Beautiful

Ugly is good

Plain is even safer

As long as you don’t notice her

She'd rather be extremely under-rated

Than let you see what she's really worth

But inside there’s a butterfly

Who won’t sit still though she denies

He has made her beautiful

For all the world to see

She's  a crowning creature of creation

Wrapped in mystery

So many women

Are running from their beauty

They clothe their fears in drab and dim

But if we believe God has made us in his image

Then how is our hiding gonna glorify him?

When inside there’s a butterfly

Who won’t sit still though we deny

He has made us beautiful

For all the world to see

We are crowning creatures of creation

Wrapped in mystery

He has made us beautiful

For this kicked round broken down world to see

We are crowning creatures of creation

Wrapped in mystery

Where Sinners Sing

Living in the limelight of my own expectations

Beating myself up for all my foibles and failings

Never never happy

Always always worried

Weight of the world on my shoulders

Across a crowded room I saw him happy and laughing

Could this be the same God who I thought I’d been serving?

Everything I have is yours it has been all along”

Is what he said

And will you dance with me till the sun comes up?

Cause everybody needs unending love

And will you take my hand and lead me to the place

Where sinners sing amazing grace

Where sinners sing amazing grace

It’s the dawning of hope when we confess we are sinners

So why eat helpings of guilt while we pretend to be winners?

Something isn’t adding up and I’m no mathematician

It’s the sick not the healthy Jesus came here to heal

But once he’s done what he does the transformation is real

So why do we keep living in the shadows of self-condemnation?

Let's come into the light

Wear

I've been wearing the world

Like it's a beautiful gown

And I've been dancing and twirling

'Till I fall to the ground

But just today you have pulled me aside

You have something to say

These clothes don't match the inside

And it's time to throw them away

My true beauty comes from the king

He can give me everything I need

And who am I to fuss and compare

When he gives me the clothes that I wear

You've been patient with me

As I've tried every style

But really none of them fit

So let us sit for a while

And I would like you to show me

The the things you intend me to wear

Gowns of hope and truth and mercy

Jewels of love in my hair

Listen daughter pay attention

Forget your people and your father's house

The king desires your beauty

He is your Lord

Worship him

Pieces of Me

I love numbers and I love romance

I need structure but I need to dance

Nothing’s quite the same in my brain

From one day to another

In my history I am finding

More and more that needs rewinding

Nothing’s quite as clear

Now black and white has given way to colour

And I’m so glad that you can always find the pieces of me

I’m so glad that you can always find the pieces of me

When you hold up your mirror I see

The beautiful and the ugly in me

But nothing’s quite as troublesome

When you put the fragments together

And I want to be with you

Just like you want to be with me

The Spectacular Thing

Empty handed

All disbanded

You oughta know by now

There’s nothing to see here

But cold hearts and warm beer

Gone but we don’t know how

Do I hear your voice

Out beyond the noise?

Cause what I am wondering

Is when I have nothing to bring

How could it be that you have sent me

To be the spectacular thing?

Nothing’s forgotten

Take one more shot and

Watch as the sun goes down

Mostly forsaken

No give and take and

Wait for the next go round

These People

I have been faithful

You have turned from me

Listening to lies

And ignoring my Word

I've been so patient

Longing to hear you

Tell me the truth

About where you have erred

Am I reaching you?

Am I reaching you?

These people honour me with their lips

But their heart is far from me

In vain they worship me

Teaching the doctrines of men

As the commandments of God

My hand is not so short

That it cannot save

My ear is not so dull

That it cannot hear

My child it's your sin

That's hidden my face away

Return to me now

In trembling and fear

Man on Fire

I've been watching and I see you

Following the crowd

I've been listening and I hear you

Living life up loud

You know the right from wrong

You've heard redemption's song

So what is this fear?

You don't wanna hear what I have to say

I'm looking for a man on fire

Someone to follow me into the fight

Man on fire full of my Spirit

And walking in light

Man on fire

Ready to give his life away

Man on fire

A man on fire

See that no one takes you captive

Through empty deceit

Men and angels, earth and heaven

All will bow to me

If this is a war we're in

Are you gonna fight to win?

There's nowhere to hide

Lay claim to your side

The time is now

Arms of Jesus

For Becky, who was there to watch me fall.

How do you know when it's finally time

To lay down the broken pieces?

