Holy Voyage (Captain’s Song)

was written on one of our family’s many trips to Prince Edward Island, the small jewel Province off the eastern coast of Canada. Holy Voyage is a rich sailing metaphor, complete with naval terms for the songs’ telling. It is my attempt to speak of the joy and exhilaration in walking with and serving my Captain, Jesus Christ. It was written prophetically, in that all of its promises had not yet come to fruition at its writing. Much of the promise has come to pass, but there is still more to come. 

 

Givin’ Up the Wheel

is a men’s issues song. In our western culture, men are taught to “man up” and carry the load. Men are indoctrinated as boys into a world without showing emotion, which is considered weakness. We are taught to control our environment, to control our emotions, and to achieve and become someone through our careers and achievements. The Christian man must come to a place of humility, where he realizes that his life’s journey was not meant to be lived alone; that it’s not all about him. He was not meant to carry heavy burdens, but to willingly place them on the broad shoulders of his heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ.

 

Only One

is a call to mankind to turn to the only One who can save and heal us. The lyrics do not simply state the macro world problems, injustice, poverty, pollution, terrorism, etc., but calls man to see his need for a Savior, Jesus Christ. Only One identifies the main unsolvable problems that face our world, and proffers Jesus as the One who has every solution to the problems that we have made, and that we have tried unsuccessfully to fix since the forming of civilization.

 

Psalm 63

is a song of worship — offering God as the Provider of every good thing in life. It speaks of this life, and its inherent struggles, as “a dry and weary land, where there is no water…” Echoing the sentiments of King David of Israel, its author, these words place God as the source of our worship. He gives us food that satisfies our soul, drink that is free and ends our thirst. We worship the One who alone is worthy, and we find provision and sanctuary as we do. 

 

Father, Oh My Father

is a song that points to the world’s loving Father. Fatherlessness is the main source of problems facing the world today. Everyone longs for a good father, and Father-God is perfect in every way. As good as our earthly father may be, he still will fall short of His perfection. He is strong, He is integral, He is beyond intelligent, and He is faithful. When a man comes to gain his identity as a son of this Father, old things pass away and he becomes thus empowered to be who he was meant to be.

 

Jesus Love

is perhaps the first Christian song I ever wrote. It was first penned as a folk song, back in 1983, but was adopted into the reggae style more recently. While the lyrics have been updated to more represent my current doctrinal beliefs, it is essentially the same song, in that it heralds Jesus as the source of all love, because God is love.  

 

Slander

is a prophetic commentary on the church’s unwillingness to honestly see itself through the lens of its Christian culture. The modern church is big on judging certain sins, except for the sins of envy, gluttony, and slander. In the name of discussing our concern over people’s issues, we parade their worst failings and weaknesses in public through our open discussion of them, bringing shame and reproach upon their lives. This ought not to be, especially in the church, for we, the church, are meant to be a family. The tongue matters, and what is said cannot be unsaid. This song calls Christians to holy discretion.

 

Hand Over Hand

is another metaphor song. When we approach adulthood and desire our independence, it is natural to want to break free of the authority structure that has been over us, protecting us and guiding us. But unless we are ready for the responsibility that comes with it, we may pull away from those that would die for us, and with their wisdom of years work to keep us safe. The kite metaphor speaks of the relationship between he who holds the string on the ground, and that person longing to be free, never realizing that the string was never meant to hinder them, but necessary for safe flight.

 

2nd Son

is a song I wrote for my mother. She has always been my number one cheerleader. I love you, Mom!

 

Mercy

s a song that calls to God for our greatest need — Mercy. It is a song that quotes the 1st chapter of Isaiah, where the prophet cries out to the nation of Israel, to stop all the religion and get back to what matters the most. The prophet says, “Come, let us reason. Though your sins be as scarlet, they can be washed white as snow.” It is God’s mercy that heals us from religion, and makes us aware of our need for authenticity. Only then can we show each other the same. Have mercy on us, O God!

 

Rivendell

is yet another metaphor, but this time using the Lord of the Rings. In the story, Rivendell was the last homely house before a wide, uncertain wilderness. The village of Rivendell was inhabited by the fair folk, the elves. Any friend staying with them would be safe, because of the elves great power and goodness. Rivendell represents heaven to me, and no matter where we are in our journey, our final destination will be Rivendell. This song literally sings of God’s kingdom on earth, and for all you Ringers out there, His kingdom on middle Earth!