RISE Brent and Chris Original Songs
Lyric Archive
“Again”
~Brent Holl and Chris Zepp
It’s that time again
Time to trim the tree
Time to string all the lights up
Time for Christmas jubilee!
It’s the season of hope
When all is possible
Dreams of life as it could be
Hearts so full…
Could a little baby
Change the world?
Maybe if we let him
Come again...
Hope born anew
That all will be restored
Swords beat into plowshares
War learned no more
It’s the season of hope
When all is possible
Dreams of life as it could be
Hearts so full...
A tiny little baby
Sent to save the world
Could it be so?
Christ will come again...
“Blessed Are…”
~Brent Holl
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
If you’re happy and you know it sing a song.
If you’re happy and you know it sing along!
If you’re happy and you know it,
Then your face will surely show it,
If you’re happy and you know it sing a song.
Refrain: (for RISE)
Let us RISE up singing a new song
Let us RISE up singing all day long
Let your voices blend together
As we sing out loud and long
Let us RISE up singing a new song
Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
If you’re happy and you know it sing a song.
If you’re happy and you know it sing along!
If you’re happy and you know it,
Then your face will surely show it,
If you’re happy and you know it sing a song.
Let us RISE up singing a new song
Let us RISE up singing all day long
Let your voices blend together
As we sing out loud and long
Let us RISE up singing a new song
(Repeat)
“The COmmon Good”
~Chris Zepp
In this world where strife and hatred cause division with our friends
It is hard to find a vision that unites instead of rends
Politicians stoke division, talking heads just make it worse
So-called leaders chase poll numbers, taking care of their own purse
Our attention gets diverted, scapegoats blamed for all our ills
Immigrants and those of color, and the rednecks in the hills
Queer and trans folk, even women - we could all make quite a list!
Irregardless of our passions, everyone must coexist
But the church should be much different — for each other we should live
Looking not to our own interests, but instead to what we give
Can we take our love and caring into public, witness bear?
The Golden Rule we preach on Sunday, our world needs us all to share
The pursuit of earthly treasure drives us all to some degree
Yet the quest for wealth and riches will not lead us to be free
Jesus calls us to be giving, generous with all we own
Open handed with our bounty - needy cared for, justice sown
In this country, it is given — certain rights won’t be suppressed
Life and liberty and freedom to pursue our happiness
But our freedom doesn’t come free, obligation is implied
Liberty does not come solo — to our neighbors it is tied
Politics cause us to worry, what will happen in the end
It is tempting to believe that all depends on who will win
Yes the outcome can determine whether justice will be done
But no matter who’s elected, we still live by faith alone
We are called to love our neighbors even when we disagree
Work for justice, and for mercy — turn the “me” into a “we”
Then together we shall flourish, treating each as if our own
The common good shall be our calling — faith-filled values be made known
“Far Too Long”
~Brent Holl and Chris Zepp
For far too long, the world had dwelt in darkness
For far too long the people without light
And so God sent us a tiny little baby
A little child to inspire and delight
A little child to inspire and delight
The angels sang, the shepherds rejoiced
The friendly beasts gathered ‘round the baby mild
Wise men offered gifts of frankincense and myrrh
Mary and Joseph sang softly to the child
Alleluia, Alleluia
Alleluia, Alleluia
For far too long, the world had dwelt in darkness
For far too long the people without light
And so God sent us a tiny little baby
A little child to inspire and delight
A little child to inspire and delight
“Fragile” (The Christ Candle)
~Brent Holl and Chris Zepp
What were you thinking when you made yourself a child?
Instead of conquering might, you chose a baby meek and mild.
At first you needed constant care like any other babe.
You grew like countless other boys, and surely mischief made.
Then you broke upon the scene of synagogue and priest.
It was clear you wouldn’t rule; instead you'd serve the least.
You taught and healed and wonders made, soon making rulers scared
So they put you up upon a cross, no humiliation spared
Why did you save the world this way?
Sent as baby swaddled in hay?
So fragile, so precious, a gift freely given.
A child, a savior, from God in heaven.
And so you finally left this world the same way you came in.
A fragile, human body - just like ours, but without sin,
Yet somehow in this act of love, humanity was saved.
Hope and Peace and Joy and Love - all these and more you gave.
And so on Christmas we recall, the way in which you came
As one of us in human form, and so you lit the flame
A fragile light in fragile form, you’re presence here tonight
We celebrate as we light the Christ candle bright!
Why did you save the world this way?
Sent as baby swaddled in hay?
So fragile, so precious, a gift freely given.
A child, a savior, from God in heaven.
