Recent comments
Author: Richard Schletty
I'm carving a bit of new territory here and that's all good. Thanks for the latitude to experiment. I like Blessings (with the music bed) best so far. Sure, an EP.
Author: Alex John (not verified)
Very nice work Richard. You are really bringing my lyrics to life! How many tracks do you think we should do in total for this project?
Author: Richard Schletty
I added my audio file to your original post, Alex. Hope it's OK.
Author: Alex John (not verified)
Hi Richard,
I really enjoyed both versions of "Blessings". So far I think we are doing really well. You mix it up a bit which is great and each recording is unique. I almost have another song written too. Once again great stuff! Were you think an EP or Album we could put together?
Kind Regards,
Alex.
Author: Richard Schletty
Alex, I have attached my recording to your original post. Let me know how you like it. - Richard
Author: Richard Schletty
Sorry, I have not yet submitted our two songs. André van Haren did finish the piano music score for "Enchristment" last week. We needed this engraved score in order to submit the song. We already have what we need for "God's Gift to All the World."
I'll get back to you soon, Dan.
I will post the piano-guitar score for Enchristment later today. I need to add the guitar chords above the voice staff.
Author: asiansa09
Is there any news about our submitting songs to Oregon Catholic Press. Are they accept or denied our songs?
Author: Richard Schletty
On my laptop, the percusssion in Remix was sounding a little too loud and sharp, making the voice hard to understand. I remixed it in Logic Pro X to tamp down the high rat-a-tat sounds. I have added Remix version 2 to the player.
I also decided to post the narrated version I did the other day with gentle 12-string guitar strumming.
Both Alex and I would like to know what other listeners think.
Author: Alexander John
Hi Richard,
I created a seperate blog post for "What's Left Is Beauty" and also added the remix to it and credited you as the performer.
- Alex
Author: Alex John (not verified)
Hi Richard,
I will do that today. Also feel free to share our tracks where ever you would like to. Perhaps on your website?
- Alex.
Author: Richard Schletty
Alex, please post "What's Left Is Beauty" as a separate blog post (as opposed to being buried in comments here). Then people can listen with the MP3 player. Then I'd like to direct a friend to your new blog post. Thanks.
Author: Richard Schletty
Enchristment is now on the lineup at CME Radio (Catholic Music Express). catholicmusicexpress.com/cme-radio/
Author: Alex John (not verified)
Hi Richard,
Sounds good. It's quite a bit of fun and I think we are getting some pretty good results.
- Alex.
Author: Richard Schletty
Alex, I do plan to run those other two lyrics you wrote. Gimme a couple days. Fun stuff. Hopefully will resonate with some.
Author: Alex John (not verified)
Hi Richard, hope you are well. Just a quick message to ask you if you think the other two songs I have posted are worth recording? (Raw Faith and Blessings). If you want something else fresh let me know and I should have another track written by tomorrow.
GOD Bless.
- Alex.
Author: asiansa09
I keep thinking that this song is perfect for confirmation class for prayer.
Author: asiansa09
here is website of Providence that you might find interested in take a look at it
http://www.providenceiscalling.jobs/
Author: asiansa09
This is so wonderful opportunity for us, please follow the direction of how to submit the song according to their website. Please let me know if there is anything I can add for the cover letter.
Look like we still need the music sheet (piano arragement) for the song Enchristment.
Author: Richard Schletty
Here is the quick reply from OCP:
Thank you for contacting us with your request and giving us the opportunity to serve you.
We would be happy to review your submissions. You can see the details of the music submission process at this link: https://www.ocp.org/en-us/submit-music
Please let me know if there is anything else I can assist you with.
Sincerely,
Paul Senz
Customer Service Representative
Oregon Catholic Press
Author: Richard Schletty
Dan, I just sent an email to OCP. We'll see if they bite! I sent Enchristment and God's Gift.
Author: asiansa09
I was going to ask you about it too.
I saw the website https://www.ocp.org/en-us/missals-and-hymnals-education
I have the same question as you ask too. I was thinking about it a few days ago too. But I never submit anything for publication yet.
Will you make a phone call to them asking about the license of how to submit new song for publication.
https://www.ocp.org/en-us/submit-music
Author: Richard Schletty
Yes, I encourage everyone to share the song freely – both the recording and the sheet music. They are not for sale anywhere and I do not have a publishing contract with anyone. My songs posted here fall under a Creative Commons public sharing agreement. In other words, share freely but always give credit to the writers/arranger (me, you and André).
