OVERVIEW OF WHATEVER MAKES YOU DANCE

ChristianMusic.com asked Bob Halligan Jr.;( Frontman, brains and founder of CEILI RAIN):

How would you describe your music?

Bob answered, "BEATLES AND THE CHIEFTAINS HAVE A PARTY FOR GOD."

This reviewer heartily agrees!! WHATEVER MAKES YOU DANCE is a most enjoyable, God centered joyous, musical party, offering both a unique musical sound and meaningful messages as well, sure to lift the spirits; helping the listener grow spiritually toward God while having an entertaining musical experience at the same time! What an invigorating, fun, encouraging, heart-felt and sometimes convicting in a light hearted, positive way collection of songs, which rock / bounce / flow over the listener/ with a life force and upbeat spirit, sure to bless the listener, in a variety of ways!

This collection songs, produced under the spiritandsong.com contemporary music division of OCP, offers a variety of compositions, presenting music sure to please just about everyone; ranging from lively honest & pop rock, to heart-felt ballads and even a moving worship hymn or two, all in which vibrant Celtic sound is magically blended. Each composition is perfectly created for the lyrical messages which encourage the listener, sometimes humorously, sometimes thoughtfully or in the spirit of self-examination.

The title, WHATEVER MAKES YOU DANCE, refers to pleasing the Lord, becoming closer to Him through spending time and being still before Him, to be led to truths, all through prayer, showing His love through helping others, and doing the right thing, being just. (Micah 6:8, Psalm 46:10, John 15:16-17).

While enjoying this musical party, the listener is also treated to lyrical messages which can lead one to think about and evaluate one's own walk with the Lord in a fun, positive way. For these messages offer encouragement to reach out to others, take the time to be with and pray to God, and being open to God's real truth and not just human spin based on flawed human perceptions, which color how we see our actions, thoughts and views about others.

All lyrical messages are skillfully and wonderfully vocalized by Bob Halligan Jr., who is not only truly a gifted, experienced songwriter, but also has the versatile vocal talent to present the lyrical messages in just the right style, force, enthusiasm, emotional delivery (humorous to heart-felt) and dynamic level required for the spirit and mood of each song. One hears some fine backup vocals as well, adding to and supporting these inspiring lead vocals.

There is never a dull movement vocally because each song is uniquely different, creating its own window of opportunity for the listener to take a look inside, encouraging some self -reflection about their own walk and the state of his /her relationship with the Lord, and inspiring behaviors and habits which draw a person closer to God.

LOOKING AFTER FELLOW MAN
WINDOW IN THE WALL - Regret, remorse, grief, depression, loneliness suffered because of loss, physical or mental isolation.(Bob Halligan Jr.), "CAN BE ANY SITUATION OF ISOLATION, REAL OR FELT." The hope of finally being with a loved one or the Lord in heaven is a vision to hold on to as a final goal to look forward to. Cure to this isolation is found through a personal spiritual journey. Reaching out to those in emotional pain, in physical or mental isolation or in jail is a powerful way to show God's love,giving the afflicted hope. Christians believe that this hope is in Jesus, as we trust and depend on Him.
I TREASURE YOU - Value relationships, friendships - Over things, wealth and flattery.
I'M NOT DUDE I'M DAD - Being a responsible, loving father; not the winner of a popularity contest: Ballad about a moving father -son talk in the car, about how a father is given the responsibility to love and make sure children come out all right, though others (close to this son) may think a father is too old fashioned or strict.
TRUTH OR TROUBLE - Counseling family members when they succumb to their weaknesses; holding them accountable in a loving way.

DOING THE RIGHT THING:
TRUTH OR TROUBLE - Confessing wrong doing - Verses lying about it.
SHUSH - Fully expressing / sharing the love of God and the joy of the Spirit or life, despite opposition from the politically correct.
THE JOY-ROBBERS - Keep the inner joy of the Spirit; not allowing troubles with others take it away!
LIKE JESUS DID - In regards to living the walk; not just talking the talk or going through the motions, pretending. Message delivered in a humorous way.
I TREASURE YOU - Treasuring the Lord, putting Him first in our lives - Over things, wealth and flattery.
IF GOD WAS CHOCOLATE - Imagine what fun it would be if God was chocolate! The reality is that being obedient and disciplined in our walk with God is equated to eating broccoli and other food which nourishes our body. Very clever and fun!

