UNFINISHED

I was stationed in California

Back in my Navy days

I went home to Oklahoma

But everything had changed

Something was calling to me

And it wasn't wanderlust

I left a treasure in California

I just didn't know what it was

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Was it a beautiful woman

A sunny heart, which touched my soul

Woven deep within me

That spread out, and took its hold

Is that what beckons to me

Leaving fragments of a whole

Is she why I feel unfinished

California gold

~~*~~

I struggled to find the bright side

Yet felt my spirit wan

Was always living like a novel

With half of the story gone

I wrote a friend in California

But had the address wrong

Somehow she got my message

Delivered by the grace of God

She said come to California

That's exactly what I did

I was better, but still felt wanting

Inside where desire's hid

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Was it a beautiful woman

A sunny heart which touched my soul

Woven deep within me

That spread out, and took its hold

Is that what beckons to me

Leaving fragments of a whole

Is she why I feel unfinished

California gold

~~*~~

Well, those threads she wove so long ago

The ends caught up with the start

And once they were bound together

Life became a work of art

I found my gold in California

We've interlaced our souls

Yeah, I'm living life on the bright side

She completes me, I am whole

~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~

Sometimes you just don't know

What is killing your poor soul

And you struggle through your life

In a blurry haze

But when the light shines through

And you have who's meant for you

Even the grayest skies are sunny days

While I wandered on and on

My prize was hidden in that fog

And I felt unfinished, all alone

I took the time to let it clear

And when it disappeared

I finally realized that I was home

~~*~~

~~~*Final Chorus*~~~

It was a beautiful woman

A sunny heart which touched my soul

Woven deep within me

That spread out and took its hold

Oh, she's what beckoned to me

weaving fragments to a whole

that is why I felt unfinished

California gold

~~*~~

Found my treasure in California...

California Gold...

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013
~~~Jason & Julie~~~

TAKE A CHANCE

It was late in August, off the interstate

I swear I saw a vision coming from the lake

I pulled my car to the side, but couldn't see a rig

Thought, I am mighty tired, or dehydrated

He stood in the sunshine, water running down

A body that could make a Queen renounce her crown

Never been the boldest person on this earth

But I wanted to go down there so bad it hurt

He used his hands to block the sun out of his eyes

When he started up the hill, I swear, I almost died

I rolled down the window, and he leaned on in

Said you look mighty hot, why don't you come and swim

~~~*1st Chorus*~~~

How often do you get the chance to really live

What kind of fool would go and miss a fate like this

I got out throwing caution to the burning wind

And when he took my hand, my body followed him

Every sense I had went into overdrive

I've never been so daring, or felt so alive

Every dammed hesitation, was released with him

How often do you get the chance to really live

~~*~~

I asked how he got there...Was he fantasy

He laughed, and said my horse is over in the trees

He asked me to go riding, but I've never been

Sure felt good in the saddle, riding off with him

We crested the hill, and rode on to his ranch

The chemistry was magic for a game of chance

I wasn't even scared, it all felt so right

Oh, I could live like this for the rest of time

~~~*2nd Chorus*~~~

How often do you get the chance to really live

What kind of fool would go and miss a fate like this

I got down throwing caution to the burning wind

And when he took my hand, my body followed him

Every sense I had went into overdrive

I've never been so daring, or felt so alive

Every dammed hesitation was released with him

How often do you get the chance to really live

~~*~~

My Daddy doesn't like the way that we first met

But I am still in Heaven, can't believe it yet

How I found an Adonis on a Sunday drive

And come the first of May...He will be all mine

~~~*FINALE*~~~

I've always played it safe...Kept myself away...When things got hot

I never stayed

Took a leap at chance...I rushed right in...Now I'll spend the rest of

My life with him

Run...Sing...Swim...Laugh...and Dance

If you really want to live

Sometimes...

Oh Sometimes...

Sometimes take a chance

~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson

Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

I HOPE THEY HAVE GUITARS IN HEAVEN

All through my childhood
I sat at my Daddy’s feet
He played Johnny Cash's 
“Ring of Fire” for me

I knew word for word
“A Boy Named Sue”
Thought... what a rotten thing
For a Daddy to do

I like to think my Daddy
Was waiting at the gates
Just to welcome Johnny
That September day….

And I hope they have guitars in Heaven
To accompany the Angel’s Harps
I would Like to think the gifts God gives us
Aren't left behind when we depart
I’d sure love to hear my Daddy play with Johnny
When the time comes to reunite
Yeah... I hope they have guitars in Heaven
To sweeten our eternal lives
~~~*~~~
Yeah... I hope they have guitars in Heaven
To accompany the Angel's Harps
I would like to think the gifts God gives us
Aren't left behind when we depart
I'd sure love to hear my Daddy play with Johnny
When the time comes to reunite 
Yeah, I hope they have guitars in Heaven
To sweeten our eternal lives
~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

BOUNDARIES

He felt the ground quake

Tremors traveled through his veins

He felt his heart break

On her finger, a diamond ring

He tried to hide it

But it was written on his face

The devastation

He thought that she would wait

And when she saw him

She  knew what her life lacked

She ran right to him

They didn't try to reign it back

~~~*1st Chorus*~~~

Sometime's love's so powerful

You don't care what's right or wrong

No one else exists for you

And you've settled for too long

And no one can make you feel the guilt

When your heart is finally free

You just say goodbye, take your love and fly

Busting through the boundaries

~~*~~

He took her with him

She left her ring with a note

They started driving

Would make their plans on the road

Her husband found them

In a motel along the way

He broke the door down

Took their lives in a jealous rage

And when the cops came

He did not try to leave

He said I loved her

It was the only way for me

~~~*2nd Chorus*~~~

Sometimes love's so powerful

You don't care what's right or wrong

No one else exists for you

And you've settled for too long

And no one can make you feel the guilt

When your heart, it finally bleeds

You just say goodbye, go and lose your mind

Busting through the boundaries

~~*~~

~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~

There are boundaries for a reason...

Propriety and laws

If you start busting through them..

The balance gets knocked off

There may be excuses..

Insanity and cause

But there is no turning back..

Once the boundary's been crossed

~~*~~

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Sometime's love's so powerful

You don't care what's right or wrong

No one else exists for you

And you've settled for too long

And no one can make you feel the guilt

When your heart is finally free

You just say goodbye, take your love and fly

Start busting through the boundaries

~~*~~



Teresa Lynn Johnson

Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

SWEET LITTLE RIDE OF MINE

I can't wait to get home and see her

It still floors me that she's mine

I think about it, my skin tingles

I'm in a frenzy by quitting time

The guys at work, all joke about it

They're just jealous of my luck

Try and act cool in their presence

Smile, walking towards my truck

I leave the parking lot, and giggle

I'm laughing down the interstate

Try to calm down, control my speed

But the truth is, I can hardly wait

~~~*Chorus*~~~

And there she is in the driveway

The reason I'm so obsessed

With her 427 V 8 engine

My 69 Corvette

Oh man she's such a beauty

And she stuns me every time

I thank God for Chevrolet

And this sweet little ride of mine

~~*~~

Daddy yells to me, in the driveway

Oh yeah, I still live at home

It's the only way I could get this car

And afford to pay back the loan

Daddy said, Son it's time to move

You're driving your Mama mad

You might want to find yourself a girl

Cause your Mama don't understand

Said you would, when you turned thirty

Gave your word, no turning back

I touched my car, shook my head and

wondered

Could a woman make me feel like that

~~~*Chorus*~~~

And there she is in the driveway

The reason I'm so obsessed

With her 427 V 8 engine

My 69 Corvette

Oh man she's such a beauty

And she stuns me every time

I thank God for Chevrolet

And this sweet little ride of mine

~~*~~

We met in sunny California

At a car show in L.A.

You can bet, matching Corvettes

Makes you hot on any day

My Mama's happy, I found a Wife

We got married yesterday

Her Corvette's parked next to mine

In our very own driveway

The mutual lust, for those cars

Fills us up, and overflows

We both think the other, walks on water

Oh...ya know where the excess goes

~~~* Lyrical Bridge*~~~

Yah! we do everything together...fit each other

like a glove

Standing at the sink, doing dishes, admiring

Our first loves

~~*~~

~~~*Final Chorus*~~~

And there they are in the driveway

The reason we are so obsessed

With 427 V 8 engines

Our 69 Corvettes

Oh man, they are such beauties

And they stun us every time

We thank God for Chevrolet

In ways we can't define

~~*~~

Mmm...Sweet little ride of mine...

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

I AM SHAKEN

Sitting on a stone…

A deserted field…

Had to get away…

This can’t be real…

Don’t have to close my eyes…

To picture him…

Trying not to cry…

Can’t hold it in…

I can’t imagine…

Please hit reset…

Someone is mistaken…

Oh......

Lord……

I am shaken

~~~*Chorus*~~~

I know the rules

I have lived by them

I've been... the best person... I can be

~~*~~

And I am trying

But nothing seems to fit

I want... you to give him... back to me

~~*~~

I don’t have to think

I can’t live without

The life… of the love… you have taken

I am shaken

~~*~~

Lord, he is my child…
Oh... he is my son…
Could you change your mind…
Your will be undone…
I am begging you…
My heart has bled…
Giving you myself…
Take me instead…
He’s Sleeping…
Please let him awaken…
Oh……
Lord……
I am shaken

~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~
You sacrificed your greatest creation
Knowing he would be with you in time
And though I do believe, I will share the same
I’m not ready to relinquish mine
I know he will be cherished, but I'm breaking
Oh... I'm breaking...
I am shaken
~~*~~

~~~*Chorus*~~~
I know the rules
I have lived by them
I've been... the best person... I can be
~~*~~
And I am trying
But nothing seems to fit
I want... you to give him... back to me
~~*~~
I don’t have to think
I can’t live without
The life...of the love… you have taken
I am shaken
~~*~

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

IN THE SOUTH

He walked up to the stranger
Said pocket that knife
If your blade nicks that tree boy
You’re risking your sweet life

