Homemade Music

Little Did I Know

2010-05-19T21:32:00.001-07:00

A song for Matt & Carly on their wedding day - May 15, 2010.

MP3 File

Little Did I Know
John Batchelder 2010

Over twenty years ago in a quiet farmhouse, Before a baby’s crib I bowed my head to pray
I said Father thank you for this boy you’ve given us, Please help us raise him right and help him find his way
Help him love and serve You faithfully, and if it be Your will, Please provide for him a loving wife someday

And little did I know that before the words were spoken, Little did I know that the plan was underway
Little did I know that my prayers had all been answered, and that God was in control - Little did I know

For just a few days later in a Kansas wheat field, Another dad prayed for his child in the same way
He said Father thank you for this girl you’ve given us, Please help us raise her right and help her find her way
Help her love and serve You faithfully, and if it be Your will, please provide for her a loving man some day

But little did he know that before the words were spoken, Little did he know that the plan was underway
Little did he know that his prayers had all been answered, and that God was in control - Little did he know

And now we’re gathered here to watch them come together, In a union that is based on trust and love
These best friends who are faithful to each other, and are faithful to the God of heaven above

But little did they know that before the words were spoken, Little did they know that the plan was underway
Little did they know that our prayers had all been answered, and that God was in control - Little did they know

Little did we know that before the words were spoken, Little did we know that the plan was underway
Little did we know that our prayers had all been answered, and that God was in control - Little did we know

Seems Like Only Yesterday

2010-05-19T21:28:00.001-07:00

Seems Like Only Yesterday

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Seems Like Only Yesterday
Long ago I said I loved you, I didn’t know what you would say
Then you said “I Do” forever, It seems like only yesterday
And we thanked the Lord for all His blessings, We thanked Him for this very day
And He was there to guide and keep us, And it seems like only yesterday

Peeking under the covers, Wanting us to come and play
The little girls have grown to women, And it seems like only yesterday
And we thanked the Lord for all His mercy, We thanked Him for this very day
And He was there to guide and keep us, And it seems like only yesterday

We held the hand of our dear mothers, when there was nothing left to say
And we let them go to Glory, And it seems like only yesterday

For fifty years I’ve said I love you, For fifty more I’m here to stay
Or for as long as God will grant us, It’ll seem like only yesterday
And we’ll thank the Lord for all His blessings, We’ll thank Him for this very day
And He’ll be there to guide and keep us, It’ll seem like only yesterday

Yes we’ll thank the Lord for all His mercy, We’ll thank Him for this very day
And He’ll be there to guide and keep us, It’ll seem like only yesterday

Sparkman 50th Wedding Anniversary April 24, 2009

The Time Has Come

2006-07-17T19:59:00.000-07:00

While working in New Jersey, a good friend's son was about to leave home after High School. I wrote this as a tribute to him and to that time of transition between boyhood and manhood.

MP3 File

The Time Has Come

The time has come, the time’s at hand,
Think I’m about to become a man.
The waiting’s gone, the waiting’s done,
It’ll be some time before I come back home.

Oh Mommy, Oh Daddy, Please don’t worry about your son
Oh sisters, Oh family, I feel like my life’s just begun

I’m all alone, I’m almost grown,
I’m ready to go off on my own.
I’ve done my best, I’ve flown the nest,
I’m ready to put myself to the test.

Oh Mommy, Oh Daddy, Please don’t worry I’ll be OK
Oh sisters, Oh family, this is the start of a brand new day.

You taught me well, of heaven and hell,
You taught me how to read and how to spell.
That God the Son, is the only one
Who can save men from the deeds they’ve done.

Oh Mommy, Oh Daddy, you taught me everything that’s good
Oh sisters, Oh family, I‘ll try my best to do what I should.

The time has come, the time’s at hand,
Think I’m about to become a man.....

On The Calcasieu

2006-07-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

I wrote this during the courtship of my beautiful wife Tracy. She was living north of Lake Charles, LA in a town called Moss Bluff. When I reached the Calcasieu river I knew I was almost there...

