Tony Funderburk

Posted on January 28, 2020 by TonyJune 11, 2024

Grasping for the wind

Have you ever tried to grab yourself a good handful of wind? Simple. Right? Yeah, hardly. OK, now imagine you’ve literally been given the keys to the kingdom. In fact, you’ve been made the king (or queen) of the kingdom. And you got all the riches and authority that came with it. You start out all bubbly and you tell everybody, “I have attained greatness, and have gained more wisdom than all who were before me.” But before you get to the end of your life that great feeling turns to, “And I set my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is grasping for the wind.” Wow, what could turn things around so harshly?

Grasping for the wind is like falling out of a plane with no parachute.

And anytime you’re gonna take a leap…whether it’s out of a plane, or into faith…you need a parachute. At least if you wanna have any chance of survival. The parachute for the plane is like bulky baggage you gotta carry. The parachute for faith is as light as a thought.

But thoughts can weigh heavy on you, too. Figuratively. And the king I described, before, was a real king. Solomon. Former king of Israel. Son of David. You remember David, right? The guy who killed Goliath, the giant Philistine. Anyway…you could say Solomon was given more than just about anybody before or since. And yet he considered most of his life to be all in vain. Talk about sad.

If you’ve never read about Solomon, check him out. You’ll discover an amazing example of how to become a miserable failure. And that’s in spite of being given more wisdom and riches than anybody. I hope you’re holding and not grasping…

You Can Hold

I don’t wanna be grasping for the wind
When the days of my life come to an end.
I believe I can stem the rising tide
With the Spirit I have living inside.

Under Heaven, it’s said, there’s nothing new.
But the word of God proves that’s just not true.
Maybe everything in this world is old,
But there’s more than this world that you can hold.

(to be continued)

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Posted on January 27, 2020 by TonyJune 11, 2024

A sleepy-eyed bon fide wee hours wanderer

At 2:45 this morning I bumbled out of bed, as I do most every morning, and made my way into the kitchen. An issue I’ve been dealing with, for the past couple of years, typically won’t let me sleep more than about four hours at a time. But starting on the first day of this year, I decided to put my sleepy-eyed hours to good use. Writing regular rhymes.

This morning’s starter sentence contained the adjective, sleepy-eyed.

You can see my previous post that explains what I mean by “starter sentence” here. Anyway…

I wasn’t quite awake. And I’m pretty sure anyone could tell it by looking at my face. So, sleepy was as good a place as any to start the rhyme for today. And I remembered how often, when I was a full-time road musician, I’d pull into a town after driving all night. Then, some words started to form. And they flowed into the storytelling lyrics you’re about to see. The cool thing is…they were new to me, too.

But I love it when something in my head begins to write itself. Can’t explain it. But I love it. And that’s what happened during the wee hours of this 27th day of 2020. I have a feeling this will become a song…

Sleepy

A sleepy-eyed drifter drove into town
With the radio on and the windows down.
He wasn’t quite sure just where he would go,
But he wasn’t upset that he didn’t know.

He knew he’d be fine when he found a stage.
His songs kept him fed and got better with age.
And no fear of failure clouded his dream.
No, fears lit him up like a meteor stream.

He rolled up the windows and locked the car
And walked down the sidewalk but didn’t get far.
A coffeeshop window sign caught his eye,
And anyone else would have just passed it by.

But there, on the sign, was the name and face
Of the one who had gifted him with her grace.

(to be continued)

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Posted on January 26, 2020 by TonyApril 20, 2024

Talk is cheap so I'm going back to sleep

Since talk is cheap, I’m goin’ back to sleep

It’s the wee hours of the morning. So, if I can’t make sense of this, I’m going back to sleep. Unless you’re a recent public school graduate, you probably know what the saying, talk is cheap, means. And it’s always been used, sarcastically, when someone’s skeptical of what someone else said. It sort of illustrates how words don’t cost anything. No purchase necessary. Just set ’em free. And see what happens. But, with the new ways of communicating, your words might cost you more than you could imagine.

Talk is cheap. But it’s never been free.

Here in America, think about how much other people gave up so that you and I could enjoy “free speech.” Especially during the 20th century. Two world wars. And many men and women fought and died to get rid of evil dictators and despicable governments. The ultimate sacrifice for God-given rights. Thomas Jefferson made a half-hearted attempt at recognizing where our rights originate when he composed the Declaration of Independence.

He said “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness certainly covers it. But, unfortunately, it’s becoming less and less self-evident to so many people these days. Especially the part about rights coming from “their Creator.” And I’m amazed, but not surprised, at how many American citizens would rather censor speech than admit they have a Creator.

OK, at this point, I’m a little more awake. And I realize I’ve gone somewhere with this I had no idea I would go when I started. Writing is like that sometimes. Particularly when you’re writing in your sleep. So, I think I’ll make some coffee, bacon, and eggs, and leave you with the cheap talk in this short rhyme…

Talk Delight

Talk is not as cheap as it used to be.
It can cost so much when the world can see.
But you still should say what is right.
It might even bring kings delight.
Think before you speak is still good advice.
Keep in mind the ultimate sacrifice
Many others made for your right.
And speak up for one King’s delight.

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Posted on January 25, 2020 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Extraordinary playlist emerges as day to day life converges

Another hit from the
extraordinary playlist in life

Right at this minute I can’t think of where I saw it. But recently, somewhere on my computer, or my tablet, or my phone, an ad popped up at the top. It was a link to a show, of some kind, called “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.” It didn’t interest me enough to click through. But it did find an empty spot in my memory banks and lodged itself there. Here’s why I bring it up…

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist popped back out of my memory banks this morning.

