Gospel

Music

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Psalm 100

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Texas/Liberty

$7.00

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1.	Texas	Play			Texas TEXAS That hotel window Looked just the same As so many other ones Seen time and time again. I’d traveled every state I'd done my share N did not anticipate Any new sights here. Verse 2 But over that window ledge To my surprise I saw two men raising Two flags to the skies. They pledged to Old Glory And to a Lone Star. For God and Country And warriors’ scars. And I thought…Damm…they know how to do things right around here: They’ve got a flag to raise Got a God to praise Down in Texas. They do things right around here They’ve seen the light around here Down in Texas They love their Lord And they love their land They’re not too proud To take a stand For freedom Down in Texas. Those old flags’ splendor Filled my day Sending a message Of strength and grace When I came back that night I hoped to see Those two flags flying And inspiring me But they had been recalled Folded for the night Against rains falling Like tears I couldn’t fight. Sometimes it seems just like Sweet freedom’s gone But she’ll be flying high With tomorrow’s dawn. And I thought, Damm..we know how to do things right around here: Final Chorus We’ve got a flag to raise We’ve got a God to praise Down in Texas. We do things right around here We’ve seen the light around here Down in Texas We love our Lord And we love our land We’re not too proud To take a stand For freedom Down here in Texas. Lyrics
2.	Liberty	Play			Liberty LIBERTY Words and Music by Alexandra Lajoux (c) 2007 Jinkote sits in the cold waiting room His number is D409. First day off driving since June of 02 The meter says it’s his time ..in America. Is he a number Or is he a part Of my lofty heart beating true? If he wants to be legal To fly with the eagle I’ll welcome him home. Why don’t you? Oh America. Chorus Oh give me your hungry, your huddled, your poor Yearning to breathe free! I lift my lamp at that golden door I am Liberty. Hearts full of hope in desperate lands Dream of a better life. They’ll risk it all in a boat or a van To live among us or die.. In America. They’ll work 'n strive* day and night and pay their taxes Memorize our bill of rights Pledge to the flag from Old Maine down to Texas And send sons and daughters to fight For America. Is it true – all men are created equal? And is it true – they are endowed with the right to live free? And if so, where else can they go for the sequel To their longing but to me? (I am Liberty.) Oh give me your hungry, your huddled, your poor Yearning to breathe free! I lift my lamp at that golden door I am Liberty. Juanita sits in the cold waiting room …. *Alternate version says "clean or drive" instead of "work and strive" Lyrics

A song of praise for Old Glory and the Lone Star.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