BEING OPEN TO GOD’S REAL TRUTH RATHER THAN EARTHLY SPIN.
SHUT UP AND PRAY- Stop being so busy, doing what you think the Lord wants - Spend time in prayer, listening to what the Lord says instead of guessing.
WHATEVER MAKES YOU DANCE - Seeking to please the Lord, in a variety of selfless ways.
SAY YES TO YOU - Submitting our will to His will in our walk with the Lord.
DIE TRYING - A Ballad which explores different perceptions of duty /calling, from three very different people - Strong convictions, no matter how sincere, are sometimes based on our own perceptions influenced by cultural and religious spin professed by humans and not particularly based on the truth of God, but on other motives. (Romans 12:2, Prov. 3:56)
KNEELING - Being open to God's truth - Through prayer, not human perceptions and spin.
BREASTPLATE OF ST. PATRICK- Being part of Christ - Refrain; "Christ with me and before me / Christ behind me and within me / Christ to the right of me and to the left of me / Christ above me and beneath me / I bind myself to the virtue of Christ"

The most fascinating characteristic of these songs is how the varying degrees and levels of electric and acoustic rock blend so smoothly and creatively with the Celtic instruments, which are themselves versatile musical vehicles adaptable to hard rock, pop rock and can of course add so much to the more poignant, memorable ballads and worship songs as well, setting the table for a variety of lyrical messages and delightful vocal performances.

There is joyful, enthusiastic, high energy blend of honest rock and lively Celtic voices in the more spirited compositions, sure to get even the crabbiest person dancing around the room! The following songs smoke and sizzle with rhythm, high-flying spirit, catchy melodies and counter melodies creating most entertaining Celtic influenced rock with some fine electric guitar riffs, Celtic reels and jigs and counter melodies, touches of syncopation and even blues in a few!

photo courtesy of myspace.com/ceilirain

LIKE JESUS DID - Offers a truly smokin', rock driven ballad / anthem, which cooks mightily along courtesy of a driving rock drum quick 2 beat, a supportive, tight ensemble of horn sound /keys (Hammond B 3 Organ), alto sax, hot fiddle, and button accordion, plus a pumping base and electric guitar which soars in the interlude with a great riff! The vamp, begins softly and builds in sound, enthusiasm, and backup vocals with elements of gospel flowering as well.
THE JOY-ROBBERS - Spirited Rock in the chorus meshes with syncopated rhythms, punctuated by electric guitar and bass in the chorus, along with a lively ensemble of Celtic instruments. Quieter rock musical sound in verses is perfect for the stories being told, and then swells again in the the spirited chorus. Very nice transitions between chorus and verses. VAMP rocks out in a lively spirit, cooks along with enthusiasm, with everyone contributing to the zestful, dynamic ending!!
I TREASURE YOU - Tight, Spirited Rock blues with a variety of quick-moving dotted note rhythms in the melody and counter melody parts. Melds into a spirited Irish jig supported by the same dotted note rhythms, courtesy of electric guitar and bass! Very Nice musical embellishments and sparkles, to great effect.
SHUT UP AND PRAY - Spirited, peppy rock propelled by acoustic and electric guitars, with Celtic voices supporting the melody and providing some very nice touches (violin, button accordion, pipes etc.). At chorus, the dynamics quiet down to represent the Lord who wants "motor mouth Bobby" to be quiet and pray, and build in volume and intensity again for the second verse. Two really nice interludes are heard: First one hears Celtic instruments and then the electric bass and lead guitar. Great rock vocals which breeze through some hard intervals and more mellow style vocals in chorus. Vamp revs up the energy level.

Kicking it down a notch the following, breezy, enjoyable, bright, imaginative anthems are still in the party Spirit but created with a lighter pop rock style, which have infectious, more poignant melodies and rhythms.

WHATEVER MAKES YOU DANCE - Joyous and smooth with a catchy, easy beat, opens nicely with Irish drum, flute and other Celtic instruments creating the perfect light and breezy introduction. Provide fine soft support and backup for the poignant first verse which grows in dynamics. Drums join this ensemble during first chorus. Acoustic guitar enters during second verse. Button accordion has a very nice solo in the interlude between second and third verse.

