CHARLIE DANIELS
STEEL WITNESS
(Chordant 51493)
August 6/1996
Produced by Ron W. Griffin
Charlie Daniels - vocal/guitar/fiddle/mandolin
Bruce Ray Brown, Chris Wormer - guitar
Charlie Hayward - bass
Jack Gavin - drums/percussion
Joel Taz DiGregorio, Carl Marsh, Dale Rossington - keyboards
Vocals:
Bob Carlisle, Carolyn Corlew, Guy Penrod, Regina McCrary, Angela Wright,
The Fairfield Four, The Cox Family, Christ Church Choir
1.
IT'S HAPPENING NOW
(Charlie Daniels)
« © '96 Songs Of Universal, BMI / Uneasy Writer Music, BMI »
All of my life I've been hearing that Jesus is coming back some day
For two thousand years the world's been waiting he just told us to watch and pray
We don't know the minute nor the hour but the signs that the Bible speaks about
All point to the day of his returning (it's happening now)
We may be the raptured generation rumors of war are in the air
Nation in rising against nation false messiahs are appearing everywhere
The word's bein' preached to all the nations
There's famine and flood earthquakes and drought
The Jews have gone back to claim Jerusalem (it's happening now)
(Let the righteous rejoice at the sound of his voice let the word be proclaimed)
Let the word be proclaimed
(Let the message be sent to receive and repent for he's coming again)
Coming again
[ guitar ]
(Let the righteous rejoice at the sound of his voice...
The hands on the clock are moving faster mumanity's sun is going down
With each passing day the time grows shorter and shorter and shorter and shorter
(It's happening now it's happening now)
**********
2.
NEW PHARISEES
(Charlie Daniels)
« © '96 Songs Of Universal, BMI / Uneasy Writer Music, BMI »
They go walking into church every Sunday morning
They the self-appointed sin patrol
Well they whisper and they gossip behind the back
Of anybody that they can't control
See that girl in the choir she's got evil desires
She must be drinking from the devil's well
She's a downright disgrace with that paint on her face
She looks just like a Jezebel
And they're running around putting everybody down
What are you trying to do
You need to pick up the Book and take another look
Cause brother I've got the news for you
You know Jesus was sent with a new covenant and he even died for you
New pharisees like a fatal disease
Always flapping your jaws trying to live by the law
You see that boy over there with that long shaggy hair
Ought to be ashamed of hisself
He wearing hip-hop clothes got a ring in his nose
Don't he know he going straight to hell
And then yesterday morning me and sister Johnson
Were talkin' on the party line
She said that Deacon Brown was having dinner downtown
Somebody seen him with a glass of wine
And you act so righteous and you look so pious
You always pay your tithe
But there's a rock in your heart and a fire on your tongue
And there ain't no love in your eyes
Bad news is begotten and the devil is smiling you gossip and you criticize
New pharisees like a fatal disease
Always flapping your jaws trying to live by the law
Well you can't get by the law so quit flapping your jaws
New pharisees yes you're a lot like me
**********
3.
SOMEBODY WAS PRAYIN' FOR ME
(Charlie Daniels)
« © '96 Songs Of Universal, BMI / Uneasy Writer Music, BMI »
Well the path to destruction's like an interstate highway
(Somebody somewhere was prayin' for me)
And like so many people I took it for my way
(Somebody somewhere was prayin' for me]
Well it's wide and it's smooth and it's easy to travel
(Somebody somewhere was prayin' for me)
And then all of a sudden my life came unraveled
(Somebody somewhere was prayin' for me)
Somebody (somebody) somewhere (somewhere)
Somebody held me up in prayer
Cause I was so far down I had to reach up to touch the ground
Jesus said if you believe (if you believe) just ask and you shall receive
(Somebody was down on their knees somebody was prayin' for me)
Prayin' for me
(Somebody was down on their knees somebody was prayin' for me)
I was on the wrong track like a runaway freight train
(Somebody somewhere was prayin' for me)
I was a rocking and a rolling my way down the fast lane
(Somebody somewhere was prayin' for me)
Any port in a storm any pleasure that pleases
(Somebody somewhere was prayin' for me)
I ran into a brick wall and his name was Jesus
(Somebody somewhere was prayin' for me)
Somebody (somebody) somewhere (somewhere)
Somebody must have really cared
I was lost and I was so alone that I couldn't find my way back home
I was standin' on the sinkin' sand (sinkin' sand)
Then he reached down his merciful hand
(Somebody was down on their knees somebody was prayin' for me)
[ guitar ]
Somebody (somebody) somewhere (somewhere)...
**********
4.
