THE FOUNDATION

The foundation

Braced against the storms

Never wavered

Relented or conformed

The foundation

Solid and unmoved

Was impassive

To hardship raging through

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Every beam in a structure

Has a reason to be there

They don’t last forever

But longer with your care

Tend every block and slab

Of concrete that you pour

Nurture your foundation

Or it won’t be there anymore

~~*~~

The foundation…

With all its cracks and scars

Has sustained us

The burdens that we are

The foundation

We've lived and grown upon

Finally weakens

We’ll fragment when it’s gone

~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~

Look at the foundation

With the excess weight removed

It is resilient

Delights in gratitude

Oh, the foundation

True backbone of a home

Desires we build up

Foundations of our own

~~*~~

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Every beam in a structure

Has a reason to be there

They don’t last forever

But longer with your care

Tend every block and slab

Of concrete that you pour

Nurture your foundation

Or it won’t be there anymore

~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

FORGIVING HEARTS

The Harlow family was known throughout the country

Made of money, snobby socialites

They said old man Harlow would have flipped in his grave

If he knew who’d caught his Grandson’s eye

Pretty Kylie Mason was a farmer’s daughter

They were dirt poor, but hardworking proud

So her handsome new suitor could not understand

Her Daddy’s ire when he came around

Kylie wasn't welcomed at his family manor

Broke her heart with every barefaced snub

Though the weight of it all was sitting on their shoulders

It did nothing to deter their love

~~~*Chorus*~~~

They said give us what you've got all

Every worry and doubt

It doesn't matter what you think all

Guess you’ll figure that out

You can treat us like we’re damned fools

Try and tear us apart

There’s no room for opposition

Not in our loving hearts

~~*~~

Together they saved every dollar that they could

Knew they’d have to do it on their own

When they married, at the church, in late September

They both made their loving vows alone

While he worked at the harbor handling the freight

The Harlows chased all her jobs away

Her Daddy must have heard, he stopped by the cottage

And was yelling in her Husband’s face

~~~*Chorus*~~~

They said give us what you've got all

Every worry and doubt

It doesn't matter what you do all

Guess you’ll figure that out

You can treat us like we’re damned fools

Try and tear us apart

There’s no room for opposition

Not in our loving hearts

~~*~~

A fever came and swept through the town that winter

Both their families were stricken down

They closed up the cottage, went and nursed them through it

Took the fear to bring them all around

Their parents finally started pulling together

When they heard a child was due in June

Backgrounds disappeared like they never existed

As the light of love came shining through

~~~*Final Chorus*~~~

They said give us what you've got all

Forget the worry and doubt

It doesn't matter what the past was

Guess you've figured that out

Now you treat us like you should have

Never too late to start

There’s always room for affection

In our forgiving hearts

~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson

Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

YOU CAN WIN THIS WAR

Another long night looms ahead
Sitting beside the bed
Holding her hand and
Waiting for the worst

Guilt rips through your body
Because you want it to end
The truth is that you
Don’t want her to hurt…

Tears splash the floor...
And you beg
Please
No more

Oh... then the panic hits you
It feels like you can’t breathe
It battles with the
Let-her-go inside

You cry, baby please don’t leave
We have so much to do
Find the strength again
To win this fight

Tears splash the floor...
And you beg
Please
Once more

~~~* 1st Chorus*~~~
It reaches everyone
It’s a hostile feud
The steady conflict
Raging within you
Shattered and helpless
Can’t fight anymore
Now you must surrender
You can’t win this war
~~*~~

You haven’t prayed since childhood
Find that you've bowed your head
Folded your hands
Opened up your heart

Dear God I hope you’re up there
That you take your Daughter home
While I build my Faith
Oh, it’s a start

Tears soak your hands...
And you hear
Son
I Am

~~~*2nd Chorus*~~~
It reaches everyone
It’s a hostile feud
The steady conflict
Raging within you
Faith-filled or Doubtful
Open up that door
Follow God… surrender
You can win this war
~~*~~

Her spirit leaves her body
You can’t believe she’s gone
You wait for the
Burden of despair

But something else is winning
You gently touch her face
Though you know she’s gone
You can feel her there

As your eyes fill...
You answer
Babe
I will
Oh, I will...

