Mary Lou O'Hern Review - ChristianMusic.com
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About Her Songs on NOT ABOUT YOU CD...

Not only is Mary Lou a talented singer who can effortlessly perform in a variety of musical styles, and composes well-written, interestingly arranged music, but she is also a gifted poet, and has been writing down her thoughts about life from an early age.

"A 'journaler' since childhood, Mary Lou wasn't in the habit of sharing her poetry. Rather, her verses and melodies were part of her private devotional and meditative time. However, in recent years, the call came to share her heart and testimony through song with the public. The concept took shape and the project, NOT ABOUT YOU became a reality."

Christianmusic.com asked Mary Lou O'Hern to comment on any insight on how she came to write any of the songs. Her gift of writing and inspiration was a blessing given to her by the Lord.

"Writing my thoughts and my heart has always been a source of great therapy for me. Truly, an instinct God knitted into my being. A little gift for a simple country girl! How beautiful and restful to come away from the fray to ponder and to collect ones thoughts! I love it when the flow comes, sometimes in the wee hours of the morning...(I keep a pad and pen at my bedside..) the words, the thoughts come, and they move together, telling the tale with precision and depth. Nothing superfluous. Just bare bones truth. I love it!"

When her performing, writing, and music composing talents are combined for the glory of God on this new CD, the listener is in for a real treat. Her diverse musical compositions and arrangements are the perfect vehicle for the musical expression of her poetic lyrics, as they work together to create high quality, Christian music that encourages, comforts, uplifts, heals, reminds / admonishes the listener and gives hope to us all in the Gospel and the unchanging, faithful, loving character of our Lord.

CD Dedication: "The not about you project has been a blessing and medicine to my heart. My prayer is that it would speak healing and hope to the hearts of those who are drawn to listen and, perhaps, join me in song." - Mary Lou O'Hern


NOT ABOUT YOU Songs-

* * NOT ABOUT YOU - Title Song: (Inspired by Romans 12:5-10) - Words & Music - By Mary Lou O'Hern

Composition has a memorable upbeat tempo, piano, guitars, keyboard light rock drums, and violin, with a nice melody and sweet vocals. Lyrics have a harder edge to them, in the spirit of "bare bones truth," to drive home the meaning of the song. The song begins simply, quietly with piano and vocals, continues through first verse and chorus. Momentum and dynamics build nicely, as guitars, fiddle, and drums join in at second verse. Song quiets down once more at the bridge.

Parents & guardians of children, take heed! Song reminds me that children are a gift from the Lord for us to guide, love, train for His purposes, based on their strengths and gifts they were blessed with. Sometimes parents or guardians of children don't have a clue or an interest to find out what their children's gifts are, but just decide for them, based on other criteria, such as own goals and needs, which is a very human behavior indeed.

Mary Lou O'Hern further explains the truth she wished to convey in this song: "The song is essentially the story of a child who's caretakers have a pre-conceived notion of who the child ought to be and, in the name of all that's holy, believing their preferences to be more 'righteous' choose to disregard the child's natural bents, gifts, interests, and abilities and forces the child in a direction that is unnatural and completely frustrating. The song speaks to folks at a lot of different levels. Most of us have been associated with difficult, controlling personalities at one time or another, who, perhaps in the name of Jesus, try to force you into their mold. It's a sticky subject, but one that I was convicted to address."

Other related Scripture References: (1 Cor. 4-11, 1 Peter 4:7-11, Ephesians 4:1-3 & 6:4, Col. 3:21, James 1:17)

Lyrical Samples: Verse 1: The day you were born, they placed a mask on your face, so pretty, so fine... a porcelain treasure. And all the groundwork was laid and you were groomed for the day you'd be presented, the picture of perfection.

Chorus: Oh, it's not about you child. Did we forget to mention that we were born to please the Jones' in the name of Jesus? Oh, it's not about who you really are. The truth is "unattractive" and that just wouldn't do at all.....in the name of Jesus.

Bridge: So conformity was reckoned as religious piety. So you laid aside your vision, your divine identity. And your life was swallowed up in righteous mediocrity.

Verse 3: Seventy years and still you're lingering here. You never pursued all the Father intended. Shame and control have dominated your soul.....Still the kind hand of Grace remains extended.

* * * PHOTOGRAPHS - Words and Music By Mary Lou O'Hern

A favorite of this reviewer. Song has an appealing melody, supported by lovely guitar and mandolin work. Composed in a 3/4 time waltz meter, with support of upward bass in parts of the song, especially towards the end. All of these elements combine to give the melody a rhythmic airy, swirling feel, like the dance of time passing.

The elequently written lyrics of this song brings to the listener's attention what a powerful force the family plays in our values, our faith, our ability to love and persevere and can influence strongly how we live our lives. Also reminds us to appreciate our experiences with loved ones as time goes by quickly (see the chorus). Expressive vocals bring the message of the song clearly to the listener, through descriptive lyrics of moments past, held in time by photos of her loved ones, which "helped create the small world" which influenced her in what she has become. This song also inspires me to get busy with my stacks of photos waiting to be put in the album, for the next generation.

