Just Another Jim

Shows Us the Music

The Mystery

  This song is essentially a pop love song. But to call this particular poem, by Sara Teasdale, a "pop love song" seems utterly unfair because her language and turns of phrase make this a classic poem and not a pop ditty.

Oh, You Better Be Ready!

  I was asked to write an angel song by the group "The Porch Swing Sisters." I must admit that I don't get too excited by the whole subject. But Gospel and angels seemed to go together, so I wrote a Gospel quartet about angels.

To Bless the Earth (Psalm 65)

  This psalm/hymn is not particularly well known because it is difficult to sing with either piano or organ; it flows much better with the guitar. This version has a medieval flavor with both the strummed and picked guitar.

Bless the Lord, Oh My Soul

  This is one of the very first songs I ever wrote; maybe the first one. It is Psalm 103 put to music. I was probably in Jr. Hi when I wrote it starting with the guitar riff that I thought was so cool I had to write a song around it. I’ve included it because I think it stood the test of time.

The Star

  Also a Sara Teasdale poem, this has a wonderfully ironic twist in the end.

Our God, Our Help in Ages Past (Psalm 90)

  My hunch is that not everyone is going to like this version of "St. Anne" (the tune). Many Christians are used to St. Anne being pounded out on the piano as if it's a jackhammer, or in a very martial manner on the organ. I believe the tune is more singable in this more lyrical style.

I Behold Thy Bridal Chamber Richly Adorned

  This song was composed in 2005. The lyrics come from the central hymn of the Bridegroom Services prayed the first three days of Holy Week in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The words are so wistful, meek, and hopeful, that they deserve to be heard more often.

Song for Coming Home

  This is a traditional English poem put to music. Two poems in the collection, "The Road Goes Ever On and On," and this one, go hand in hand. They are two versions of the same poem, the first from the perspective of getting ready to travel, the second (this song) from the perspective of the road-weary traveller.