“Let Me Be This Little Light”
~Traditional / Karen Medley, arr. Brent Holl
This little light of mine…I’m gonna let it shine (x3)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel? *NO!* I’m gonna let it shine (x3)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Won’t let anyone blow it out, I’m gonna let it shine (x3)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
All through the night, I’m gonna let it shine (x3)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine (x3)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Let me be a light for Hope
Let me be a light for Peace
From the seas below to the skies above
Let me be a light for Love.
“Light of Love”
~Brent Holl and Chris Zepp
Light up the candles - hope, peace, joy, and love
All are essential, but the greatest is love
Love come to save us, Love divine
Love born as a baby, saving humankind
Love born as a baby, saving humankind
Love is patient, Love is kind
Love’s alive at Christmas time
The advent candle, light of Love
A gift to us from God above
We’re called to love in all we’re meant to do
People we’re close with and strangers too
Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes not
God is always with us and love is what we’ve got
God is always with us and love is what we’ve got
Love is patient, Love is kind
Love’s alive at Christmas time
The advent candle, light of Love
A gift to us from God above
A gift to us from God above
“Martha’s Blues”
~Brent Holl and Chris Zepp
Martha, you’re distracted - worried ‘bout all you do
And your sister, dearest Mary, doesn’t seem to have a clue
Jesus, won’t you reprimand her? Tell her to get up off her rear?
And help her sister in the kitchen so ya’ll can eat this year?
Take a deep breath, take a chill pill. Martha it’s your life
Mary is your sister - Forget your worries and strife!
Take a deep breath, take a chill pill, You can still do what you do,
But Mary, Oh sweet Mary, She’ll bring some peace to you!
Martha - Mary’s not the problem, she is right where she should be:
Sitting at my feet and listening, how I wish that you could see.
Won’t you come now, sit beside her? Hear the gospel here this day.
If you could let go - take a chill pill! - you might learn her better way!
Take a deep breath, take a chill pill. Martha it’s your life
Mary is your sister - Forget your worries and strife!
Take a deep breath, take a chill pill, You can still do what you do,
But Mary, Oh sweet Mary, She’ll bring some peace to you!
“Meet me in the Garden”
~Shannon Dove, arr. Brent Holl
Play me the Rock of Ages, You sing and I’ll turn the pages
Help me count my blessings, it’s gonna take all day.
Meet me down in the Garden, I’ll bring along this old guitar and
sit for a while and strum…
Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come:
'tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.
Play me the Rock of Ages, You sing and I’ll turn the pages
Help me count my blessings, it’s gonna take all day.
Meet me down in the Garden, I’ll bring along this old guitar and
sit for a while and strum…
___________________________
This arrangement contains the refrain of Shannon Dove’s, “Granny Mary’s Song” written for and about his grandmother. When Shannon discovered that my Grandma’s name was also Mary, he said, “Well, then this is our song, bro!” Shannon’s original version shares more details of his grandmother and her inspiration to his life. You can hear the full song and more of Shannon’s original songs at: https://shannondove.hearnow.com/dove-songs
“MOM’s Medley” (for Mother’s Day)
~You Are My Sunshine / Will the Circle Be Unbroken / Angel Band, arr. Brent Holl
(You are my Sunshine)
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away
I’ll always love you and be with you
I’ll protect you from harm’s way
‘Cause I adore you, you’re my dream come true
You’re my beautiful sunshine
(Will the Circle Be Unbroken)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by Lord, by and by
There's a better home a'waiting
In the sky Lord, in the sky
We are part of a blessed circle
Going back a long, long time
And we're happy to face the future
Holding hands, both yours and mine
I was singing all the night long
I was singing with my Friends
And we all can, sing together
Cause the circle never ends.
(Angel Band)
Oh come angel band
Come and around me stand
Oh bear me away on your snow white wings
To my immortal home
Oh bear me away on your snow white wings
To my immortal home
Oh bear my longing heart to him
Who bled and died for me
Whose blood now cleanses from all sins
And gives me victory
Oh come angel band
Come and around me stand
Oh bear me away on your snow white wings
To my immortal home
Oh bear me away on your snow white wings
To my immortal home
“Moses, Moses”
~Brent Holl
Moses, Moses rest your head
“You’ve got a big job,” the Great God said.
Moses, Moses, gather your strength
To lead my people through the wilderness.
Take them through the valleys,
Take them through mountains,
Take them many miles, that you just can’t count ‘em.
Take them through the sea,
Take them through the sand,
Take them to the shore of the Promised Land.
Hebrews, Hebrews rest your heads,
“You’ll be leaving soon,” Old Moses said.
Hebrews, Hebrews, gather your strength
You’ll soon have to travel through the wilderness.
Take them through the valleys,
Take them through mountains,
Take them many miles, that you just can’t count ‘em.
Take them through the sea,
Take them through the sand,
Take them to the shore of the Promised Land.