SHUSH - With a touch of gospel sound, a dynamic anthem with an easy beat, peppy dotted note rhythm in the breezy melody, propelled by a delightful ensemble of piano, and Celtic instruments (including mandolin) create a delicate to dynamic, memorable accompaniment, which support the fabulous vocals. Dynamically, it quiets down during the chorus, supported by delicate tight sound from Celtic instruments.

IF GOD WAS CHOCOLATE - Peppy and lively clever anthem with a full sound, filled with a lot of breezy, smooth inner musical voices coming together to support Halligan's delightful visions of what it would be like: "If God was chocolate; everyone loves chocolate / Everyone would want Him, want Him all the time / You can almost taste it; every godly visit, a party for the spirit, body, soul and mind / If God was chocolate – chocolate"

In the more poignant ballads and the stunning hymns / anthems, one hears the more heart-felt piano acoustic based music blended with lovely Celtic influences, and paired with poignant lyrical messages and vocals to inspire and encourage the listener! One of Bob Halligan Jr.'s strongest gifts as a vocalist is his ability to tell ballad stories which touch the heart and bring the stories to life through his performances, illustrating the lyrical messages in just the right dynamic and delivery.

BALLADS.....

DIE TRYING - Has a fascinating middle-eastern sound, with verses in a minor key with added half steps and other interesting musical tricks to create a fascinating melody. Chorus switches to major key. Vocals are stunning, bringing a sincerity to convictions of each one of the people highlighted: A jehadist, an American soldier and a young girl.
I'M NOT DUDE I'M DAD - A very poignant, dynamic piano ballad, with a memorable melody, lovingly performed by Bob Halligan Jr., who's vocals shine in this song, both soft and dynamic, bringing the lyrics to life.
KNEELING - Lovely poignant piano and Celtic ballad with light acoustic broken chord support, with plenty of dynamics and heartfelt vocals which range from quiet to soaring, bringing this poignant ballad to life.
TRUTH OR TROUBLE - Fast moving, accented dotted note calypso rhythm, written in a minor key, with a lively array of counter melodies and melody support by a lively ensemble of instruments. Delightful flute and violin peppy duet in the interlude between verses, done in a major key. After 2nd time through chorus, a delightful little jig of Celtic voices, with electric guitar playing a syncopated beat; followed by a mournful electric guitar riff. Vocals are excellent as usual. Ends with some enjoyable guitar embellishments.
WINDOW IN THE WALL - Guitar and piano based, with an easy pop beat, which propels this peppy, dreamy, irresistible breezy melody, beginning soft and plaintive, brought forth by light and airy accompaniment. Lots to listen to in the accompaniment, which carries a driving dotted note melody, brought to life by a lively Celtic ensemble and piano / guitar work. Inspiring violin interlude, which builds in energy and joy, ending in 32nd note groups, as the other instruments join enthusiastically in the mix! Quiets down again for verse and then builds to a glorious conclusion!!!

Contemporary Worship Hymns - Would be welcome in denominational and nondenominational services.
SAY YES TO YOU - Lovely, dynamic acoustic-driven, contemporary prayer anthem, with piano, guitar, and Celtic voices including flute, violin, mandolin, bringing forth a poignant, memorable melody! Vocals are performed with feeling and from the heart.
BREASTPLATE OF ST. PATRICK -Stirring Statement of Christian faith - Truly glorious and inspiring , reverent and sung with great feeling and from the Spirit within. Lovely melody expressed so beautifully by the moving accompaniment, which includes piano, guitar, violin, mandolin and most of the instruments listed above. Really nice backup vocals.

WOW! What an album to own to inspire a person's spiritual journey, seeking to grow closer to the Lord. Through an inspiring variety of Celtic / rock / ballad / hymn musical offerings composed in a joyous spirit, ranging from humorous to poignant, the listener is not only entertained but also is presented with meaningful lyrical messages which encourage growth and self-evaluation! I LOVED this album, and highly recommend it for your Christian music collection!

Individual Song Evaluations.........

Rating:* * * * + + .....Most Favorite songs of this reviewer.

* * * * + ......Great Favorites

Lyrics printed by permission:© 2006, WBOB Music. Published by spiritandsong.com® for Bob Halligan Jr. copyrights. All rights reserved.

* * * * + + WHATEVER MAKES YOU DANCE - Words and Music by Bob Halligan Jr.