MP3 File

On the Calcasieu

Traveling man that’s what I am, back out on the road again
Gotta keep traveling that’s what I’ll do

I’ve been on the road for more than a day and I don’t have a lot to say
Gotta keep traveling that’s what I’ll do till the Calcasieu

Chorus:

Well the Calcasieu is broad and blue and I don’t know what I’m going to do,
‘Cause I am so in love with you.
And it’s hard to get to sleep at night when you’re not there to hold me tight,
Gotta keep travlin that’s what I’ll do till the Calcasieu

Many miles to go and it sure seem slow, but this old car knows the way to go
Gotta keep traveling till I’m with you, on the Calcasieu

Been gone too long and something’s wrong, better keep that radio on
Gotta keep traveling that’s what I’ll do, till the Calcasieu

Chorus:

When I’m feeling low and when I’m feeling blue all I gotta do is think about you
Gotta keep travlin that’s what I’ll do

When you’re in my arms and I hold you close, you give me all your love when I need it the most
Gotta keep traveling till I’m with you on the Calcasieu

Chorus:

The Pigeon and The Dove

2006-07-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

For Robyn

MP3 File

The Pigeon and the Dove

Well come here all you people, who think that you know love,
And listen to the story of the Pigeon and the Dove
And hear the tale of how they filled each other’s lives
And how they vowed to stay together until the day they died.

Now every body knew the Pigeon’s wings were broad and strong
And when it came to flying he would always go along
He couldn’t get his feet to stay on the ground for a very long time
He was young and free and running on a clock of borrowed time

But even though his free life seemed to be the thing to have
He needed someone there to share the good times and the bad
‘Cause flying high can satisfy but only if there’s two
To share the evening sky and the early morning dew

Well one day the Pigeon met a snow-white mourning dove
And he knew that this lone beauty was a gift sent from above
But he couldn’t give up flying over every field and town
No he couldn’t get his feet to stay on the ground.

Now the Pigeon and the Dove were together for a while
And they learned that love ain’t easy – it’s more than just a smile
But circumstance and situations left them each alone
But they knew that in their hearts there was something left undone.

Well one day the Dove called the Pigeon to her nest
And the Pigeon went to see the Dove and I guess you know the rest
Oh the Pigeon’s heart was filled with love so tender and so sweet,
For the snow-white dove and the baby at her feet.

So come here all you people who think that you know love
And listen to the story of the Pigeon and the Dove.
And realize there is no greater form of love on earth
Than for a child of love from the moment of it’s birth.

Rise From The Rubble

2006-07-17T19:19:00.000-07:00

Written after the September 11 tragedy

MP3 File

RISE FROM THE RUBBLE
Original words and music by John Batchelder
12/7/2001

When they left the house that morning, going out to face the day
Most did not consider what a price they'd have to pay
Now their picture's on the sidewalk and our tears fall down like rain
But they'll rise from the rubble once again

Yes they'll rise from the rubble and their spirit will remain
And they'll never be forgotten not their faces not their names
In this time of trouble, and in the depth of pain
They will rise from the rubble once again

Do you recognize a hero, how different can they be
Those who rush to save another in a time of tragedy
Well no greater gift is given than a life unselfishly
But they'll rise from the rubble wait and see

Yes they'll rise from the rubble and their spirit we can see
In the love expressed by those who give it all for you and me
As they labor and they struggle for all the world to see
They will rise from the rubble wait and see

Going off to fight the battle so that freedom won't be lost
Like so many have before them can we ever count the cost
But like those that raise Old Glory and like those who join to sing
We will rise from the rubble once again

Yes we'll rise from the rubble and our spirit will remain
We'll defend our precious freedom from those who've brought us pain
We will rise from the rubble standing hand in hand
We will rise from the rubble once again

Yes we'll rise from the rubble and our spirit will remain
We'll defend our precious freedom from those who've brought us pain
We will rise from the rubble standing hand in hand
We will rise from the rubble - we'll rise from the rubble
We will rise from the rubble once again

Here is a link to the original site with some pictures.

Tuesday Afternoon

2006-01-21T18:51:00.000-08:00

A song about my daughter's wedding and the day she left home a new life.

