient religion for a Truth to pull me through, someway... somewhere...

Where Peace devours all like the monsoon, and Hope floods the future. There disappointment fades like dusty plains at the sighting of Himalya, Himalya.

Now plan each day so carefully and wince at each mistake. Your pain I can't erase but try to ease your deep heartache. Remind you who you are and the great difference you make, confident and quiet, still you know – that
Synthesized Rhodes Piano-Nicole Farley / Cello, Vocals, Guitar–Joie Burchell / Synthesizer (Tar)-Pete Wildman

2. Portraits of You
 (2001)
Sittin' in my room and I'm thinkin' of you,
can't help wonderin' now what you're goin' through.
Your constant warm smile, your dazzling heart –
you cared so intensely... yet now we're apart.

These are portraits of you that will not fade away,
they are etched on my heart, and like flowers in the rain,
our deep friendship will remain – through laughter, laughter and pain.

Your confident, gentle, considerate word,
your thoughtful attention of that junk that you heard,
and at this lonely hour, I'm reminded of you
who contends at my side pleading: “Savior, carry me anew.”

So take heart, do not fear, though the fog dims the mirror,
and you stare at yourself waiting patiently here.
For with God as your stay, you cannot drift away,
in the rush of the hour, stand firm now – remember to pray.

Take these portraits with you, breathe refreshed for today.
Leave the worries behind, dim though He lights the way.
In His strength reach out yet again, like you did for me, my dear friend.
Vocals, Guitar-Joie Burchell / Banjo, Bass Guitar, Synthesized Rhodes Piano, Drum Sampler-Pete Wildman

3. Heart-Spoken Lines
Dark days inspire me to run to Jesus – as 2 Corinthians 12:9,10 encourages me: “...when I am weak, then I am strong.” This song is dedicated to the friends God has graciously given me who look past my words and awkward efforts- and hear my heart. (2003)
Flooded with feelings, thoughts on my mind.
So empty of wise words, no eloquent rhyme.
Express shameful moments – yes past, but not gone.
They live strong inside me – burn all night long.

Strip away embarrassing memories.
Hear what I say, though I trip on the words.
Bruised, please stay, and peer deep inside me...
Don't let words deafen heart-spoken lines.

Now peer in the shadows, long for Your arms.
You carry me, weary, no longer alarmed.
Peace floods right through me, delight from Your eyes
brightens the dark path, softens piercing lies.

Forgive me, I'm empty, lost any charms.
Got little to offer, now battered and scarred.
But death opens pathways – unforeseen.
Life's fire burns bright – ignites my debris.
Synthesizer-Nicole Farley / Cello, Vocals, Guitar-Joie Burchell

4. Two Mugs of Hot Tang
(2010)
You cautiously step out your screen door, your eyes beg me come in. But I have come just for one reason - to greet you and welcome you here. Exchanging smiles and grateful glances, I have a sense of your struggles.  And I pray to my God - that He will hold on to you, Oh yes, I pray to my God that He will hold onto you.

I'm on time for the first time in ages - you warmly bid me sit down. We chatter about your location, the house, the school and the town. Somehow with such different pasts and futures, we're here together this moment. So I pray to my God - that He will call to you too, Oh yes, I pray to my God that He will call to you too.

My neighbor a year, here we sit now, two mugs of hot Tang and heads bowed. Uncertainties thunder as dreams unfurl and we voice our questions aloud. Sharing true heartaches and joys together, our precious friendship grows stronger. And we pray to our God that He will carry us through, Oh yes, we pray to our God that He will carry us through.
Piano-Nicole Farley / Cello, Vocals–Joie Burchell / Bass Guitar, Harmonica-Pete Wildman

5. Why?
My transient life has left me many 'deep, brief, real friendships' which raise hard questions and offer the potential for incredible joy or heartache. The outcome lies in what we choose to do with what we've been handed. (2009)
Q: Why didn't I stay there? How did the time slip away? Why didn't I ask you why? There's so much I didn't say. Would you forgive me? Now that I've gone my way.  Brief, deep, real friendship – mine? Such a gift I can't repay.

Oh why do these choices tear me apart? You were so true, yet will our friendship be scarred? When next will our paths cross? Life's just so hard! And why such pain from letting you into my heart?

A: I haven't the answers – but still I consider you my friend. Deep, brief, real friendship – ours – it's a journey without end. Of course I forgive you – on that you can surely depend. There's pain, but I'll tell you why: so we learn how to mend.

Q: I've so many questions, and long for you, my friend. I long to know that our sweet journey won't end. The distance grows larger, but hear my cry again: I see that my time with you was so well spent.

A: You walk through the valley, find yourself alone – chilled to the bone, abandoned and shattered, you groan. But I look back through this – to a time when you shone – bright like a star, and I know He'll carry you on.

