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Lyric sheets for All That Matters by Bryan Field McFarland Track # 1 ~ Open the Gift
John Knox Center, Kingston, TN - 2005 We open our eyes that we may see / We open our ears that we may hearWe open our lips that we may sing your praise You give us the choice, the liberty / You give us the voice, the abilityTo open our eyes, open our ears, open our lips.
We open our minds that we may learn / We open our hearts that we may love We open our hands that we may serve todayYou give us the choice, the liberty / You give us the voice, the ability To open our minds, open our hearts, open our hands.
We open the Word of Life from you / We open the world around us tooWe open the way we follow you today You give us the choice, the liberty / You give us the voice, the abilityTo open your Word, open your world, open our way.
We open our steps that we may move / We open the door that we lets you in We open the gift you offer us each dayYou give us the choice, the liberty / You give us the voice, the ability To open our steps, open the door, open the gift. [2X] Originally intended as the third in a chain of three songs (You Are/Help Us/Open
the Gift), Open the Gift is my way of expressing a contemporary Celtic Christianity.
With all due respect to the writer/composer of Open the Eyes of My Heart, I'd
sung/led that song too many times. While I believe that we need our eyes opened by God, I also believe that MOST of our life is spent needing to open what we've already been given. So, Open the Gift is not only about counting our blessings,
but waking up to what we have and utilizing it for the good of us all.
Lyric sheets for All That Matters by Bryan Field McFarland Track # 2 ~ All That Matters
All that matters to the bottomline / Is that it all adds up to moreAll that matters to the waterline / Is how it laps upon the shore All that matters when we've run our race / Before the living from us scattersAre all the facets of amazing grace / Love is truly all that matters Side to side and up & down - This right relationship
Turned about and turned around - This gift, this life, this flip
Us & them and you & me - Climbing all life's ladders
Love is woven thoroughly - And love is all that matters
Jesus gave us this decree (Love each other) "Do this and my friends you'll be" (Love each other) [reference.] "Be at home here in my love" (Love each other) "Here on earth as up above" (Love each other) Love is patient, love is kind (Love each other)Love is in and through the daily grind (Love each other) Love endures beyond the chatter (Love each other)God is Love and love is all.that.matters. [reference.] Side to side and up & down - This right relationship
Turned about and turned around - This gift, this life, this flip
Us & them and you & me - Climbing all life's ladders
Love is woven thoroughly - And love is all that matters
The title track for the CD, All That Matters brings together a 20 year career in
professional ministry. I have served local congregations, campus ministries, and now
as presbytery staff in a Hunger Action position in the PCUSA. In all of that service, but mostly in my family I have learned (and still need to learn) that “God is love and love is Lyric sheets for All That Matters by Bryan Field McFarland Track # 3 ~ Lyrical Freedom Riders words & music: Bryan Field McFarland bridge lyrics: We Shall Overcome
It was Spring, 1961 - overdue change had yet begun. / It was time to test a federal law that stated.
“Public transit will admit all persons who are riding it / Regardless of color - no longer segregated.” But heads were turned when anger vented - the law was rarely implemented Despite requests to enforce Court ruling. unchedn May / that broke the ground and paved the way To integrate this land, however grueling. All through the day / Into the night Nothing had ever felt so right. It was almost theirs / And almost gone. All through the night / Into the day Freedom to ride, freedom to stay. They were almost there / And almost gone. In Anniston on May 14 fury flared like they'd foreseen Beating the riders and bombing a bus with fire.
They had trained to not retaliate - to bear the blows, absorb the hate. And from this road they never would retire.
Then, a student's call from Nashville came for more to ride in Freedom's name And nation-wide came fearless Freedom Riders.
Hundreds rode so ALL could ride – they took a stand seated side by side Freedom songs from lyrical Freedom Riders CHORUS Singing "We shall overcome / We shall overcome / We shall overcome.someday
Oh, I do believe / Deep in my heart / That we shall overcome.someday”
By June they'd been detained, arrested - their spirits sapped, their testing tested Even then. resolve was not decreasing.
From Parchman’s cells they sang the songs / With “eyes on the prize” to right the wrongs -Freedom songs of good news never ceasing.
