The Songs that Influenced Me -1
There is nothing in the world so much like prayer as music is. ~William P. MerrillMen profess to be lovers of music, but for the most part they give no evidence in their opinions and lives that they have heard it. ~Henry David Thoreau
Music is powerful, and I guess by writing this, I’m going contrary to what Henry David Thoreau said about men not giving evidence in my opinion and life that I have heard it. I don’t know about you, but some songs have had such a strong influence on me, that I can write the story of my life, by mentioning the songs that were heavy on my heart at those times.
I remember a joke we used to share back then in our university days, about the emotional life of an average unprincipled fresh girl in university. It starts at home after her final exams… the predominant song in heart then is “I’ll see you when you get there… if you ever get there”. As soon as she enters part one, there is what they called “October Rush”, you seem to be the rave of the moment, with different guys dotting over you, there seems to be so much pressure on you and within your first semester your song is “Let’s wait a while…”, by second semester, you have caved in to pressure… and it’s “Last night… I saw the moon…”. By your part two, new freshers have come in, and attention starts to shift to other Freshers… your song becomes, “we don’t even talk anymore…”, by the second semester, you catch him trying to observe the moon and the stars with a fresher, and your song becomes…”he belongs to me, the boy is mine…”, by part three you know you are no longer in the league, except you want to go the way of aristo’s, and your song becomes, “I’m a survivor, I’m gonna make it…”, this song lasts till your final year, part 4 or 5, and then your song becomes, “I’m so glad, I belong to Jesus…”.
Well that was a joke, but in reality, if you think about it, our lives and motivations can be plotted by the songs that really meant a lot to us, and that we really paid attention to. If I decide to do a thorough work of commenting on the songs that made impact in my life at different stages, this will either be a book, or I’ll need many more posts. I’ll start with one though, and see if it’s what people really want to know.
Just recently I stumbled again on one of the songs that was my greatest motivation in my early teenage years. I was in JSS3/SSS1 (form 4) back then, and this song really had a profound effect on me. It had so much effect on me, that even though I didn’t have a very good musical voice, I sang it in public on every opportunity I had to sing. It’s 16yrs and interestingly, I still remember 95% of the wordings. The version I heard then was sang by Kids… Acappella Kids, I later discovered another version by Ray Boltz. It’s a song that influenced and strangely still influences me. I’m sure you are curious already… it’s written out below.
Title - Thank You
I dreamt I went to heaven and you were there with me
you walked upon the streets of Gold, beside the Crystal Sea,
We heard the Angels singing, someone Called your name…
You looked and you saw this young man, he was smiling as he came….and he said, friend, you may not know me now and then he said, but wait,
you used to teach my Sunday school, when I was only 8
And every week you will say a prayer, before the class would start
And one day, when you said that prayer, I asked Jesus Into my heart.Thank you, for giving to the Lord. I am a life, that was chaaanged,
Thank you, for giving to the Lord. cos I am so glad you gave.Then another one stood before you, he said remember the time
A missionary came to your church, and those pictures made you cry.
You didn’t have much money, but you gave it anyway
Jesus took the gifts you gave, and that’s why I’m here todayThank you, for giving to the Lord. I am a life, that was chaaanged,
Thank you, for giving to the Lord. cos I am so glad you gave.One by one they came, far as the eyes could see
Each one felt somehow touched by your generosity…
Little things that you had done, sacrifices made
Unnoticed on the earth, in heaven now proclaim.
I know that up in heaven, you are not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure, that there were tears in your eyesas Jesus took your hand, and you stood before the Lord…
He said my child look around you, great is your reward…Thank you, for giving to the Lord. I am a life, that was chaaanged,(2x)
Thank you, for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave.
I am so glad you gave…
I don’t know if the lyrics are as powerful as if you listen to the song… maybe one of these days I’ll call people for a meeting and just sing it so they can hear. I still believe very strongly in doing good randomly. Helping people that are helpless. I believe that the little things we do here, and the little sacrifices we make because of others, will be applauded one day.
