Get Back to Africa

The idea for this song came from a book I recently read JESUS WANTS TO SAVE CHRISTIANS by Rob Bell. In one section Bell is writing about the narrative in the book of Acts where Philip overhears an Ethiopian eunuch reading a section of the book of Isaiah. The two points that struck me about Bell's commentary were:

1) the irony of this African going back to Africa in a chariot after he is baptized. Pharoah had chased out Moses and the Israelites years ago in a chariot.

2) As a eunuch, the Ethiopian was obviously not circumcised and it was amazing that Philip would even be talking to him let alone sharing the news of Jesus with him.

Get Back to Africa

Get back to Africa in your chariot rolling along
Get back to Africa singing out your brand new song
Get back to Africa called out your eyes are wide
Get back to Africa, He heard you when you cried

You can’t be circumcised, ‘cuz you’re not made that way
And yet you ARE at least your heart after this day
You wondered who they meant , the words the prophet said
And now you know the Man, you’re washed from toe to head

Stopping By Red Lobster on a Snowy Evening

This song was literally inspired by Leviticus 11:9-12.

Stopping by Red Lobster on a Snowy Evening

It was quiet at Red Lobster
When I walked in the door
I was simply there to speak the truth, nothing less and nothing more
I held my nose as I looked at the tables, quite certain what I’d find there

With God on my side, I strode past the hostess
For I had a message to share.

At table seven were two young men on a date sharing a bisque
Enjoying their meal to the full, they were unaware of the risk.

“I can see that is lobster you’re eating. It has neither fins nor scales
If you keep this food in your diet
No number of prayers will prevail.

Put down your fork and your knife now
Flee this restaurant while you still can
This seafood abomination is swimming cross our fair land.:”

I moved to a table, eleven I think,
Where there sat a family of five
They seemed quite content, but I must declare
“Those people should not be alive!!

“Sir, you’re eating salmon which has scales and fins it’s true
But your six old popping popcorn SHRIMP! Tell me what kind of father are you?!

Put down your fork and your knife now
Flee this restaurant while you still can
This seafood abomination is swimming cross our fair land.:”

I stayed a while longer, offering free dining advice
I even kept one man from pouring soy sauce on his rice.

My job’s far from over. My mission it is clear
A Pappadeaux’s here
Long John Silver’s there.

I’ll take it where ever He leads me
E’en Maine if that be the Lord’s will
Wherever they’re eating the finless and scaleless
Wherever the butter sauce spills

Put down your fork and your knife now
Flee this restaurant while you still can
This seafood abomination is swimming cross our fair land.:”

Hey, Martin, James Called

This is my song for July... The idea for it came from a discussion in Bible Study on the book of Romans. The question came up about isn't believing in Jesus a work? The thought hit me that while believing in Christ's forgiveness is surely a gift that I can't and don't earn by work living daily based on that gift is work. I seem to recall someone in the course of the discussion off-handedly saying, "Working hard or Hardly working?" and this seemed like an interesting hook for a song.


Hey, Martin, James Called

I'm working hard and Hardly Working
How can both be true?
I'm working hard and Hardly Working
I have been made new...

I've got my nose pinned to the grindstone
My shoulder to the wheel
My pedal to the metal
So my tires start to squeal

My fingers working to the bone
My feet and ankles too
You'll never hear me say that
I don't have a thing to do

I'm working hard and Hardly Working
How can both be true
I'm working hard and Hardly Working
I have been made new

I'm working hard and Hardly Working
How can both be so
I'm working hard and Hardly Working
Jesus loves me this I know
I'm working hard and Hardly Working
Jesus love me this I know.