And I don’t know if I’ll watch it. But I just looked it up, and according to Wikipedia, it’s “an American musical dramedy television series created by Austin Winsberg that premiered on January 7, 2020, on NBC.” And part of the description of the show says, “…After a freak accident, she (Zoey) discovers that her mind can now perceive the innermost thoughts of other people–in the form of popular songs.”

So, since there seems to be some sort of songwriting in the plot, I think it sounds pretty interesting. Maybe I’ll check it out to see if it belongs in the usual Hollywood black hole. Or if it’s worth recommending to my readers and listeners. But none of that is why I’m sharing any of this with you.

The real reason for my meandering thoughts is the word “extraordinary.”

Somehow it found its way into my new lyrics today. (Maybe it was that whole Zoey thing.) Anyway…around 4:30 this morning I stood at my computer to write. And as it so often happens, a sentence floated to the top of my thoughts. So, I typed it out. Now, my creative process involves looking at the words in the sentence to see where they lead. Or if they lead me anywhere. Or if I need to start over. And this morning those first words led me to lyrics for a new song.

I love it when words start to flow out and I can already hear the melody, too. So, I can hardly wait to get to work on this song. And I have a great idea for it. But I’ll save that for another time. Be sure to stay tuned to this post to see when it becomes another episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast. Then you’ll be able to hear the song…

Extraordinary Us

Nothin’s gonna change my mind.
I decided long ago
Never to be all alone
In this real life video.
No one can compete with you.
Every day you show me more
You became my elle labelle.
I remain your troubadour.

And we’re living…day to day
In a most extraordinary way.
And we fused our single heart
From a most extraordinary start.
No one gave us any chance
For this most extraordinary dance.
So, let’s raise a toast to us…
To this most extraordinary us.

(to be continued)

Stay tuned,

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Posted on January 24, 2020 by TonyApril 20, 2024

Nothing new to say today but I won't go away.

Hmm…there’s nothing new to say today

Imagine a king from a far away land. From a distant time in the past. A king who had more riches than anyone. And literally lacked for nothing. But none of it was enough. And his days blurred together in a tepid tapestry. Just time passing until he felt there was even nothing new to say. It had all been said.

The king with nothing new to say was the son of a prolific king.

If you’re not a fan of the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, you might not have guessed I’m talking about Solomon. And you might not know he was the son of David. Those two were so completely different. David practically wrote a library of words giving glory to God. Solomon was given so much by God. And yet he threw it all away and said “there is nothing new under the sun.”

Solomon even made his personal agony sound so repetitious. And, I think it’s a very interesting twist how the section of his writing I’m talking about even sounds repetitious. It’s Ecclesiastes 1:1-11. Look at all those ones. And yet, Solomon turned his back on The One.

Here’s the simple way I see it. Even if there’s nothing truly new to say, under the sun, there’s still another way of positioning words. Another rack of rhymes. Another nest of notes. Something no one’s done quite that way before. And as long as that’s true, I wanna look for and collect those spiritual seeds. And then reach into my brain and scatter them through the air. Through the sound waves. Till they find fertile fields in other brains.

And wouldn’t it great if I could help even one new seed reach a soul and help it grow into Heaven?!

But…

There’s nothing new to say today,
Not even this.
So, I’ll just go outside and play.
Ignorant bliss.
You’ve probably heard it all before
So many times.
And nothing gives you cause to snore
Like simple rhymes.
But maybe this will flash a light
Inside your brain,
A spark of hope so you just might
Avoid some pain.
Now, even though there’s nothing new
To say today,
I know you’ll find some peace when you
Can see the Way
God did the deed you could not do.
And so I pray
For words to write and songs to sing
My whole life long.
To simply not say anything
Would be so wrong.
But will you pay attention to
These words I share?
Or will you say, “It’s nothing new,
And I don’t care.”
You’ll see, one day, you had a choice
Of where you’d be.
If you choose God, you will rejoice
Eternally.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on January 23, 2020 by TonyJune 14, 2024

This isn’t about a sea of blue

I’ve had quite a few listeners and readers ask me to consider sharing more of my “old”writings and music. And that’s pretty cool. So, thank you for asking. And the old poem, I’m sharing today, comes from all the way back in 1975. I lived in Kansas, at the time, so I was far away from any sea of blue. But I still wrote this one about a sea. And I want you to know, up front, it’s not about me or any thoughts I’ve ever had in my own head about my own life. That’s important to note, and you’ll see why.

I think I’ve mentioned, recently, how I used to ask friends and acquaintances to challenge me to a writing assignment. I told them to give me words or phrases they liked or liked the sound of. And I’d use them as starting points for writing a poem or lyrics.

One such time, a friend of a friend (with a bit of a dark side) said they liked the word “desideratum.”Up until that time I’d only heard of the poem with that same name by Max Erhmann, from the 1920’s. Or maybe a spoken version of the poem by Rod McKuen. Not sure he spoke it, but I seem to recall that he did. Anyway, the word “desideratum”hadn’t been on my radar.

And the definition for desideratum doesn’t conjure up a sea of blue.