Related Scripture References: (Psalm 68:6, Psalm 113:9, Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 5:15,16 & 4: 1-3)

Lyrical Samples:

In my grandmother's house on a shelf in the hall, precious remnants of people held dear. Tattered albums tell stories of babies and brides in the likeness of one standing near. They share tales of valor of soldiers and pain, of houses and picnics with biscuits and jam. Vacationing fancies in sunshine and rain, helped create the small world that makes me what I am..

Chorus: Shifting sands flow quickly through the hourglass of time...and the earth keeps spinning. Youthful bliss cannot conceive the brevity of the journey we make...or the chances we take. In my grandmother's house on a shelf in the hall, are the weavings of wisdom passed down through the years.

There's joy in a journey so fraught with despair and a voice that will guide through the laughter and tears. Today my eyes fall on these faces on old. I ponder their gaze and imagine their songs. Tomorrow my grandchild will ponder the same, and whisper and laugh...and remember my name.

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* THREE BOYS - Words and Music by Mary Lou O'Hern

"Three Boys' is the sad account of three brothers all lost to the same horrific disease." - Mary Lou O'Hern

Song is written in a minor key, in the style of blues-jazz, genre, to reflect the sad tale of lives lost. Mary Lou is a versatile performer and is right at home in this style of music as well. Nice blues-jazz solos & counter melody provided by piano, guitar and upright bass.

Verse 3 ends on a more positive note, pointing out that earthly suffering ends when we pass on and believers have the hope of a better life with Jesus in the next life where there is no pain, no sadness, no more death and no more crying.

Related Scripture References: (John 14:1, Rev. 21:4 & 7:17, Hebrews 10:19-22)

Lyrical Samples:

1) Three little boys all in a row, walking a perilous way. Black widow snagged you up in her web.....

Chorus: There you go, child. Not a whole lot more to say. There you go, child. Little boys blue gone away.

2) The naked truth reared up its head, and your innocence wandered away. Left to flounder in a withering crowd. Chorus

3) Little boys, lay your burdens down. Down at the mercy seat. Your suffering days are over and done.

* * * JOURNEY TO YOUR HEART - Words and Music by Mary Lou O'Hern

An uplifting, joyous, well-composed, heart-felt praise song with a light rock beat and energic vocals. Nice dynamics. Starts off soft and builds through the chorus, and softens again. First two stanzas, melody carried by vocals, with supportive chords of piano, light percussion. Nice mandolin solo in between the 3rd verse and chorus. Bass, organ, guitars also add color and support to the melody. Another favorite of this reviewer.

Related Scripture References: (Timothy 1:17, Matt. 6:33, Psalm 34)

Lyrical Samples:

The prelude of this song is a sweet acappella rendition of the first verse of IMMORTAL INVISIBLE, by a young man, Carson Fratus, elementary school age.

Prelude: Immortal Invisible - Words and music written in 1867 by Walter C. Smith

1) Immortal, invisible, God only wise. In light inaccessible, hid from our eyes. Most precious, most glorious, the Ancient of Days. Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise!

Main entry: JOURNEY TO YOUR HEART

1) Constrained to speak the riches of Your grace. Compelled, somehow, to seek the inconceivable. And with saints of old we cry from age to age, To find You in love, and to love You in finding....

Chorus: There is no language to describe; no words our tongues can trace to tell. *Your ways confound our creature-minds; hold us captive to Your will. Still we press ahead to know You, Lord. Guide us on this odyssey - this journey to Your heart.

2) We contemplate in silence and in song. The wonders of Your vast, majestic mystery. And by Your grace we rest in You alone. Alive in Your presence, the broken made whole. Chorus

* * * NOTHING IS BEYOND YOU - Words and Music by the late Rich Mullins, & Mitch Mcvicker / Tom Boothe (Inspired and words taken from Psalm 139.)

One of this reviewer's favorite songs on the CD. A moving, powerful prayer hymn praising our Lord Jesus, who "searches for us, touches us, loves and begins to heal our broken hearts, hurt souls and offer us hope," because nothing is beyond Him, because of who He is.

Mary Lou told Christianmusic.com, "I sure love to sing the Rich Mullins tune, 'Nothing is Beyond You' an awful lot. It is so intensely worshipful...I am utterly slain every time I sing it, whether alone or in concert."

Her inspired performance of this song will cheer and encourage the listener. Mary Lou does a wonderful job with the vocals, as she puts her heart and soul into the meaningful lyrics, giving the lyrics and this beautiful song a special spiritual essence that uplifts the listener's being, instilling hope and bolstering one's faith in our loving, faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.

The beautiful melody uses 2 violins, a viola, a cello, and piano. The lovely string arrangement was arranged and conducted by Paul Jones. Especially enjoyed the expressive piano contributions, played with such feeling by Scott Simmerman.