~~~*Final Chorus*~~~
It reaches everyone
It’s a hostile feud
The steady conflict
Raging within you
Faith-filled or Doubtful
Open up that door
Follow God… surrender
You can win this war
Yes, you can win this war…
~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

LOSE YOURSELF

The skaters in the air, and gliding on the ice
The gymnast’s illusion,they were born to fly
Ballet, to me, the epitome of grace
The magic of music, taking me away

When Christina sings, my whole body feels
Transported to a world, where perfection’s real
While the country, around me, falls apart
I sink myself,  into the world of art

~~~*Chorus*~~~
Our beautiful country
Once fed and free
Is starving and controlled
This distresses me
When watching it die
Becomes too hard
I trade the hate of the world
For the Love of Art
~~*~~

That photographer’s canvas, took me to a place
I walked on his beach, while a pianist played
You can still reach the beauty if you choose to look
There’s Broadway, museums, and the world of books
Lunch beneath the trees, a walk around the lake
Breathing in the beauty, breathing out the pain

~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~
They can take away our voices, guns, and given rights
Leave me with my hearing, and the gift of sight
While the world rages on, with its hate and greed
I will rely on the gifted for my sanity
~~*~~

~~~*Chorus*~~~
Our beautiful country
Once fed and free
Is starving and controlled
This distresses me
When watching it die
Becomes too hard
I trade the hate of the world
For the Love of Art
~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright© 2013

ON THE SAND

Lying on the sand, a seashell in her hand

The storm was over, and she’d claimed her prize

She brought it to her ear, imagined she could hear

The waves echoing his last goodbyes

Her laughter rang across the waters

She stood up reaching for his hand

People walking by admired

The lone beauty dancing on the sand

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Your mind can defend your heart against

Memories that Break

The code to the combination

Of the vault

Where you keep it safe

If the barrier is broken

And the memory steals through

Your heart lies there defenseless

The mind sacrifices you

~~*~~

Lying on the sand, a seashell in her hand

Her body melting, as he claimed his prize

With lips at her ear, imagines she can hear

The waves echoing her lover’s cries

Her pleasure rang across the waters

The image more than she could stand

People walking by inquired

Of the beauty weeping on the sand

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Your Mind can defend your heart against

Memories that Break

The code to the combination

Of the vault

Where you keep it safe

If the barrier is broken

And the memory steals through

The heart lies there defenseless

The mind sacrifices you

~~*~~

Lying on the sand,  a seashell in her hand

The storm was over, and she’d claimed her prize

She brought it to her ear, imagined she could hear

The waves echoing his last goodbyes

Her laughter rang across the waters

She stood up reaching for his hand

People walking by admired

The lone beauty dancing on the sand

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

LOVE YOUR BROTHER

I am sympathetic to the people
Poor souls who will never make amends
You have to live every season
Live it like it will not come again

You can’t hang on to those grudges
They don’t hurt anybody else but you
And if something happens you don’t plan on
You’ll never get the chance to see it through

~~~*Chorus*~~~
So go out there forgive your Brother
Say you’re sorry it’s taken so much time
Find those friends who you once trusted
Tell them that they've never left your mind
You won’t believe the resurrection
This cleansing will give you in the end
Take advantage of the season
And live it like it will not come again
~~*~~

Can’t help but feel affection for the lonely
Those bodies who run away and hide
They’ll never know love or compassion
The very hungers that help complete a life
They never take the chance of disappointment
Without emotions they wither every day
Maybe this will be the season
You can find a lonely soul whom you can save

~~~*2nd Chorus*~~~
So go out there and hug your Brother
Say you’re sorry it’s taken so much time
Find those people who are lonely
Tell them that they're beautiful inside
You won’t believe the resurrection
This reach-out will give you in the end
Take advantage of the season
And live it like it will not come again
~~*~~

~~~*Finale*~~~
Reach deep inside you every person
Dust off the love for fellow man
Take advantage of the season
Live it like it's all you'll ever have
~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdpsnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

SEARCHING FOR THE FIRE

I know I’m not the only one

That has searched forever

Just to find someone

Who will set

Their heart

On fire…

Don’t want a cheat

Can’t stand a liar

I’m searching for the fire….

  Yeah...
I get hurt, beat down, and tired…

Searching for the fire…

~~*~~

I also know I’m not alone

Some have gone through Hell

Like I have done

Get caught up

In the

Wrong flames…

And when they fade

 You take the blame
You got burned, just walk away...   

   Cause…

~~~*1st Chorus*~~~

That one’s ignorant

He’s uptight

One’s just mean

Always wants to fight

He’s controlling

And won’t play fair

One’s a jerk

Wish I didn’t care

I get hurt, beat down, and tired…

Searching for the fire…

~~*~~

Sometimes I think what have I done

Did I somehow miss

That special one

Who could set

My heart

On fire…

Was it the friend

Whom I admired

Searching for the fire… 

      Oh…

    I get hurt, beat down, and tired…

Searching for the fire…

~~*~~
~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~
Well ...just brave the coals, and walk on through