PAYBACK TIME
(Charlie Daniels)
« © '96 Songs Of Universal, BMI / Uneasy Writer Music, BMI »
The hero in the big white house shakes his head and moans about
The misery of his fellow man just as though he really cared
While the hand he holds behind his back
Conceals the truth from those he is deceiving
The camera rolls another reel while the robots on the hill
Are dashing madly to and fro smiling at the status quo
While in the secret smoke-filled rooms
They sell the very air that you are breathing
When it's payback time and you take that final ride
When there is no place to run to and there ain't no place to hide
The supreme court of the universe where justice is not blind
And no prisoners will be taken when it's payback time
Another day another knife another precious unborn life
Will never see the light of day will never run or jump or play
It's just another sacrifice to that greenback god of choice that you are serving
Their blood cries out to be avenged and someday you will cower and cringe
Where the books don't lie and the judge don't deal no high-priced lawyers to appeal
Where the verdict is eternal and you can't escape the sentence you're deserving
When it's payback time and heaven rules supreme
When your gold and silver's worthless and you stand before the King
When your nightmares are reality and there is no exit sign
And it's too late for repentance when it's payback time
[ keyboards ]
The sun comes up the pendulum swings and each new frightening morning brings
The children's cries the cannon roar more loudly than the day before
The wax of time is drippin' down from both ends of that candle brightly burning
A mighty shout a trumpet blast when the last is first and the first is last
The world is hushed and time stands still and the final chapter is fulfilled
The sky will part each knee will bow to greet the awesome hour of his returning
When it's payback time and the sheep are gathered in
When the role is called up yonder and eternity begins
When the wedding supper's ready and the faithful called to dine
Who'll be sittin' at the table when it's payback time payback time
**********
5.
HE'S NOT HERE
(Charlie Daniels)
« © '96 Songs Of Universal, BMI / Uneasy Writer Music, BMI »
Judas Iscariot how did you feel as you watched them take him away
And you Simon Peter what did you think when you betrayed him at the break of day
Did your heart break down inside from the bitter tears you cried
Did you think that all was lost as he hung there on the cross
Did you think he'd deceived you or did you believe
The things he told you just before he died why'd you run and hide
John the beloved where was your heart as you waited the lonely night through
Were you afraid now that Jesus was gone the Romans were coming for you
Did you cringe in fear and shock when you heard that fateful knock
And the shout rang through the room that he was not in the tomb
As you ran to the grave and entered the cave
And found the stone had been rolled away what did the angel say
(He's not here he is risen he is not among the dead
He has sealed Jehovah's covenant he has crushed the serpents head
He has conquered death hell and the grave now the old debt has been cleared
He's not here he's not here)
[ guitar ]
Brothers and sisters where will you be when he makes his triumphant return
He's calling to you his salvation is free can't be bought confiscated or earned
Though your sins be scarlet red like the Holy Bible says
Come and stand beneath the flow and be washed as white as snow
Then join in the chorus proclaiming the joyous
Praises to the King of Kings lift up your voice and sing
(He's not here he is risen...
**********
6.
WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON
(Charlie Daniels)
« © '96 Songs Of Universal, BMI / Uneasy Writer Music, BMI »
Sneaking down the alley at the end of the block
They come to a door and give the secret knock
The door opens quietly and they all hurry inside
Well it's 2001 the year of our Lord owning a Bible is against the law
And if you want to praise Jesus you've got to find a place to hide
Just a few true believers in the middle of the night
Reading the Bible by candle light
They kneel down in prayer as the sirens are startin' to wail
They come and break down the door but nobody runs
The police hurry in with night sticks and guns
They put them in handcuffs and take them all off to jail
You say this is America we ain't got nothing to fear
But if something don't change you're gonna see it happen here
Land of the free home of the brave you'd better wake up before it's too late
Get ready to rumble put all of God's armor on
It won't happen in Washington it's got to be us
You know them politicians ain't got the guts
To stand up for Jesus when the battle lines are drawn
Whose side are you on
It's gettin' late but the battle ain't lost
He's raising an army at the foot of the cross
With the weapon of prayer and the everlasting power of love
It's time to take off the gloves change all the rules
Take back our streets and take back our schools
(Hey Satan) take your hands off America the beautiful
Don't worry about the darkness for we are the children of light
And we can still win the battle but it's gonna be a whale of a fight
Land of the free home of the brave you better wake up before its too late
Get ready to rumble put all of God's armor on
We're killing our babies before they are born
Stand up and be counted come and sound the alarm
Are you one of God's children or nothing but the devil's pawn
Whose side are you on whose side are you on
**********
7.
TRIBULATION
(Charlie Daniels)
« © '96 Songs Of Universal, BMI / Uneasy Writer Music, BMI »
In the Holy Bible it tells us of a day
When the beast shall walk among us and many shall fall away
Famine war and desolation nation rising against nation
Trouble everywhere you turn
As in the time of Noah in the days before the flood
Sin will cool the love of man and the streets will run with blood
Rape and murder grief and sorrow just like Sodom and Gomorrah
This world is gonna burn
I believe that we are living in the days John wrote about
The end times are upon us and of that there is no doubt
Get your mind out of the world and take your Bible off the shelf
Read the book of revelations for yourself
(Tribulation) I don't want to be here
(Tribulation) when that flaming star comes down
(Tribulation) when the seven seals are broken
And the seven vials are opened and the seven trumpets sound
As quick as lightning streaks from east to west across the sky
God's faithful ones will disappear in the twinkling of an eye
Many are called but few were chosen
Brother don't let your heart be frozen don't you want to go
This world will be in bondage under Satan's evil power
The antichrist will rule until that final glorious hour
When pain and sorrow disappear and God will wipe away all tears
Joy forever more
I believe that we are living...
