Author: TheJudith

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Steadfast | Story Behind Song

Judith Baker | LeBaker Music

Originally supposed to be a Latin grove replacing one of the songs I took off the In Spirit and Truth project. The Lord gave me this powerful rock anthem, inspired from my theme scripture Psalm 108:1, A psalm of David (my distant Great-Grandfather) that says. “My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul…”

A Soldiers Life

I’m no stranger to commitment and hard work being a military gal. When I took my oath of enlistment I agreed to fight for this country against all enemies foreign and domestic. As a Christian, being a soldier in the Army of the Lord takes on a similar connotation. My commitment to God and this Christian life is not always easy but I am not backing down. I will continue to read, study and sharpen my sword as I relish in the fact that the battle is not mine, it is the Lords. It is my honor to serve my country but it is an even greater honor to be in the Army of the Lord.

Production Notes

When Doug heard the demo he immediately felt a rock-n-roll song so he combined a classic rock feel and the Latin piano and we were excited. Doug recommended Mike Stewart to do a killer guitar solo during the bridge. Then Doug heard all kinds of fun and strong back-up vocals which really finished the song off. The words are inspired by all my years of military service and my service for the Lord. I am proudly serving in the Army of the Lord! When you serve God there is victory and He will conquer!

A Few Military Memories

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Lyrics

(Verse 1)
I am on the battlefield for my Lord,
Pressing upward, pressing onward,
To a great and high reward.
I am devoted to you calling, yes my Lord.
Your faithfulness gives confidence,
I give allegiance in this war.

(Chorus)
(Steadfast) I am a soldier of the Lord.
(Steadfast) Mighty warrior with my sword.
(Steadfast) Pressing on to my reward.
I am marching on the Zion,
You better believe it! I am so steadfast!

(Verse 2)
I will stand up and be counted for my Lord.
There is victory, You will conquer,
Just as you’ve done before.
I accept you for your faithful, yes my Lord,
The battles is not yet over,
But You’ve all ready won the war.

(Chorus)
Repeat Chorus

(Bridge – Guitar Solo)
Oh………(vocal slide)

(Chorus)
Repeat Chorus

(End Tag)
(Wo wo steadfast, marchin, marchin, marchin, we are so steadfast) I’m Steadfast!
(I said steadfast) I am marching on the Zion, you better believe it (you better believe)
I am so steadfast (marchin, marchin, marchin, you better believe)
You better believe it I am so steadfast!

If you like this one check out “Freedom’s Not Free.”

Steadfast © 2005 Judith Baker (ASCAP) | Publisher LeBaker Music (ASCAP) | Music, Lyrics and Background Vocals by Judith Baker | Sound Recording and Production as work for hire by Doug Gazlay, D-Grooves Studio, Atlanta, GA 2005 | Electric and Rhythm Guitar: Mike Stewart | All Rights Reserved
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God Still Makes a Way | Story Behind Song

Judith Baker | LeBaker Music

A Way is a poignant reminder that no matter what you are going through, God Still Makes a Way | Story Behind Song

 

Story Behind Song

Judith Baker | LeBaker Music
This photo was taken at a time in my life when I was going through some trying times. The photographer thought this shoot went great – little did he know what I was feeling or hiding inside. I can see the despair in my eyes.

This song came to me during a very trying period in my life. I was battling my own demons as the saying goes and I really began to turn around and realize God called me to do something big for His kingdom, but the devil had sent me obstacles and I needed God more than ever. I needed God to be in control. I was in my own bondage and caught up in a situation I did not know what the outcome would be. It’s a long story for another time. But I surrendered and God delivered. He is the God of third and fourth and. . . chances.

I wrote this to encourage those incarcerated or in bondage. I had been very affected by incarceration during this period in my life. I still share a burden for people that society has sometimes forgotten.

Listen on Spotify

I had a chance to meet and minister to some of those incarcerated. I  sees how the devil thinks he can twist, and trick and destroy lives in attempt to steal souls. Better yet, I see how God made a way for us where there is no other way.

Keep those in any bondage in your prayers.

Production Notes

The song was titled “God Will Make a Way.” There are already several variations of songs with the same title. When my producer and I were working on this song in the studio the Holy Ghost said to me – “look at what I have brought you out of – I Still Make a Way.” So I was moved to change the title to “God Still Makes A Way,” because He does! He truly does, so don’t ever give up. 

