Sometimes we say and sing things because that is just what we do on a Sunday morning. This song was born out of the desire to become more authentic in my relationship with Christ.
I would like honest, unfiltered feedback.
Thank you Brent, great thoughts! I have noticed that you tend to look for a way to spin something positively rather than negatively and I can see the point here. I like that approach and it wasn’t until I heard you push things that direction on The C.L.I.M.B. a few times that I ever really gave the difference between the two perspectives much thought.
The song was born out of a moment of decision where I was fed up with the status quo but I see the point here. It is not applicable to a congregation unless they are all repenting of empty praise at the same time. The positive angle makes it more applicable.
I’ll take a crack at some of these ideas and see what comes. Thanks again 
February 06, 2018
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Brent Baxter—nice interesting comments (and valid, imho)
James—I just want to let you know that I think you are already a songwriter (you seem to already have the song), and the only things I really notice about your songs are matters of craft/skill, which can ALWAYS be learned! Best wishes in your songwriting endeavors!
In this song, musically, what I noticed most was the piano playing was a little “bangy” and the song could use a sensitive touch and a great ear on the accompaniment—also, sometimes (musically( it gets fairly redundant.
Good luck and God bless you!
August 06, 2018
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Again, not sure how I missed the feedback Bob but I really appreciate it! I must have had a week where I didn’t check my email!
August 07, 2019
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Every Word James Simmons Music 2015
G D
From the first our father to the last amen
C Em D
I know you’ve given to me
G D
On earth as in Heaven the power to stand
C Em D
To see men made free
CHORUS 1 C G
So I will not bring empty prayer anymore
C G D
I will not let faithless words fall to the floor
C G D C
Every word I sing or pray will be the words I mean to say and nothing more
G D
From the first note ringing to the chorus lift
C Em D
It’s more than a song
G D
“Cause each word that I’m singing has your kingdom in it
C Em D
And the saints sing along
CHORUS 2 C G
So I will not bring empty praise anymore
C G D
I will not let faithless words fall to the floor
C G D C D
Every word I sing or pray will be the words I mean to say and nothing more
BRIDGE
C G D C
If you asked me do I believe in these words that I sing
G D Em
I would tell you I do and I’d mean it
C G D C
Still my heart wanders ‘til it’s a million miles away
G D Em D Bm C
Then the words cross my lips without meaning
VERSE 3 G D C
But when the earth can’t hold me and I finally stand
Em D
with your light on my face
G D C
And I’m free from the old me completed at last
Em D
for the last time I’ll say….CHORUS 2 (2x)
0
Hi, James! Thanks for sharing your song with us. Just from the description, I’m in. However, I’m a little confused by the 1st verse. I think because you stick the phrase “on earth as it is in Heaven” in the middle of a thought. With all the long pauses between the lines, the listener can get kinda lost.
I like the chorus alright. But I’d like to hear something in there about “because You are worth of every word of honest praise” or something like that. If you want to praise Him, put some more actual praise in there.
I wonder if your verse 1 and verse 2 can be more about expressing how great God is. “You’re wonderful, etc. So I will not sing empty praise anymore…”
On another thought, it might be stronger to NOT say what you will NOT do, but to outline in the chorus what you WILL do.
“I WILL sing honest praise. I WILL lift Your Name with my whole heart,” etc.
That’s a more worshipful chorus. You can put some of your current chorus and bridge stuff in your verses.
What about:
Verse 1: You’re holy, awesome, great, etc.
Chorus: I will sing full-hearted honest praise.
Verse 2: Sometimes I go through the motions, but You are worth of so much more.
Chorus: [repeat]
Bridge: Lord, I need You to draw my heart to You.
Chorus: [repeat]
Just some thoughts. You have something here. Keep at it.
Hope that helps! Please take a moment to leave a comment on another writer’s song. It doesn’t have to be super-detailed or anything. Just a thought or two about the song. (Also, the best way to GET feedback is to GIVE feedback.) Thanks!
February 06, 2018
0
Thank you Brent, great thoughts! I have noticed that you tend to look for a way to spin something positively rather than negatively and I can see the point here. I like that approach and it wasn’t until I heard you push things that direction on The C.L.I.M.B. a few times that I ever really gave the difference between the two perspectives much thought.
The song was born out of a moment of decision where I was fed up with the status quo but I see the point here. It is not applicable to a congregation unless they are all repenting of empty praise at the same time. The positive angle makes it more applicable.
I’ll take a crack at some of these ideas and see what comes. Thanks again
February 06, 2018
0
Brent Baxter—nice interesting comments (and valid, imho)
James—I just want to let you know that I think you are already a songwriter (you seem to already have the song), and the only things I really notice about your songs are matters of craft/skill, which can ALWAYS be learned! Best wishes in your songwriting endeavors!
In this song, musically, what I noticed most was the piano playing was a little “bangy” and the song could use a sensitive touch and a great ear on the accompaniment—also, sometimes (musically( it gets fairly redundant.
Good luck and God bless you!
August 06, 2018
0
Again, not sure how I missed the feedback Bob but I really appreciate it! I must have had a week where I didn’t check my email!
August 07, 2019
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Brent Baxter
Hi, James! Thanks for sharing your song with us. Just from the description, I’m in. However, I’m a little confused by the 1st verse. I think because you stick the phrase “on earth as it is in Heaven” in the middle of a thought. With all the long pauses between the lines, the listener can get kinda lost.
I like the chorus alright. But I’d like to hear something in there about “because You are worth of every word of honest praise” or something like that. If you want to praise Him, put some more actual praise in there.
I wonder if your verse 1 and verse 2 can be more about expressing how great God is. “You’re wonderful, etc. So I will not sing empty praise anymore…”
On another thought, it might be stronger to NOT say what you will NOT do, but to outline in the chorus what you WILL do.
“I WILL sing honest praise. I WILL lift Your Name with my whole heart,” etc.
That’s a more worshipful chorus. You can put some of your current chorus and bridge stuff in your verses.
What about:
Verse 1: You’re holy, awesome, great, etc.
Chorus: I will sing full-hearted honest praise.
Verse 2: Sometimes I go through the motions, but You are worth of so much more.
Chorus: [repeat]
Bridge: Lord, I need You to draw my heart to You.
Chorus: [repeat]
Just some thoughts. You have something here. Keep at it.
Hope that helps! Please take a moment to leave a comment on another writer’s song. It doesn’t have to be super-detailed or anything. Just a thought or two about the song. (Also, the best way to GET feedback is to GIVE feedback.) Thanks!
February 06, 2018
No members have liked this comment.