MP3 File

Tuesday Afternoon
9/7/03

Everything was finally ready, for that happy day in June
My little girl is getting married, I would have a new son soon
Oh she sure picked a good man, and their love is in full bloom
Though the day they wed was special, so was Tuesday afternoon

Yes I walked her down the aisle, saw the congregation stand
Lifted veil and kissed my daughter, then I gently joined their hands
Went and sat down with her mother, and we heard them say “I do”
Didn’t know what waited for me, later Tuesday afternoon

It’s so hard to miss the blessing, of a union sealed with love
When two people join together, before Heaven up above
Oh it makes a father happy, though it happens way too soon
Then before you even know it, comes that Tuesday afternoon

Kiss the bride and kiss your mother, change your clothes let down your hair
Cut the cake throw the bouquet, flower petals in the air
Cans and ribbons tell the story, leaving on your honeymoon
And we’ll see you Monday evening, before Tuesday afternoon

I saw a picture of a woman, as she looked across the room
When she caught his eye and smiled, knowing he had hung the moon
We watched them drive away together, thinking they would be home soon
Then we asked the Lord to keep them, on that Tuesday afternoon

I’ll remember pretty flowers and candles lit around the room
I’ll recall the wedding party, the rings, the prayers, the songs the tunes,
And those vows said to each other, blushing bride and hansom groom
But I’ll treasure most forever thoughts of Tuesday afternoon

Give a Little Back

2006-01-21T18:49:00.001-08:00

1996 United Way Campaign Song

MP3 File

Give a Little Back

“They just don’t make them like they used to”,
he said as the big screen TV went on the blink.
And the new car prices in the paper give him heartburn
“I guess that fishing boat will have to wait”...

But on the other side of town she’s turning eighty.
And no one will be there to celebrate.
She’d better get down her extra blanket,
Cause the heat don’t run when the government check is late.

Chorus:
So give a little time, give a little dough,
Give it to someone that you don’t even know.
Try to do your part, do it from the heart,
Lend a helping hand to your fellow man.

Freezer full of food and nothing ready to cook,
Its such a hassle to get up from your book.
Order out a pizza and a bottle of Coke,
trash the leftovers without even a look.

But on the other side of town the kids are hungry,
Their dad’s spent all the money on cheap booze.
They’ll have to wait for free school lunch on Monday,
They didn’t ask to be neglected and abused.

Chorus

There was one who lived a long time ago
who said helping others is the best way to go.
He said it was better to give than to get back,
And if you’d follow Him that He would keep you on track.

He said when we help those in need around us,
It was like we were taking care of Him instead.
We need to remember where all the good things come from,
Cause one day it could be us on the other end.

Chorus

The Rest of Your Life (for Bekhy)

2006-01-21T18:49:00.000-08:00

A Song For Bekhy 2003

MP3 File

The Rest Of Your Life (for Bekhy)

How would you live out the rest of your life
If you found out tomorrow was gone
If your time here with others so loved and so dear
Would be shorter than you had planned on
Would you live for the moment, enjoying each day
And cherish the time that remains
Would you spend time together in laughter and joy
Being thankful in spite of the rain

How would you spend the remainder of days
Would you look for a new song to sing
Would you offer forgiveness and blessings to all
Would you long for the peace it can bring
Would you try to help others in need of a hand
As you spend the remainder of days
Would your father your mother your husband or wife
Recognize the true meaning of praise

Would you turn to the Master accepting His grace
Would you give up your passion and pride
Would you call on no other seek only His will
Would the Savior be close by your side
Would you share Him with others spend more time in prayer
Would you strive for His plan to be known
Would the love of the Father, the Spirit, the Son
Yield the fruit of the seed that was sown

So how will you use up the rest of your life
You are given to spend here below
We’re all on a journey the length is unclear
And the time we have left we don’t know
Some days will be many and others are few
We can never be sure just how long
So how will you live out the rest of your life
If you find out tomorrow is gone

Give Hope

2006-01-21T18:48:00.000-08:00

2003 United Way Theme Song

MP3 File

Give Hope

When everybody just stops and stares
When nobody seems to care
When the load is too much to bear
Give Hope

When there’s no shoulder on which to cry
And there’s nothing but clouds in the sky
When you don’t know how you’ll get by
Give Hope

Chorus:
Give Hope to those in trouble
Give Hope to those in need
Give Hope to those around you
Plant Hope just like a seed
And though change is sometimes slow
When the seed begins to grow
You’ll see a smile and you will know
Give Hope