Or it sure didn’t for me anyway. But this friend of friend mentioned how he enjoyed walks on the rocky shores of the California coastline. He was the brooding type. And I’ve never been that kind of guy. But I liked the challenge of using his word in a new writing. So here’s the result…

A Sea That’s Gone

I watched the sea; lonely, lonely,
Lonely desideratum to be
A part of it.
The splashing waves; crushing, crushing,
Crushing desideratum behaves
Like a child.
I tell it to stop, but it keeps returning.
It will surely kill me; this nonsense yearning.
I could jump from on these rocks,
Let the sea come take my life.
But I wonder if that would
Really end my weary strife.
My desideratum once was to live.
Now, it’s to die…
To give for take,
An eye for an eye.
I lost a sea I used to keep
Inside my heart, perhaps too deep.
Now, I think I need the same.
For without it, I’m just a name.

Don’t let the dark undertones keep you from remembering how life has Rhyme and Reason because God made you.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on January 22, 2020 by TonyApril 10, 2023

Give it all you got or maybe you should not

Don’t give it all you got

Cue up the Rocky theme music. Zoom the camera in on Rocky running through the backstreets of Philadelphia. Build up the music as he runs up those stairs. Feel the excitement as he reaches the top and dances with his fists in the air. Rocky gave it his all and overcame the obstacles. Yay! Scene fades. Point made. You don’t have to look far to find a motivational speaker urging you to do that, too. “Give it all you got.” And it doesn’t take much to find books, movies, songs, and even commercials with that same message. And on a natural level, it makes sense. So, you might be surprised to see me say don’t do it. But before you jump on my case, let me explain.

If “it” doesn’t compromise you, sure, give it all you got.

And it’s a matter of perspective. Eternal versus temporary. Things in this life are temporary. But YOU aren’t. And if any “thing” compromises your soul, your future will be so dark, night goggles won’t help.

“But what kind of ‘thing’ can compromise your soul?” you ask.

Thanks for asking. And I’ll give you three examples. There are others. But these three are huge. Money. Power. Sex. When you give any one (or all) of those things all you got, you’re asking for trouble like you never thought. Trouble that can go on forever. And ever.

Now, I’m not saying money, power, or sex are evil or will definitely destroy you. Kept in check, they’re not. But I AM saying when you focus your attention on any one (or all) of them, they can become your master. And you’re human. Subject to the temptations all humans experience. So, you WILL face the problems. And you’ll probably compromise on some level at some time in your life. Because you can’t withstand the world on your own.

There’s only one Way to overcome those soul-threatening compromises.

Thankfully the Way is so easy even a young kid can do it. But it requires something most people in the world won’t even consider. Humility. When you decide you’re too cool for school, and you deserve everything your heart desires, you’re skating on thin ice. And the freezing cold water of hell is eagerly waiting for that ice to crack.

Wow, this all sounds so much different than the lyrical, melodic things I’ve been sharing lately. Right? So, I’ll leave you with this lyrical version of what I’m talking about…

Don’t give any thing all you’ve got.
Look for wisdom no matter what.
Every thing can take you away
From what matters most day to day.
Please remember you will go on
Even after your body’s gone.
Where you go will depend on you.
Here’s what I suggest that you do:
Don’t let any thing steal your soul.
Ask for God to help you control
Your desires for things and not Him.
He can fill your heart to the brim.

Think all the good things that prove life has Rhyme and Reason because God made you.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on January 21, 2020 by TonyJanuary 30, 2020

The Proven Song

Some people start with an idea for business and fly with it. Sometimes it’s a matter of just wanting to share some of their strategies. And sometimes it’s to completely teach others how to do it, too. Both of those apply to a guy named Jim. He took his ideas of building business online to a level he never dreamed of to begin with. And his proven system, and story, became the subject of “The Proven Song” by…none other than Mr. Tony. (that’s me, by the way)

I don’t usually write a whole song for a business. Most times it’s a jingle. Or a tagline. Maybe a quick verse and chorus. But The Proven Song basically wrote itself. And I just captured it in a melody…which a lot of people have told me they really like. Of course, that never hurts my feelings. Now, for your consideration and listening enjoyment, here is…

The Proven Song

Jimmy ran, each day, with dreams of working for himself
And a plan took shape inside his head.
He designed a blueprint for a silent sales machine
He could use to make his daily bread.

The status quo had to go, the internet was the bet”
A paradigm for the time”the light to shine was online.

Things started shakin'”ain’t no mistakin’,
He couldn’t be fakin’ money he was makin’
But to keep on groovin’ and to keep on movin’
It had to be proven. Yeah, it had to be proven.

So, Jimmy talked to lots of other dreamers like himself
And he built an audience, a team”
Told “˜em, “I found several different ways to build your wealth.”
Every different way he called a stream.

To stay afloat in your boat just keep your eyes on the prize.
Go navigate thru the strait”try not to swerve, when you serve.

And without knowin’, some seeds were sowin’
They started growin’, success was showin’.
More started groovin’, more started movin’
That meant it was proven, undoubtedly proven.

Proven, proven, and it doesn’t matter where you’ve been.
Proven, proven, jump into your first stream and begin”

Get started shakin'”ain’t no mistakin’,
Won’t be no fakin’ money you’ll be makin’
When you keep on groovin’ and you keep on movin’
You’re gonna be proven. Yeah, you’re gonna be proven.

And without knowin’, some seeds you’re sowin’
They’ll start to growin’, success is showin’.
When you keep on groovin’ and you keep on movin’
You’re gonna be proven. Yeah, you’re gonna be proven.

Be sure to stay tuned to this post for the The Power of God’s Love Podcast with the actual song.

