Together You and I

Was I to tell the truth, for a time I was afraid that I had forever lost this love of music and songs that is such a very central and deep part of me. I can recall days that I would pick up my guitar to play, and I could hardly recall how to hold my favorite plectrum.

This scoffer’s voice was in my head and kept repeating, “The world doesn’t need another song.”

I do not recall how long I was in that place, longer than I wanted to be, no doubt.

My heart would not have it for one day from the depths returned the verbal volley, “The world doesn’t need another song, but I do.”

And then I unwrapped this song as a child unwraps a greatly anticipated birthday gift.

Enjoy, and be set free to hum, sing, or play along. We are playing it here in G.

Together You and I | Scot Phegley

Together You and I

Why do we sing songs?
Why do we tell stories?
Why do we rise early to catch the dawning of the light?
Why do we track stars?
This universe is dancing.
What if we could dance
Together, you and I?

I see a child born to plenty
And another who is hungry.
My soul cries for reasons why,
For a useful tale that I can tell.
I would travel 1000 miles To uncover one real love story.
Brother do you know the way I feel?
Sister tell me I am not alone.

Chorus

Now I am one born to plenty.
Tell me brother have you known the cold and hunger?
Let’s share this table for a while, Help me to see and understand.
Brother, let’s travel a thousand miles
Planting seeds of hope and mercy.
Sister, will you come too,
Let’s spread love like water upon the land.

Chorus

Teach it to your children.
Teach it to your old ones.
Teach it near and far
Till we shine brighter than the stars.

Chorus

© scot phegley

Sharing and Hoarding

Not so long into this summer, I was given the most glorious picture of how we were meant to live. I was granted this experience which held such beautiful instruction and exhortation for my heart. All that I am given is not for me. How many times will I have to encounter this deep truth before I give myself over to live in it? My hope and prayer is that I would begin to reflect and tell this truth with my actions. Even if my powers and abilities to do so are ever so small.

If you are one who is close to me. Hold me accountable. Say to me, “Take action. Cease hoarding! Share with those with whom you can!”

I am going to switch topics on you a little bit. Just yesterday evening a group of friends, some new and some old, and I were discussing the story of Hosea. I love the story of Hosea. This wild and scandalous tale of how Hosea, the prophet of Israel, takes for a wife the ever-wandering, unfaithful Gomer. It is quite a story. I will not do it justice to retell it. Find some time. Pour something you enjoy sipping. Read it.

As providence would have it, I happened upon an old and simple recording of a song that I wrote after spending some time reading and considering this old story. In that spirit of sharing…

The Path to Here and Now

No. 16 | This past Saturday evening I had the opportunity to share songs with some friends, some old ones, and some new.  We had a wonderful evening together.  As I consider the time, I am grateful for so many things.  

I love to share the songs but must admit that I am a bit out of practice.  I will leave those details for another time or personal conversations.  Everything went well, better than I had hoped. I am just aware that I am a bit rusty after not being able to share them live for a while. I am still getting my stage legs back, I suppose.

I awoke on this particular Saturday morning considering that I would that evening be standing before a room of people expected to share a wagonload of songs.  The thought made me a little nervous.  

At the very next moment, I asked myself the question.  How did I end up here?  When I reach for the guitar in that room, how will I have ended up in that place?  That is when the writing started.  What a wonderful and heart encouraging experience.  I encourage everyone to take pad and paper, smartphone notepad, or similar; and to engage in such an exercise. 

If Jewell hadn’t married Molly.   

If Maxine hadn’t married Herbert. 

If the US had not dropped the big bombs on Japan to end the war.

If my mom hadn’t taken piano lessons as a little girl. 

Continue reading “The Path to Here and Now”