When there’s fear and loneliness
And you never can stop to rest
When from all sides you’re feeling pressed
Give Hope

And when there’s nothing but pain all around
And your look is a permanent frown
When your world comes crashing down
Give Hope

Chorus

So reach out a helping hand
Spread some joy across this land
Try to lift up your fellow man
Give Hope

Chorus

Gypsy Blue

2006-01-21T18:33:00.000-08:00

Garage Band Tune by DJ Wooly Bugger

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Lasertag Techno

2006-01-21T18:31:00.000-08:00

First Garageband Tune by DJ Wooly Bugger

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My Wife My Daughter and My Son

2006-01-17T07:33:00.000-08:00

This song was written on a napkin at the Holiday Inn Express in Brownwood Texas this summer while picking my up my son from band camp.

It tells what is most important to me.

MP3 File

My Wife My daughter and My Son

What gets you up each morning
Before the rising of the sun
When all the rest are sleeping
And the day has just begun

You can’t delay in getting ready
A quick goodbye – I’ve got to run
What makes me want to go each morning
My wife, my daughter and my son

Some days you wonder why you go
Is it for money wealth or fame
Are you trying to work some angle
Are you caught up in the game

No it’s not for fame or glory
that you stay till things are done
It’s because you love your family
Your wife your daughter and your son

Am I looking to tomorrow
Just too busy for today
Can I count the many hours
I’ve watched quickly slip away
Chasing big important moments
Missing out on all the fun
Time I never can replace
With wife and daughter and my son

So you ask me why I do it
Why I’m always on the run
Why I seem to do things different
Why I’m never really done
And I’ll tell you there are reasons
But it all comes down to one
It’s just for the love of family
My wife my daughter and my son.

6/24/05 Holiday Inn, Brownwood TX

Little Babies

2006-01-17T07:32:00.001-08:00

I wrote on a Southwest Airlines flight from Houston to Salt Lake City.

It is written about a project my wife is a part of that knits and sews for premature babies.

The Preemie Project!

MP3 File

Little Babies

I came a little early into this world
I came before they were ready
Who could make me a hat so small
Or knit for me a little teddy

Chorus
Well they come from near and they come from far
They’re a blessed group of ladies
They spread their love all around the land
And they work for the little babies
They work for the little babies

I need a tiny blanket for to keep me warm
One that’s made just for me
Some tiny little booties for my tiny little toes
With a tiny little ribbon you see

Chorus

One tiny baby didn’t stay here long
He was in a hurry to go
He got dressed up in a tiny little gown
And he is with the angels I know
Yes he is with the angels I know

Chorus

God bless Moms and God bless Dads
And God bless the tiny babies
God bless the ladies all around the land
As they knit for the little babies
As they sew for the little babies

Written on Southwest flight Monday, October 17, 2005

I Am Amazed

2006-01-17T07:32:00.000-08:00

This song is self explanatory.

MP3 File

I Am Amazed

I am amazed that You still want me after all I’ve said and done
And I am amazed that You still love me like a Father loves a son

You gave me breath and the will to wander through the path of life I choose
You gave me strength to stand or falter to be a winner or to lose

I am amazed that You’re there for me even in my darkest hour
You are my rock You are my shelter You’re the source of light and power

And I am amazed that You still want me after all I’ve said and done
And I am amazed that You still love me like a Father loves a son

You’re always there when I rise each morning; You’re there when I close my eyes
You are my rock and my forgiver from here to Paradise

I am amazed that You’re there for me even in my darkest hour
You are my rock You are my shelter You’re the source of light and power

I am amazed that You still want me after all I’ve said and done
And I am amazed that You still love me like a Father loves a son

From my Living Room to Yours

2006-01-17T07:15:00.000-08:00

I've wanted to do this for some time now.

You know, get my songs out for others to hear.

Well I'll be using Audioblog to post new (and old) sings I have recorded with a link for downloading.

If you just want to listen, click the play button on the embedded player and the audio will begin immediately.

If you click on the MP3 link, the song will be downloaded to your computer and played on your default music player. If you right-click on it you can save it to your hard drive.

The downloaded file can also be burned to a CD and played in your car or home stereo just like any other music CD.

Stand By for tunes