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Posted on January 20, 2020 by TonyJune 15, 2024

Starshine in Iris

Forty-five years ago. It’s not possible. But it’s true. The year, 1975, was forty-five years ago. It was a significant year for me for several reasons. A few small. A few large. And I was still in the beginning stages of becoming a poet and a songwriter. In fact, the poem I’m about to share with you, Starshine in Iris, is a sample of writing I was doing as a result of requested challenges. And I’ll explain what I mean…

She said the Iris was her favorite flower…

I had a few hours to kill before I headed out to play my first professional “gig.” Dinkledorf’s Deli in the River Quay area of Kansas City. Short side note…not long after I debuted there, the whole area apparently became a center for organized crime. But I promise, I never met those guys. (And check out how my big night went…hilarious)

Anyway…back to the story. As the hours wound down before my big night, I was spending time with a lovely lady in another part of the city. We had lunch, and she planned to go with me to watch me sing. And, as usual, I had some of my spiral notebooks with me. She asked to read some of my writings. I said, “Ok, but with one condition. You give me challenge, a subject, an idea for something else to write.”

She thought that was a fun idea. So, she pondered a few minutes and said, “Irises.” When, I asked her what she meant, she told me the Iris was her favorite flower. And so, she’d like a poem or song about it. I asked her if it absolutely had to be about the flower. And she said I could just use the word if I preferred.

And that’s what I did. While she read my other writings, I started forming ideas, based on the word Iris and including some things we’d talked about that afternoon. And I came up with this rhyme of fiction based on fact.

Now, you know some of the rest of the story behind…

Starshine in Iris

Maybe it will last.
I don’t know.
The starshine in Iris
Seems to glow.
The wind that blows
The Autumn leaves away
Cools the children in
The yard as they play.
It’s not the beautiful girl I met,
But the starshine in Iris I can’t forget.
We stood on a lakeside once she and I.
She said her favorite month was July.
I asked her why.
She looked at me and smiled.
I could see a child in her eyes.
Iris is and fills my hopes.
We’ve mellowed like sweet cantaloupes.
I see Iris in the skies;
Those falling stars are tears she cries.
The one thing I think nicer than her kiss
Would have to be the starshine in Iris.
I won’t say that I’m living in the past,
But I do hope the starshine in Iris will last.

The light in a girl’s eyes, stars in the skies, kisses, and hopes…a few more examples of how life has Rhyme and Reason because God made you.

Before you go, jump on the The TRUTH. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

Posted on January 19, 2020 by TonyJune 15, 2024

Perilous times will come

A guy, named Paul, wrote a letter, almost 2000 years ago, to another guy, named Timothy. And in one of the lines he said, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:” And then he went on to describe how it will be. And just in case you’ve never read his description…well…it doesn’t look good.

Calling those “last days”perilous almost seems like an understatement.

But it seems like even Hollywood gets it. Basically every apocalyptic movie shows a majority of evil people. Like nowhere is safe for anyone who hasn’t gone over to the dark side. I mean, c’mon, all they gotta do, to set up the screenplay, is follow some more lines in Paul’s letter. Like this…

“For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure…”

OK, that establishes the plot and the bad guys. Now, how can we solve the problem? Is there any way out of this darkness? And if so, what character is gonna show up and lead the heroes to safety?

Well, that “character”already showed up. A few years before Paul wrote that letter to Timothy. And this wise guide pointed the way to safety, which turned out to be an extremely easy way. In fact, the wise guide IS the Way.

Now, you can choose to ignore Him (and me) and continue your quest for so-called “higher truth.”But you do so at your own peril. As for me, and millions of others who realize Jesus IS Truth, life will go on forever in paradise. And we’ll live in love, peace, and safety and never have to deal with the haters or perilous times again.

But it’s a choice. Keep loving yourself and your money. Stay unthankful, unloving, unforgiving, and unholy. Or choose to turn away from all that. But choose soon, because…

“Perilous times will come,”

He said, while beating his drum.
Lovers of money, the milk and honey
Will lose their souls to stay numb.

Last days will bring such pain;
Such hate, it boggles the brain.
Unholy, brutal, it will be futile,
As men are going insane.

Down and backwards they’ll go,
Learning, but they’ll never know,
In age or in youth, reality…truth.
And they will reap what they sow.

Resist the ones who say
That truth is open and gray.
They will be stranded, right where they landed,
Denying Jesus, the Way.

And these are some perilous examples of why you should jump on the The TRUTH. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

Posted on January 18, 2020 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Satellite song and I didn't sing it wrong

Once there was a Satellite song…

I’m a bit vague on what the news story was. After all, it was 30 years ago. But I remember something in the news on TV about something in space. And I had been working on a song that needed a three syllable word for my main focus. (It’s a weird thing that goes on in my head during the creation process. Don’t ask.) Anyway…as I listened to the news they mentioned something about a satellite. And bingo! The inflection. Three syllables. It all fit. And so I wrote my satellite song.

Wouldn’t you know…the main character in the satellite song was a woman.

I know. What’s a songwriter know about women? And no songwriter ever, in the history of the world, wrote a song that had anything to do with a woman. But I’m a rebel. So, I figured I’d break the mold and dive in. I would be that unique songwriter. The one who wouldn’t follow the crowd. And I…yes I…would write a song with a focus on a woman.

But this wasn’t just any woman.

This was the woman I was gonna cajole, entice, and force…I mean, invite…to be my wife. And I didn’t want the usual mush. This was a unique woman. With a special need in her heart that “sweet words” wouldn’t fulfill or win over. Because others before me had used that tactic and failed to follow through.