Let me know how the community in Providence likes it. Do you live in Oregon? I appreciate their prayers. I wonder if we should submit the song to...
Author: Richard Schletty
I had the same thought. Maybe use both in a project. Thanks for letting me explore like this.
Author: Alex John (not verified)
As I thought it would be the narraration is spot on and I dig the hip hop style - especially since it's your first attempt. Which do you feel is better? I was thinking we could use both in our project (with the hip hop track being a "remix" or something. Great job! I will get to work on more lyrics.
- Alex.
Author: asiansa09
I shared the song music sheet "God's gift to all the world," to associate members and sisters/nuns at Providence, Oregon when I went to the meeting. I also asked them to pray upon Christ and Our Lady of Providence to pray for our team who worked on the song.
I hope that is alright with you to share the song with others.
Author: Richard Schletty
Well, not so sure this works. But here goes. I tried half-singing over a slow hip-hop soundbed. I also did a straight narration.
What's-Left-Is-Beauty-hip.mp3
What's-Left-Is-Beauty-narrated.mp3
Author: Richard Schletty
Alex, I'll be back at it with you in a few days. I hit a pothole here with work and income.
Author: Alex John (not verified)
Extremely well done! I have been wanting to put my work out there in glory of GOD and I think with this Collab we can reach even potentially non-belivers and for me if it makes one person think about GOD who didn't used to then it's worth it.
Author: Richard Schletty
I sing psalms and liturgical songs based on scripture every weekend at two Catholic churches. I appreciate our Catholic heritage very much. I was fortunate to have a Catholic school eduation with priests, sisters and lay teachers instilling in me a deep appreciation of the Trinity. My mother was a very devout Catholic.
Like you, Dan, I am in awe of the "ancient stories and places." What we must try to do is keep these precious narratives alive and relevant for us now, today, in our...
Author: asiansa09
i keep thinking about the joy and the treasure that I get to know about Christ and Sorrowful Mother Mary, especially they are from Jerusalem. It is a far away place from where I came from. I thought I found the king treasure for myself. I am so honor to write about them.
Author: Richard Schletty
Check out my "narrative" style of singing in this project:
www.hungryforheaven.com
Especially:
1st Movement (starting at 2:35)
10th Movement
11th Movement
4th Movement has some good beats.
So, you see that your words could be made quite epic!
Author: Richard Schletty
Dear friend, you set before me songwriting challenges that few are willing to take on. You have inspired me.
Some might say that your lyrics are "badly written" with "broken English." They may say "that's just a poem...that can never be a song." But I am trying to demonstrate that it is possible to use ANYTHING as a launchpad for writing a song. As I work with your lyrics, I try to stay true to your intent. I use many of your phrases or individual words because I know they have great...
Author: Richard Schletty
You are telling me to "leave it as it is." That is not what Pat Pattison at Berklee College of Music will be teaching you. To craft a really fine song, a person needs to keep revisiting it and perfecting it. "Write, rewrite, rewrite!" is our mantra.
Often, songwriters have their songs reviewed by peer songwriters. I went through many revisions on this song already. I am asking others here for their feedback. In fact, I want you to tell me how your friend with the guitar likes it. Is...
Author: asiansa09
I think you should leave it as original music that you sing the first time, don't loose the special moment that you think of the song when you first approach it. Often people change it the second time, they change the purpose too.
Author: asiansa09
I am so grateful that we get to work on several songs for the past weeks.
I notice that we are approaching different styles of the song lyric into music:
1. "God's gifts for all the world" is beautiful done by Richard write his own song lyric for the song and Dan Vi Nguyen think of the original ideas for the song.
2. "For the love of humanity" is a chant style of music.
3. "Christ makes our world so beautiful" is a song lyric turn into poem style of music.
4. "...
Author: Alex John (not verified)
I think what you did with "Time Watch" was extremely effective and if it proves to be a bit difficult to add beats or music we can always keep that style. But I do like the idea of creating a new style.
- Alex.
Author: Richard Schletty
Adding a beat and music will be more challenging because I have not done Rap or Hip-Hop in the past. Maybe we can create a new style: Soft-Rap, Soul-Rap or God-Hop.
