Tag Archives: words and music

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Sinless perfection. Man, did I ever miss that mark?! And I’ve got the lines in my face and gray/silver/white hair to prove it. Yep, I’ve lived long enough to see the killing effects of sin. But I’ve also lived long enough to gain some wisdom. And wisdom has taught me that those lines and gray hair just mean I’m closer to the end of my troubles.

Yep, I’m closer than ever to sinless perfection.

And I owe it all to love. But not just any love. Not the you and me wimpy kind of love that’s easily challenged by an ache or an emotion or witless words.

I owe it all to the one, solitary, sinless man who was, is, and always will be sinless perfection.

The man who started a three year ministry, at around the age of 30. And it was a supremely effective ministry which he used to teach, admonish, heal, and even raise people from the dead. You’re catching my drift, aren’t you?

If so, then you know he did something way more important than all those amazing things. He was beaten to a pulp and nailed to a cross. Then, he endured an agonizing, painfully slow death. And that was even after being found innocent. Let that sink in for a sec. Imagine a judge and/or jury finds you innocent and then sentences you to death.

Can you say, “Mistrial!”

But here’s the real kicker. The man I’m talking about holds the very fiber of all the universe in his hands. Yeah. It all holds together and functions light years more efficiently than the finest Swiss clock for one reason. And that reason is because it was created by Jesus. The embodiment of sinless perfection.

He wasn’t just “a good man,” or “a nice teacher,” or “a humble prophet,” as many have described Him. He was Truth. And He was God with us. Most definitely the manliest of all men. And yet He was the gentlest of all. He took on human flesh in order that He could endure (instead of us) the death we all deserve. He said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth…” But, ironically, the only true peace that ever existed on Earth was in His body and presence.

He showed us how we need to love one another. And He led by example. Because there’s no greater love than to “lay down one’s life for his friends.” So, Jesus is the ultimate reason for faith. And that’s why I sing…

Give Me The Whole Jesus

Oh give me love…give me justice…
Give me Grace and the strength to endure.
When the world comes against me,
Give me Your Spirit steadfast and sure.

Give me words…give me courage…
And give me time and a powerful voice.
And when many still may hate me,
Give me Your love and I’ll always rejoice.

Give me the whole Jesus;
The whole Good Lord…
The One who shields the child…
The One who wields the sword.
Give me the whole Jesus
Son of God and man…
‘Cause only Jesus saves…
And only Jesus can! Only Jesus can! Only Jesus can!

Then give me dreams…give me wisdom…
Give me peace at the end of my days.
And give me life…everlasting…
In Your world and in Your higher ways.

Chorus

© 2010 Tony Funderburk

Once you see the benefit, join the growing body of believers who signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional, if you haven’t already. And I’ll send you daily flashes of light to help you focus on faith, hope, and love with me.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I bet you can think of more than one example of when somebody used roses in a song. Right? Yeah. There are plenty of songs where roses play a big part. Because there’s just something about that one flower. And it would probably be just as unique even if it had another name.

So, obviously, when I put roses in a song I wrote, it was no big deal.

Except it was when I was a singer songwriter in Nashville, back in 1992-93. So, it was kind of an interesting deal even if it was no biggie. I’ve shared why that’s the case, before. But here’s the short version.

I was almost always the only keyboard player on showcase nights. And on one of those nights I presented an offbeat song with a key signature played mostly on the black keys. One of the other songwriters, a guitar player who sat behind me, commented to the host that he really liked it. Apparently he knew his way around a keyboard, too. Because he mentioned how I played the notes on “the black keys.” Then, he pointed out how that’s not a key most country songs use. And he said he’d like to hear it again. And the host agreed and asked me to play it again.

So, naturally, I did.

It’s a song about how important certain flowers are when couples “make up” after a, let’s say, disagreement.

Here are the lyrics. If you wanna hear how I used roses in a song, you’ll have to Get my Podcast. It’ll be in an episode very soon.

Roses To The Rescue

She says he’s not the boy he used to be.
He slams a door in a fit of disgust.
It’s bitter and crude; they’d better change their attitude
So another statistic bites the dust.

He says he’s sure he’s not the one to blame
And she insists that it wasn’t her.
It’s all by the book; they’d better take another look
So another statistic won’t occur.

They need some:

Roses to the rescue…apologies and candlelight
Roses to the rescue…’cause no one’s wrong and no one’s right.
If you hope to pass this ancient test, you…
Better find you some roses to rescue.