Do everything that you have to do

Say to  hell  with  what's  transpired

And keep searching for the fire...
~~*~~

~~~*2nd Chorus*~~~

Not one ignorant

Or uptight

No one mean

Looking for a fight

Not controlling

That won’t play fair

Not a Jerk

Cause we've all been there

Some get hurt, beat down, and tired…

Searching for the fire…

~~*~~

~~~*Finale*~~~

I know I’m not the only one

That has searched forever

Just to find someone

Who will set… Their heart …On fire…

Still searching for the fire

~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

THE SERPENT'S HOLD

I don't feel good
The serpent has its hold
Of my body
It's embrace is cold

I was free once
We all are, when young
I wasn't shameful
Of the things I'd done

Now the viper
Wants to take me down
No strength to fight it
With my weakness found

~~~*Chorus*~~~
There are warnings flashing
I can hear my screams
Release my soul
And get away from me
Confining movement
And constricting life
I am it's victim
I will surely die
~~*~~

I was wasted
Fell on rough terrain
Struggled through it
And overpowered pain

Rose up the master
At least assumed I did
Here comes the serpent
From where the evils' hid

I was submissive
Knew that it was wrong
I faced the viper
The venom was too strong

~~~*2nd Chorus*~~~
There are warnings flashing
I can hear my screams
Release my soul
And get away from me
Confining movement
And constricting life
I am it's victim
I will surely die
~~*~~

I was strangled
By the serpents hold
Here lies my body
So condemned and cold

You remember me
And the fight I've lost
Keep your innocence
No matter what the cost

Avoid the vipers
Heed the horrors told
Don’t be a victim
Of the serpents hold

~~~*Final Chorus*~~~
There were warnings flashing
I could hear my screams
To release my soul
And get away from me
Confining movement
And constricting life
I offered up myself
Did not escape this time
~~*~~

Avoid the vipers
Heed the horrors told
Don’t be a victim
Of the serpents hold

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

REVIVE THE LIGHT

Lyrics to the music ~ ElevatoRaider by David Hanchey Jr.

http://www.myspace.com/davidhanchey/music/songs

23 

I am scared
I am scarred
Oh
It is the darkness
I’ve been followed
I am bound
And I am lonesome
Come back and save me
I am flailing~~~~
You don’t seem to be looking
I can’t see where I am going
Oh
I can’t see
I can’t see
I can’t see
Oh there’s blackness
Pure blackness
Haven’t witnessed the beauty
Since the day that you left me
Oh
I can’t see
I can’t see
I can’t see
And it’s terrifying 
Yeah
1:02 
Darkness pursues me, I’m desperately waiting
For you to come and take me from this Hell and to
Revive all the light lost
112
Girl I am begging you, begging you
Please be there for me ~~please, please, please
Girl revive all the light I’m missing
1:21
Scared
Please believe me I’m scared
Do not leave me 
In darkness~~~~~
Girl I beg you…
It’s so cold
And I am lonesome
Come back and save me
I am flailing~~~~~

!:38 - 1:51  UH’s and Ha’s to David’s beat

1:52 
I am scared
I am scarred
Oh
It is the darkness
I’ve been followed
I am bound
And I am lonesome
Come back and save me
I am flailing~~~~
2:11   (Split the syllables to accommodate beat)
Revive, revive the light
Take the dark away
I have begged you baby
To return and save me
Please revive the light girl
I won't ask you again
2:41 There is a horizon
Girl my heart is racing
I see dawn emerging
Need for you is fading
You were not the candle
It keeps getting lighter
Brightness is returning
3:15
Found out I’m a fighter
( COVER END OF I’M A FIGHTER) With….
                              3:19  My light’s been revived
3:20
My mind was in darkness
                     3:24 Yeah
3:25 Believed you were the light
                     3:29  My light’s been revived
3:30 You would not revive it
3:35 Did not need you girl
                        (comes in at along) 3:37 Oh baby I can see…
Oh baby I can see it
I can’t believe it Yeah
I just can’t believe that I did 
3:45
Oh I revived the light 
Yes I revived it alone……….
(split syllable again)
3:49    I   took   on   the   dark  ness
3:54     The light is  REVI-……   ……VED


Music by David Hanchey Jr.
http://www.myspace.com/davidhanchey/music/songs
Lyrics by Teresa Lynn Johnson 
Wrdspnr@aol.com  
http://LivingLyricallyTeresaLynnJohnson.blogspot.com
Copyright © 2013

YOU SHOWED ME

Oh…The sweet reverence
Touching off inside
Mmm…the pure splendor
Witnessed with these eyes

I am ever so thankful 
For your lavish gifts
Enhancing the glory
Found in the life I live