Through hunger strikes & dungeon chatter / on they sang, & gettin' louder Singin' it out - "THERE ARE NO OUTSIDERS!"And oh, some hearts were finally altered / by those who fell and seldom faltered. Bound by the songs these lyrical Freedom Riders. CHORUS Lyric sheets for All That Matters by Bryan Field McFarland Track # 4 ~ Blacktop River
words & music by Bryan Field McFarland Massanetta Springs Conference Center in Harrisonburg, VA & Mt. Juliet, TN - 2006 I'm on a highway through the Shenandoah - sky so blue that it hurts my eyesI've got a cedar-topped box bound with koa Packed in the back with a week's suppliesI see construction cones in the lane ahead and it looks like I'll have to merge So I'm signaling right like a ton o' lead These other captains won't let me converge I'm on a rippling ribbon through the world today
I've got my windows rolled down and my hopes up high
I'll let this blacktop river roll my blues away
And I won't even need to know why
Yeah, it's a great day to live.a great day to die
Out on the road sometimes it gets so lonesome - all I can do is feel the windThe way stretched out in front of me can be so awesome Sometimes it seems like my only friendI see instruction in the heat off the highway like the Spirit is settling in Riding this knife edge - going my way. Life could stop. Life could begin.
Chorus
Death is just a door, just a passageway, just another part of being
All the lore ain't gonna scare me away
And it’s not that I'm foreseeing.
I'm good to go, but I would rather stay,
Cuz there's more here for me to get done
I've got this feeling now that death's my friend,
Not some frightening oblivion
I took a walk last night down by the river The stinging stars up in the Milky WayAnd as my leaf crunch steps made me shiver I caught a whiff of death in the Fall decayI see destruction looming in the days ahead These trees are gonna be so bare I'm reminded of what. No, there's "nothing new" anywhere! Lyric sheets for All That Matters by Bryan Field McFarland Track # 5 ~ Enough For Everyone
On I-40 between Greensboro and Clemmons, NC - 2007 The world would have us believe there's a scarcity.
Not enough for all of "them" AND you & me.
And the world would keep us afraid so we'll hoard it all.
While the truth we rarely see, but this is what we believe.
There's enough, there's enough / Enough for everyone
More than enough, enough for us / Enough for everyone [repeat]
How long will it take till "us" means ALL OF US? Planetary, universal – ALL OF US!?How long before we see what we throw away… And that thousands of children die each & every day. WHEN CHORUS
Yes, our cup IS overflowing, but we plow crops back into the ground. We can live our faith by showing, yes, we can turn this all around because… CHORUS
Upon learning aboutof theat a 2006 training event I thought, "Wow, that phrase sings!" Then, in early 2007, I re- read Walter Brueggemann's excellent articleand the Enough For Everyone phrase had some potential material for While driving to work one morning the chorus of this song hopped outta me and into my digital recorder. The gift of that chorus brought about the construction on the verses and bridge all the while asking, "What would Brueggemann sing?" God willing, Brueggemann WILL sing this song along with others as we work to make a difference in this all-too-hungry world. Here's a phrase that DOES NOT SING! Over 800 million people remain chronically hungry even though the world produces enough food for everyone. One of the numerous sources supporting this is It makes NO SENSE that we throw away so much food while there are - by even conservative estimates - 30,000 people who die each day from hunger/malnutrition. This is unacceptable in a world with enough! Providing backing vocals on the live, field recording are some of the Presbyterian Hunger Program's at a March 2007 gathering in Caguas, Lyric sheets for All That Matters by Bryan Field McFarland Track # 6 ~ The Broken Way
words: Tommy Brown & Bryan Field McFarland music: Bryan Hungtington, WV & Boone, NC - 2005 They walked the road off to EmmausAny road outta Jerusalem was really what they took It all had crumbled into chaosBreaking away meant getting on and getting off the hook Surprise and speculation as fear drove them away Hopes and plans had all but come unravelled Broken dreams that shattered now scattered them away And they broke away - they broke away – broke away ----
And they broke away - they broke away - broke away (a way)
He seemed so unaware of the news back on the streetA King cut down deposed and killed in anger His Broken tomb - once rumored now starting to repeat The stranger spoke with calm and clear convictionSurprised at what they said and what they still just could not see Pointing out each passage had prediction
Breaking down assumptions their minds began to free CHORUS
As they reached the outskirts at the crossroads They asked if he would join them - at least to come inside and eatSitting at the table passing bread loaves blessed - broken - given - open eyes - sight complete Suddenly he vanished from their presence Back and forth they chattered as their hearts beat and burned.