This is one of the songs that has influenced me, I hope you find it motivating too.
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Yes chairman, heard this song for the first time when u sang it in school then.Honestly it has not stopped influencing my appraoch to life, my core values.
One of the most profound way it has influenced me is in assisting people.Nothing is too small.
Quantity is relative, after all God remains the judge of us all.Little acts of kindness there, a helping hand there: we dont know how far this will go in improving a life.
The most fulfilled human beings are the not the one with so much dollars alone, but those who can look around and their act of kindness has lifted a neighbour, has given hope to the hopeless, life to the dying and the recipient can say THANK GOD for what you gave.
Any time i listen to this song, tears cant stop rolling from my eyes, remebering those who have contributed to my life (the writer of this post inclusive), those ive been priviledged to help and with more determination to do more, give, give, give..
Good works can deliver from even death(Dorcas could have dead and buried but for good works that brought her back to life, King hezekiah challenged death via good works and he won)
I am sure its still the same today.
Our acts of kindness mustnt necessarily be known to all, infact the most unknown are the most rewarding.
Its not too late to start
IF YOU WANT THE SONG BY RAY BOLTZ, U CAN SIMPLY ASK FOR HIS TAPE—- CONCERT OF A LIFETIME
Deolu you know,When you write a really good post you leave people speechless.
Reading the lyrics and singing along in my mind brought tears to my eyes.
Songs are meant not only for our relaxation but to keep us in tune(contact) with the Creator.
Hope we remember stuff like this often
Chairman,
I heard the song in ‘Thank You’ for the first time in my 1st year in my University days, and I can tell you that it has been also on of the songs that has tailored my life.
I can’t remember if I cried the first time i heard it, but I can remember very well that I cry many times I remember the acts that this same song has motivated me to do.
And I also must add this…
… Adeolu Akinyemi, thank you!
Wow…………..Thank You Deolu
Has anyone seen EVAN Almighty? I will never forget this acronym- ARK -Act of Random Kindness. One little act of random kindness can change the World.
I love that song and i must say that there is really something spiritual and special about that song.
The song uplifts and blesses me.
Thanks Deolu and all the best
Cheers!
http://www.freelancez.blogspot.com
i sang this song in a choir over a decade ago and also during my service year. the song is evergreen as far as i am concern. you have here the kind of lyrics that make you assess your life and motivates you to be in tune…..
God bless your soul Deolu
Thanx D, u made me relive sweet memories: could picture my sisters singing that song years ago and the feeling it evoked in everyone of us…. the need to always reach out and touch someone else’s life which in turn touches ours; and also, touches the very heart of God.
Chairman,
That’s my song you just sang men! that’s one song that moves me any time, i hope you have heard the version by Ray Boltz, it’s powerful.
This is a song that keeps me up my feet and reminds me that all that i have, i have been given and that am am just a custodian.
Great song there!
Josh
http://www.joshadeyemi.blogspot.com
songs inspire and i believe that is what they are meant to do…
sometimes i listen to very strange kinda music for listening purpose, but i listen with my heart to the songs i love…
the lyrics of this song is really inspiring, how i wish i will be there the day you will sing it again so i can feel the rythm of it.. i will check it out on CD stands around and see if i can lay my hands on it..
Deolu, that song anytime i hear it always remind me to make sure i affect people positively.
It is a powerful song that all should listen to.
If you see the choreography, infact you will not but be moved to do good.
This is one of the best songs I have heard so far .I cried the first day I listened to it(infact, when the first tape was stolen i had to search for it for 5-6 years to get another one).I prefer the accapella kid’s version, makes you feel the impact of the song(coming from different kids).Thanks for reminding me of this track and the lyrics are just ‘wonnerful’ !.
To be sincere I can not recollect if I have heard the song before but I need to look for it and listen better.
one of my all time favorites.. I think i probably wore my tape back then..for those who would like a taste of the perfect harmony, listen to clips here (http://www.worshipmusic.com/6209350342.html) or better get, GRAB YOUR COPY.