Author: Richard Schletty
Yes, I have many voices. Glad you like it. Is it too fast or rocking?
Author: asiansa09
Don't change your singing voices for the song, because I think it is very different tone of voices compare to other songs you sing. I like your voices the way you first pick it. I surprised when I first heard it.
Author: Alex John (not verified)
If you want to use the other two tracks I upload aswell please do. I am in the process of writing some more material.
GOD Bless.
Alex.
Author: Richard Schletty
Thanks, Alex. I just reposted the MP3 file. I pitch corrected my solo voice at the very end. I also posted a simple lead sheet with guitar chords.
Author: Richard Schletty
I posted the lead sheet (lyrics and guitar chords) here: https://www.topcatholicsongs.com/enchristment-nguyen-schletty
I also reposted the MP3 file. I pitch-corrected my solo voice at the very end.
Author: Richard Schletty
Yes, I will provide sheet music soon. I will start with a lead sheet with chord names.
Author: asiansa09
Would you also provide sheet music for the song "Enchristment."
Someone is request me to provide sheet music so that they can play the song for him/herself.
Author: Alex John (not verified)
Below I've attached another track that I thought (when you have time) you could record. It's one in particular I felt gave a strong message. Anyway thank you for agreeing to the collaboration and I too hope it draws some folks in.
GOD Bless.
Alex.
What's Left Is Beauty
1st Verse:
So we go on in this quest for answers
And hopefully do what's best by removing our spiritual cancer...
I don't know how love can't be the way
As I flow I hope you get to know me as I pray...
GOD's perfect...
Author: Richard Schletty
Yes, Alex. I'd be interested. I have limited time (due to trouble making money) but this is important work, God's work.
I, too, felt that this is a fresh, non-Nashville, non-GIA approach. Might draw some folks it. Kinda related, in a way, to cool poetry readings from decades ago. Kinda theatrical, too. A soliloquy like the one in Carousel.
Check out the Spirit-driven meditation song I just finished with Asiansa09. Gives you an idea of the extra voices in my head! Plus I play guitar "...
Author: Alex John (not verified)
Hi Richard,
Would you be intrested in putting out a small project together using my lyrics and your voice (in the same spoken word form you did previously)? I played the track for some of my friends and they think it's a fresh approach to a way of using lyrics and reading to glorify GOD. I was think an EP or something similar. Hope you are well and GOD Bless.
- Alex.
Author: Richard Schletty
Thank you for mentioning that. I just changed a couple more words to make it even easier for children.
Author: asiansa09
I really like the way you write the song lyric, I get the feeling that the song lyric is easy for young people to relate. Words is not hard to remember, which is good things.
Author: Richard Schletty
Prosody is the process of melding words and music together to form a song that flows easily and naturally. With good prosody, the words will be as effortless to sing as if they were spoken. And with good prosody, the music will support and reflect the mood and meaning of the lyrics.
In talking about the message that you want to convey, we should call that the storyline or theme or subject. I hope I am staying faithful to your intended message. I try to imagine myself in a church or a...
Author: Richard Schletty
Hi. Just looking at your lyrics now. Not sure what you mean by asking if they are stable or unstable. One approach to songwriting is to first decide what meter and pace you want for the song. You can set up a 3/4 or 4/4 beat with a drum track or metronome. Then speak the words and see if they flow naturally. Pay attention to stressed and unstressed syllable. Important words should be stressed or accented. Unimportant words like "the" or "on" should be unstressed. Multi-syllable words should be...
Author: asiansa09
I think the prosody for the song lyric is that I try to convey a message involve myself and Mother Mary church.
Author: Richard Schletty
Pat Pattison was our presenter at an MAS songwriting workshop here in St. Paul a few years ago. He gave very good tips about prosody and how a song should "gain weight" as it progresses. I am so glad you are taking Pat's course.
I will start to explain more about my songwriting process as I collaborate with you and other people here at TCS. I am on the board of MAS – the Minnesota Association of Songwriters. I am the organization's tech coordinator and I do post-production for our...
Author: Richard Schletty
Thanks for posting this church version. Sounds great. It helps to increase faith in us through the faithfulness of Mary.
Author: Richard Schletty
I will definitely help you with this pro-life song!
I am working on Enchristment right now. It is coming along nicely.
Author: asiansa09
VERSE
From mother wombs I heard the voices
Echo in the water and blood of her womb
For a child about to enter the world.
VERSE
From the moment you conceive in me
Made by my blood and water in her womb
Your bone is from the man at heart.
VERSE
The Father in heaven knows your name
He calls you the moment you conceive
He knows you by your name.
Author: Richard Schletty
I had tried a ceramic drum underlayment but it didn't sound so good. I'll think of something else. Glad you like my "reading."
Author: asiansa09
I am now taking the Songwriting courses at Berklee Music teacher Pat Pattison.
But I still have so much challenges in writing as you know.
Author: Richard Schletty
Thank you, Christine, for posting the song lyrics by Fr. Smithbower. I also received your email. Peace and joy.
Author: Christine McCabe (not verified)
MARY, MY MOTHER
- by Fr. Warren Smithbower
(refrain)
Mary, my Mother, my queen, my love
Mary, my Mother, the mother of God.
Keep me close to Your Son above,
Mary, my Mother, my queen, my love.
Jesus told me, you were a queen,
When at the wedding in Cana, Galilee.
He took your word from His Father above
And changed the water to the wine of love. (refrain)
In Nazareth town, He when young
Called you mother in Aramaic tongue
On Calvary's height, He saw you there
And gave us all into your care. (...
Author: asiansa09
Pro-life: I believe that child is beginning at the moment of conceive.
I hope that I am able to express myself in the song lyric above the message that a child is beginning life the moment he and she conceived. God bless!
Author: asiansa09
Song Lyric: HOLY SPIRIT
CHORUS
Oh, Holy Spirit calls on children of the world
Oh, Holy Spirit calls on children of the world
Oh, Holy Spirit calls on children of the world
Oh, Holy Spirit calls on children of the world.
VERSE
Day and night, Holy Spirit calls on children of the world
To walk in the light of Christ.
VERSE
Listen to inner voices, Holy Spirit calls on children of the world
To walk in the truth of Christ.
VERSE
Follow the call, Holy Spirit calls on children of the world
To...
Author: Alex (not verified)
I'm humbled, Thankyou for bringing life to my words. Your voice is very good. Let's see what we can do with an instrumental.
Alex.
Author: Richard Schletty
Alex, I spoke your lyrics, more like a poem than a hip-hop song. I added the MP3 file to your original post.
Just wanted to lay it down to explore the feelings you penned. Maybe someone would like to take my vox track and lay it over a beat. Let's see what happens.
Author: asiansa09
Will you sing this song for me and write music sheet for it too?
I am hoping that once it done, I will share it with others to pray the prayer after communion at mass.
Author: Richard Schletty
Of course, language is a bit of a barrier. I probably misinterpret some of the words you write. Sorry about that. I do the best I can. I try to make the lyrics tell a story. I try to make the words flow naturally. I try to give the words deep meaning, based on my own experience and understanding of faith and God. Thank you for allowing me some freedom in interpreting your lyrics and adding my own insights.
Our song "God's Gift to All the World" has just been added to CME radio! ...
Author: asiansa09
It is very interesting that when I first write the song lyric, I had the song lyric in my mind with different meaning, but when you receive it and write it in your own words, the meaning of the song also change accordingly. I find that very interesting, and that makes the song more interesting in collaboration with one another.
Author: asiansa09
When you record the song, can you also write the music sheet and post on here.
That way, if anyone like to play guitar or piano, they can have the music sheet to follow.
Author: Richard Schletty
Here are your lyrics adjusted for spelling and grammar, but not for prosody.
5/22/2017: My first mix of the song. It is a lot faster than I had originally envisioned, but I felt a need to give the song a drive and a lift.
Enchristment by Richard Schletty
Enchristment
CHORUS
On my knees, I humbly pray.
I love to feel your radiance.
My heart is one with you, O Lord,
in this moment of Enchristment.
VERSE 1
My God, my Christ, you are in my heart.
I praise you, I worship you.
Your...
Author: Alexander John
Hi Richard,
Thank you very much for taking the time to read and comment on my lyrics. It would be great to hear what you come up with and please keep in touch.
GOD bless,
Alex.
Author: asiansa09
Thanks for all your help to make my dream become a reality, that is, I always hope to find someone collaborate to write song lyric/poems and turn it into a wonderful song. I am so grateful, God Bless.
Author: Richard Schletty
Sounds like a good prayer that stuck in your memory from childhood. In English it is spelled Enchristment. When I get time, I'll take a look at it. I also hope other members here at TCS will take on the songwriting challenges that are suddenly popping up. I think it's an excellent way to learn all about prosody. If you (a site visitor or site member) are reading this and don't know what prosody is, look it up! You will thank me for making you aware of that word. It has everything to do...
Author: Richard Schletty
Alex: Good job on the lyrics. Any ideas about what sort of musical style you'd like to impart to these lyrics? Are you open to any genre or styling? I see you mention hip-hop, so perhaps that is what you are thinking. I haven't done hip-hop or rap myself. Maybe it's time I give it a go. I'll set up a beat and speak your mind! Let's see what happens. I won't try to emulate anyone. I'll use my own voice and styling.
Author: Richard Schletty
It's not a job for pay. It is volunteer (just like this TCS site). I hope and pray I have time and inspiration to help improve the CME site. I will let you know when we start to make changes. I invite you to participate at Catholic Music Express!
Author: Richard Schletty
I submitted it to Rob and Jim at Catholic Music Express and they like it! They said they would add it to the songs.
In fact, last week they invited me to become an assistant webmaster at catholicmusicexpress.com. So I will be able to add the song myself soon!
Thanks for mentioning that.
Do you think I should rename the song to "I Saw Blood and Water Flowing"? Which song title will people remember best?
Author: asiansa09
do you think the song "God's love for all the world" can post on the radio station here at TCS?
Author: Richard Schletty
Good feedback. How about this for the title: "You Make Our World So Beautiful"
It puts Christ in the present, as active and alive.
Now I am reconsidering the "second person" point of view as opposed to the "third person" view. Second person makes it more personal – I am talking to Jesus.
"You Make Our World So Beautiful" is a complete sentence without being too long.
"Jesus Christ Has Made Our World So Beautiful" is too long.
My intention is not to record it as a poem but that could...
Author: asiansa09
This song lyric based on my childhood prayer taught by sisters/nuns at church to pray after receive communion. I tried my best to translate it in from my language into English, and my goal for the song is to see if it can turn into a wonderful song.
Author: asiansa09
When I first thought about the song title, my first impression that I came up with is "Making Your World So Beautiful." I think now you come up with "Our World So Beautiful" is also a good fit. Or we can change it to "Made Our World So Beautiful."
Author: asiansa09
Well, I think we are going to celebrate Christmas season early this year through our song/poem.
Author: Richard Schletty
Asiansa09: I would like to suggest some changes to your lyrics that might help your ideas turn into a nice song. I decided to change the singer's point of view into the "third person" (he/she/they). Just a personal preference on this song. It would have been hard to keep everything in the second person (you). I am using this rhyming pattern: ABCB. Only the second and fourth lines rhyme in each stanza (verse). I have a rough melody in my head but I will see how it evolves before I take to the...
Author: Samarpan Thorat (not verified)
Very lovely song on
<a title="Psalm 23" href="http://samarpanthorat.blogspot.in/2014/10/psalms-231-lord-is-my-shepherd-i-shall.html">Psalm 23</a> .
God bless you.
Keep up the good work.
Author: Richard Schletty
Nice to see you come on board here, Alexander John. I hope you get some feedback on your lyrics. Any idea about the style/genre of song you envision? I'll try to give you some suggestions. Do you sing and/or play an instrument? If not, no problem. The Lord provides.
Author: Richard Schletty
No problem. It was just an idea. I hope I am doing a good job adapting your lyrics to my Midwest U.S. language and culture. I love writing lyrics and am happy to collaborate with others on lyrics, melody and chord progressions. Thanks again for inspiring me. I hope you can inspire others, too.
Author: asiansa09
I just want to incorporate my own language to American music. I haven't thought of singing my own voices for the song.
Author: Richard Schletty
Yes, I will. I think we are a team now! But if any other member of Top Catholic Songs would like to try editing the rhyme and rhythm, or would like to come up with a melody, or would like to sing the song (when it is ready to be sung), you are most welcome. Let us know!
Author: asiansa09
Can you take on the English version for the song, I know that the song need a lot of editor, especially on the rymth and rythem.