$7.50

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My Country

$12.99

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1.	Borderline	Play	Borderline BORDERLINE Words and Music (c)2005 Alexandra R. Lajoux Verse 1 I had a love all sweet and shy. He couldn’t say I love you ‘til by and by. One fine day he asked for my hand. I gave him my heart, now he’s my man. Chorus 1 Swing your partner round and round, Up and down and back around. Swing your partner round this town, And dosy do back home. Promenade! Verse 2 I had a love in love with himself. Had 10 shiny trophies up on his shelf. He said I want you, but I saw in his eyes, He was lookin’ in a mirror for another prize. Chorus 2 Swing your partner round and round, Up and down and back around. Swing your partner round this town, And dosy do back home. Bordelay! Verse 3 I had a love on the borderline. His moods swung up and down all the time. One fine day he disappeared. Gone ten days, he was on tear. Chorus 3 Swing your partner round and round, Up and down and back around. Swing your partner round this town, And dosy do back home. Allemand! Verse 4 Well all three men are one and the same. My man’s on the brink; he’s plain insane. My heart swings up and down all the time. It’s love on the border’s borderline. Final Chorus Swing your partner round and round, Up and down and back around. Swing your partner round the town, And dosy do back home. And dosy do back home. Lyrics	Borderline Credits Please see full album credits for details. Notes Squaredance calls and world-class fiddling enliven this quirky love song. Info
2.	Heart on My Sleeve	Play	Heart on My Sleeve HEART ON MY SLEEVE Verse 1 Well you can see she’s dressed pretty as a picture, Brocade and ribbons, the best that girls can weave. But if you look real close you’ll see a worn-out patch here. That’s where she ripped off the heart that was on her sleeve. Chorus 1 Well she’s not wearin’ her heart on her sleeve no more. No she’s not wearin’ her heart on her sleeve any more. No she’s not offrin’ her heart up for love no more. She put it back in a cage like a dove. Verse 2 Now you can seem him right there standing at attention. A soldier boy who fights to keep us free. But if you look close at that place I mentioned, You’ll see he ripped off the heart that was on his sleeve. Chorus 2 Well he’s not wearin’ his heart on his sleeve no more. No he’s not wearin’ his heart on his sleeve any more. No he’s not offrin his heart up for love no more. He put it back in a cage like a dove. Verse 3 Well it reminds me of a poem my Grandad told me Whenever some true love and I would part. He’d boom it out from memory, then scold me; So here’s that poem Grandaddy knew by heart: “When I was one-and-twenty I heard a wise man say 'Give crowns and pounds and guineas But not your heart away; Give pearls away and rubies, But keep your fancy free.’ But I was one-and-twenty, No use to talk to me. When I was one-and-twenty I heard him say again, 'The heart out of the bosom Was never given in vain; Tis paid with sighs a plenty And sold for endless rue.’ And I am two-and-twenty, And oh, 'tis true, 'tis true.” Verse 4 Well the years have passed and my tears have been a flowin’ But when it comes to love, I gotta just believe. So if you look real close, you’ll see some blue threads showin’. That’s where I sewed back that heart that was on my sleeve. Last Chorus Well I’m still wearin’ my heart on my sleeve, my dears Yes, I’m still wearin’ my heart on my sleeve, I swear. Yes I’m still offrin’ my heart up to sweet, sweet love. It flew back out of that cage .. like a turtledove. Lyrics	Heart on My Sleeve Credits Please see full album credits. Notes We must keep loving despite heartbreak. Baez-like vocals, cello, and a suprise recititation from Grandad make this homey tune hit home. Info
3.	My Man	Play	My Man MY MAN (The Bookshelf Song) Words and Music (c) 2005 Alexandra R. Lajoux Verse 1 He was born on a kitchen table In a house made out of stone, Surrounded by a wheat field, Where he’d soon work sun to sun. In his home few words were spoken, And love songs, never sung. Mom and Dad fixed all things broken, But never kissed their little ones. Chorus 1 My man, my man, gets up at sunrise. My man, my man, works the whole day through. My man, my man, never looks into my eyes. He can’t love me tender, but he loves me true. Verse 2 On the day that we got married He was too shy to kiss the bride. So I shed no tears of joy then; I just looked at him and cried. He’s never said I love you, Or touched my back just so. So I look for passion elsewhere, Though it’s wrong of me, I know. Chorus 2 My man, my man gets up at sunrise. My man, my man works the whole day through. My man my man never looks in my eyes. He can’t love me tender, but he loves me true. He loves me true. Verse 3 Our house has many bookshelves; He’s building one more today. When we need to hold each other, He just looks the other way. So I say I’ve got a meeting With an old friend passing by. So he builds another bookshelf, While I tell another lie. Last Chorus My man, my man gets up at sunrise. My man, my man works the whole day through. My man, my man never looks into my eyes. He can’t love me tender, but he loves me true. He loves me true. He loves me true. My man! Lyrics	My Man Credits Please see full album credits. Notes Luxurious Spanish guitar laces confessions of a woman whose husband "builds another bookshelf while I tell another lie." This woman is not actually speaking to a priest, but she seems to be headed in that direction, through her love and sorrow. Info