So, I chose a more technical approach. Through the airwaves. Over the telephone lines. Across the transportation routes. We were 1500 miles apart. And, as you might know, distance is not the close friend of love. That means, in spite of what you’ve heard by confused motivational speakers, failure was definitely an option.

But…I’m nothing if not determined when it comes to writing. And I spent most of a day and night coming up with the lyrics you’re about to read. While this isn’t even one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written, it’s still one of the best. Because it helped me win a heart. And that woman fell victim…I mean chose to give me the time of day. We’ve been together for the 30 years since then. Here are the words.

Satellite

Don’t be careful; don’t be shy
Just reach up and grab the sky
You’re a whirlwind every day
And you chase my clouds away

I don’t know if you know it’s true
No one else does it like you do
Got your pictures in my room,
But I need to smell your warm perfume

We’re revolving closer day and night
My gravity pulls you to me
You’re my satellite..satellite…satellite
You’re my satellite.

Don’t you worry; don’t you fret
You’re the one I won’t forget
Got your signal in my brain
You’re the one who keeps me sane

Through the airwaves; through the space
Comes the image of your face
And it makes my rockets fire
Please believe me; I’m no liar

Repeat bridge and chorus

When it all gets cold and lonely
And there’s darkness in my soul
I just look to you my little silver star
And I’m right back in control”you’re my satellite

inst…repeat chorus to end

Don’t forget, the The Power of God’s Love Podcast version of this post will include the song. So be sure to tune into it. And as always, remember…life has Rhyme and Reason because God made you,

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Posted on January 17, 2020 by TonyJanuary 29, 2020

Mi Amiga – a song about a very special friend

If you’ve been following along on your game boards at home, you might have noticed I’ve shared some song stories. And here’s another one. It’s about a song I wrote over 30 years ago. Mi Amiga. The Spanish translation of that is “my friend.” But it’s not any old friend. It’s a female friend. Nouns that end in “a”, in Spanish, are of the feminine gender. Oops, I know that’s a touchy subject these days, so I’ll move on with my short story.

This song is about a one-of-a-kind lady friend of mine.

I had just gotten a new keyboard, and I wanted to try out some new string settings. And I was in sort of a Mexican mood. Maybe it was the Mexican food. Who knows? On with the story. So, I started playing around with some lyrics I’d been writing. And I decided to enlist the help of a guy from Mexico who worked at a restaurant where I was playing live music for a couple of weeks.

As it turned out, the words fit into something I wanted to say to a special lady. I won’t reveal her name to you. And you can’t drag it out of me. But I figured she might like the Spanish tone to the song. Because she had told as much when I first got to know her.

After I wrote all the lyrics, I asked my friend to translate the chorus into Spanish. He gave me what you’ll see below. So, if it’s incorrect, you’ll have to tell him. Only problem is…I don’t even remember his name…much less know where he is. Hope you like it. And be sure to tune in to the The Power of God’s Love Podcast to hear a recording of it from way back in 1989. And one thing I’ve loved about this song, over the years, is how much people from Mexico have enjoyed it. Warms my black, little heart.

“But…did the mystery lady like it?” you ask. Hmm…

Mi Amiga

High and low…you’ll see there’s no where to go
Deep and wide…you’ll find there’s no where to hide
I’m persistent; I don’t give up easy
I want a life that’s light and breezy
And full of fun…but still there’s no where to run

And my heart may bust…it’s so full of wanderlust
Making wrong from right
I still need my guiding light…

Amiga; dÃ³nde esta mi amiga?
Tengo que tener mi amiga
La necesito y la quiero
DÃ³nde esta mi amiga?

Now, I know…she’s the girl of my imago
Pure and true; she cares about me through and through
She’s prophetic; she is my future
With just her laughter, she makes me feel sure
She’s my friend…I want her to the living end

And my heart may bust; it’s so full of wanderlust
And I know it’s right; I believe my Guiding Light

repeat chorus

My friend; where is my friend
I have to have my friend because I need her
And I want her..where is my friend

Stay tuned,

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Posted on January 16, 2020 by TonyJanuary 28, 2020

Poetic power in a song and who will sing along?

Wielding my poetic power again

The underlying theme to everything I do, here in the TonyFunderburk.com galaxy, is Rhyme and Reason. To put it simply, I like to use my poetic power to share logic and reason. For life. Love. And for a solid, eternal perspective.

With poetic power comes powerful responsibility.

I’m not an infallible person. And I don’t play one on TV. But it’s still possible for me to be 100 percent correct. Not 100 percent of the time. But I can be totally confident (and so can you, by the way) I’m right…as long as I agree with what God says about it.

Oh no. There comes that whole ” the Bible is open to interpretation”problem. Yeah…unless you take some time to learn how to rightly divide the word of Truth. It’s amazing how clear your perspective becomes when you know who said what. And to whom.

As you go about your business, today, I’d like you to take at least a moment or two to ponder how you even got here. Think about how important life is. And it’s not just about what you gain. It’s also about what you’re willing to give up.

I Might Be Writing This For You

I wanna write a song, today,
That changes a perspective.
A simple song of truth, today,
A future retrospective
For someone else to sing, one day,
With bright illumination
From wisdom I have shared in my
Poetic rumination.
But can I write a song like that?
Would anybody play it?
When I replace my doubt with trust,
Yes, God will help me say it.
The words are forming in my head.
And I hear music ringing.
I might be writing this for you.
Get ready to start singing.