Now that he was gone so was their absence
Breaking for home was all that they could do, so they returned. CHORUS
Quickly they returned to the Eleven and their friends Hearing wild stories - even Simon said, “Me too!”Some stories never finish and others have dead ends This Broken Way continues on and on with me and youOn and on with me and you (repeat) Lyric sheets for All That Matters by Bryan Field McFarland Track # 7 ~ Call That Christmas words: Tommy Brown & Bryan Field McFarland music: Bryan
She took a yellow construction paper star from the tree at the Outlet mallTugged at my pants and at my heart with a request so sweet & small, and said "Dad we have so much already. There's not a thing I really need.
And there are so many stars on this tree.
Let's take 'em all and call that Christmas.
Let's take 'em all," she said to me.
“Let's take 'em all and give what they need
And share the love we've seen
Let's take 'em all and call that Christmas.”
What could I say - except okay - we took every single one of those stars She brought them home - this was not hers alone - her excitment catching fireShe worked all week - friends pitching in - giving up “Nintendo” time There were more important things on their minds Chorus
Christmas had become a time of getting what I think I needOf shopping more in crowded stores - of specials, sales, and greed It took a tug of tenderness and an innocent appealFor Christmas to become again what's real Like the smile on a face and warm embrace Giving thanks for family & friendsFinding that those needing food and clothes aren't that different from us in the end We thanked God for life's good gifts - remembering the reasonWith sights, sounds, and songs of the season Let's sing 'em all and call that Christmas
Let's sing 'em all - Don't you agree?!
Let's sing 'em all – give what they need
And share the love we've seen
Let's sing 'em all – and call that Christmas
Lyric sheets for All That Matters by Bryan Field McFarland Track # 8 ~ You Are
John Knox Center in Kingston, TN - 2006 You are our energy, our life, our religionYou are the songs we sing and life's deep definition You are the reason why. You are at every core.
You are the soul's supply. You are the evermore.
You are All in all. You are God above.
You are Life itself. You are perfect Love.
You are our confidante, our breath, our truest treasure.
You are our home, our jaunt, our life, our Lord, our leisure.
More than some bearded, old dude enthroned upon a cloud.
You're in the shared, the solitude. You're in both low and loud, cuz. CHORUS
You're in the cry of babies young. You're in the play of youth.
You're in sorrows as yet unsung. You're in our search for truth.
You're in our times of deep despair. You're in our aging eyes.
You're in our jump from here to there. You're in that next surprise, cuz. CHORUS
Lyric sheets for All That Matters by Bryan Field McFarland Track # 9 ~ Help Us
Help us find our rhythm while we walk this roadHelp us keep it level while we bear this load Hope springs up inside us from the many seeds you’ve sowedHelp us find our rhythm while we walk this road Help us, Lord, help us!
Help us, Lord, help us!
Help us hear your quiet. Still and small your voiceHelp us keep a diet with each daily choice Dreams convey your message ‘midst the latest noise
Help us hear your quiet. Still and small your voice Chorus
Help us when we're broken – your healing streams abound Help us before we've spoken the right words to have foundRoot us to the present when we find no ground Help us when we're broken – your healing streams abound Chorus
Help us see the sunrise - new each dawning day Help us wake and be wise - no longer to delayLove is here to guide us whatever comes our way Help us see the sunrise - new each dawning day Chorus
Lyric sheets for All That Matters by Bryan Field McFarland Track # 10 ~ Get Back Behind Me lyrics: Todd Hester & Bryan Field McFarland music: Bryan
Jesus and his disciples out for a walk one day And Jesus asked, "Who do folks say I am?" "Some say John the Baptizer. Elijah others say." Peter said, "You're anointed by the Great I AM." Jesus said, "Not a word 'bout this, keep it quiet, try to take it in." Then he proceeded to tell them all how it would be.