Moses, Moses take your people and flee,
Take ‘em on down to the great Red Sea
Moses, Moses hold your rod up high,
You’ll make it through the water high and dry.
Take them through the valleys,
Take them through mountains,
Take them many miles, that you just can’t count ‘em.
Take them through the sea,
Take them through the sand,
Take them to the shore of the Promised Land.
Moses, Moses, stand up tall
Your people need food, I can hear their call
Moses trusted God so well,
That sweet, sweet manna from the sky it fell.
Take them through the valleys,
Take them through mountains,
Take them many miles, that you just can’t count ‘em.
Take them through the sea,
Take them through the sand,
Take them to the shore of the Promised Land.
Hebrews, Hebrews what went wrong?
You built an idol and sang its song.
Hebrews, Hebrews tear it down,
I am the Great God, This is holy ground.
Take them through the valleys,
Take them through mountains,
Take them many miles, that you just can’t count ‘em.
Take them through the sea,
Take them through the sand,
Take them to the shore of the Promised Land.
Moses, Moses take my law
Give it to my people so they don't fall
Moses, Moses better be brave,
I am the great God, my people to save.
Take them through the valleys,
Take them through mountains,
Take them many miles, that you just can’t count ‘em.
Take them through the sea,
Take them through the sand,
Take them to the shore of the Promised Land.
(Spoken)
You know, this song is over
but the story never ends…
“Prince of Peace”
~Brent Holl and Chris Zepp
When darkness falls, pain returns, hope is all but lost.
For peace she would do anything regardless of the cost.
At Christmas time, she often feels like no one understands,
With fa-la-las and ho-ho-hos, it's more than she can stand.
Didn’t you come to bring release from all despair and pain?
Prince of Peace, Light of the World — come to us again!
You know sadness, you’ve conquered darkness, come to us again!
Prince of Peace, Hope for us all, come to us again!
When the calendar turns, his thoughts do too, and memories stir once more
Of times they shared and the way they cared, now gone forevermore.
At Christmas time, those memories bring grief and bitter tears.
For what’s been lost and won’t return for all his remaining years.
Didn’t you come to bring release from all despair and pain?
Prince of Peace, Light of the World — come to us again!
You know sadness, you’ve conquered darkness, come to us again!
Prince of Peace, Hope for us all, come to us again!
Every night we hear news of violence and strife
Oppression and fear fuel hatred and war, taking so many lives.
At Christmas time, we’re supposed to forget what makes us sad.
We smile, say “Merry Christmas”, and pretend that nothing’s bad.
Didn’t you come to bring release from all despair and pain?
Prince of Peace, Light of the World — come to us again!
You know sadness, you’ve conquered darkness, come to us again!
Prince of Peace, Hope for us all, come to us again!
Won’t you be our Prince of Peace again?
“Receive Love. Give Love. Repeat.” (RLGLR)
~Brent Holl and Chris Zepp
Receive love. Give love.
Let's keep the cycle going.
Receive love. Give love.
Repeat. And love again!
(REPEAT)
Love comes from the heart of God
and flows to all the earth
Each of us gets a piece of it
a gift that's ours from birth!
Receive love. Give love.
Let's keep the cycle going.
Receive love. Give love.
Repeat. And love again!
(REPEAT)
Love is meant to be given away
once love you have received
Love that's shared is thrice the gift
God, self, and neighbor pleased!
Receive love. Give love.
Let's keep the cycle going.
Receive love. Give love.
Repeat. And love again!
(REPEAT)
We come together to celebrate
and share the gift of Love
Love is a wonderful gift to share,
enduring for ever more.
Love is patient, Love is Kind,
Love never ends
Faith and Love and Hope abide,
The greatest of these is Love!
Receive love. Give love.
Let's keep the cycle going.
Receive love. Give love.
Repeat. And love again!
(REPEAT)
“Sing Hosanna”
~Traditional, with new lyrics by CWZepp
O give thanks to the Lord, we are bless-ed
O give thanks to the Lord today.
O give thanks to the Lord, we are bless-ed
We are bless-ed by God's steadfast love.
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
Sing hosanna to the King of kings
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
Sing hosanna to the King
Jesus rode into the city on a donkey.
Jesus rode into the city today.
Jesus rode into the city on a donkey.
Rode that little donkey all the way.
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
Sing hosanna to the King of kings
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
Sing hosanna to the King
Waving branches people shouted out their praises.
And they spread their cloaks upon the ground.
Waving branches people shouted out their praises
“Blessed comes he in the name of the Lord”
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
Sing hosanna to the King of kings
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
Sing hosanna to the King
“You Are a Gift”
~Chris Zepp
You are a gift to all the world!
Now go and be a gift!
Spread joy and kindness everywhere
Speak peace and justice as you go
Show love to all around
Show love to all around
Show love, Show love to all around!