And remember, life has Rhyme and Reason because God made you,

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Posted on January 15, 2020 by TonyJanuary 23, 2020

Keep It On Hold lyrics to a Tony Funderburk country song

What’s the “it” in “Keep It On Hold”

I’m not really a “country” singer/songwriter. But back in 1992-93, I played one on TV. Well, not TV. But I sort of played one on stages. In Nashville. For what they called “songwriters in the round.” That’s where a group of songwriters take the stage and each one plays an original song. When each one completes a song, it circles back to the first and continues. It was usually for three songs each. And I actually enjoyed it. Plus, it helped me write a bunch of songs. One of them was called, “Keep It On Hold.”

Nashville let me know I’m not a “country” singer/songwriter.

It was a little comical to watch me participate during those songwriters in the round. At the beginning of the evening, there’d be about half a dozen of us taking the stage. Five people walking up with their guitars, cowboy hats, and boots. And me. Setting up my portable keyboard, wearing a multi-colored vest, jeans, and usually some bright yellow Converse sneakers. Or maybe pink, blue, or red. And my hair was very long, something that wasn’t “the norm” for country music at the time. (slightly before Billy Ray Cyrus)

So, we’d all get set up. And the host of the evening would introduce us, one by one. As he did we’d sing our first song. And I can remember thinking, as the first couple of guitar players sang their songs, “Oh man. They’re not gonna like me.”

But I gotta say…I was wrong. Audiences actually did like my songs. They weren’t the typical “country” songs. And yet, listeners seemed to enjoy them. I recall one time, when a songwriter behind me was introduced after my turn, how he mentioned me before he sang his song. He said something like…

“I gotta tell you guys how much I just enjoyed Tony’s song. And I’m not even sure what key his song was in. But it was a nice change of pace.”

Off the top of my head, I believe the song was in F sharp. But that’s beside the point. The point is…audiences liked my songs. Record companies and publishers, however, didn’t think they were “country enough.” When I’d go to my appointments on Music Row, I’d regularly hear things like…

“Country audiences don’t want congas in their songs.” Or “Nice songs. But not for Nashville. You should go to California.”

So, I thought I’d share one of those songs with you. The lyrics are below. And the song is on the The Power of God’s Love Podcast. You can judge for yourself. Is this song even remotely “country”? And see if you can tell what “it” is.

Keep It On Hold

I looked around and you; you broke my heart into
Too many times you made me wonder what to do
You rode your horses wild, wild flower-power child
Child you would never let me spend my time with you

You’ve got some good somewhere inside
But you keep it on hold…you keep it on hold
I might believe you if you tried
But you keep it on hold…you keep it on hold

What do you think you’ll do
When it all comes down on you
What do you think you’ll say
At the time of the judgement day
Who do you think you’ll see
When you see things clearer
And it’s only you and the mirror

repeat chorus…inst

You say you don’t need me; me and my sympathy
Sympathy isn’t what my time is all about
I almost have to laugh; laugh at your better half
Half of the time your mind is struggling with the doubt

(chorus…bridge…repeat chorus to end)

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Posted on January 14, 2020 by TonyJune 15, 2024

Topsy turvy world where good and bad are swirled

Life in this topsy turvy world

I wish the good people I know had all the great successes in life. And I wish the people who thumb their noses at God were the most miserable failures in the world. Yeah, I said it. (And on the The Power of God’s Love Podcast I’ll say it out loud) But since I don’t get to rule the whole world, I don’t get to decide how that works. And since God also isn’t currently ruling this world (Gasp!) life is very topsy turvy.

It’s so annoying to see the foul-mouthed, obnoxious types gain huge audiences and build “businesses”. And then watch as awesome, caring, intelligent types struggle to build an audience. In spite of the fact they provide much needed products and services. And serve others respectfully and professionally.

Why is the world so topsy turvy?

Is it the culture? Education opportunities? Genetic predisposition? Nay. Nay. And nay nay. If it were only something like those problems, the upside down condition of life here on Earth could surely be solved with some of our millions of laws.

And yet, there are so-called “leaders”in government who go by the title of “lawmakers.” And they continuously devise “laws” in an attempt to make the masses play nice. But the masses don’t even seem to know what nice is anymore. Much less play nice. So, we end up with a “survival of the fittest”world where bad is good and good is bad.

Of course, none of that depressing news means good, hard-working, God-fearing people should lose heart. Quite the contrary. In fact, when you fit into that category, you’ve already won. You’ve won what’s truly important anyway. And that’s the eternal rewards. Every other kind of win, here on Earth, is so temporary. But acknowledging there’s a God…and that you’re not Him…and the Way He made for you…puts the everlasting mark in your W column.

So, I wanna encourage all my Christian friends today.

And I want you to remember, and never forget, you’re a winner. Because you’re able to make awesome decisions. Don’t let any setbacks define you. Remember, they’re temporary. But you’re eternal.

Life is very temporary
Here on planet Earth.
If you ponder why you wander,
Or what it’s all worth,
Don’t be bitter, just consider
Your alternative.
Life is often rough and tough.
But still…you got to live.

Before you go, jump on the The TRUTH. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

Posted on January 13, 2020 by TonyAugust 29, 2024

Don't - a book about things you shouldn't do. But you can't do anyway.

Don’t do these things

“Don’t” is a book with a list of things not to do. The funny thing is…you can’t do these things. Even if you wanted to. There’s also a song about it (which you can hear in the The Power of God’s Love Podcast version of this post) and an illustrated downloadable version.