[ fiddle ]
I believe that we are living...
**********
8.
JESUS
(Charlie Daniels)
« © '96 Songs Of Universal, BMI / Uneasy Writer Music, BMI »
Well I ain't nothin' nothin' but a sinner saved by grace
Cause Jesus loved me so very much that he took my place
(He's so good) well it should have been me up on that cross
(He's so good) and it should have been me who paid the cost
When I think of what he's done for me it makes me want to shout
(Come on Christ Church Choir tell them who I'm talking about)
(Jesus) he is the King of Kings he is the Lord of Lords
(Jesus) his words are sharper than a double-edged sword
(Jesus) he's the Messiah He's the hope of Israel
(Jesus) he is more wonderful than the human tongue can tell
(Jesus) the blind were made to see and the multitudes were fed
(Jesus) he forgave the woman raised ol' Lazarus from the dead
(Jesus) he's knocking on your door oh won't you let him in
(Jesus) when you drink His water you ain't ever gonna thirst again
You'd better listen to what the Spirit has to say
Cause when that final trumpet sounds it's gonna be too late
(Beneath the blood) is the everlasting light
(Beneath the blood) we are worthy in his sight
He's the lily of the valley he's the bright and morning star
Don't try to clean your act up you come just the way you are
(Jesus) He keeps His promises He'll never let you down
(Jesus) he'll stand beside you when the tempter comes around
(Jesus) he shed his precious blood to graft us on the vine
(Jesus) he healed the leper turned the water into wine
(Jesus) walked on the water and rebuked the stormy wind
(Jesus) told Nicodemus said you must be born again
(Jesus) his yoke is easy and his words are always true
(Jesus) gave me a brand new heart he'll do the same for you
(Talkin' bout Jesus)
He is my healer he is my comforter he is my Saviour he is my friend
He will guide me he will protect me all the way up to the end
(Talkin' bout Jesus)
God loved this world so very much he gave his only son for us
He is my rock I know he'll never change
He's comin' for me and Jesus is his name his name is Jesus
**********
9.
HEART OF MY HEART
(Charlie Daniels)
« © '96 Songs Of Universal, BMI / Uneasy Writer Music, BMI »
I was blinded by bright lights lost in the darkness
And sin kept my life in a whirl
Lust greed and money and sensual pleasures
Mark the boundaries of my narrow world
I was headed for hell but as far as I fell
Your spirit still followed me down
Then when I hit the bottom and cried out for mercy
You picked me up off the ground
Heart of my heart rock of my soul
You changed my life when you took control
Thy will be done God's only son faithful and true
Lord of all Lords King of all Kings
The sweet sacrifice of praises we bring
Worthy's the lamb all that I am I give to you
(Satan kept telling me that it was too late
I'd committed the unpardonable sin)
But I knew he was lying when I felt conviction
Tug on my heart strings again
I'm not proud of the past but I can't do a thing
To make up for the time that I've lost
Now my heart and my soul and what life I have left
I lay at the foot of your cross
Heart of my heart rock of my soul...
(I give to you heart of my heart)
**********
10.
DAY IN THE LIFE
(Charlie Daniels)
« © '96 Songs Of Universal, BMI / Uneasy Writer Music, BMI »
It was just another day in the life of planet earth
Twenty-four more hours going by
Traffic was heavy and there was a little rain
Babies were born and people died
Up in Alaska it was thirty-one below
Down in Miami it was hot
Honky tonks were crowded and the people partied on
In church a couple tied the knot
The headlines screamed about the rapid spread of AIDS
Famine and war were in the news
An earthquake shook some far off corner of the world
Another child had been abused
Then something happened in the twinkling of an eye
Some watched in horror as a plane fell from the sky
Trains ran wild and cars were crashing there were ships without a captain
Millions of people had just vanished from the earth
Panic and confusion were the order of the day
Grown men were weeping and some people tried to pray
A mocking echo in the madness seemed to say it's too late
And then a stranger stepped on to the TV screen
He said don't worry I'm the one
Who will bring peace to every corner of this earth
And now the world shall be as one
All kings and governments will give their power to me
I'll put a mark in your right hand
For three and one-half years the whole world was at peace
Then darkness fell upon the land
He went into the temple in Jerusalem one day
He said I'm God you all must bow
To the valley of Megiddo came the armies of the world
It looked as though the end was coming now
Then something happened in the twinklin' of an eye
A mighty trumpet blast and in the eastern sky
Came Jesus on a snow white horse leadin' heaven's shining forces
This is the hour of the final victory
The ones who wore the mark were shoutin' Satan you're a liar
As angels bound him up and threw him in the lake of fire
Praises to God's name were ringing all the saints were singing
Hallelujah hallelujah
(Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah)
**********