Scriptural References: (Luke 10:27, Matt. 6:33, Rev.3:20)

Lyrics:

Whatever makes you walk with me, I’ll do / Whatever makes you talk with me, I’ll do / Whatever makes you reach down deep / and pull me through / Whatever makes you leave your seat, I’ll do /

Whatever makes you dance with me / though it’s in my mind, I am right in time in a perfect fantasy / When they see you smile, they’ll be jealous while they all watch us dance /

Whatever makes you hold my hand, I’ll do / Whatever makes you like my band, you know I’ll do / Whatever makes you maintain command of what is true / Whatever makes you take my stand, I’ll do //

I only wanna dance with you, dance with you, dance / I only wanna dance with you, dance with you, dance //

Whatever makes you show me the town, I’ll do / Whatever makes you shut me down, I’ll do / Fix it so I can see your crown, all regal and true / Whatever makes you hear this sound, I’ll do //

* * * * + + LIKE JESUS DID - Words and Music by Bob Halligan Jr.

Scriptural References: (James 2: 14-20, Ephes. 5:1-2, John 15:16)

Lyrics:

HEY HEY HEY!!/ Hear me, I’m shoutin’ His Name out / See, I got the motions down / Lookit how I sway to the music / praisin’ with the best around. / Maybe this is just a piece of / my celestial Polaroid / Maybe there’s a part of this that / I can’t avoid / /

If I live like Jesus did, if I live like Jesus did / if I live like Jesus did then I’m alright / I’m alright, hey, hey, hey. //

Hear me. I’m yellin’ like crazy, like a holy roller child / Look it how I reach for the rafters / Man, I got the savin’ style / Maybe there’s a reason the Good Book has / those tales of doin’ good / Maybe there’s a message for me: Do all I could. //

If I live like Jesus did, if I live like Jesus did / if I live like Jesus did then I’m alright / I’m alright, hey, hey, hey. //

vamp: (If I live like Jesus did) I’ll be brave / (If I live like Jesus did) I’ll be saved / (If I live like Jesus did) I believe / (If I live like) If I live like (If I live like) hey //

guitar interlude

Maybe there’s a reason the Good Book has / those tales of doin’ good / Maybe there’s a message for me: Do all I could. //

If I live like Jesus did, if I live like Jesus did / if I live like Jesus did then I’m alright / I’m alright / If I live like Jesus did, if I live like Jesus did / if I live like Jesus did then I’m alright / I’m alright / If I live like Jesus did, if I live like Jesus did / if I live like Jesus did then I’m alright / I’m alright //

* * * * ++ THE JOY-ROBBERS - Words and Music by Bob Halligan Jr.

Scriptural References: (1 Thess. 5:17, Romans 5:1-5 & 8: 28, 35-38, 1 Phil.4:13)

Lyrics:

Chorus: I ain’t gonna let the joy-robbers get me / The joy-robbers wanna see me cryin’ all day / I ain’t gonna let the joy-robbers get me / They can’t take my joy ’less I give it away //

Jerry and I, we had an argument / Now he don’t want his friends to be my friends / He told them: “Hey, you stay away from that guy / The plan between you, well it has to end” / But it doesn’t end, ’cause they’re still my friends //

Turn signal on, pulled out the post office / I saw this driver who would let me merge / Then he forgot, or got distracted, I don’t know / Plowed into my car, then let go a splurge / of hurtful expletives / But we both knew the fault was his. / /

Chorus:

So many friends, teachers, and relatives / they tell me “Buddy, don’tcha dream so big / Just get a job; raise a family / You get a shovel and you start to dig / Bury that fantasy!” / But I won’t bury ME!!!!!! Ya see…//

Partial Vamp: I got the joy, I got the joy, I got the joy, I got the joy / You git your mitts off of my joy / I got the joy, I got the joy, I got the joy, I got the joy / Lord, please forgive me for so angrily defending my joy......

* * * * + KNEELING - Words and Music by Bob Halligan Jr. and Linda Halligan

Scriptural References:(Phil.4:6-8, 1 Peter 4:7 )

Lyrics:

Bob comments: "Song is a response to people spinning the truth to their own purposes instead of just asking God what's the right thing for everybody."

You ask me what I think of the war / You ask me what I think it was for / You ask me what I think of our policies / My position, my only position is…//

Kneeling, my position is kneeling / My position is kneeling //

You ask me what I think of the Right / You ask me what I think of what’s Left / You ask me what I think of your certainties / My position, my only position is…// CHORUS

Tag: You say I must stand up for what I believe / but when I stand up well I’m down on my knees //

* * * * + + WINDOW IN THE WALL - by Rob Friedman and Bob Halligan Jr.

Bob comments: IT’S A 20-YR-PLD song that still works!!!

Scriptural References:(Psalm 84:1-4, James 1:17, 1 Cor.15:51-52, 1 Peter 4:8-10)

Lyrics:

If it’s a dreamer’s eyes I see through / Well, I wanna see it all / And the dream that I’ll be with you is the window in the wall //

Lights down in a cold room / I stare at the walls of my sadness / Made from separation and a / yearning that could drive you to madness / Drift away; the visions play //

Look back at the wrong moves / Now hindsight is helpless to lead you / Mistakes made and a price paid / Well, I thought it was supposed to be easy / Maybe not now, but someday, somehow / /

Well brick by brick my heart breaks free / But this wall can’t fall fast enough for me / /

Lights down in a cold room, I stare at the walls of my sadness. Made from separation and a / yearning that could drive you to madness / Drift away; the visions play //

* * * * + SHUSH - by Bob Halligan Jr.

Scriptural References: (Psalm 89:15-18, Matt. 5:14-16, 1 Cor. 1:8-9, 2nd Cor. 1:21, Luke 11:33)

Lyrics:

Love You from my head to the tip of my toes / Tellin' evabody: "Say, lookit how my heart glows!" / But some folks are scared to see me love that much / They tell me keep it to myself. I say, Waddya mean… //

Shush? I ain't gon' shush. I ain't gon' shush, if there's somethin' to say. Waddya mean, Shush? Ain't gon' shush. Can't make me shush if my heart says it's okay.///

I'm like a babe in Toyland, like a bird in space / You are the smile that won't come off o' this face / It makes some folks squirm to see me so in touch / They tell me keep it locked away. I say, Waddya mean //

(You can't make me) Cause my love must fly / (You can't shake me) Way up high / (You can't break me) /

Oh, let my love fly high like an eagle that all might see / Let it soar forever more and forever free / Then let it rest in a field of joy, so green and lush / But when I try to tell the world, they all say //

VAMP:"Shush! Just you shush. Got to shush. Got too much to say. Know what I mean?/ Shush! Can't you shush? Please, will ya shush?" / But my heart, my heart says it's okay / Shush! Ain't gon' shush / Ain't gon' shush, if there's somethin' to say / Waddya mean Shush? / Ain't gon' shush./ Can't make me shush, ’cause my heart says it's okay //

* * * * + + I TREASURE YOU - by Bob Halligan Jr.

Scriptural References:(Ephes. 4:2b-3, Luke 10:27, Romans 7:21-25, Isaiah 61:10, Heb. 6:19-20, Matt.6:21)

Lyrics:

Great big piles of gold / great big piles of gold waiting to be sold / great big piles of gold / Let them appear from out of the blue / I treasure you - I treasure you.

Jessica Simpson / Jessica Simpson tells me I’m the one / Jessica Simpson swears she will be steadfast and true / but I treasure you - I treasure you.

Great big piles of gold - great big piles of gold waiting to be sold / great big piles of gold / Let them appear - from of the blue / See now: I treasure you - I treasure you /

* * * * + + I’M NOT DUDE, I’M DAD - by Bob Halligan Jr.

Scriptural References: (Romans 12:2, Proverbs 22:6 & 20:7, Psalm 127:3-5)

Lyrics:

I love that you wanted to ride with me / You’re gettin’ more and more comfy as we go / I love just havin’ you here with me / But there’s one thing I need you to know / /

Chorus: I’m not dude, I’m Dad / I’m not dude, I’m Dad / Someday you’ll be glad / I’m not dude, I’m Dad //

I’ve heard what your classmates say about me / how your momma and I, we just won’t bend / And I’m stricter than Principal Honcharski / but God made me your father not your friend //

Maybe Dad’s a bit old fashioned / Could be Dad’s a tad uptight / Maybe Dad just has a passion to see you turn out right. I don’t care if you’ve imagined / some other way, some other life / You’re stuck with me tonight //

I see your left cheek start to glisten / I don’t s’pose those are tears of joy / But humour me now - just listen / I so, so love that you’re my boy //

I’m not dude, I’m Dad. I’m not dude, I’m Dad. All I am is glad. I’m not dude, I’m Dad. I’m not dude, I’m Dad. I’m not dude, I’m Dad / Someday you’ll be glad I’m not dude, I’m Dad //

See, I'm your dad!

* * * * + + IF GOD WAS CHOCOLATE - Words and Music by Bob Halligan Jr., and Linda Halligan

Inspired by - "A JOKE A FRIEND TOLD."

Scriptural References: (Romans 8:31, Is. 55:8, Matt. 6:25-34)

Lyrics:

I can feel Your presence in the summer breeze / I can see the distance between You and me / I can catch your fragrance from an April rose / Sure can hear your rhythms when the thunder rolls / But I can’t taste You; don’t think I’m s’posed to / But what would people do / /

Chorus: If God was chocolate; everyone loves chocolate / Everyone would want Him, want Him all the time / You can almost taste it; every godly visit, a party for the spirit, body, soul and mind / If God was chocolate – chocolate - chocolate / Mm-mm – chocolate – chocolate - chocolate //

Pray for an end to anger, you get a Hershey’s kiss / For each good deed a Snickers, I could get used to this / Pray they stop the fighting in the Middle East / and the battleground starts changing / to a chocolate fondue feast / The whole world over we’d discover a whole new hunger //

Chocolate - chocolate Chocolate - chocolate / Can almost taste You / but I think it all through / and I think it’s also true that God is broccoli, asparagus and herb tea / all that stuff that’s good for me that may not taste divine / But it makes a good start at building me a strong heart. So if you eat your broccoli / and you drink your herbal tea, finish your supper and you will see. You will see how it can be that // Chorus

* * * * + + SAY YES TO YOU - by Bob Halligan Jr., and Linda Halligan

Scriptural References: (Joshua 22:5, Mt. 22:37, John 3:16 & 8:12 & 14:15)

Lyrics:

It’s simple, Lord, it’s simple / I only want to love You / I only want to run toward Your light / It’s simple, Lord, it’s simple. I only want to praise You / I only want to thank You for my life //

May all I am and all I do / Say yes to You. / May all I am and all I do / Say yes to You. It’s easy, Lord, it’s easy / I only want to fall down / I only want to shed myself of me / /

It’s easy, Lord, it’s easy / I only want to slow down / I only want to listen and agree / So in my own way / ’til my dying day / it is “yes” I’ll say to You //

It’s simple, Lord, it’s simple / I only want to love You / I only want to do what you would do / It’s simple, Lord, it’s simple /I only want to praise You / I only want to let Your wish come true //

* * * * + + SHUT UP AND PRAY - by Bob Halligan Jr.

Scriptural References: (1 PETER 4:7, Phil 4:6-8, 1 Thes. 5:17, Ps.. 68:10, Zep. 3:17)

Lyrics:

You got me rockin’, nothin’ but rockin’ / You got me searchin for something that isn’t / just the same old, same old thing / You wanna party, have a big party / I need a ticket, and on that ticket it will Say, “So who’d you bring?” /

Bridge 1: I brought him and her and him and her / and Bill and Buddy and Ray / And they’re all ears and we’re all ears / for what you have to say //

Chorus: You say, “Pray, pray, pray for everything you’re worth / Pray, pray, pray for wisdom on the earth / Listen to Me while I - while I - while I say, say, say: Shut up and pray.”/

Hang on a minute, a doggone minute / How ’bout the shoutin’, screamin’ and hollerin’/ that your meek people do?/ If they can do it, I’m gonna do it. / Can’t stop me / Motor Mouth Bobby gonna get his message through / Just like him and her and him and her and Bill and Buddy and Ray / But did they talk and did we talk too loud to hear you say?/

Chorus: You say, “Pray, pray, pray for everything you’re worth / Pray, pray, pray for wisdom on the earth / Listen to Me while I - while I - while I say, say, say: Shut up and pray.”/

Hey wait a - but if ya - just lemme / Was gonna - you need ta - Please lemme /

I brought him and her and him and her / and Bill and Buddy and Ray // And they’re all ears and we’re all ears / For what you have to say //

Chorus: You say, “Pray, pray, pray for everything you’re worth / Pray, pray, pray for wisdom on the earth / Listen to Me while I - while I - while I say, say, say: Shut up and pray.”/

* * * * + + BREASTPLATE OF ST. PATRICK - by Sarah Hart and Bob Halligan Jr.

Scriptural References:( Hebrews 12:1-2, 1 Cor. 6:19B-20, Ephes. 3:16-18, John 8:12 & 14:8)

Lyrics:

I bind myself to the power of heaven / I bind myself to the light of the sun, the brightness of the moon, the deepness of the sea /I bind myself to the power of Christ //

Refrain: Christ with me and before me / Christ behind me and within me / Christ to the right of me and to the left of me / Christ above me and beneath me / I bind myself to the virtue of Christ //

I bind myself to the guidance of angels / I bind myself to the love of the Lamb / For He alone is Peace / and He alone is Light. I bind myself to the guidance of Christ / /

Refrain: Christ with me and before me / Christ behind me and within me / Christ to the right of me and to the left of me / Christ above me and beneath me / I bind myself to the virtue of Christ //

In the eyes of all who see me / in the ears of all who hear me / in the hearts of those who know me / Oh Lord, uphold me.

Refrain: Christ with me and before me / Christ behind me and within me / Christ to the right of me and to the left of me / Christ above me and beneath me / I bind myself to the virtue of Christ //

* * * * + DIE TRYING - by Bob Halligan Jr.

Scriptural References: (Ephes. 4:23, Chron. 16:11, Heb.10:19-23, 1 Peter 4:7 & 5:7, Psalm 119:105)

Lyrics:

Kneeling, Moustafa’s praying: “Allah shall be praised / Send Your angels, keep me brave / as I face this mission. Now into battle as I fight the infidels, / let my efforts serve you well. If I can’t make them believe in You, I’ll…

Refrain 1: "Die trying. I will die trying. With my soul smiling, I will die trying.”

Cleaning his rifle, Corporal Wilson whirls around / ‘cause he thought he heard a sound / that was vaguely threatening / Picks up a pen and writes, “I really miss you, Mom / Yesterday there was a bomb that hit / close, I hope we win, but I may…

Refrain 2: "Die trying. I will die trying. With my soul crying, I could die trying.”

Kneeling, Regina puts her Bible on the bed / As this war goes through her head / she is really frightened. Still she says, “Lord it’s not my lot to be afraid / All my life you know I’ve made / efforts to be like you. I’m not yet like you / But, Dear Lord, I promise I will…

Refrain 3: "Die trying. I will die trying. With my soul sighing, I will die trying. I will die trying. I will die trying. With my soul crying, I will die trying."

© 2006

* * * * + + TRUTH OR TROUBLE - Words and Music by Bob Halligan Jr.

Driving, compelling ballad with a sense of urgency, telling the story of a father trying to guide a wayward son, having trouble fighting urges to take what doesn't belong to him and telling the truth about his misdeeds.

Scriptural References: (Col 3:9, Prov. 19:5, Acts 5:4, Psalm 63:11)

Lyrics:

Johnny, your pockets are filled to the brim / Don't they have bags at that store you were in? You know I'd buy anything that you need / What is this hunger that food cannot feed?/ I don't care what happened, I just don't want to hear a lie / I learned the hard way: to tell it straight is the lesser crime / You're almost out of time, so make up your mind- well is it…

Truth or trouble? You know it's truth or trouble.

Johnny's the boss of a big company / He's grown up, he no longer answers to me / He spins extravagant tales of success / Can't believe he thinks that I don't hear the rest / You tell your workers you'll soon make good on last month's pay / Meanwhile your maid says they came to take your Porsche away / You kept some wolves at bay, but soon they too will play, because it's…/

Watcha gonna do now, Johnny? Watcha gonna do when the chips are down? Watcha gonna do now, Johnny?

I can tell ya life has got a way of runnin' us out of town / I love you, Johnny, this can't be how you want to live / I think you see now that what you said isn't what you did / It's like when you were a kid / You get what you give. So is it… Truth or trouble? You know it's truth or trouble.

Watch our Ceili Rain Song Video

Check out the album and buy it at: spiritandsong.com

John Halligan Jr. and Ceili Rain's website: ceilirain.com

Reviewed by Julie Carr - for ChristianMusic.com

Ceili Rain Review 1 * Ceili Rain Review 3