4.	Just Not Now	Play	Just Not Now JUST NOT NOW (THAT SAD LULLABYE) Words and Music (c) 2005 Alexandra R. Lajoux Verse 1 Ev’ry drum roll has a last beat, Ev’ry show, a closing scene; Ev’ry song, a final chorus; Ev’ry film, a credits screen; Every book, a final chapter; Every night, its final hours; And every love must have an ending ..…even ours. Chorus 1 But just not now, I’m not ready for the tears; Not ready to say That G word, my dear. No not just now, I can’t bear to say goodbye. I’m not ready to sing, That sad lullabye! Verse 2: Now I know that you’ve discovered Just how jealous I can be. And you know that I’ve uncovered All those loves you hid from me. But although my heart is shattered, And although you struck the blow, None of that will matter If you promise not to go. Chorus 2 So don’t go now; I can’t bear to say goodbye. I’m not ready to sing That sad lullabye. No just not now; Though I know you’ve been untrue. Oh things fit so well, When they fit with you. Verse 3 Ev’ry day starts with a sunrise, Ev’ry symphony a note; Ev’ry journey with a footstep, Ev’ry dream, a little hope. Ev’ry heartbreak starts in loving, ‘Cause some loving isn’t true. That’s why my heart’s life story Begins and ends with you. Last Chorus So please go now. Yes, I’m ready for the tears. And now I can say, Goodbye, my dear. So just go now, go. With a little kiss goodbye. Now I’m ready to sing That sad lullabye. Yes I’m ready to sing That sad lullaby. Lyrics	Just Not Now Credits Please see full album credits. Notes Exquisite acoustic guitar blends with effortless vocals as a woman moves from brave begging to tearful yet tranquil resignation. Info
5.	One Shoe	Play	One Shoe ONE SHOE Words and Music (c) 2005 Alexandra R. Lajoux Verse 1 My first kiss? I really don’t remember My first date? I truly can’t say. My first love? I can’t help you out there. But my first drink Seems just like yesterday. Chorus 1 And ever since, One drink is too many, And a thousand, Never enough. I have wandered Ever so lonely, One shoe on And one shoe off. Verse 2 Oh I may be The belle of the ball now, Making jokes, And flirtin’ up a storm. But when I leave, It’s never with my date. And when I wake up, It’s never at home. Chorus 2 Since that first drink, One is too many, And a thousand Never enough; I have wandered Ever so lonely One shoe on, And one shoe off. Verse 3 Oh I may seem Like a devoted mother With my children, I love them so. But take a look, Up there in the cupboard There’s vodka And no cereal. Chorus 3 Since that first drink One is too many And a thousand Never enough. I have wandered Ever so lonely, One shoe on, And one shoe off. Bridge One shoe on, and one shoe off, One shoe on, and one shoe off. It’s so hard to walk this world… Verse 4 Can I quit? I sometimes wonder. Is this it? Is it my special day? Could it be My last drink was my last one? Oh Lord let This next cup Pass me by. Chorus 4 Let this cup pass, ‘Cause one drink is too many. None for me, thanks. It won’t be enough. Just for today, Let my new Sober life dawn Yes one shoe’s off…. But one’s already on. Lyrics	One Shoe Credits Please see full album credits. Notes If this were a single in a jacket, the cover would show a single high heel tipped over on its side. A string quartet and piano push the deeply felt vocals of this song through the suffering of addiction through the turning point of recovery. A modern day Cinderella tale--but the poverty is lack of happiness, joy, and true freedom; and the prince is sobriety at last. Info
6.	Every Mountaintop	Play	Every Mountaintop EVERY MOUNTAINTOP Verse 1 Today you're starting a new life; Do you think that you can’t take it? Can’t learn to be a leader through and through? Do you think you just can’t go that high Can’t fake it ‘til you make it? Do you think that you just can’t rise up, no not you? Verse 2 And oh that love whose heart you broke Do you think you that you can’t say it? Can’t say, I’m wrong; I’ll make it up to you! Do you think you just can’t go that low? Can’t bow your head and pray it? Do you think that you can’t get down, no not you? Well you can! First Chorus Every mountaintop seems high Until you climb it And every valley seems so low Until you go…. There, He’ll be O seek and you will find it, Find God’s love On the level face to face! Verse 3 Oh when they roll those dollar bills Just rise above temptation. The Lord has got much better plans for you. Find deeper love away from thrills That come from cheap elation. Remember Him who died and rose for you! Bridge Isaiah said the valleys Shall be raised up so high And every hill be brought down low as plains. The crooked streets and alleys Can be made straight again! So have faith child; you’ll walk the line with Him. Last Chorus Every mountaintop seems high Until you climb it And every valley seems so low Until you go…. There, He’ll be. O seek and you will find it, Find God’s Love Face to face in every face! High or low, in every place! Find God’s love in every place! Lyrics	Every Mountaintop Credits Please see full album credits. Notes Rich gospel vocals bring add inspiration to this song of encouragement from a generation of faith to a generation searching. Info