All of the dreams you have held for so long

To give them all up to Jesus

I know tonight's the night

No more hiding my weakness

These tears are falling now and so am I

I know tonight's the night

And oh it's gonna take courage

Watch me falling into the arms of Jesus

When I was young I was so self-assured

But time has a way of wounding

Nothing on earth waters the weary soul

Like feeling the touch of the master healer

Sinking Ship

I’ve taken this thing as far as I know how

I’ve turned every stone

And now you casually drop this bomb on me

And leave me standing here alone

Well the old days

They are over

Cause I’m not gonna chase you any more

If it’s me you want

You know where to find me

Lay me down

I lay you down

Let go the greatest treasure I have known

Lay me down

I lay you down

You would think I’d know by now

I cannot save a sinking ship alone

The fire’s stirring I’ve seen the embers

But the ice is creeping in here too

It’s hard to handle the truth hey baby

When you find out that the missing piece was you

We are cast down

But we’re not forsaken

And dying comes before new life begins

We are in the eye of a spiritual battle

Time is ticking

But it’s in the maker’s hands

And I’ve been thinking

It’s really all too much for me to understand

To understand so I will…

Decadence

I have a t-shirt made in Australia

The word decadent is written across the front

I like to wear it because it reminds me

That the way we live in this country is

Decadent

Decadence everywhere I look I see

Decadence just take one good look at me

Who’s working hard behind the scenes

So you can be so I can be

Decadent in this land of decadence?

I have a suspicion that in China

And places like that life is not so easy going there

I hear the work is duller

The factories hotter

The hours longer

And the pay they say does not compare to our

Decadence…

Well I’m not saying you should take a vow of poverty

I’m just suggesting that you think before you buy

Cause when that trumpet sounds and we line up before our maker

How you gonna look your Chinese factory brother in the eye?

In your decadence…

You

For the persecuted church

Well I know I spend a bit too much on clothes

And I must admit I care a bit too much about my hair

And it’s true I eat my food for taste or comfort not for hunger

I am sorry that I live my life as if you were not there

When you, you wonder if you’ll wake each day

And you, you gather secretly to pray

And you, you know that death’s a part of living

And you are my sister and my brother

So maybe I should pray a little harder

A picture of you flashes through my mind

When I think about the way you live and die each day

But I am so comfortably removed from your situation

It is not hard to forget about the price you pay

Dance In The Rain

The rain's been falling for days now

And I am still here with you

Who'd have believed we could still be so free

After all of the things we've been through?

You were always a mystery

And I was always a dream

And time has refined all the beautiful lines

That lead me back to you that lead you back to me

So we'll dance in the desert

And we'll dance on the plain

We'll dance through the valleys

We'll dance over mountains

And now we will dance in the rain

Now we will dance in the rain

There is nothing worth having

That doesn't attract a great price

And we know the cost of this dream that we're living

Is giving our bodies our lives

Faith is the one thing that's visible

Because of the things we can't see

And I know the reason that you have been given to me

To me is so we can dance...

We will dance...

Broken

You may think you’ve burned my soul

Looking at these ashes

You may think my heart’s been torn

By such cruel lashes

But you know there’s been beauty here

In my pain I have faced all I fear

Can’t you see what the master has done in my life?

In my life

Now I’m broken I am free

The fear of being broken can’t hold on to me

Now I’m broken I’m alive

Cause who would fear death

When they’ve already died?

Now I’m broken

You may think these tears I've cried

Are wasted, lost forever

But no they’ve gathered deep inside

To form one peaceful river

And you know…

Day of Trouble 

Lord you pursue me

And oh I keep running

Running to things that cause me pain

Then when I get there

And storm clouds surround me

I just wanna run back again

Cause in the day of trouble

You hide me away

High on a rock

You lift me up

To your secret hiding place

And Lord I keep searching

For quick solutions

To the struggle of day to day

But you keep telling me over and over

Girl stick close to me all the way

We’re Still Counting

We can tolerate God and

Church is OK for the middle class

The bible’s such a nice book of poetry and

A good cause what more could you ask?

Discussion’s fine we each have opinions

Creation’s unscientific but cute

We’ll even accept a well dressed evangelist

There’s just one thing we ask you’d adhere to

Don’t tell us Jesus is the only way

That would rock our boat

And we’ll notice we’re drowning

Do not insist that the Son of God

Has all the answers

That would stop our clock and we’re still counting

He spoke of grace and good news and the

People flocked around him to listen

Disregarding the leaders of the Jews he

Showed a greater way than religion

But as he neared his death his claims they got stronger

Until only the chosen remained

And as they nailed him into a cross shape

You could hear the people crying out in vain

Each Sunday they’d fill the pews and the

Times of worship were oh so refreshing

The bulletin was full of good news and the

Budget trends were even suggesting that

Due to the overwhelming commitment of members

We’d pay our debt by the end of next year

Assuming that the dear preacher remembers

There’s one small thing we’d prefer not to hear

What are you counting?