“Don’t make mistakes unless you’re wrong.”

A few years ago I was asked to play music for a party hosted by a local Christian school in a suburb of Denver. And the kids ranged, in age, from first grade to 12th grade. But the majority of kids who were there were probably 10 and under. So, I played a wide variety of music. But I started highlighting some of my goofy songs for the younger kids. When I got to my song, “Don’t”, I noticed a couple of little girls laughing. When I finished the song, I asked them what they were laughing at.

“That was a funny song,” they said. “Would you play it again?”

So, I started playing it, and they got a couple more of their friends to listen. And they all giggled as I sang the words. Then, a few more little kids saw the others laughing and came over. Before the song was finished, there were about a dozen kids laughing along to the words. Of course, I liked that. Because it showed me what worked for a certain age group.

And that led to the book by the same name. I got myself some easy illustration software by FableVision, and created the drawings in the book. It shows the same silly looking character, on each page, doing what the book says not to do. Or he’s not doing what you’re not supposed to do. Or…well, you’ll have to get the book to see.

Stay tuned,

Share this link with everybody you know, so they can jump on the The TRUTH (My regular emails about the essentials of life, AND get some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree)

Posted on January 12, 2020 by TonyJune 15, 2024

You came from the heart of God

I’m sure there are a lot of people who couldn’t care less about the heart of God. After all, they don’t even believe He exists. Much less has a heart. And on a physical level, that’s sorta true. Because God is Spirit. So, He doesn’t have a physical heart. Wait…unless you count Jesus, too.

I think, sometimes, even Christians forget how Jesus is God, the Son, who became a man. And that, from now on, He’ll be a man. That’s forever, by the way. Can you see how amazing and significant that is? You and I can only begin to understand what it means.

The heart of God the Son is a physical sign of His enduring, tender mercies.

Each day you get up, I encourage you to take at least a few seconds to remember how blessed you are. Every breath and every beat of your heart were bought and paid for. You and I are only here because of the unimaginable love flowing from our Creator. And I don’t know about you, but as I look back on my life, I can find plenty of reasons for God to turn His back on me. But He says He never will.

So, I know I’m blessed beyond my ability to comprehend, deserve, or measure. And that lifts my spirit and places my hands on the keyboard of my computer each day. Just so I can offer my inadequate words of gratitude. Like this…

The day begins while night remains
A little while through window panes.
The sun sneaks up into the skies
And opens up resisting eyes.
A coffee pot, with rhythmic sounds,
Takes water and some coffee grounds,
And turns them into morning words,
While just outside the songs of birds
Bounce off the trees into the air.
The signs of grace are everywhere.
So, as I write this message down,
I want each verb and every noun
To see, acknowledge, and applaud
How life is from the heart of God.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on January 11, 2020 by TonyMarch 19, 2025

Music pajamas - a book for kids by Tony Funderburk

Put on Your Music Pajamas

There once was a little kid named Meep who didn’t like to sleep. He thought the whole world would disappear while his eyes were closed. Could a simple, silly pair of music pajamas change Meep’s mind about what happened when he closed his eyes?

Music pajamas are just a continuation of infatuation.

When I was a kid, I had a vivid imagination. I’d watch an old Superman TV show and imagine there must be some way to fly. If I could just figure out the magic combination. Maybe it was the cape. Or some sort of mental concentration. And while I was busy working out the details for flight, I was forgetting the whole bounce bullets off my chest thing. Oh well, I was a kid. What did I know?

Something else that always got my mind in conjure mode was music. No one knew (but now you know) how much time I’d spend just pondering the wonders of the universe while listening to music. Especially during those long, hot summer days in rural Kansas. And I didn’t realize, at the time, I was forming the building blocks for my own songs to come one day.

And one more thing I can remember, that ties in with this, is how much I loved getting new pajamas for Christmas. There was just nothing like the feel of new pajamas, after a bath, and climbing into clean sheets. Oh man, I could catch me some serious Z’s with that combination. But I still wouldn’t have guessed I’d one day write a song about a special pair of pajamas. Or how I’d publish a book about those magical PJ’s after that.

Here’s a short excerpt from the book, “Music Pajamas”

“Sure enough…a magical melody started playing. It sounded like butter and honey…no wait…it sounded like ice cream and cake…no wait…well, never mind…it was awesome. And Meep’s mom started singing to the tune”

“It’s time…to let the daylight fly…away…but we don’t have to cry…because…another day will dawn real soon.”

Get your downloadable book here.

Get both the ePub & PDF versions in one download for only $4,
and you’ll be able to read “Music Pajamas” on almost any device.

Your email address is all it takes to get encouraging, regular issues of my Tony’s Daily Devotional . It comes directly to your inbox so you spend your valuable time reading instead of searching. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my Christian books for kids and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy.

Stay tuned,

Posted on January 10, 2020 by TonyFebruary 13, 2020

All across the universe

The Beatles created a lot of enjoyable music. And a bunch of nonsense, too. I only bring it up because (randomly…or was it?) one of their songs came across my computer desktop today. “Across the Universe” from their “Let It Be” album. So, I read the lyrics and a little background about them. John Lennon wrote the words. And, as usual, he was mixed up.

The universe isn’t random even if thoughts are.

Here’s a few words from John Lennon’s song…

“Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes
They call me on and on across the universe
Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box
They tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe”

The “Let It Be” album music was recorded in the last couple of years in the sixties and released in 1970. So, there’s a high probability (pun somewhat intended) that John smoked a little wacky weed before he wrote the lyrics. I could be wrong, it’s just a hunch. Anyway, Lennon was influenced by all sorts of anti-God sources. And those sources of influence certainly included evolution and its proponents.