And with Jesus talkin' 'bout trial, rejection and sufferin' Peter hollered, "No way!" Jesus said, "Get behind me." Get back, get back there. You better get back, get back there
You better get back. Get back behind me. [repeat]
Now, folks we keep a-thinkin' it's all about Easy Street. Road signs pointing up and out of our pain.
Cuz all life's highways leave us with tired and blistered feet.
But there's an even high-er way where loss is reckoned gain. [Phillipians 3:7] Life ain't about the power, the money or the fame.
It's about the things that we can't lose that easily Oh, those who lead in times like these follow in Jesus' name.
We look back & say, "No way!" Jesus says "Get behind me!" Chorus
So, Jesus and his disciples out for a walk one day Still talking about how everything's gonna be.
And Jesus says he ain't some path where troubles just melt away.
"Get ahead," promises Easy Street. Jesus says, "Get behind me." Chorus
Lyric sheets for All That Matters by Bryan Field McFarland Track # 11 ~ What I Want
Huntington, WV & Gallatin, TN – 2004 & 2005 Late one night there in my bed asking God for daily breadI asked God what God would want instead. And this is what God said. I want joy. I want peace. I want the knowledge of my diversity to increase. I want home. I want love. I want to know that I’m generally well thought of. And I want families to thrive. For all to know that I’m alive. And I want food, clothing, and shelter for all people. That’s what I want…thanks for asking.
That’s what I want… thank you for asking.
I want you. I want them. I want that new video by REM. I want the Cubs to win it all. I want folks to recognize there’s more to life than NASCAR and football. I want war to go away. I want sunsets by Monet. And I want fireside warmth for everyone who’s chilled. I want the taste of honeydew. I want my black belt in Kung Fu.
And I want pay that’s right in line with someone’s skills. CHORUS
I want the best possible gas mileage from brand new cars. I want life. I want smiles. I want everyone to know the difference between gators and crocodiles. I want greed to go to hell. I want a nice White Zinfandel to sip at night with friends around the hearth. And I want yes to mean yes. I want no to just mean no. And I want the best for all creatures on the earth. CHORUS
I want songs. I want art. I wanna understand the philosophy of Rene Descartes. I want love to win the day. I want hope to be felt by everyone in every way. I want cooperation plus between the peoples of this earth. ‘Cause no one’s got it all right. No, not one. And I want dreams to goad you on, to take you down the road you’re on.
And I want all to know I love them come what may. CHORUS
I want joy. I want peace. Hmmmmm, I want….
Lyric sheets for All That Matters by Bryan Field McFarland Track # 12 ~ Lyrica (Celtic Prayer)
St. Meinrad, IN – 1999 and Greensboro, NC - 2006 God above you to guard your head. God beneath you - the path you tread.
God within you and through you to be. God without you in all that you see.
God before you to light your course. God behind you - your ever present Source.
God around you in kindred and kirk. God astound you in culture and work.
Christ in our teaching. Christ in our cares. Christ in our preaching. Christ in our prayers.
Christ in our wounds. Christ in our pain. Christ in our losses. Christ in our gain.
With Christ we abide. With Christ we are pleased. With Christ crucified. With Christ released.
With Christ we’re perfected. With Christ unafraid. With Christ resurrected. With Christ we’re remade.
Through Spirit we learn allegiance. Through Spirit gain our voice.
Through Spirit, an end to violence. Through Spirit, the gift of choice.
From Spirit comes deliverance. From Spirit comes our best.
From Spirit comes our confidence. From Spirit peace and rest.
For God is Salvation, our Hope and our Friend.
For Christ, a celebration and praise without end.
For Spirit we bring our difference, our time, talents, all.
For God we sing our reverence. For God is All in all.
God beneath us - the path we tread.
God within us and through us to be.

Source: http://www.bryanfield.net/files/ATMLyricsforwebsite.pdf