The Field

The field is whit e for harvest

The labourers are at home

Having a lovely sharing time

While an old man dies alone

The field is white for harvest

The labourers have just come out of church

Chatting over biscuits and coffee,

While a young girl cries from the hurt

Biscuits and coffee

The field is white for harvest

the labourers often speak

Of how may souls really need to be saved

And what she is wearing his week

How many souls really need to be saved?

The field is white for harvest

But none of us really give a stuff

We turn on the tele’ or go out for coffee,

Eating mudcake until we’ve had quite enough

Quite enough quite enough… Have you had enough yet?

What do you think Jesus meant when he said

The field is white for harvest but the labourers are few? 

The field is white for harvest

But first we really must do

An accredited course so we’re qualified

To tell people that Jesus is true

Well it’s Jesus who qualifies you

The field is white for harvest

The labourer sits and thinks

I’m feeling quite challenged

I really should do something

But first I’ll listen to the end of this song

Ode to Television

I would not and I could not possibly live without you

I would not and I could not possibly live without you

Gently you lead me into temptation

Telling me lies and awakening my flesh

Numbing my conscience you fill up my mind

With your subtle convincing colourful trash

I am convinced that I need you each evening

To inform me of what’s going on in the world

But ‘that’s not all folks there’s comedy coming up next’

To help me forget all the bad news I’ve heard

Life without you I can’t imagine

I’d have so much more time on my hands

I’d have to talk to a friend or worse still

Pick up my bible and read it instead

You are the potter and I am the clay

As I sit and receive all that you choose to give

And when in trouble there’s plenty of channels

That I can switch onto and learn how to live

Yes I love Jesus if only he’d come on TV

Then I could get to know him more

But he never stars no not even a guest appearance

So faithfully I’ll watch in hope

That he might appear one day

Dark No More

I used to fear cyclones and floods and tidal waves

Bad guys staring at me through the bedroom window pane

But now I fear the darkness in my heart and in my soul

Watered down convictions and a love that’s growing cold

If you ask me what I crave for

I would tell you I would tell you

I don’t wanna be dark no more

I don’t wanna be living in this sin

I don’t wanna be dark no more

Break my heart open and let your light shine in

I have served the me-idol for many lonely years

Worshipped in the temple of my self-indulgent fears

But darkness has a nature that must bow down to the light

And you have broken through my chains in perfect sacrifice

This Song

This song’s to the people who are happy and content

Building pretty houses and watering their lawns

This song’s to the people who smile and say ‘hello’

And wouldn’t hurt a fly and pay their bills on time oh

This song’s an attempt to get behind their scenes

This song’s an investigation of lives and what they mean

This song could be the knife that cuts deep into their lives and

And takes the mask from their souls

But people like that wouldn’t like this song

Here we go

Well your house will not protect you

From the spiritual flame

And your lawn won’t fool the one who judges

The condition of your soul

Your friendly smile will fall down when your

Heart’s exposed as evil and

There’s no use for money past the cemetery gate

It’s not that your lawn your house your money or your smile

Are bad in themselves but what it is

Is that you might be holding onto to them as if they matter

And that’s where you’ll be losing out in the end

A Fair Bit More

Well I’m not asking for any big revelation

And I’m not asking for a formula

To work this whole thing through

But what I’m asking for Lord Jesus

Is to be a fair bit more like you

Just this afternoon things are very clear

That I’ll never get it right no matter what I do

So what I’m asking for Lord Jesus

Is to be a fair bit more like you

And yes I wanna die to the way I seem to be

And yes I wanna live through your Spirit in me

But once again I’ve let you down

By the bad things that I do

And I guess that’s why I need to be

A fair bit more like you

Finest Unreliable Friend

You were not there for me

Like you said you would be

You let me down time and again

You made promises

I’ve never seen the light of,

You drove this girl around the bend

But at least I can rely on you

To not do what it is you say you’re gonna do

And never ever see a journey through,

And so we both know where we stand

You’re the finest unreliable friend I’ve ever had

And I wouldn’t swap you for the world or ever treat you bad

You’re the finest unreliable friend I’ve ever known

So I won’t try to tie you down

‘cause you’re better off on your own

When trouble’s come my way

I’ve known you to say

“I’m right by your side” and then you disappear

Well I want you to know that

Wherever it is you go

I’m mostly happy to stay right here

But a least…

Well I know you think you’re smart

And some would say you’re pretty

But I can see right through that all,

So when the waters rise and

You are losing ground

I’ll try to catch you when you fall

Where You Belong

Do you think you’re my stepping stone?

That I use you to climb higher on?

When I say these thing that you don’t wanna hear

Are my motives really so unclear?

I speak to you for your good alone

So can it be so very wrong?

Perhaps I care and I think you are my friend

And see your journey heading to a fiery end

It’s time to come home now

You’ve been away a little too long

It’s time to come back

Time to come back where you belong

I believe that where you’ve been

And I believe that what you’ve seen

Are all a part of life’s windey road

But by yourself you’ll never

Manage such a heavy load

Intricate Creator

I have seen your mercy

In every move I’ve made

And I have felt you hold me up

When I begin to fade

And I have known your truthfulness

When feelings let me down

And I’ve met you

Where there has been

No one else around

And this is how you are

It’s your inevitable nature

Friend you do amaze me

Oh Intricate Creator

And this is how you are

It’s your inevitable nature

Friend you do amaze me

Oh Intricate Creator

I have understood you to be

Everything and more

That you promised

From the very time I heard your call

And the way you’re proving faithful

When I call your name

Is a faithfulness I never could

Give back the same

My Only Jesus

Life is short and if I didn’t have you by my side

I’d be really frightened

Years are passing and if I couldn’t see you in my future

I’d be really scared

Nothing lasts forever

And so much could go wrong

Except your love and faithfulness

So keep my eyes upon you

Never let them wander

Help me never to forget

That you’re my only hope

And fix my sight completely

Without a doubt or waver

On you my only hope my only Jesus

I am learning that loving one another as you love me

Is what I need to do

But by myself this would be so futile and so foolish

So I’m gonna need you

Mustard Seeds

See them walking at night in the city

Dressed to impress and so desperately pretty

Compounded footsteps all head one direction

You must be like this and who dares to question

Such expectations impenetrably laid

Rules never spoken which must be obeyed

‘Walk to the rhythm’ they lure you softly

But if you do then the price will be costly

Well I speak of mustard seeds and beautiful pearls

These two small things are the keys to this world

Anything’s possible with mustard seed faith

And freedom is found in the pearl of his grace

You don’t need answers just do as you’re told

Truth is a message which no one must hold

Find yourself love yourself live for your youth

But nothing is certain and nothing is truth

Light in The Darkness

I’ve known you for sixteen years now

And it’s finally occurring to me

That your amazing grace is more worth singing about

Than the total sum of sky and land and sea

And though you’ve never given me

All the things I thought I needed

And loneliness has been too close a friend

Your Spirit in me adores you

And longs to see you kingdom come again

I wanna be your light in the darkness

I wanna shine so bright for all to see

I wanna be your light in the darkness Jesus

Let your light shine let it shine through me

I hear the voice of your Spirit calling me

Out into this world every day

And never have I known a greater joy in my soul

Than those times when I have listened and obeyed

And though I know you’re leading me

Into places that I fear

I know for sure you’re coming with me too

So take my hand and lead the way

And I’ll just keep my eyes fixed upon you

All songs © Claire Hazzard 2001

WHATEVER IT TAKES

You and me standing

Face to face and we know

This is where our love is found

We’ve come the hard road babe

And now we’re in this place

And we both plan to stick around

When the world would say it’s over

And it’s time to walk away

Though it isn’t easy baby

There’s one thing I’ve got to say

Promises are made forever

Promises are made forever

We have got to try to stay together

Whatever it takes

Whatever it takes

I have seen the pain that can befall

Travellers along this road

But there’s a love that makes

These mountains look so small

And his faithful arms

Will share our load

AEROPLANE

Tonight I’m waiting for

An aeroplane to take me

To the beginning

Of the rest of my life

I’ve been working really hard

At this game lately

And I must remember

Not to let myself think twice

‘Cause though I know

That everything could

Crash and burn around me

I’d rather live with this life’s wounds

Than die with ‘what if maybe?’

Take me to the darkest night Lord

And I’ll be your light for

All the world to see

Take me where the river’s deep Lord

And I’ll let your sweet water

Of life flow out through me

I want you to take me

This world is yours Lord so

I’m not going to be frightened

Of all those mountains

That are standing in my way

‘Cause you alone decide

Just what will be my journey

And all I have to do is

Live it day by day

And there’s a place

That we’re all looking for

Another place

That we’re all looking for

And I believe that

There is so much more

AMBITIOUS

All I try to do is tell you

What I hope to be one day

It’s not like I am unaware

That obstacles lie in my way

But dreams to you are laughable

And bound potentially to fail

And words you speak

Are ammunition blowing

All my hopes away

I cannot cannot listen

To what you say

I will be ambitious

I’ll reach for the sky

Though I may fall upon the ground

I will be ambitious

Aiming at the stars I’ll take

My chance at being shot down

Please don’t think I want to try

Becoming someone that I’m not

Yeah I know that not all my plans

Will work out just the way I want

But if I do not have a reason

And I don’t have a race to run

Then I will die no further down

That road than I had first begun

I cannot cannot march to

To that drum

Seems to me that you

Are more afraid of my

Potential failure than I am

And though you know

I love you dearly my friend

I won’t let you hold me back again

WITHOUT YOU

It’s all over I admit defeat

You have torn the curtain

And brought me to my knees

Now I know I am nothing

Without you

Yesterday I was

Queen of my world

But you held up a mirror

To reveal this small girl

Now I know I am nothing

Without you

Without you

There is bondage

Disguised as commitment

Darkness is watered down

To look like the light

Blood is a fairy tale

And nails just an implement

And tombs full of dead men

Are painted in white

Without you

There’s a peace

That you put in my soul

When I stop playing God

And let you take control

I have seen how

Your power can move

When I throw down my crown

And admit that it’s true

That I know I am nothing

Without you

Without you

There is bondage

Disguised as commitment

Darkness is watered down

To look like the light

Blood is a fairy tale

And nails just an implement

And tombs full of dead men

Are painted in white

Without you

There’s confusion

Disguised as open-mindedness

Satan appears as an angel of light

The Kingdom of Heaven

Must bow down to tolerance

And the blind lead the blinder

Deep into the night

Without you

We are perishing

Judged by our good deeds

Salvation is worked for

But never is found

The cross is a pendant

And the gospel’s ridiculous

Without you

THE CROSSROAD

There’s a crossroad

We all come to in our lives

It can be our victory or our demise

I cannot tell you how

You’ll know when you are there

But I can suggest

You choose your road with care

It will be your call

No one else can choose

It will make or break

You’ll have all to lose

Do not be deceived my friend

You cannot tarry there

You must choose your path

At the crossroad

At the crossroad voices

Calling out your name

And there’s a different price

To go with every game

But only one voice sings

‘Eternal life for free

Because I bought it

On the cross at Calvary’

GONE

She is gone

Hell is at the door

Bidding her come in

No more life forevermore

The final flag

Has been flown in her honour

Now nothing remains

Beyond a faded memory

And this mightn’t be

The song I’d like to sing

But the word is clear she’s gone

Death indeed has had its sting

That’s just the way it will be

Now for all eternity

Jesus died to set her free

But she turned away

No more life her chance is gone

She tried to make it on her own

And on her own is how it is

Now she is gone

The bible says that

All deserve to die

Because of what we’ve done

And even if you try

That still isn’t enough

To be on God’s side

You must repent of sin

And believe that Jesus died

And this mightn’t be

The song you’d like to hear

But when Jesus rose from death

He made it very clear

That’s just the way it will be  

Now for all eternity

Jesus died to set you free

Don’t you turn away

After life your chance is gone

You’ll never make it on your own

And on your own is how you’ll be

When you are gone

WHERE YOU BELONG

Do you think

You’re my stepping stone?

That I use you to climb higher on?

When I say these things

That you don’t wanna hear

Are my motives really so unclear?

I speak to you for your good alone

So can it be so very wrong?

Perhaps I care

And I think you are my friend

And see your journey heading

To a fiery end

It’s time to come home now

You’ve been away a little too long

It’s time to come back

Time to come back where you belong

I believe that where you’ve been

And I believe that what you’ve seen

Are all a part of life’s windey road

But by yourself you’ll never

Manage such a heavy load

I think you know that I’m talking to you

WAITING

Tonight is for the silence

Long the day is gone

You want to be alone with me

To sing to me your song

Tonight is for the loneliness

That I can’t get in the day

The light is faint and fading now

You’ve got something to say

You’ve been waiting for tonight

For such a long time now

And you’ve been

Wanting to touch my soul

Like you do somehow

You know I’m getting distant

You’ve seen me walk alone

And the streets are growing narrower

And I can’t find my way home

Oh I’ve seen you at the crossroads

Beckoning as you do

But I’ve ignored your calling Jesus

Although I know it’s true

INTRICATE CREATOR

I have seen your mercy

In every move I’ve made

And I have felt you hold me up

When I begin to fade

And I have known your truthfulness

When feelings let me down

And I’ve met you where there has been

No one else around

And this is how you are

It’s your inevitable nature

Friend you do amaze me

Oh Intricate Creator

And this is how you are

It’s your inevitable nature

Friend you do amaze me

Oh Intricate Creator

I have understood you to be

Everything and more

That you promised

From the very time I heard your call

And the way you’re proving faithful

When I call your name

Is a faithfulness I never could

Give back the same

RESCUE ME

Rescue me from this fire

I have built with my own desire

Rescue me from this state I’m in

Untie the ropes

Break the chains of sin

And I hear you

Calling out to me

You’re calling ‘sinner

Come I’ll set you free’

Jesus I know you’re

Strong enough to win this fight

Jesus I know you’re bright enough

To light this lonely night and

I believe that everything you say

In your word is sure and true

So rescue me from myself

And take me all for you

Rescue me from these fears

I have held for too many years

Rescue me from my

Hardened heart only you can

Break these chains apart

© Claire Hazzard 2001

In Love With You

Now that I’m sure that you’ve seen who I am

And all of my faults are revealed to you

And you know I’m selfish even possessive

And you’ve seen me cry often enough now

These months gone by I’ve been more than contentious

And with this I’ve waited for your good bye

But you haven’t gone yet, you have remained

And you really will stay forever won’t you

And you claim you still love me

I can hardly believe it,

Not the pretend me and

You are the one who I have

Fallen deeply in love with

And I am promising that

These words are true

You are the friend who I want

I’ve waited all my life long

And finally I can say

I’m in love with I’m in love with you

Well it’s not been easy learning to do the right thing

‘Cause selfishness keeps trying to tell me otherwise

But slowly I’m seeing that when I treat you how I should

Things between us only get better

Finest Unreliable Friend

You were not there for me

Like you said you would be

You let me down time and again

You made promises

I’ve never seen the light of

You drove this girl around the bend

But at least I can rely on you

To not do what it is you say you’re gonna do

And never ever see a journey through

And so we both know where we stand

You’re the finest unreliable friend I’ve ever had

And I wouldn’t swap you for the world or ever treat you bad

You’re the finest unreliable friend I’ve ever known

So I won’t try to tie you down

'Cause you’re better off on your own

When trouble’s come my way

I’ve known you to say

“I’m right by your side” and then you disappear

Well I want you to know that

Wherever it is you go

I’m mostly happy to stay right here

But a least…

Well I know you think you’re smart

And some would say you’re pretty

But I can see right through that all

So when the waters rise and

You are losing ground

I’ll try to catch you when you fall

Raging Sea

You’d better slow down and look out behind you

At what you’re destroying as you burn your path through

There’s people left shaking and words left resounding

I think your repair bill is silently mounting

You’d better step out of this whirlwind you’re living

Take time to assess the message you’re giving

‘Cause people are watching and you’re in the spotlight

Your words and your actions aren’t quite lining up right

And most of all I think I am concerned

That you’re the one who’s gonna get yourself burned

Yes most of all I think I am concerned

That you’re the one who’s gonna get yourself burned

Now not for one minute am I suggesting

That I don’t think you’re brilliant

In fact I’m confessing

That I look up to you but you confuse me

When you say you’ve found peace now

But your life is a raging sea

Selfish Song

Why do I always write the songs? 

Who will write a song for me?

Why am I always sitting alone? 

Out the front so crowds can see?

Why do my words go out to you? 

When will you send some in return?

Why do I always write the songs? 

Who will write a song for me?

Why is it me who has to say

Things nobody else wants to say?

Why do I have to stand alone?

Why do I see a different way?

Why is my heart not mine alone?

Why do I have to share it around?

Why do I always write the songs?

Who will write a song for me?