~~~*Chorus*~~~

I only saw the darkness before

I knew that light was out there

If I would just unlock the doors

When we choose to remain blind

To the wonders that God gives outside

No one can be blamed for our own faults…

But you showed me

Showed me I could have it all

~~*~~

Oh…In the beginning
Was a photograph
One single flower
So perfectly cast

I was totally captured
Could not look away
I wanted to touch it
I went outside that day

~~~*Chorus*~~~

I only saw the darkness before

I knew that light was out there

If I would just unlock the doors

When we choose to remain blind

To the wonders that God gives outside

No one can be blamed for our own faults…

But you showed me

Showed me I could have it all

~~*~~

I marveled at the grace
Each petal displayed
Wandered down a path
To a bench down by the lake

Stayed to watch the sunset
Wished you could see it too
I couldn't be more hopeful
As my life begins anew…

~~~*Chorus*~~~

I only saw the darkness before

I knew that light was out there

You helped me unlock the doors

When we choose to remain blind

To the wonders that God gives outside

No one can be blamed for our own faults…

But you showed me

Showed me I could have it all

~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

MUSICAL SOULS

Sometimes I feel 
Like the skies are closing in
And the pressure 
Is more than I can stand
On those days
It seems like I can’t breathe... 
It’s all hopeless
And I’ll never accomplish 
What I've planned

~~~*Chorus*~~~
Some say forget it, let it go
But I’m a musical soul
My lifeline is lyrics
To a heart of rock and roll
It's not a simple road
Dues must be paid
No easy way of life
When music flows... 
Deep in your veins
~~*~~

I have friends telling me 
To try and keep the faith
To quit making the hard times 
Seem so grim
And there’s my best friend
He comes to my house...door pounding
My unappealing ways don’t bother him

He Yells…
Man you need a shower
You stink to the Heavens
I’m not taking some smelly dude with me
Hurry up
Go get ready
I’ll dig through your laundry
See if I can find you something clean

Head for that bathroom
Or I’m going to drag you
It’s  high time for those rags to come off
We've got a new gig in town
We can’t do this without you
Come on pretty boy… it’s time to rock

~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~
The screaming of the crowds
Always turns me back around
That’s when the blues 
Lose their hold on me
My whole body is feeding off
The rhythm we’re creating
And I feel like I am flying worry free

~~~*Final Chorus*~~~
I can’t forget it
Let it go…
I am a musical soul
My lifeline is lyrics
To a heart of rock and roll
It's not a simple road
Dues must be paid
No easy way of life
When music flows...
Deep in your veins
~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

TALKING EYES

I remember when you pulled my hair

Waiting in the line

Followed me up the ladder

And shoved me down the slide

I was only six years old

So of course I had to cry

Took a lot of years to see

What was waiting in your eyes

There was the fifth grade

Recess at our school

We were playing baseball

You were trying to be cool

I know it was an accident

You didn't mean to make me fall

I was running to the next base

All you did was throw the ball

It wasn't that my knee was scraped

The reason why I cried

It was the hurt look on your face

And what I saw in your eyes

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Oh...Eyes do the talking

No sound has to be heard

I could see love reflecting

You didn't have to say a word

Oh...we were too young

I got up

I walked away

But I heard everything

Your eyes had to say

~~*~~

When we finished eighth grade

There was a graduation dance

I found you standing next to me

Knew it was not by chance

I admitted I was nervous

I had never danced before

It was the first time you held me

I kept staring at the floor

~~~*2nd Chorus*~~~

Cause...Your eyes were talking

No sound had to be heard

I could see love reflecting

You didn't have to say a word

We were still too young

The song stopped

I walked away

But I heard everything

Your eyes had to say

~~*~~

High school kept me busy

Concentrating on good grades

But you were ever-present

I got used to things that way

So when you didn't come to school

For three days in a row

I had to see what happened

Felt a burning need to know

I pulled into your driveway

Saw that your car was wrecked

I pounded on the front door

My heart a total mess

You answered it on crutches

Smiling in surprise

And I knew I was the mirror

To what I've seen in your eyes

~~~*Finale*~~~

Yes, your eyes were talking

No sound had to be heard

I could see love reflecting

You didn't have to say a word

Ready for your love

I won't ever walk away

Boy I've heard everything

Your eyes had to say

~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013