7.	Daddy's Crown	Play	Daddy's Crown DADDY’S CROWN Words and Music (c) 2005 Alexandra R. Lajoux Verse 1 We saw him only twice a year For Christmas and the Fourth And in between, he’d write us, Dear… And sign it Truly Yours. We felt so close and yet so far So up and yet so down I was his Little Princess But Daddy wore no crown. Chorus 1 Oh Daddy wore no crown No crown did my Daddy wear His throne was empty as our home No crown did my Daddy wear. Oh heavy hangs a daughter’s heart When her Daddy’s lost his crown. Verse 2 There was a time not long ago Our Dad was everywhere. But then our mother banished him And he just disappeared. Gone were his socks and shoes and hats My brothers tried to wear. They were little Princes then But no crown did their Father wear. Chorus 2 Oh Father wore no crown No crown did our Father wear. His throne was empty as our home His scepter and ring were gone. Oh heavy hang the hearts of sons When their Father’s lost his crown. Verse 3 We asked our Mother why he left And she would not reply. She said, “Now study for your tests You’ll see him in July.” We wished that he would take his place In her bitter heart again. We were three forelorn children then Whose Father had lost his crown. Chorus 3 “Oh Mother, give back his crown It’s a crown he alone can wear. His throne is empty as our home But he has a crown to wear.” We pleaded with our salty tears Til his voice we all did hear: Verse 4 Oh children, now there’s a crown Upon your mother’s head. And you can wear your bright crowns too By holding high your heads. My little Princess you’re a Queen, Your Brothers all Kings now. Healed be the wounded father’s heart When his children wear their crowns. Last Chorus Oh children put on your crowns They’re crowns you alone can wear I will wear my crown again If you wear your own crowns now. Oh healed be the wounds of a banished King, When his children wear their crowns. Lyrics	Daddy's Crown Credits Please see full album credits. Notes Pure vocals ride over ethereal instruments to tell of a banished father and his blessing. Info
8.	Mi Teddy	Play	Mi Teddy MI TEDDY To Antonietta, who chose life. Verse 1 He was just a little boy, Sitting on a little bench, Holding all the clothes he had, In one little bag. And I knew that he was scared; So was I to tell the truth. How could this great day have come So late and yet so soon? Chorus 1 All the phone calls, all the letters, all the files, and interviews, All the waiting, all the hoping, all the dreams that time would prove; None of these could have prepared us for this moment… Verse 2 Lord give me the words to say, Sancta Maria, aiuda me, To put this child at ease With me, as his new mother. And when Daddy comes along, May he bring the perfect gift To let this young man know We’ll bring him home. Chorus 2 Bring him home! Bring him home! That’s all we wanted out of life: To find our child, and bring him home with us. Verse 3 He looked frail, and yet so strong, With the shine of unshed tears, As he crossed his thin arms bravely Near the orphanage’s door. Then his new Daddy joined my side, With a big ol’ Teddy Bear, And those loving words to say, Just poured right out like prayer: Chorus 3 “Precioso! Yo soy tu Mama; y este hombre, el es tu Papa Hijo, veng’ a casa, con tu Teddy Bear.” Verse 4 I can’t say who hugged him first At the top of those porch stairs. Was it us, or that old cuddly Teddy Bear? Were there people passing by? Did the lawyers smile or cry? I can’t tell you, ‘cause all I heard was this: “Mama, Papa…Vamos a casa; Vamos todos a nuestra casa, Y no olvidemos mi Teddy Bear.” Lyrics	Mi Teddy Credits Please see full album credits. Notes Guitar, accordian, and mandolin eloquently support the song of parents who give their son his first teddy bear, and his first home. Info
9.	Who's Walkin' Who	Play	Who's Walkin' Who WHO’S WALKIN’ WHO? Verse 1 I walk Little Red ‘Round the neighborhood, Have now for two long years. Seems nothin’ ever changes, Never meet any strangers, This place bores me to tears. It’s the Martins on the right, Johnny Thompson on the left, And I just walk on through. Same greetin’s every day, And I know just what I’ll say, When old JT asks me “Who’s walkin’ who? Chorus: “Who’s walkin’ who?” Such a corny old thing to say “Who’s walkin’ who?” Oh little Red’s walkin’ me today. Verse 2 I walk Old Red Round the neighborhood; Have now for ten quick years. Seems everything is changin’, Big streets full of strangers, It’s hard to hold back the tears. I miss the Martins on the right, And the Thompsons on the left, But I just walk on through. And remember how I’d say, “Red’s walkin me today,” When old JT would ask “Who’s walkin who?” Chorus: Who’s walkin who? Was such a neighborly thing to say. Who’s walkin who? Well Old Red’s walkin’ me today. Verse 3 Well I lost Old Red ‘Bout a year ago Haven’t walked for two long years. Everything’s still changin’, Streets still full of strangers, But this porch swing’s no place for tears. There’s a family on the right, And some nice kids on the left, ‘N some young folks passin’ through. And I laugh to hear them say, “He’s walkin’ us today,” When I ask “Who’s walkin’ who?” Who’s walkin’ who? Oh it does my heart good to say, “Who’s walkin’ who?” Oh Love’s walkin’ us today Love’s walkin’ us today Yes, Little Red, Love’s walkin us today! Lyrics	Who's Walkin' Who Credits Please see album credits. Notes A Carribean beat helps tell the story of a woman's attachment to her dog, and her growing consciousness of her neighbors. Info
10.	Magdalena: Coming Back	Play	Magdalena: Coming Back MAGDALENA (COMING BACK) Verse 1 Every day The sun sets in the west. She don't ask why She knows it's for the best. Cause she knows it will be back. Yes that sun will be back. And in this way, Her true love leaves her side. He's got to go, Just the river tide. But she knows he will be back, Yes that man will be back. Verse 2 He's got them, Disciples he must guide. He’s got no time, To make this girl his bride. So he keeps going back to them, Yes he keeps going back. Verse 3 She’s got men, her former loves abound. They glance her way, as she walks about the town. Yet she keeps coming back to Him, yes, She keeps coming back. Bridge To make this life worth living, They must keep on giving back, Coming back. And so they go on loving, And so they go on living Again…against the tides….with the sun. Verse 3 Every day the sun sets in the west. She don't ask why, She knows it's for the best. Cause she knows He will be back Yes her Lord will be back. Lyrics	Magdalena: Coming Back Credits Please see album credits. Notes Seeking a higher Love pulls these two apart, yet in the end will unite them and all of us. Info
11.	Good Guys	Play	Good Guys GOOD GUYS Verse 1 It was Jojo’s turn to serve as the team captain. The nervous kids were waiting in a line. Then JoJo called the name of Chicky Grafton. Well now their team didn’t win that time. Cause this captain chose the kid who lagged behind, The one too lame to cross that old goal line. JoJo was just plain sick of seeing Chicky G passed over And good guys always finish last. Chorus 1 The good guys always finish last, The others set their goals and then just go. But good ones always pause, ‘n in the sacred silence ask: What would Jesus do? Verse 2 Well all the girls in town were buying white gowns. Except Miss Rosa Smith; she was alone. The boys were crowding round Smith Hardware store downtown, But she didn’t have the heart to go with them. ‘Cause Josh, the boy who loved her, wasn’t free, no. He was leaving in one week for the Middle East; Miss Rosa loved him true, but she had to let him go He was goin’ to old Iraq for war and peace. Chorus 2 The good girls always finish last. The others set their goals and then just go. But good one always pause, and in the sacred silence ask: What would Mary do? Bridge Oh the last shall come first, Said our Lord on that day, The vineyard workers grumbled over pay. Oh the mighty ones shall tumble From their thrones said the girl, When she carried the Savior of the World. Verse 3 Well one ordinary Monday, just at daybreak Miss Rosa opened up her store alone. She was healing pretty well from her big heartache, Working by dawn’s light to get things done. The door swung open; it was Joshua Jones now. Back from old Iraq now, don’t you know? As she fell in Jojo’s arms, a question was asked…. Yes, the good ones always finish last. Last Chorus Good guys always finish last, Just like our Lord on Judgment Day. He’ll wipe the tears from our eyes and the pain from our past, Good guys always finish last Good ones always finish last. Lyrics	Good Guys Credits Please see album credits. Notes A Western-style ballad of a man and a women who put their faith ahead of opportunity. Banjo playing gives joy to the happy ending! Info
12.	Get Up and Go	Play	Get Up and Go GET UP AND GO Verse 1 Church bells ringin’ on a Sunday mornin’ Get up and go to God. Preacher man’s callin’ out a brimstone warnin’ Get up and go to God. Chorus 1 Get up and go Get up and go Get up and go to God. Verse 2 Where’s your God? You’ve got to go find Him! Get up and go to God! Temple, Mosque, or Lodge Go, mind Him! Get up and go to God! Chorus 2 Get up and go Get up and go Get up and go to God. Verse 3 Volunteers needed at the Mission shelter, Get up and go to God. Meals on Wheels goin’ helter skelter, Get up and go to God. Chorus 3 Get up and go Get up and go Get up and go to God. Verse 4 I was lost and now I’m found I got up and went to God. He has saved me many a round…. So I’ll get up and go to God. Last Chorus Get up and go Get up and go Let’s get up and go to God. Get up and go Get up and go Let’s get up and go to God! Lyrics	Get Up and Go Credits Please see album credits. Notes Let's get up and go! All people of faith--whether we worship in a church, temple, mosque, lodge, or meeting hall--will gain energy from the guitar strum and clapping that accompany this call to action. Info
13.	We Thank You	Play	We Thank You Please see lyrics on the single track. Lyrics	We Thank You Credits Please see credits listed in the single track. Notes Please see comments on the single track. Info
14.	Hidden Mystery Track!	Play	Hidden Mystery Track! No lyrics posted. Be surprised! Lyrics	Hidden Mystery Track! Credits Christopher Sexson's wowsome piano helps tell a tale of disappointment in love. Info

Tracks from a real American woman! Honest songs about what matters most: love, family, community, God, and country. The songs follow a journey from confusion to faith. World-class musicians and the finest backing vocalists enrich the journey. Each track builds on and surpasses the last, so keep listening, friends--and feel free to write me (alexandra@alexismusicstudio.com). A note from the songwriter: "The lead song, Borderline, depicts a relationship with someone who has what psychologists call 'borderline personality disorder,' characterized by severe self-centeredness, mood swings, inability to take criticism, overreaction, sudden anger, paranoia, etc. Since I recently received the brunt of this disorder from a friend I once trusted, I dig this song at the moment. I don't know if anyone can relate to it but it's poetically consoling to me."

Day of Praise

$10.00

Credits

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1.	HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW	Play	HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW Credits For credits please see general album credits. Info
2.	BREAK THE YOKE	Play	BREAK THE YOKE Credits Please see credits to main album. Info
3.	HOLY SPIRIT/TIME COMING	Play	HOLY SPIRIT/TIME COMING Credits Please see full album credits. Info
4.	LET US BREAK BREAD TOGETHER ON OUR KNEES	Play	LET US BREAK BREAD TOGETHER ON OUR KNEES Credits Please see full album credits. Info

Recorded live in a Day of Praise honoring the Lord Jesus Christ and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Blizard and Bishop - Rappin' With God

$7.00

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Visit Blizard and Bishop on CD Baby to see what's up with this talented duo!

American Classic Recordings

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