Take a look at that old lady
Sitting there on the stoop
With her finger on the trigger
Of that shotgun aimed at you

Her Granddaddy grew that tree
From a tiny little seed
You won’t be carving hearts in it
But watching your own bleed

~~~*Chorus*~~~
Be on your best behavior
Always watch your mouth
Think about your actions
Know what your host’s about
Don’t dig yourself in so deep
There’s no way to climb out
You’d better mind your manners
In the South
~~*~~

He knew the boy was shaken
The knife fell from his hand
He said go on and pick that up
I’ll introduce you to my Aunt

They walked up to the Lady
With the shotgun at her feet
She said it’s nice to meet you
Ya’ll come sit with me

Glad I didn't have to shoot you
Bury you beneath that tree
Though I know it helps it grow
So tall and lush and green

He tried not to laugh while
The kid was turning white
She smiled, and said I like you
You’re so quiet and polite

~~~*Chorus*~~~
Be on your best behavior
Always watch your mouth
Think about your actions
Know what your host’s about
Don’t dig yourself in so deep
There’s no way to climb out
You’d better mind your manners
In the South
~~*~~

When the young man could finally talk
He said would you excuse me please
I have to find your Great Niece
Tell her that I must leave

I want to thank you for having me
She said Ya’ll come back
They were laughing on the stoop
The boy was moving pretty fast

He was smiling at his dear Aunt
Her eyes were shining bright
She laughed and said I swear to you
It gets more fun every time….

~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~

He had to hand it to his Daughter...
Acting shocked while the boy raved
She yelled I love you Daddy…
Then she winked at him and waved
Every time she set them up …
To carve in that old tree
It was a test for her young guests…
They failed miserably
~~*~~

~~~*Finale*~~~
Be on your best behavior
Always watch your mouth
Think about your actions
Know what your host’s about
Keep your wits, use some sense
And laugh if you know how
Always leave room for humor
In the South
~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson

Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright © 2013

SHE'LL ADORE YOU

What did she ever do to you

Why do you want to make her cry

When everyone has hopes and dreams

Why would you want to see hers die

It makes no sense, it just seems cruel

What did she ever do to you

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Reinforce her every step

Be her shadow and her lift

Always fan the breeze...for the wings she flies

Don't will her dreams to die

Raise her up...so she can see

Help her chase the star she seeks

Clear obstruction from her path, and lead her through

Oh...She'll adore you

~~*~~

Why would you want to hold her back

You know she's earned the right to shine

Don't be an anchor, let her sail

Be the force in the tide she rides

Lose your selfish attitude

And she'll adore you

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Reinforce her every step

Be her shadow and her lift

Always fan the breeze...for the wings she flies

Don't will her dreams to die

Raise her up...so she can see

Help her chase the star she seeks

Clear obstruction from her path, and lead her through

Oh...She'll adore you

~~*~~

~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~

When there's a crowd with a thousand fans

Cheering every move she makes

When the brilliance of her success

Leaps right off the stage

Her eyes will sweep the sidelines

With love and gratitude

You helped her dreams come true

And she adores you

~~*~~

~~~*Chorus*~~~

Reinforce her every step

Be her shadow and her lift

Always fan the breeze...for the wings she flies

Don't will her dreams to die

Raise her up...so she can see

Help her chase the star she seeks

Clear obstruction from her path, and lead her through

Oh...She'll adore you

~~*~~

Teresa Lynn Johnson

Wrdspnr@aol.com





THE MOONLIGHT

Oh …
She will always need the moonlight
As the sun steals back it’s day
She feels alone without the moonlight's
Gentle guidance of her way

And as the night surrounds her…
Moonlight keeps the dark at bay
She will always need the moonlight..
To chase her fears away…….

~~~*Chorus*~~~
She's a fragile soul
Sheds unfeigned tears
A life of ethereal wonders
True as she appears
She’s the flower’s petals
Wears a gossamer shield
Guarding her from darkness
The Coldness that it yields 
Please revere her deeply
Heed her fear of night
Wipe the canvas clear
For moonlight
~~*~~

Oh…
I beckon to the moonlight
To permeate the shading skies
Send it’s gentle glow upon her
When dismay does arise 

And she will find a smile again
Wipe away her tears for you
Delight in light, reflected off
The drops of evening dew…

~~~*Lyrical Bridge*~~~
Until the brilliance of the Sun... lights the canvas in the skies
Before the darkness and daylight.... have their chance to collide
Before the looming haze lifts... its veil to blazing light
Ease her deep foreboding with the moonlight
~~*~~

~~~*Chorus*~~~
She's a fragile soul
Sheds unfeigned tears
A life of ethereal wonders
True as she appears
She’s the flower’s petals
Wears a gossamer shield
Guarding her from darkness
The Coldness that it yields 
Please revere her deeply
Heed her fear of night
Wipe the canvas clear
For moonlight
~~*~~
Oh, oh, oh….the moonlight

Teresa Lynn Johnson
Wrdspnr@aol.com
Copyright ©2013          

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