Need some ideas please.

[bjordan1221]

I've recently agreed to lead worship at a VBS event at a juvenile corrections center. The theme is Hero. I have one month. I've put most of the songs together I want to use but I would also like to do some original music. I feel called to write something for them but I have drawn a blank. Has anyone written any songs with a hero theme? What scriptures did you draw from? Would anyone like to contribute their songs for this even. I only want to use the songs The Lord wants me to use and am humble enough not to think I have to be the one to write it. God bless you all, Thanks.

[Wannabe a Worshiper]

I don't have any songs in mind; just a few random thoughts. These kids are in trouble because they are following the wrong heroes, or role models. There is one obvious right hero for them to follow.

If you write a song, you might draw from several of the Bible heroes; Joshua, Gideon, David, but ultimately Jesus, whose death was the ultimate act of heroism.

I'm pretty good at coming up with words, but not music. I'll mull this over and see if any words start to form in my head.

This sounds like a difficult challenge you have been given, but it can be very rewarding. When it's all over with, I would love to hear a report of how it went.
Tom

[MarkSnyder]

I have one for you, called 'Gods Word is True'. Its on Joshua and Moses trusting Gods word. In other words their heroism came from trusting God. I wrote it for childrens worship and used it several times. Its an upbeat song. I will post a recording and lead sheet so you can have a listen.

Sent from my Milestone using Tapatalk

[MarkSnyder]

Link:

MarkSnyder - Rec0725-065813 - SoundCloud (http://soundcloud.com/marksnyder/rec0725-065813)


God’s Word Is True Mark Snyder

D G
Mighty city - mighty king
Bm A
Mighty towers - facing me
D G
Mighty walls of Jericho
Bm A
God said that’s where - we must go
Bm/F# G
So with a mighty shout and a trumpet blast
Bm/F# A
Those walls came tumbling down

D G
The walls came tumbling down
D A
God’s Word was true
D G
As we faced the mighty city
Bm A
There was no deed God could not do (repeat)

D G
Mighty army – mighty sea
Bm A
Mighty Pharoah – chasing me
D G
Mighty waters – even so
Bm A
God said that’s where – we must go
Bm/F# G
So with a mighty thrust from a holy staff
Bm/F# A
That sea went rolling back

D G
The sea went rolling back
D A
God’s Word was true
D G
As we faced the roaring waters
Bm A
There was no deed God could not do (repeat)

D
So when I need to move a mountain God is with me
G
When I need to cross the desert God will guide me
Bm G
When I need what seems impossible
A G A
God’s Word is true




I have one for you, called 'Gods Word is True'. Its on Joshua and Moses trusting Gods word. In other words their heroism came from trusting God. I wrote it for childrens worship and used it several times. Its an upbeat song. I will post a recording and lead sheet so you can have a listen.

Sent from my Milestone using Tapatalk

[NickAlexander]

Hello Mark!!

I have run my survey with CCLI and my Top 2000 lists, and came up with a good series of ideas for you. Of course, you will have to listen to these online, and maybe do some scavenger hunting on chords (I can help for some of these)... nothing that a google search couldn't do.

First and foremost, I want to draw attention to a song that is NOT on CCLI, but everybody here should learn anyway. It's called "Press On", and it's written by my good friend Robert Filoramo Jr. This is available on iTunes, and it is very very powerful. His website is Bob Filoramo - Bob Filoramo - Home (http://www.bobfiloramo.com/)

THAT SAID, here are the results of my survey:

Hero by Steve Taylor was not on the list, but also came to mind as a great song that incorporates "Hero" as a theme. Ultimately it's about how the heroes of today will ultimately fail us (think Tiger Woods), but only Jesus can fulfill that "Hero" mold, and He wants to be Your hero.). It can work really well as a makeshift video.

Champion by Noel Richards is ALSO not on the Top list, but I also thought it to be a strong contender--AND, BONUS, it can be medleyed seemlessly with Chris Tomlin's "Famous One", which touches upon these same themes.

Find Us Faithful - Steve Green (this can be a little too old-style, but it ranked high on the CCLI list).

When It's All Been Said and Done - Jim Cowan
History Maker - Delirious
History Makers - Graham Kendrick (not on the Top 2000, but can be great fun).
Tears of the Saints - Leeland Mooring (got to lower its key to get people to sing along with this, but it may work better as a solo).
When the Saints - Sara Groves -- an example of the myriad of Saints who have gone before us, but I am not sure this is congregational friendly.

These songs were on the Top 2000 list, but were not familiar to me.

Forevermore - Michael Gungor ("Heroes tremble at your presence")
I Will Go - Jon Egan
Joy - John Ellis ("no superman, I'm no hero, I'm just a man in Your eyes.")
Kingdom - Kristian Stanfill
Lions - George Baum and Michael D. Bridges
Does Anybody Hear Her - Casting Crowns ("She is searching for a hero to ride in")
Game Day Central - Jeff Slaughter
Sign Me Up - Jeff Slaughter ("Train me up in the way I should go / So I could be a hero")

Here's a good list to work with, or inspire you. I wish you great success!
Nick
http://www.nickalexander.com

[Wannabe a Worshiper]

Mark,
I wrote some words, and they are hard-hitting, geared to the crowd you will be ministering to. It is a rap, with music on the chorus and bridge. I have a melody in mind, but it is rhythmic enough that a tune should be easy to come up with.

