What happens when you sing in a National Quartet Convention showcase with some very talented Quartets? You go home and God downloads a new Southern Gospel song for you to share with the world! enjoy I call it Home | story behind the song.
Inspired By Keepers if the Faith
Without a doubt, I love the hearts and harmonies of Southern Gospel musicians. Given these points it is always an honor to receive and invitation to sing. Hence, for my Sophomore appearance at National Quartet Convention, this showcase meant a lot to me. On this occasion I shared the stage with amazingly talented and gifted Southern Gospel Artists. The showcase, hosted by Barbara Roach (Blackwood Singers, LeFevre Quartet) and owner of Jubilee Music Artist, was a highlight in 2012. Incidentally, my Still Water Quartet friends were gracious enough to run the sound for me. By the way, their Bass singer Kendall sings so low he rattles the floor.
Not surprisingly there are different musicians each year. One of the groups scheduled to sing, new to me was “Keepers of the Faith.” Accordingly, I was not prepared for the amazing harmony, sheer talent, and moving melodies these giant, Samoan Men of God would share. Furthermore their personal testimony of how the Lord set them free from gangs and prison were powerful. Needless to say they had my full attention. Admittedly I was blown away by “Keepers of the Faith,” as they sang “Oh What A Savior.” I wept it was so moving and beautiful. The Spirit truly moved me. As a result, I purchased all their CD’s to support their ministry. Later, on my way home, I listened to their music all the way back to Nashville, TN from Louisville, KY.
I Must Be Living Right in God’s Will
When Barbara got up to sing, right before she ministered in song she said to me, “I must be in the center of God’s will cause the devil won’t leave us alone.” Incidentally, that must have subconsciously resonated with me. Evidently her words must have been in the back of my mind as I listened to my new Hawaiian friends all the way home. Afterwards, when I returned home, I rested feeling very blessed and full of joy in the Lord.
Production Notes
Meanwhile, the next day I awoke hearing this fully produced Southern Gospel Song in my brain. In other words I heard it all, lyrics, percussion, vocals, violin, steel guitar, bass, and so on. These words rang out in a new melody …”I’m headed for a heavenly place and I call it home.” Despite my attempt to start the day I had to stop in between brushing my teeth and taking my shower to write down the words and record the scratch melody on my phone so I would not forget it.
To conclude, songwriting is always an adventure for me. By comparison, sometimes a song comes in bits and pieces over time and other times the Lord downloads the complete song in my head. Undeniably, all I can say is thank you Lord for this awesome song that any God loving quartet would sing the fire out of! Moreover, I would love to sing it with the amazing musicians that inspired it, thank you “Keepers of the Faith.”
Lyrics
Verse 1
Awards I have none
No money, no fame
I have my problems
Sometimes I’m to blame
But there’s a Savior
Who loves me the same
As I travel down the narrow road
He knows my name
Chorus
No weapon formed against me’s gonna break my stride
I’m running in the race for a heavenly prize
I’ll stand before the throne of God and I’ll testify
I am covered by the blood and I’m washed by the lamb
I’m sealed in the book of the great I AM
I’m headed for a heavenly place
And I call it home
Verse 2
I must be living
Right in God’s will
‘Cause that ole devil
Torments me still
But he’s defeated
And he needs to know
That I’m headed for a heavenly place
And I call it home
Chorus
No weapon formed against me’s gonna break my stride
I’m running in the race for a heavenly prize
I’ll stand before the throne of God and I’ll testify
That I am covered by the blood and I’m washed by the lamb
I’m sealed in the book of the great I AM
I’m headed for a heavenly place
And I call it home
I-I am headed for a heavenly place
And I call it home
Bridge
(Headed for a Heavenly place) I Call it home (4 times)
Chorus
No weapon formed against me’s gonna break my stride
I’m running in the race for a heavenly prize
I’ll stand before the throne of God and I’ll testify
I am covered by the blood and I’m washed by the lamb
I’m sealed in the book of the great I AM
I’m headed for a heavenly place
And I call it home
I – I , am headed for a heavenly place
End Tag
And I call it home (headed for a Heavenly place)
I call it Ho-o-o-o-ome
(Headed for a Heavenly place)
I call it (pause) home
Reprise
(Headed for a Heavenly place) I Call it home (4 times)
Chorus
No weapon formed against me’s gonna break my stride
I’m running in the race for a heavenly prize
I’ll stand before the throne of God and I’ll testify (testify)
That I am covered by the blood and I’m washed by the lamb
I’m sealed in the book of the great I AM
I’m headed for a heavenly place
And I call it home (I call it Home)
I – I am headed for a heavenly place
End Tag
And I call it home (headed for a Heavenly place)
I call it Ho-o-o-o-ome
(Headed for a Heavenly place)
I call it (pause) home[/lgc_column]