This is the vessel this is the sacrifice

This is why I’m here this is just my life

So I’ll just place my heart upon display

And I wouldn’t have it any other way…

This is the vessel, this is the sacrifice

This is why I always write the songs

Only a Fool

Only a fool would stand and watch the walls fall down

Only a fool would kiss the dirt and kick the crown

I am in a position to speak on this subject

Only a fool would pile the snow onto the fire

Only a fool would pull the rope into the mire

I am in a position to speak on this subject

‘Cause I know someone like that

Very well too well thank you anyway

And I’ve seen her in action

When the love walks in she turns the other way

I can do it on my own

But I never quite manage you know

Only a fool would slap my lying face with truth

Only a fool would nail his hands to hold me in my youth

But I am in no position to speak on this subject

Only a fool would love me as I cast his love aside

Only a fool would die to save the fool who crucified

But I am in no position to speak on this subject

But I know some like that

Very well but not well enough thank you anyway

And I’ve seen him in action

When his love walks in it will not go away

I will never be alone

‘Cause you’ll never let this fool go

The Field

The field is whit for harvest

The labourers are at home

Having a lovely sharing time

While an old man dies alone

The field is white for harvest

The labourers have just come out of church

Chatting over biscuits and coffee

While a young girl cries from the hurt

Biscuits and coffee

The field is white for harvest

The labourers often speak

Of how may souls really need to be saved

And what she is wearing this week

How many souls really need to be saved?

The field is white for harvest

But none of us really give a stuff

We turn on the tele’ or go out for coffee,

Eating mudcake until we’ve had quite enough

Quite enough quite enough… Have you had enough yet?

What do you think Jesus meant when he said

The field is white for harvest

But the labourers are few? 

What do you think Jesus meant when he said

The field is white for harvest,

But the labourers are few?

The field is white for harvest

But first we really must do

An accredited course so we’re qualified

To tell people that Jesus is true

Well it’s Jesus who qualifies you

The field is white for harvest

The labourer sits and thinks

I’m feeling quite challenged

I really should do something

But first I’ll listen to the end of this song

© Claire Hazzard 2000

THE VINE

I am falling away from the vine

Down to the dirt that’s so rightfully mine

And I feel my grip letting go

I cannot raise myself up but I know

You are able and you love me

And you’ve promised

Right from the start to hold onto my heart

And you’ll never give up on me

And you’ll follow me through all eternity

And you’ll never ever let me out of your sight

Cause you’ve promised to never give up on me

I am seeking the ultimate light

But darkness has drawn me into a fight

That I never could win alone

I would’ve quit now except that I’d known

ACRONYM

Don’t seek too much wisdom it’ll only break your heart

And don’t think hard for very long it’ll tear your world apart

And never let your feelings rise or drop above a mid equator

And don’t you dare to seek your source

In case there is some great creator

Just live each day sufficiently and

Entertain reality as

Something we can’t really see

Unless we know

Security and it is hidden in these words

I once knew a man drawn often to the sea

He manifest his wisdom on the shore of Galilee

And though the people listened with their ears

They made their hearts all dead

Cause wisdom is offensive and it’s so much easier instead

MUSTARD SEEDS

See them walking at night in the city

Dressed to impress and so desperately pretty

Compounded footsteps all head one direction

You must be like this and who dares to question

Such expectations impenetrably laid

Rules never spoken which must be obeyed

‘Walk to the rhythm’ they lure you softly

But if you do then the price will be costly

Well I speak of mustard seeds and beautiful pearls

These two small things are the keys to this world

Anything’s possible with mustard seed faith

And freedom is found in the pearl of his grace

You don’t need answers just do as you’re told

Truth is a message which no one must hold

Find yourself love yourself live for your youth

But nothing is certain and nothing is truth

HERE TO BURN

I’m here to burn you with these words

If these words will teach you

I’m here to burn into your soul

Father of Lights loves you

I’m here to burn upon your mind

The knowledge of his nature

I’m here to burn into your broken heart

Your place with your creator

So burn away I will

If I can and I’ll keep burning

That you’ll burn one day forever

If you burn your bridge of turning

So I will burn you now

Or you will burn later

Die and burn later

I’m here to burn you with these thoughts

If these thoughts ignite you

I’m here to burn through your fascade

Your innate value

I’m here to burn upon your mind

The knowledge of his nature

I’m here to burn into your hating heart

The grace of your creator

WESTERN FEET (for Becky)