Lyrics

(Verse 1)
When you see no end, to the pain and despair
When no one else really seems to care
God still makes a way, God still makes a way

When troubles are high and spirits are low
He has a miracle you need to know
God still makes a way, God still makes a way

(Chorus)
Yes God will, He still makes a way.
No need to turn back, He’ll step in today.
Whatever the problem, I’m here to say,
God will do it, God still makes a way

(Verse 2)
Call on the One, call on Him now
If you’re confused, He will show you how
God still makes a way, God still makes a way

I can say to you in need
Gods still on the throne, He’ll take the lead
God still makes a way, God still makes a way

(Chorus)
Yes God will, He still makes a way.
No need to turn back, He’ll step in today.
Whatever the problem, I’m here to say,
God will do it, God still makes a way

(End Tag)
Whatever the problem, I’m here to say
God still makes a way
Ooo He makes a way

God Still Makes a Way © 1991 Judith Baker (ASCAP) | Publisher LeBaker Music (ASCAP) | Music and Lyrics by Judith Baker | Sound Recording and Production as work for hire by Doug Gazlay, D-Grooves Studio, Atlanta, GA 2005 | All Rights Reserved
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Mama’s Song (Judith’s Lullaby) | Story Behind Song

Judith Baker | LeBaker Music

An Inspirational, Folk-type, Americana lullaby Judith wrote for her children when they were toddlers. She used to sing the chorus to them at night. The prayer featured in the song is the prayer they would say together. This song is a favorite with Moms and Kids. Enjoy Mama’s Song (Judith’s Lullaby) | Story Behind Song

Story Behind Song

Listen on Spotify

I’ll never forget the first time I heard Bob Carlisle’s song “Butterfly Kisses.” Don’t ever ask me to sing it because I have a hard time getting through the song without tearing up. I though, “What a great song!” Then I had an idea, why not use the talent God gives us to leave something unique and memorable behind for your children, and their children, and so on. I was inspired and wrote “Judith’s Lullaby.” I wanted a simple song for my children to remember their ole mom by.  

Precious Moments

Cute Toddlers Zoey & Sergio

My daughter Zoey was three and couldn’t say “Judith’s Lullaby.”  My son was just a toddler. Zoey simplified it and referred to the song as “Mama’s Song.”  So, it became “Mama’s Song (Judith’s Lullaby).” 

At night she would grin and say “Sing Mama’s Song.” Those were such precious times. I am so grateful, now that they are all grown up that I listened to the nudge from God to write this song. “Mama’s Song,” is one of my favorites.

Production Notes

Singing “Mama’s Song (Judith’s Lullaby)” at Levi’s baby Dedication, Battle Creek, MI

I recorded Zoey praying on a cassette tape, not knowing when or how I would ever be able to afford producing the song or an album for that matter.

By the time I was able to record this song my Zoey is a pre-teen. She was so embarrassed by her little prayer and wanted nothing to do with singing on the song. I thank God He gave me the insight to record her praying years ago. I insisted the prayer be included in the song even though the tape had warped over the years. My producer and I struggled to clean it up the best we could.

The best treat is my very own son, who is now an uber, sanguine, extroverted, comedian and actor, sings the child’s voice on the track.  He was still young enough that mom couldn’t embarrass him. To God be the Glory! I am so grateful for my Zoey and Sergio John! Years later I would sing this at my nephew Levi’s baby dedication. A great song is always timeless!

Lyrics

(Intro – child sings)
Sing me a lullaby, mommy, sing me a lullaby.
Tell me that when I’m sleep,
God will keep me safe and warm tonight.
Please mommy sing me a lullaby,
Sing me a lullaby,
Mommy now I can sleep tonight.

(Verse 1)
How can I sing, to a child so sweet and dear?
What do I tell them when this world is so unclear?
How do I ease their pain at times that’s hard to do?
Yet my child, my sweet child I’ll find a song to sing to you.

(Chorus)
And I’ll sing you a lullaby, to help you sleep tonight,
I’ll tell you that when your sleep,
God will keep you safe and warm tonight.
Always remember that, I do love you!
Believe in the Lord for He will pull you through.

(Verse 2)
As you grow each day, growing as we must do,
Learn to lean on God, have faith and trust Him too.
Remember His sacrifice; He made for me and you.
Trust Him, believe Him, and He’ll take care of you.

(Chorus)
And I’ll sing you a lullaby, to help you sleep tonight,
I’ll tell you that when your sleep,
God will keep you safe and warm tonight.
Always remember that, I do love you!
Believe in the Lord for He will pull you through.

