Recent comments
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.
Author: Richard Schletty
Very nice. I would love to hear you record these words in your native language (Vietnamese?) and in English. The English needs to have some grammar corrected. I can suggest some changes for you. I am thinking of using your voice with music in the background. The song would also have my singing of the English words. What do you think? Can you record your voice and upload an audio file?
Author: Richard Schletty
Very nicely done. Very devout singing. I love that flute. Good video editing. Make more!
Author: asiansa09
The song is good enough.
Now, I think that if you can work with someone like choir director to get the song official to be publish in Catholic music.
Author: Richard Schletty
Dan: Thanks for your encourgement. It means a lot to me. I would love to hear someone else sing "God's Gift to All the World." It may still need to be modified in some way to make it more singable. Or maybe it is OK? For those reading this comment in this story, we are talking about this song: topcatholicsongs.com/gods-gift-to-all-the-world
Author: asiansa09
I keep thinking that imagine the song "God's love for all the world" and other songs will become a wealth of spiritual food resources for others to listen and experience God loves for people.
Imagine the song will be sing at church for people to listen. That is amazing!
Author: asiansa09
It is good to have a choir director at your level in music to become a successful artist. Her assistant will lead you far.
Author: Richard Schletty
I will continue to work with Mary Joy! She has been a tremendous mentor in both voice and use of my guitar in our small ensemble at St. Mary's.
Author: Richard Schletty
Thank you, Edgar. I appreciate the listen and comment. Much credit goes to asiansa09.
Author: asiansa09
I am so grateful that choir director has an eyes on you, I think you should continue to work with choir director. Choir director will lead you in your artist path.
Author: Richard Schletty
God willing, I will sing this for faithful listeners in a prayer service or concert. Let's work on another song! I know you have other lyrics posted here at TCS. Prayerful music can help lead people to Christ.
Author: EVELYN ONWUEGBUSI (not verified)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x18UfKCnli4
Author: asiansa09
Wish you luck, Richard, that someday you and others can sing the song at concert.
Author: asiansa09
I know that you get really emotion when come to the issues as you think about every child is God's gift. Pray with Sorrowful Mother Mary and they will go to purgatory and that we will be save.
Author: Richard Schletty
So true. I am sure that I will sing the Folk-Gospel song "God's Gift" when I sing at Pro-Life prayer services in front of Planned Parenthood where they kill babies.
Author: Richard Schletty
I like the Folk-Gospel song, too, and you inspired me to do it. Thank you for expressing your faith and thank you for sharing the song. I am very pleased with it and I hope it will lead people to Christ. God bless.
Author: asiansa09
I really like the song you sing "God's love for all the world." I also let my friends and family members to hear it. They love it too.
Author: asiansa09
Well, if you can sing in the church or at a Divine Mercy liturgy. I think they prefer the last chant version that you post. But it is all up to you, because every situation is different.
Author: Richard Schletty
You say you like the first time I sang the song – that my voice is more confident in it. Do you mean the first chant version which I posted yesterday, or the Folk-Gospel version I did last week? I want the chant version to be more peaceful and contemplative – something that could be sung in church at a Vespers service or at a Divine Mercy liturgy.
Author: asiansa09
I think I like the first time you sing the song too, because I can hear the confident in your voices better than this one.
Author: Richard Schletty
asiansa09: Here are some suggestions for your original lyrics. I tried to have less repetition of words. I did not try to rhyme. I read about Sr. Faustina and added a couple more things she said. I am using a chanting style that is much different than the Folk-Gospel version I did! My choir director at St. Mary's likes it and thinks I might be able to sing it at a Divine Mercy liturgy. Here are two versions. The first one was sung a cappella (without an instrument). In the second version I play...
Author: asiansa09
Of course it is alright to put my name on the song. That is my honor.
Author: Richard Schletty
Indeed, you are the inspiration for the song! If it is a success, you get half the credit. Is it OK that I put your name on the song? It is at BandCamp.com but a person can download it for free. If they want, they can make a donation. I don't expect it to earn any money. I'd rather give it away free. In a few days, I will have the sheet music ready with a piano part and guitar chords. Thank you, Dan!
Author: asiansa09
If you ever get royalty for the song, please contribute to the Catholic church.
Author: asiansa09
I hope I am your inspiration for you to write a successful song "God's Gift to All The World."
Author: Richard Schletty
Dan, I did do an a cappella exploration with your original lyrics. I mentioned before your lyrics may work nicely as a chanted meditation. Here is my extemporaneous (ad libbed) recording:
For the Love of Humanity-a cappella exploration
Author: Dell Evensen (not verified)
Thank you, I enjoyed it and did share on facebook
beautifully done.
god grace you so much, Praise God now and forever
Dell
Author: Richard Schletty
You are welcome, Dan. I very much enjoyed collaborating on this song with you. Your original lyrics could be done chant style – due to the long lines and uneven meter. I might give that a try, just for fun. I may still get a piano arrangement from my colleague André. Note that I made a mistake in singing line 4 of verses 2 and 3. I was supposed to sing higher up the scale like I did on line 4 of verse 1.
I'm thinking of changing the chorus to this. It has rhyming for lines 1 and 3. The song...
Author: Richard Schletty
Here is my first version of chords and melody. Suggestions welcome.
Note: My song adaptation of Dan's song lyrics is now posted in a separate story here: topcatholicsongs.com/gods-gift-to-all-the-world
&amp;amp;amp;lt;a data-cke-saved-href="http://richardschletty.bandcamp.com/track/his-gift-to-all-the-world" href="http://richardschletty.bandcamp.com/track/his-gift-to-all-the-world"&amp;amp;amp;gt;His Gift to All the World by Richard Schletty&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a...
Author: Richard Schletty
Good. Glad you like it. I can hear the song in my head. Time to record it!
Author: Richard Schletty
Ok. I will keep that in mind about including Christ. Thanks.
Author: Richard Schletty
Yes, I will sing the song. Thank you for asking. I might have a composer friend help me with a piano arrangement.
Author: asiansa09
I see, I just realize that there should be somewhere you should mention "Christ" so that instead of "he" all the time.
Author: Richard Schletty
No problem. I can put in "Christ" instead of "Our Lord." The reason I have "Lord" is because it is a near-rhyme with "world" in the last line.
My rhyming scheme is this: ABAB
This change to the 2nd and 4th lines would restore the rhyming:
I see blood, I see water
from the heart of Jesus.
He brings light, divine mercy.
His love heals us.
or
I see blood and water flowing
from the heart of Christ, our Lord.
His divine mercy and love
are a gift to all the world
I still can't get the 1st and...
Author: asiansa09
That is so wonderful song lyric that you wrote. I agree with you totally that you make the song so up high. The message comes through in the song.
I should say "Christ" first in the chorus instead of "Our Lord."
Author: Richard Schletty
I like "Sing of Mary" – easy to sing. I have sung this in church since the early 1960s! It was composed in 1938 by Roland Palmer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X7xdTg4wXA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r36KJfoBeFs
http://hymnary.org/text/sing_of_mary_pure_and_lowly
I also like "I Sing a Maid" but it's a little more challenging. Composed by M. D. Ridge in 1987.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaS9NwYjsLo
http://hymnary.org/text/i_sing_a_maid_of_tender_years
Author: Richard Schletty
I would like to suggest modifying your lyrics to create an even meter and flow. This will help as I try to create a nice melody that people will remember and find easy to sing. I have tried to include most of your words about the messages to Saint Faustina from Jesus Christ. I am not sure it is necessary to say "Messages from Christ to sister Faustina" in the verses. It also think the title of the song should appear in the refrain rather than in the verses. I suggest keeping each verse only 4...
Author: Guest (not verified)
I am looking for a Marian song that is upbeat, and simple enough for children to learn and sing.
Any suggestions, I would appreciate it.
Author: asiansa09
No, I don't have music for this song yet. Will you sing for me or write music for the song?
Author: Richard Schletty
Hello! Do you have music yet for your lyrics? A good reflection for today – Divine Mercy Sunday. Thank you for sharing.
[Edited: Note that my song adaptation of Dan's song lyrics is finished. Listen to it here: topcatholicsongs.com/gods-gift-to-all-the-world]
Author: Elizabeth (not verified)
Im' a catholic and very interested in singing church hymns. I'm chosen in my community to sing this psalm 131 on meditation in my community celebrating the Uganda Martyrs of 2017. Ilike praising and singjng God's hymns.
Author: Richard Schletty
Very nice. Beautifully sung words that express the central belief of Christianity – that Jesus Christ, victorious over suffering and death, gives us new life. That painted image of Christ on the cross is powerful. Well done. I would like to hear the voice rise above the instrumentation a bit more.
Author: Benjamin Tanewan (not verified)
I am a Catholic and I love meditation music that keeps my Catholic faith alive and strong.