She says that he can just go sleep alone
And he yells that would be just fine.
Well they need to know where this argument will go
‘Cause another statistic’s on the line

They need some…     Chorus

I don’t know why they have to fight
I only know it isn’t right…it isn’t right

We need some
Chorus..inst..repeat chorus to end

© 1992-2011

By the way, if you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet, let’s change that. Get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. And bask in daily, delightful flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Play

Get The Rhyme and Reason PodcastDelivered to Your Device Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | Podcast Index | TuneIn | Deezer | RSS | More

I can hardly believe it’s already been almost 4 years. But the calendar doesn’t lie. And the metadata in the documents I saved doesn’t either. Yeah, almost 4 years since I produced rough cuts to several new songs. And I have a couple of main reasons why I call them “rough cuts.” One of those songs is called “I Can Do.” And, yes, it’s one of the many songs I’ve written where I swim upstream against current trends. But so be it.

It’s part of my job description to swim upstream against the trends of the world.

And, no, I don’t get some sort of surreptitious pleasure from going against the grain. In fact, I wish my worldview and songwriting style were more the norm. But that ain’t gonna happen. So I know those opportunities I passed up on, back in the day, for recording deals, are the only ones I’ll ever have.

But I know the One who created me, AND made sure I can live forever, is much more pleased with my choice. And He said the world hated Him before it ever hated me. So, I’m in the best of company.

Anyway…

Back to those songs. There are seven of them. So far. And I have a deep and abiding desire to produce them from rough cuts to smooth. But, to my constant consternation, for six years, respiratory issues have kept me from accomplishing that goal. And my wife and I have moved to two entirely different parts of the country to hopefully help alleviate those issues.

Right now I’m gaining some cautious optimism that maybe I’m making some progress (Your prayers are desired and appreciated). And I hope I can do some recording, soon, and make some tracks. Sadly I’ve had that hope dashed against the rocks a few times in the past six years. But the thing about real hope is, it springs eternal.

So, that being said, here’s a snippet of lyrics from a little song in B flat called…

I Can Do

Outside the lines the grass is greener.
But that will not change my demeanor.
Because my life runs like a river.
I’ll take what all my days deliver.

I know the morning sun will shine,
And so, I’ll draw another line.
I’ll keep a box of all my most important things
Inside my heart where they can be
A constant song of joy to me.
I love the sound of optimism when it sings. 

I can do…what I need to. I know it’s so, so I can do!

The rest is reserved for when I fully produce this song and the others. Until then, you can dive into lots of my other songs, AND all kinds of books, when you click or tap this link:

(https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008R08LUG/allbooks)

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I can understand why someone might be sad and lonely during this “most wonderful time of the year.” But I believe those are the people who don’t understand what the celebration of Christmas is about. And it’s no wonder so many people don’t understand that message when they’re constantly bombarded with touchy feely messages of what it’s “all about.”

Going home for the holidays. Doing good deeds. Hot chocolate. The perfect gift. Glitter and sparkles and twinkles. All you gotta do is watch one Hallmark movie and you’ll see those are what Christmas is all about. But, as nice and cozy comfy as all those things are, they pale in comparison to what’s true.

Christmas should be a reminder of what a huge change AND gift provided for anyone who wants it.

I’ve never been sad and lonely at Christmas.

But that doesn’t mean I’m looking for a “Yay Tony!” No, I’ve never felt sad and lonely at Christmas because I’ve never felt completely alone. Sure, I’ve missed people. And even longed to see some. But I wasn’t alone. I always had the God of Christmas in my head and my heart.

A few years ago I wrote and sang a song about what (and Who) Christmas is really about. Here’s the video of that song…

If you can’t see the video, copy and paste this link into your browser:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdcDUknj9NM)

If you’re sad and lonely this Christmas weekend, sing along. And if that doesn’t help, let me know.

I Believe In The God of Christmas

Some believe there’s just today,
And then we die and fade away.
Such a sad and hopeless life to lead.

Others say we never die;
We all live on above the sky.
Disregard the theft and hate and greed.

But I believe in the God of Christmas.
Yes, I believe in His Gift to us all.
And I believe that He died to save us
And that He rose to recover our fall.
Yes I believe in the God who loves us,
And I believe in the God who lives.
Yes, I believe in the God of Christmas.
He gave His love, and He still freely gives.

One day soon we just may find
So many millions left behind
In a world where truth is torn apart.

Then no lights, no Christmas trees…
No arts and no humanities
Will bring peace to any broken heart.

(chorus)

© 2011

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other fun stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

The older I get, the more I realize how “slower than Christmas” is one of those old expressions based on a kid’s perspective. Because, for me, it feels like just a few weeks ago it was Christmas 2022. And here we are, on the brink of Christmas 2023. And I can see 2024 on the horizon.

Yeah, 2023 flew by. But at least it was because everything was fun. Right? I mean, was that a fun year or what?! It was sunny days, rainbows, and puppy dogs all rolled into one. There’ll probably never be another year this awesome.

And speak of the devil (Hey, another one of those old expressions)…

You literally had to take 2023 with a grain of salt (uh-oh, I can’t help myself). Or maybe a whole shaker full of salt. Because it was like every day was weirder than the last.