Randomness flows from every line. And yet, somewhere from inside John, a sense of clarity rises up. And he sings, “Nothing’s gonna change my world” four times for the chorus. An absolute, resolute statement. But, in the randomness of chance universe, there are no absolutes. They’re mutually exclusive from the Creator God. And, unfortunately, that truth is lost on those who prefer self-serving philosophy over reality.

So here’s my short lyrical portrait of the universe.

All across the universe
God’s fingerprints are found.
Simplicity, complexity
Reveal Him all around.
Randomness did not create
A single grain of sand.
And logically and lovingly
We’re here because God planned
Humans who could be His friends,
Enjoying all He made.
Gigantic and invisible
His thoughts toward us cascade.
And, instead of doubt and fear,
We really should immerse
Ourselves in all His love we see
Across the universe.

The universe holds an almost infinite amount of examples of how life has Rhyme and Reason because God made you,

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Posted on January 9, 2020 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Music is healing?

My title, music is healing, has a question mark. Because I don’t think it is. Even though you see that all the time. Or hear it. In fact, I just ran across lyrics to a song by a country band that talked about how music is healin’. But again…I say it isn’t.

True healing doesn’t come from music. And it never has.

And this is all coming from a guy who used to say music was more important to me than anything else. That was during a time when I was on my own. No marriage commitment. And no other ongoing relationship commitment. So, I focused on music. And I wrote lots and lots of songs. Many of them no one has heard but me. Even to this day. But not one of those songs…or any songs I ever heard from any other songwriter (not even Beethoven)…ever healed me of even a sniffle.

No, I could be suffering from a severe cold, stay in bed all day listening to music, and not feel one bit better. And there were plenty of times I would’ve loved for a song to play on the radio and take away a migraine. But nope. Didn’t happen.

You know how, in so many movies, when a person gets their heart broken, a sad song is playing in the background? Have you ever seen a movie where that sad song healed that broken heart? Of course not. Because music doesn’t heal. Not anything. Not ever.

But before you start thinking I’m slamming music, I’ll let you know how much I appreciate its power. Music can rock your emotions. No doubt about it. Somebody could play the opening part of the theme music from Rocky, and you’d know immediately what I mean. And music can help set the mood for everything from movies to parties to church worship.

Music just can’t heal.

Only God can truly heal. And I believe He invented music to give us a sneak peak into the glory of Heaven. His love for us is clearly heard in music, seen in rainbows, and deeply felt in words. But only He can heal us…if we ask Him to.

Only God can heal a broken heart.
Music can’t, but it IS a place to start.
Listen close. Your faith could turn around.
You begin, when you change from lost to found.

And I hope a song reaches into your soul, today, and compels you to ask Him, if you haven’t already. If something like that happens, today or tomorrow, or soon, let me know. I love those stories. By the way, angels sing when another soul is saved. So, fire up the choir.

Be another example of how life has Rhyme and Reason because God made you,

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Grasping for the wind

Grasping for the wind is like falling out of a plane with no parachute.

You Can Hold

A sleepy-eyed bon fide wee hours wanderer

This morning’s starter sentence contained the adjective, sleepy-eyed.

Sleepy

Since talk is cheap, I’m goin’ back to sleep

Talk is cheap. But it’s never been free.

Talk Delight

Another hit from the extraordinary playlist in life

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist popped back out of my memory banks this morning.

Extraordinary Us

Hmm…there’s nothing new to say today

The king with nothing new to say was the son of a prolific king.

But…

This isn’t about a sea of blue

And the definition for desideratum doesn’t conjure up a sea of blue.

A Sea That’s Gone

Don’t give it all you got

If “it” doesn’t compromise you, sure, give it all you got.

There’s only one Way to overcome those soul-threatening compromises.

The Proven Song

The Proven Song

Proven, proven, and it doesn’t matter where you’ve been. Proven, proven, jump into your first stream and begin”

Starshine in Iris

She said the Iris was her favorite flower…

Starshine in Iris

Perilous times will come

Calling those “last days”perilous almost seems like an understatement.

“Perilous times will come,”

Once there was a Satellite song…

Wouldn’t you know…the main character in the satellite song was a woman.

Satellite

Mi Amiga – a song about a very special friend

This song is about a one-of-a-kind lady friend of mine.

Mi Amiga

Wielding my poetic power again

With poetic power comes powerful responsibility.

I Might Be Writing This For You

What’s the “it” in “Keep It On Hold”

Nashville let me know I’m not a “country” singer/songwriter.

Keep It On Hold

Life in this topsy turvy world

Why is the world so topsy turvy?

So, I wanna encourage all my Christian friends today.

Don’t do these things

“Don’t make mistakes unless you’re wrong.”

You came from the heart of God

The heart of God the Son is a physical sign of His enduring, tender mercies.

Put on Your Music Pajamas

Music pajamas are just a continuation of infatuation.

Here’s a short excerpt from the book, “Music Pajamas”

All across the universe

The universe isn’t random even if thoughts are.

So here’s my short lyrical portrait of the universe.

Music is healing?

True healing doesn’t come from music. And it never has.

Music just can’t heal.

Another hit from the
extraordinary playlist in life

Proven, proven, and it doesn’t matter where you’ve been.
Proven, proven, jump into your first stream and begin”