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
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
(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
A Gospel Blues, song commemorating a great man, my late Grandfather Silas Andrews. The lyrics are inspired by his words as he battled cancer. Knowing he would be going to Glory in his last months he would tell us not to cry for him. He would be with Jesus and he would see us again when we come home. Read on to learn about Don’t Cry for Me | Story Behind Song
Story Behind Song
Growing up a Jehovah’s Wittiness, my grandfather was the only family member that remained a Christian. His love and Christ like example made an impact on my young impressionable mind. He introduced me to gospel greats like Edwin Hawkins and the late Rev. Cleveland. When I became a teenager we discovered that my grandfather had Cancer. He fought it best he could but the Lord called him home in 1981. Not knowing the Lord yet, I was devastated.
My grandfather’s influence and faith were instrumental in me leaving the JW’s. Later, in 1982 I found Christ for myself and accepted Jesus as my personal savior. I remembered how grandpa told us not to cry for him because he would be with Jesus. He used to joke and say “give me all my flowers now, not when I am dead.” That is what inspired me to write “Don’t Cry For Me.” In honor of a great Christian man that set the example for his family. I’ll see you again grandpa when I come home.
Lyrics
(Verse 1) While I am here walk with me Laugh with me and stand with me Shed a tear if and when you feel the need Say a prayer when I’m alive But once I’m gone don’t cry Don’t cry for me
(Chorus) Don’t send me flowers Give them to me while I’m here And please don’t cry for me But smile instead I have gone to a place where there’s no more pain No more sorrow, no more sickness No more night, only day
I’m walking with Jesus, Which is where I wanted to be So please don’t cry for me I’ll see you again When you come home When you come home
(Verse 2) While I am here talk with me Pray with me and comfort me Spread some cheer if and when you feel the need Sing a song when I’m alive But once I’m gone don’t cry Don’t cry for me
(Chorus) Don’t send me flowers Give them to me while I’m here And please don’t cry for me But smile instead I have gone to a place where there’s no more pain No more sorrow, no more sickness No more night, only day
I’m walking with Jesus, Which is where I wanted to be So please don’t cry for me I’ll see you again When you come home When you come home
(End Tag) When you come Home (Spoken) I’ll see you again!
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,
2to 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
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
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!
(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!
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.
“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