And when the world gets that way, that’s when it’s the most important to internalize what The Bible says about “peace on earth, goodwill toward men. That peace is only found in Jesus. He was THE only peace on earth this world has ever known, or ever will.

And He shared His goodwill toward men just by being here.

You won’t find that level of peace and goodwill without Him here. Sure, you can be hopeful, as you look toward your future. And you can enjoy your own personal faithful anticipation. Because you know you’ll be with Him again. (You DO know that, right?)

And here’s the blessing that anyone can still see in and on Christmas. It’s still a reminder that all this messy world is only for a little while longer. And that’s what I was thinking about when I wrote the song, “Christmas Is The One Day.” Here’s the lyrics video for that song, from YouTube.

In case you don’t automatically see the video here’s the link:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7nffCGYKCk)

Thanks for watching and listening. And thanks for your support. Because money doesn’t grow on trees. See you next time, Lord willing and the creek don’t rise (oh no, more old expressions!).

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other fun stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

The definition of the noun, refrain, is: “a repeated line or number of lines in a poem or song, typically at the end of each verse.” So, that’s what the phrase, give to gain, is in the chorus of one of my songs.

Not so coincidentally the song’s title is “Give To Gain.”

And I’ll say, right up front, it’s not a song about some sort of prosperity message. AND it’s not a song against those so-called “prosperity messages.” But it most certainly DOES comply with the Biblical message of how you have to give something in order to gain access to Heaven (aka: paradise).

It really is a cryin’ shame that most of the world goes around blowing other people up and destroying economies and families. Or cheating, lying, and stealing. Or a million other dastardly deeds. Such a shame that they’d rather do that than find a way to help and share loving compassion with a fellow human being.

And it’s so sad how they don’t realize what an awful choice they’re making. A choice with never-ending consequences. It’s as if they prefer their dark hearts over the loving light of Jesus. In fact, I’m sure there’s somebody who just cringed when they read His name. And that’s some shaky ground to be standing on.

So, that’s what I wrote and sang about in this song.

You can get it, and 12 other songs in the “Amen” collection, in a physical (that’s right, physical) book on Amazon.

But, not everyone, who calls himself (or herself…and those are the only two choices) a Christian, will like the songs. Because the Amen collection drives home the Biblical points. No coasting on watered-down messages you’ve heard over and over.

So, what do you think? Are you ready for a songbook journal that might help you focus on rightly dividing the word of truth? Then, Amen, a vintage 2000 collection, might be something you’d enjoy. And remember, all the songs can be downloaded from a super secret link in the book.

Get it and let me know your thoughts.

Ain’t it funny how we give to gain.
But let’s follow the lead of the Creator of this earthly plane.
It’s a wonder how we give to gain.
But it’s really not giving; it’s the one way of living,
That we should learn to give to gain.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Here’s a definition of it I found online: “To put on airs; to behave arrogantly. As long ago as the fourteenth century, persons of high rank rode very tall horses, a custom that came to symbolize superiority and arrogance. By 1800 or so, to be or to get on one’s high horse meant to act superior, with or without justification.”

I believe a high horse attitude is always without justification.

But you know how us wacky humans can get. We love to think we’re all that and a bag of grass-fed pork rinds. And I guess that’s because we’re just so darn cute and nice.

Well, we think we are anyway. The billions of daily selfies are proof of that.

But the real trouble comes in when you dazzle (translate: bamboozle) thousands and even millions of “fans” into believing that same thing about you that you believe, yourself. That’s not to say you shouldn’t build an audience for your goods and wares. But the adulation and praise from a multitude of fans can motivate you to “buy” your own high horse.

And that’s when you might just find me singin’ about you.

Yeah, I wrote a song called “High Horses” back in 2000, and included it in my Amen collection. It’s not directly aimed at YOU. But, then again, it includes you. Because you’ve done it. But don’t feel bad. I’ve done it, too. And if you deny that you have, you might be on a high horse right now.

Uh-oh, you’ve done been corralled there, pawdnuh.

OK, all seriousness aside, High Horses is one of those 13 songs, in the Amen Songbook Journal, I’ve been talking about lately. And, as I’ve said, the lyrics to those songs are in the songbook. But there’s also a link, in the book, that takes you to a download of all the songs for Fah-Ree.

Your journal also includes plenty of pages for you to write down your own thoughts. Or take notes in church or class. Or even compose the lyrics and music for your next song. Get your Amen Songbook Journal, today. And enjoy 13 classic, hard-hitting songs about the Christian life.

We’re riding our high horses.
We’re wearing our best leather and lace.
And we’re riding our high horses…
Hoping to ride them away…
Ride them to favor and grace!

(from the song, “High Horses”)

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo