P o e t r y

Featured Lyricist: Kevin Smith

(While Christmas music plays everywhere these days, there are certain songs written for this season that really capture the joy and anticipation of Advent. We're honored to feature one such song by Kevin Smith, a singer/songwriter from South Louisiana. Kevin's lyrics, here in written form, work even better with the music, which you should download here, or on itunes)

"Tonight"

Who are we here on earth,
To be celebrating such a sacred birth?
Silent, long in our pain
Here you come in person,
bringing peace again.

We cannot imagine much less know
That out God loved us so much to stoop so low-
With all you've done, still its a surprise.
We can see it now in your infant eyes-
We can see it now in Your eyes.

Tonight, tonight, the Lord has come tonight
And in the dark, we have seen the great light
Lay all your self-concern aside
This baby takes away our pride
Tonight, tonight, tonight

Tonight, tonight, the Lord has come tonight
Bring our your family, every thing's all right
Leave all your inhibitions here
This baby takes away our fear
Tonight, tonight

Tonight, tonight, the Lord has come tonight
In these ten fingers all of heaven's fight
So dance and shout and ruin your voice
This baby cries and we rejoice

Tonight, tonight, tonight
Tonight, tonight, tonight, we rejoice
Tonight, tonight, tonight, we rejoice
Tonight

--from Kevin's CD, Lighter

Hollywood

So I was feeling a little homesick the other day. . . I went for a drive and was listening to a CD that a friend of mine, Brian Rowe, produced in his old dorm room at Biola (he created a bunker of old chairs and discarded matresses to create this soundproof little coccoon where he'd mix together his songs. . . all original music and lyrics and such).  Brian's 21 now, still looking to find himself and his call.  He's someone I mentored back when I was working with youth and we still keep in touch.  He's immensley talented and a little confused sometimes, kind of like someone else I know.

Hollywood

Half hour from Hollywood headlights on

Wrapped up in a warm car singing Paul Simon songs

And the night never gets black, but that’s all right with me, Andrea, Bonnie and Zach

It’s so surreal, but that’s how we feel here in Hollywood.

Sunset Blvd. Neon signs

Can’t find any parking, but walking is fine

And the night air is so cold, but here in Hollywood you die before you’re old

But we’re still young and the night’s not done here in Hollywood.

Chorus:  Here in Hollywood I think I could sell, but I hear Hollywood is like Junior High in hell.

Every bum on the street is an ex-screenwriter

Every actor is a waiter at Denny’s diner

Maybe this Hollywood life’s a mistake, but I don’t care right now I’ve got this chocolate shake

I’ll drink it down and leave this town

Take the 101 out of Hollywood.