I have in mind chorus, spoken verse, chorus, spoken verse, chorus, bridge, chorus x2. If you or someone on here puts music to it, it can be done however you want it.

I see that you have been given some excellent ideas, so if you pass on this, I won't be upset.

HERO
Words 2010 Tom Kline

cho)
Everybody wants a hero
Who's your hero gonna be?
Some will lead you into trouble
Jesus Christ will set you free

v1) (spoken)
Lots of people out there
telling their story
If you follow me
you can share in my glory
Take a knife, take a gun,
Take a car, have some fun,
Let me show you how it's done
Follow me, I'm number one

v2) (spoken)
There's a man on a cross
telling his story
If you follow me
I can take you to glory
'Cause I died in your place
Shed my blood for the race
I can bury your disgrace
I can save you in this place

bridge)
There's only one hero
for you* to follow
There's only one hero
Who cares for you*
The hero is Jesus
He died for your* sin
Your* life can be changed
When you* follow Him

(Words with * can be changed to first person, if you wish)

[pian0dude]

@Tom: Well done my friend... I"m not a huge fan of rap myself, however, in reading the lyrcis I can totally hear it as a rap in my head. I especially like the flow of the "take a knife, take a gun, take a car, have some fun" line. Who would've thought you'd write raps?

[Wannabe a Worshiper]

Brian, it didn't start out as rap, but that's what it turned into, and I think it would work well in the intended audience.
Tom

[bjordan1221]

Wow! great lyrics and great suggestions. I'm really looking forward to digging into these songs and pulling out some gems. Thanks for all the help and keep the suggestions coming.

-Brandon

[bjordan1221]

My wife was just telling me today that a rap would be good, we even listened to some Lecrae for inspiration. I've you've never listened to Lecrae be prepared to be preached to. He's amazing. I'll definitely be looking into this one. Thanks

-Brandon

[Wannabe a Worshiper]

Brandon, I mistakenly called you Mark in an earlier post. Sorry about the mixup.
Tom

[danielled]

I love the concept of Jesus being our hero. The first half of Psalm 89 has some good stuff. Or Psalm 103. Or Isaiah 42 and 61.

These are not my original songs, but when I read your post I immediately thought of Rita Springer's My Hero--simple worship song but one of my favorites. Part of the lyrics:

You are my hero (4x)
Nobody saves like You
Nobody stays like You
Nobody loves me like You do (2x)

And, of course Skillet's song Hero. Not sure if it would work in your setting as a worship song, but maybe..?

[MarkSnyder]

I scored Tom's lyrics. I took inspiration from K-Naan's acoustic version of 'Wavin Flag' (world cup theme song). So basically rap style lyrics sung in a light melody in the verses, and a catchy chorus.

Here is the link for Knaan:

YouTube - 'Wavin' Flag' by K'naan (Official World Cup Theme Song) on QTV (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxmEd9lcn0k)

Here is my melody and harmony around Tom's lyrics.

MarkSnyder - Hero - SoundCloud (http://soundcloud.com/marksnyder/hero)

My arrangement is a bit more country, but it could easily be done in a little more edgy, caribbean style like K-naan presents in his.

If you like this song, I would like to kick off a Kompoz project to make a decent recording. Let us know. Anybody else can weigh in on this as well. We would like your opinion.

Mark

[Lisa D]

Hey Tom,

I saw this thread and thought I would try to see what I could come up with....wanted to try my hand at putting some music to others words....so here is my attempt....I have no idea why my vocals are always so hot!! I can't seem to figure out this whole microphone thing!!! Anyway, take a listen....THX!!

Lisa Deaton - Hero - SoundCloud (http://soundcloud.com/lisa-deaton/hero)

cho)
G Em C
Everybody wants a hero
G D
Who's your hero gonna be?
Am C F
Some will lead you into trouble
C D G
Jesus Christ will set you free


v1) (spoken)
Em
Lots of people out there
C
telling their story
Em
If you follow me
C
you can share in my glory
G C
Take a knife, take a gun,
Am D
Take a car, have some fun,
G C
Let me show you how it's done
Am D
Follow me, I'm number one


v2) (spoken)
Em
There's a man on a cross
C
telling his story
Em
If you follow me
C
I can take you to glory
G C
'Cause I died in your place
Am D
Shed my blood for the race
G C
I can bury your disgrace
Am D
I can save you in this place

bridge)
C Am
There's only one hero
Em G
for you* to follow
C Am
There's only one hero
G D
Who cares for you*
Em C
The hero is Jesus
Am D
He died for your* sin
G C
Your* life can be changed
D
When you* follow Him


Chorus 2x

[Lisa D]

Also....This is in Ab.....I play it in G capo 1.... :)

[Guitarearl]

Jars Of Clay recorded a song called "Hero" off their most recent album "The Long Fall Back To Earth." Probably would be tough to pull off in worship, but maybe if you're looking for a theme song to run under videos and such, might work.