Q: Why must I start over? Reach out to those lonely near? Risk all just to offer warmth, deep comfort and cheer? My own heart is aching – when will my pain disappear? Why should I give so much when I'm the one hurting here?

A: I treasure your friendship – I trust you'll push through these days. You've so much to give – so don't let this season slip away.

Why so many questions? Why so much cause for dismay? True friendship I offer, so why's there so much I didn't say?
Vocals- Nicole Farley and Joie Burchell / Guitar-Joie Burchell / Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Bass Guitar, Drum Sampler, Synthesized Rhodes Piano-Pete Wildman

6. The 'Haman' In Me
Inspired by Beth Moore's Esther study in which I learned that 'haman' means “wrath”. (2009)
I've been reading so much of Your promises,
filling my mind with Your Truth.
Now I see how fully my own angry spirit
needs washing done only by You.

So pour Your rain down upon me, fill me up from above.
Let my meanness fade away, Lord Jesus –
'till I overflow with Your Love.

You gave countless warnings, so many chances,
and finally, finally I answered Your call.
I deserve so much worse, but in Your gentle spirit,
You exchanged Your Son for my all... for my all.

When I'm selfish and proud and forget those around,
help me see the world through Your eyes.
Chase away the “me” that keeps clogging my vision,
come replace with good all You despise.
Vocals , Guitar-Joie Burchell / Mandolin-Pete Wildman

7. Never Be Shaken
Inspired by Psalms 34 and 112. Written for my son Will. (2006)
Your eyes sparkle with such unreserved delight.
You are precious and honored in His sight.
God will guard you from the terror of the night. 
When you tremble, He will hold you with His might.

Though you're nothing on your own, with Him as Father, you have all you need for Life.

Never be shaken, shaken, secure because of Love,
Never be shaken, shaken, descend peace like a dove,
Never be shaken, shaken, thrust all you have to God and carry on...
Although this life is tough, our God is strong!

Little one you rest so ignorant, so small.
You know no shame, no envy, strife, nor gall.
But someday you may stumble, even fall,
and on our faithful God we pray you'll call.

Now we pray God plant His Spirit in your heart,
bearing good fruit, to others, Hope impart.
Trust, obey, pray, seek wholly- from the start.
As you cling to Him, from you He won't depart.
Vocals, Guitar-Joie Burchell / Bass Guitar, Drum Sampler-Pete Wildman

8. Walk in My Light
Inspired by Colossians 1:22,23. Written for my daughter Annie. (2009)
Crushed in spirit, you may be. Brokenhearted, call to me.
Weak and hungry, taste and see that I am Good.

You stand holy, perfect in my sight.
You are radiant, beautiful, and my great delight.
You're my child, I claim you, now shine so bright!
None can find a fault in you – walk in my light.
Come and hide when you feel small. Though you stumble, I'll catch your fall. Listen carefully, I'll teach you all, for I am always by your side.

Hope I offer, Peace I give. Trust in me, and you will Live.
Heavy guilt leave here, for I forgive, Child of Mine, I long to carry you.
Vocals, Guitar-Joie Burchell / Acoustic Guitar, Synthesizer, Bass Guitar, Drum Loop-Pete Wildman

9. You Say
A song born out of a year of digging into God's promises. Especially inspired by Acts 3:19. (2009)
You say: times are coming, You say: You are near.
But distress and fear and loneliness crowd so close – I cannot see.

God of Might, rain refreshing times on me.
Clear this night, heal, restore and set me free.

You say that these troubles won't defeat me. You say, “Be Still.”

You say: I'll find rest in You. You say, “Learn from Me.”

You say: You will plant me in this land. You say: You'll provide.

So I pour my heart out at Your feet, knowing You will carry me.
God of Might, rain refreshing times on me.
Renew my strength, Lord, and show Your victory.
Piano-Nicole Farley / Cello, Vocals–Joie Burchell

10. Home Away From Home
Dedicated to Woodstock School staff and students. (2010)
Getting up in the dark to hike up the mountain for a Chukkar run.
Staying up too late – finish talking with close friends.
Have you seen the dawn light shine upon Himalayan peaks?
Listened to the cold breeze whisper through the pines?

Smiled at a stranger – stopped to thank the Sweepers for all they do?

Glanced up from your textbook to see a cloud creep through the window?

This is home, it's our home away from home. This is home, it's our home.

Rice and dahl in the Dining Hall,

learn to struggle up the climbing wall.
Slip down moss-covered trails in the monsoon rain.
Have you stared at the winter-line,
searched for shooting stars in the dead of night?
Sighted monkeys from afar and changed your destination?
Been so cold practicing sitar that you took it out in the warm sunshine?
Listened to the laughter of children playing games at tea time?

Someday when we've parted ways, we may chase a chance to return.
I pray that joys and tears from these years will remind us how we've grown,
here in this home away from home.
Vocals, Guitar-Joie Burchell / Banjo, Mandolin, Synthesizer-Pete Wildman