(Bridge with Descant)
Sing me a lullaby, mommy, sing me a lullaby.
Tell me that when I’m sleep,
God will keep me safe and warm tonight.
Please mommy sing me a lullaby,
Sing me a lullaby,
Mommy now I can sleep tonight

(Child’s Prayer)
Now I lay me down to sleep.
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake.
I pray the Lord my soul to take,
God bless all the Mommies and Daddies
And Grandmas and Grandpas
And Brothers and Sisters
In Jesus Name, Amen

(Closing Chorus)
Lord give me a lullaby, give me a lullaby.
Tell me that when their sleep,
You will keep them safe and in your sight.
Oh how I know that Your love is true.
Thank you my Lord, I put my trust in you.

(End Tag)
Spoken) Lord give me a lullaby
Uh Hmmm….a lullaby.
(Spoken by child) Goodnight mommy)

Mama’s Song (Judith’s Lullaby) © 1996 Judith Baker (ASCAP) | Publisher LeBaker Music (ASCAP) | Music and Lyrics by Judith Baker | Children’s Vocals: Zoey Baker and Sergio Myers, II | Sound Recording and Production as work for hire by Doug Gazlay, D-Grooves Studio, Atlanta, GA 2005 | All Rights Reserved
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Mama’s Song (Judith’s Lullaby) | Story Behind Song

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Keep Movin’ On | Story Behind Song

Judith Baker | LeBaker Music

Keep Movin’ On is a Gospel song with an old-school funk groove. Inspired by a vision where the writer saw herself singing this song with a trio, Keep Movin’ On is a reminder to not become bogged down with this world. Keep pressing on, stay the course and one day on the other side, hear the Savior say “Well Done.”

Story Behind Song

Judith Baker | LeBaker Music | In Spirit and Truth
1/2 of the Grammy Nominated Melodies of Praise – Judith is pictured on the right end.

I have to give credit where credit is due on this song. My inspiration for “Keep Movin’ On” was a vision. I saw myself and three soulful ladies singing back-up, on a stage in 1987. I was about to fall asleep late at night and the vision came to me. I immediately got up and recorded a sketchy version on an old cassette tape recorder. Boy has technology come a long way!

At that time, I was singing with the Grammy nominated, “Melodies of Praise.” The group had some seriously talented singers that were just fabulous Christian people. They are instrumental and played a part in who I am today. One lady in particular, Ms. Sadie Carter (not pictured) had the inspiration for the bridge. I have lost contact with her over the years – but I wanted to say thank you to Sadie for her comments and contributions.

So my first credit is to the Holy Spirit for the divine inspiration of this song and my second to Ms. Carter. Keep on singing His songs sister! “Keep Movin’ On!” One day we will hear our Lord say “Well Done!”

Lyrics

(Verse 1)
I’m gonna keep movin’ on
I gotta keep movin’ on
I wanna keep movin’ on
Until I stand before the throne, yea now
And when I get to heaven
I said when I get to heaven
Lord when I get to heaven
I want to hear Him say well done

(Chorus)
I was a sinner nowhere bound
I was lost but now I’m found
Hallelujah, Praise His name
And Keep, keep movin’ on

(Bridge)
Hallelujah, Glory Glory
Hallelujah, Glory Glory
Hallelujah, Glory Glory
Hallelujah, Glory Glory

(Verse 2)
And when I get to heaven
I said when I get to heaven
Lord when I get to heaven
I want to hear Him say well done
I’m gonna keep movin’ on
I gotta keep movin’ on
I wanna keep movin’ on
Until I stand before the throne
I’m gonna hear him say well done

(Chorus)
I was a sinner nowhere bound
I was lost but now I’m found
Hallelujah, Praise His name
Sing Hallelujah, Praise His Name
I was a sinner nowhere bound
I was lost but now I’m found
Hallelujah, Praise His name
And Keep movin’ on, yea

(End Tag)
Keep movin’ on (scat through end)

Keep Movin On © 1987 Judith Baker (ASCAP) | Publisher LeBaker Music (ASCAP) | Music, Lyrics and Background Vocals by Judith Baker | Sound Recording and Production as work for hire by Doug Gazlay, D-Grooves Studio, Atlanta, GA 2005 | All Rights Reserved
Would you like your own custom original song?
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Breaking Free | Story Behind Song

Judith Baker | LeBaker Music

 

Listen on Spotify

This song wasn’t supposed to be on “In Spirit and Truth.”  I had just completed Beth Moore’s Bible Study “Breaking Free” where she focused on Isaiah, chapter 61. Knowing all to well the emptiness of bondage, Beth drove home key points showing how in God there is freedom. The insights and precepts I learned moved me so much that God inspired me. I replaced a song that didn’t fit the theme of “In Spirit and Truth.”  This is what inspired Breaking Free | Story Behind Song

Isaiah 61:1-4 (my favorite verse in the Word)

The Year of the Lord’s Favor (Jubilee)

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,

2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,

3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.

