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The world needs positive music to help offset the negativity and false values which infect our lives. How can we write about sin and cultural death in an engaging and affirming way? I have tried to do this in my own lyrics. Here are samples of my lyrics from the album Can't Let Go: schlettysound.com/cant-let-go

Leaving flesh ungates the soul,
like a bird that soars with grace,
like a worm that leaves the hole,
taken to an extraordinary place.

Give your all until the dawn.
Take what little stuff you need.
Smile until the shades are drawn,
knowing well that you've planted the seed.

Gift of knowing, gift of feeling.
Golden orb, precious sight.
Life's abrasions the sun is healing
for those who simply step out into the light.

What is money? What is power?
Lust and vengeance, blood and bile?
Selfless motives don't devour.
Look for treasure in a neighbor's smile.

See the light that streams from the darkness
from a soul who is weeping.
Hear their silent lips, 
the shuffle of tired feet. 

Bring your gifts to the doorstep
of a heart in a sling.
Bring your juice pressed from fruit
both sour and sweet.

You are the poet, you are the clown,
you are the artist able to fashion
a new smile on someone draggled by despair.
Take the lead, plant the seed of hope with compassion. 
Help a shattered spirit find repair.

Rain, tears and fears, the falling and the rising:
necessary grayness for the whetting of new growth.
Life and death in circles ever flowing.
Inspiration, expiration -- not one but both.

Breath That Heals

In the crush of oppression
When emotions sway and the truth is gray
In a crazy obsession
When the senses war and the will is torn

That’s when you shout, for nothing can conceal
The joy when you receive the Breath that heals

Quench the flaming darts
That pierce unguarded hearts
Have authority over anger, fear and lust
Bring light, bring hope, bring trust

In the clutch of possession
When voices scream and visions are seen
In the cold disconnection
From everlasting Love, from your God above

That’s when you shout, for nothing can conceal
The joy when you receive the Breath that heals

Quench the flaming darts
That pierce unguarded hearts
Have authority over anger, fear and lust
Bring light, bring hope, bring trust

In each inspiration
When new seeds are grown and the Word is known
In times of communion
When faith and hope unite to fight the dark of night

That’s when you shout, for nothing can conceal
The joy when you receive the Breath that heals

Lyrics for “Breath That Heals” inspired by cramer-institute.com/weapons-for-warfare/

Music ©2006 Hendrik Steiner and Karl Anselm. Lyrics ©2006 Richard C. Schletty.
Vocals and mixing by Richard Schletty.

Please feel free to comment below. Thank you!

Originally published April 4, 2014