[pian0dude]

This is kind of 3/4 a spoof as I have absolutely no rapping skillz whatsoever, as you will very obviously hear/notice.

However, I was messing around with some beatz and kind of chuckled as I made a lame attempt at setting some of these lyrics from Tom Kline (Wanna Be A Worshiper) to rap. Ha ha...

So he it iz, all my brotherz and sistaz. Goin' out with propz to my boy

Tom (Wanna Be A Worshiper) Kli-zine.

SOUND CLOUD LINK - HERO (RAP) (http://www.soundcloud.com/pian0dude/hero-pian0dude-remix)

HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!

[Lisa D]

This is kind of 3/4 a spoof as I have absolutely no rapping skillz whatsoever, as you will very obviously hear/notice.

However, I was messing around with some beatz and kind of chuckled as I made a lame attempt at setting some of these lyrics from Tom Kline (Wanna Be A Worshiper) to rap. Ha ha...

So he it iz, all my brotherz and sistaz. Goin' out with propz to my boy

Tom (Wanna Be A Worshiper) Kli-zine.

SOUND CLOUD LINK - HERO (RAP) (http://www.soundcloud.com/pian0dude/hero-pian0dude-remix)

HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!

Brian!! U Da Man!!!! I love ur rap!!! U got some skillz!!!

[pian0dude]

Ha ha!! Not bad for a 33 year old NON-RAPPER and 2 takes at the vocalz. It was actually quite fun and enjoyable.

[pian0dude]

FYI, the sequence underneath is a royalty free music loop off the internet.

[WorshipVanguard]

Brian, I must admit, I couldn't help but roll on the floor laughing my booty off! LOL! That was hilarious, dude!!! That sounded like you had a blast recording it. Gotta love it!

Anyone want to use this in your worship service?? :-)

[Wannabe a Worshiper]

There have been 3 versions of my words posted here, by Mark, Brian, and Lisa.
Mark's version is in the style of rapper K'Naan, but sounds a little country.
Lisa's, to me, sounds very country, and is not a RAP.
Brian's, though done in jest, is the closest to what I envisioned when I wrote the words.

When I get back to my home computer, I think I will post a version that is what I had in mind.

Several of the songs I have posted words for here have had little or no response. It is curious to me that the words written outside of my comfort zone have elicited the most response!:o
Tom

[Lisa D]

LOL Tom....I find it so funny that people think my music sounds country cause country is my least favorite music!!! I never listen to country....Since I only play guitar I couldn't figure out how to do a RAP on a guitar....I thought Brian's rendition was great!! Good luck with the song....can't wait to hear more... :)

Lisa

[pian0dude]

Now Tom, I am very much looking forward to hearing you Rap bro! ;-)

[Wannabe a Worshiper]

Brian, you don't think a 57 year old white man from a very traditional/conservative background can rap?:D
Tom

[pian0dude]

Tom, my home boy... you off the hook yo! It sounds like you're challenging me to a "rap-off". Bring it!

[MarkSnyder]

Brandon has a lot of ideas to pick from. When I worked with Tom to make the Caribbean style score for his words my thought process was to attempt to make his hard hitting words into something that, if repeated a dozen times over a week as happens in a VBS, would stick with the kids afterwards. It was based on an observation that a catchy tune in a fresh style has staying power in the brain. Toms chorus lyrics, though simple, are very hooky and lend themselves to a melody that has the ability to keep them in the listeners head. So the style and melody I chose attempts to support this mission for the song.

Sent from my Milestone using Tapatalk

[bjordan1221]

PianoDude, that was awesome. The only thing that will be missing during the VBS is someone with the talent and ability to perform it that way.

Lisa, I loved your style. Didn't sound country to me at all. Now decisions, decisions. Tanks all of you for the suggestions. I hope to be as helpful to you all some day as you have been to me.

[pian0dude]

@bjordan1221: No problem... it was quite fun recording that and putting it together... If you find the person with the talent / ability to do it justice, let me know... cuz it definitely isn't me ... ha ha ha...

[InHisName]

I tell you, I don't know how I missed all these gems. All of them are great, of course, but Pianodude's rap was classic. I think it's as good as a lot of professionally recorded rap you'll find out there!:D

I love reading through collaboration threads. It's neat to watch great minds at work and the encouragement and learning that comes with it. You all rock!

[pian0dude]

@Kim: Thanks for the comments! Apparently most people that have listened to my "joking / in gest" recording of a rap... actually think I have some remote "chops" for rap. Maybe I should move away from writing congregationally friendly worship songs and focusing my attentions on raps! Just kidding... well anyway, I'm glad so many of you have had a chuckle from it!

[Wannabe a Worshiper]

I debated putting my version of the words I wrote on here. The loop I found on Garage Band that fit the meter of the song is not as fast as the song should go. It is also in a minor key, which I hadn't planned, but that is what it is. I got off beat on the bridge, and my rapping skills are not nearly as good as pianOdude's.:)
But I think the song has good bones, and if anyone wants to "play" with it, they can.
Tom Kline 1 - Hero - SoundCloud (http://soundcloud.com/tom-kline-1/hero)
Tom