Check out our video for “Breaking Free”

Lyrics

(Verse 1)
I’m a pilgrim on a journey
On the straight and narrow way
No More spirit of despair
But a garment made of praise
All I had to do was know You
All I had to do was believe
I can find satisfaction
I can experience Your peace

(Chorus)
Breaking Free!
No more chains can bind me
I’m breaking free
I want Your Glory deep inside me
If I’d learned so long ago
If my mind could have conceived
Holy Spirit come and guide me (Sweet Holy Spirit)
And I will break free

(Verse 2)
You bind up the brokenhearted
With Your unfailing love
You release us from the darkness
Your loving us from up above
Thought the mountains may be shaken
Thought the hills may be removed
You renew the ancient cities
There’s no other God but you!

(Chorus)
Breaking Free!
No more chains can bind me
I’m breaking free
I want Your Glory deep inside me
If I’d learned so long ago
If my mind could have conceived
Holy Spirit come and guide me (Sweet Holy Spirit)
And I will break free

(Bridge)
There’s no more empty space (You fill my soul)
You flood my mind, my heart, my Soul (Love makes me whole)
And as Your love comes in
And makes me whole
Praise God I’m breaking free

(Chorus)
Breaking Free!
No more chains can bind me
I’m breaking free
I want Your Glory deep inside me
If I’d learned so long ago
If my mind could have conceived
Holy Spirit come and guide me (Sweet Holy Spirit)
And I will break free

(End Tag)
Yea!
I will break free
I will break free

(Scat through end)

I’m breaking, breaking free!

Breaking Free On © 2005 Judith Baker (ASCAP) | Publisher LeBaker Music (ASCAP) | Music and Background Vocals by Judith Baker, Lyrics by Judith Baker and Doug Gazlay | Sound Recording and Production as work for hire by Doug Gazlay, D-Grooves Studio, Atlanta, GA 2005 | All Rights Reserved
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Come On Come On | Story Behind Song

Judith Baker | LeBaker Music

What entered my head as a catchy tune in 1992 became the song “Come On Come On.” At the same time I was inspired by the words in Psalms, written by King David that speak about how creation praises the Lord. Enjoy Come On Come On | Story Behind Song

For instance, Psalms 148, defines all the elements in creation praising Him. Because I am a lover of mountains and beautiful skies these lyrical and poetic words inspired me. Furthermore, I  also love the story of King David dancing and worshiping to the Lord to celebrate victory in war. Consequently these are events and topics I can relate to with my leadership, strategic, military-minded, songwriting and sometimes Pentecostal brain.

Inspired By My Distant Great-Grandfather

Will Smith in D-Grooves Studio recording vocals for Come On Come On

Surprisingly, many years later, I learned – I am the distant Great Granddaughter of King David, from the tribe of Judah. This makes so much sense to me as a musician, leader and songwriter.

Music, celebration, soldering, worshiping – they are all embedded in the layers of my DNA fiber. My very name “Judith” is the female version of “Judah.” Notably, Judith means “Praise of the Lord.” Just like my incredible forefather, my goal for writing “Come On Come On” is to extend an invitation and reinforce a worshipful message about the Lord. Jesus is coming back and He is taking all of His children with Him. “So please be one of us” is my plea. And if you are part of the blessed “body of Christ” then “let’s be bold and proclaim!” 

How can you not be excited!

“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (New International Version) Personally, I can’t wait but until that day, here, there or in the air – I will Praise the Lord!

Production Notes | Come On Come On | Story Behind Song

On the production side, I heard horns in this song and more choral, pop sound in 1992. My producer took the song in a techno direction. I loved it. He added his magic and spiced up the bridge giving it a “live” feeling. Yes, all this was done in the studio. Now that I have my own production studio, I plan to produce a re-mix of the song showcasing the original sound I heard in my head, well at some point. Special thanks to Will Smith for his traveling to Atlanta to help with the Bass background vocals. 