She could see him there by the rusty gate

With his hollow white eyes and his empty face

As she passed him by sitting all alone

She could feel her arms reach to take him home

But her western feet carried her away

While his Zambian feet were left to see another day

Searching the street for love he’ll never find

While western love passed by in her heart and mind

He could see her there as she passed his gate

With her deep green eyes and her pretty pale face

As she passed him by in her rich cotton clothes

He could see her tears but he never could know

Why her…

And I know really there was nothing she could do

But I bet you he doesn’t have the slightest clue

IN THE SHADOW

I’ve been fleeing and he’s been chasing me

Or so it seems from the view I get down here

Knowing if I’m his I’ll never ever be yours

And so he’s got me running in his lies of fear

But as I approach you and I’m gaining nigh

The strength of truth returns to me and I turn

To him and cry

I am in the shadow of the cross

Living in the shadow of the cross

In the east is that upon which this was one time bore

And I am in the shadow of the west of this won war

I am not afraid

Now life is transient and we will all soon die

So here’s your options take them seriously or fry

I know you may not see reality the way that I do

But neither can you say no one ever tried to show it to you

One day you’ll approach him and it’s gaining nigh

Will you find the strength of truth to turn to death and cry

LEAF SONG

I am as a leaf carried to and fro

By the Holy Spirit where he’d have me go

I don’t know where I’m going which is hard sometimes

But who am I to question the path that he’s designed

I am as a sheep lost and gone astray

Rescued by my shepherd and guided in the way

Though the way is narrow and I don’t understand

Who am I to question my shepherd’s guiding hand

I am as the clay beneath the potter’s hand

Were it not for his design my vessel would not stand

I have no say in how he shapes my very being

But who am I to question my creator and my king

MY LIFE

Never a moment in this waking life

To listen to nothing and nullify strife

Constantly moving and changing with time

Never a reason and not too much rhyme

Oh Lord of the sea Lord of the land Lord of eternity

Oh you’re my light in the tunnel

Oh you’re my shelter when lightning strikes

Oh you’re out beyond the breaking waves

You’re my Lord Jesus and oh you’re my life

Now I know that you’re hearing here all that I say

And I know you’re there as I run from each day

So why can’t I slow down and walk beside you

And follow your footsteps in all that I do

WRONG BUT VALUABLE

You are wrong but you are valuable

And you are bad but you’re more precious than gold

And you need to change but you’re loved as much

The way you are now

And you’ve done things you never should have

But you needn’t feel cast out

So just take a look around you and recognize your place

As one who isn’t always perfect and some call a disgrace

And realize it was people just like you

Who Jesus walked and talked with

Because he came to pull them through

So how can you turn him away when

He’d love to be with you just the way you are

No gimmicks nothing you have to or can do

So how can you turn him away

WHATEVER THINGS

Whatever things are noble

Whatever things are good

Whatever things are lovely

You know that on these things

You should meditate

Whatever things are pure

Whatever things are just

Whatever things are perfect

You know that on these things

You must meditate

And if in this world you should find

Any virtue or anything praiseworthy

Meditate on these things

DOORMAN

Step outside this world for a while

And just take a good look at you

What really matters when all is said and done

What’s going to carry you through

Good intentions and peace keeping deeds

Or seizing the days as they come

All last a while in this lifetime of ours

And seem so fulfilling to some

But who’s gonna take you by the hand

And lead you gently home

When this world is all over

And the stars have gone out

And you’re suddenly all alone

Who’s gonna give you the key to the door

That opens up true joy and peace

If you do not know the doorman

Then he cannot let you in

And all hope for you then will cease

Look around at this tangible world

But see the transcendent beyond

Are we just products of marvellous chaos

Or do we desire to belong

TO BE REAL

If I’m to be real I must question my sincerity

It’s a hard thing to do ‘cause I guess I don’t wanna see

The reality of all you’ve done for me and how I treat you

I’ve seen your mighty power I’ve known your tender love

I feel as though you’ve brought me from the deep

Up to the heavens above

I know you know me better than I know myself

I don’t understand why I am where you put me

I feel boxed in as though it’s not where I should be

But Ancient of Days I’m not gonna argue with you

So spreading out my arms and spinning in a circle

Dancing on a hilltop I scream out your name

And I tell you I love you and I wanna serve you

And I know I’ll never be the same

So Jesus my friend I thought I’d write you this song

‘Cause I know you’re coming back and it won’t be too long

And I can’t wait to see your face

HEY OLD MAN

Hey old man why must you be so old

I suppose I’ll never meet a young man just like you

You’re the kindest man that ever I’ve encountered

Not many people smile with sincerity the way you do

If Jesus came down from heaven above

Looked around and said he’d find the man who showed most love

I would not be surprised at all if he smiled as he looked your way

Now I realize I barely know you at all

But actions speak louder than words could ever say

And if in my life I could be like one person

It would be you any day