Inspired by 2 Samuel 6:14 and Psalms Chapters 103, 117, 145, and 148 

 

Lyrics

(Chorus)
Come on, Come on, let us praise the Lord
Come on, Come on, let us praise the Lord
Come on, Come on, let us praise the Lord
For He is worthy to be praised
Worthy, worthy, worthy to be praised!

(Verse 1)
The sky shall unfold to tell the story
Revealing the signs, the power and the glory
The earth shall proclaim, the hills shall shout!
And we who love the Lord, Will march on out!

(Chorus)
Come on, Come on, let us praise the Lord
Come on, Come on, let us praise the Lord
Come on, Come on, let us praise the Lord
For He is worthy to be praised
Worthy, worthy, worthy to be praised!

(Verse 2)
Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess
The Son of David will no longer rest
He’s come for His faithful
Who called on His name
So please be one of us
Let’s be bold and proclaim!

(Chorus)
Come on, Come on, let us praise the Lord
Come on, Come on, let us praise the Lord
Come on, Come on, let us praise the Lord
For He is worthy to be praised
Worthy, worthy, worthy to be praised!

Bridge)
(Bass) Praise You, Praise You, Praise You
We praise Your Holy Name! (repeat 4 times)
(Tenor) Let us Go, Let us Go! (Repeat 3 times)
(Alto) Praise the Lord! (Repeat 2 times)
(Soprano) Praise the Lord!

Worthy, worthy, worthy
(Worthy, worthy, worthy)
Worthy, worthy, worthy,
Worthy, worthy, worthy!

(Chorus)
Come on, Come on, let us praise the Lord
Come on, Come on, let us praise the Lord
Come on, Come on, let us praise the Lord
For He is worthy

Come on, Come on, let us praise the Lord
Come on, Come on, let us praise the Lord
Come on, Come on, let us praise the Lord
For He is worthy to be praised
Worthy, worthy, worthy to be praised!

(End Tag)
Worthy, worthy, worthy to be praised!
Come on, Come on!

Come On Come On © 1996 Judith Baker (ASCAP) | Publisher LeBaker Music (ASCAP) | Music and Lyrics by Judith Baker | Sound Recording and Production as work for hire by Doug Gazlay, D-Grooves Studio, Atlanta, GA 2005 | Background Vocals: Judith Baker, Doug Gazlay and Will Smith | All Rights Reserved
Would you like your own custom original song?
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In Spirit and Truth | Story Behind Song

Judith Baker | LeBaker Music

Inspired from a challenge here is the In Spirit and Truth | Story Behind Song. While I was a Choir member and attended Boise First Church of the Nazarene, in Boise, Idaho. Our Music Minister, Royce Mitchell (Liberty Quartet Founder) challenged each of us as choir members. He shared John 4:23-24.

Royce impressed upon me that our job is worshiping with everything we have, not just showing up and going through the motions of being in a choir or on a praise team. Every choir member adds to worship and every choir member is a worship leader.

Can you Find Judith?

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24 (King James Version).

Worship or Going Thru the Motions

It’s no secret I have been a singer all my life. According to my mother, I performed professionally at the ripe old age of four. At the age of 33, I believe the Lord called me to use my gifts and talents to serve Him. Largely, that is how the music for his project was born. I began writing songs for the Lord that are now on this project. I continue to have a burning desire to honor the Lord in this manner. Consequently, this is more than an “x” in a box, or crossing off an item from my to-do list. To put it another way, Worship is now a way of life, a lifestyle for me. All thanks to Royce and this challenge. I have never looked at how I worship the Lord the same.

Lyrics

(Verse 1)
But an hour is coming and now is
When the true worshipers shall worship the Father
In Spirit and Truth
For such people the Father seeks
To be His worshipers
God is Spirit and those who worship Him
Must worship in Spirit and Truth

(Chorus)
In Spirit and Truth
In Spirit and Truth
For we must worship In Spirit and Truth

(Repeat Verse and Chorus)

(Bridge)
God is Spirit and I will worship Him
I will worship in Spirit and Truth

(Chorus)
Repeat Chorus

(End Tag)
(Spoken)We must worship Him
In Spirit and Truth

(Outro)
In Spirit and Truth
In Spirit and Truth

 

 

In Spirit and Truth © 1996 Judith Baker (ASCAP) | Publisher LeBaker Music (ASCAP) | Music and Lyrics by Judith Baker | Sound Recording and Production as work for hire by Doug Gazlay, D-Grooves Studio, Atlanta, GA 2005 | All Rights Reserved