Other related Scripture references (2 Thess. 2:16,17, 1 Peter 4:11, John 10:27-30)

Lyrical Samples:

The prelude, YOUR COMFORT, also sung by Mary Lou, sets the heart and mind in the right attitude before experiencing the main entry. Words and music were by Linda Walker, who took the lyrics from Psalm 86:1-5 & Psalm 94:19.

Bow down your ear, Oh Lord. hear me, for I am poor and needy. Be merciful to me, oh God, for I cry unto you all day long. In the multitude of my anxieties, your comforts delight my soul.

Main Entry: NOTHING IS BEYOND YOU

1) Where could I go? Where could I run? Even if I found the strength to fly. And if I rose on the wings of dawn and crashed through a corner of the sky. If I sailed past the edge of the sea. Even If I made my bed in hell, still there You would find me.

Chorus: Nothing is beyond You. You stand beyond the reach, of our vain imaginations - Our misguided piety. And the heavens stretch to hold You and deep cries out to deep, saying "Nothing is beyond You."

2) Time cannot contain You - You fill eternity. Sin can never stain You. Death has lost it's sting. I cannot explain the way, You came to love me, except to say that nothing is beyond You. Chorus

If I should shrink back far from the light, So I can sink in the dark. If I take cover and I close my eyes, even there You can see my heart. You cut through all the pain and rage. My darkness is not dark to You. And night's as bright as day.

* * PORTRAIT OF THE FAITHFUL - Words & Music by Mary Lou O'Hern

"Godly women who have gone before us, fellow heirs of the same promise, leave a timeless legacy of faith. May their hearts cry of devotion to our God guide our steps as we follow their path home." Cheryl Guilford - Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church.

I really like the lyrical poetry that accompanies the strident melody, as it eloquently reminds this reviewer of the important role women have in raising children in the faith. The song ends with a nice touch, with the ending bridge being sung in Gospel style by a choir. This song reminds us all what a blessing it is to have had women of strong faith, and love of the Lord in a family, present, and in the past. It also reminds us that lttle eyes are watching our every action, word, feeling, and our faith example, which not only affects them, but possibly future generations. Yikes! Thank the Lord that He is willing to guide and impower us through His Holy Spirit, His holy Word, in all our responsibilities, and through all our trials.

Related Scripture References: (Deut. 6:5-7, Acts 16:1, Proverbs 22:6, Hebrews 10:24 & 11:1, 2 & 16)

Lyrical Samples:

1) Lately, I've been on a journey, wandering a pathway marked by time. Walking close beside me are the ones who've gone before; remembrance of their stories, giving courage for the climb. Laboring to love with fierce persuasion. Gathering their strength to bless the babies yet to come. Female generations past grow sweeter, as I see their hearts through mine...and the legacy lives on.

Chorus: I honor the women before me. Their melodies haunt my brain. I celebrate generations. Testimony of life's refrain. My mothers have grit and grace, and the stuff of eternity. I honor the women before me. Lifted eyes on bended knee, Lifted eyes on bended knee!

* My mothers are hounds of heaven. Steadfast through a river of tears. I honor the women before me. Lifted eyes on bended knee.

Bridge (Sung by Choir, Gospel style): Lift your head. Lift me up. Hold my hand as you walk me through the fire. You are strong. You are hope. You inspire and walk me through the fire.

* * THE HIDING - Words by Mary Lou O'Hern. Music by Mary Lou & Jeff Kile

Mary Lou's comment: "The Hiding is the story of one trapped in the cycle of substance abuse. It's a sad story, but all too common in our culture. Even in our churches."

Composed in a minor key, medium rock beat, with nice support from acoustical and electrical guitars and light organ. The expressive vocals portray the suffering of the addicted person in this song, at the end of his / her rope, who turns to the Lord in a desperate prayer, asking the Lord for a way out the vicious cycle the person finds himself / herself languishing in. Self-medication carries an unbearable, painful price.

The lyrical poetry in this song eloquently captures the spirit of the lament Psalms found in the Old Testament. (Psalms 3, 4, 11, 22, 31, 39, 77, 85)

"Poor choices take us to the loneliest, most desparate places. The good news is that God finds us there." - Monroe Free, Knox Area Rescue Ministries.

Lyrical Samples:

I don't want to feel. I want to hide away in a place where no one can reach me, and I won't feel any pain. I can't seem to get anything right, and all the things I loved the most are gone. Now, here I am, all alone.

I don't know when the hiding began. Fear has gripped me most of my life - But years of loss and folly left me shattered. And somehow in that empty state, I allowed my personal demons to make their home here in my soul... and now it's too late.

I wake up and put my feet on the floor, but a cloud hangs over my brain. And nobody's home to join me over coffee. I stumble and knock about aimlessly, with nothing to share or gain. Just another day like any other. The devil and me and the deep blue sea.

I don't want to feel. I want to take a ride tonight on the midnight train, so I can just mask this pain. God, I lay myself at Your feet. I'm lost and I'm afraid. Could You reach me in this place? Or am I too far gone? Could You meet me in this place....take my hand... and lead me home?

mary_lou_ohern

Mary Lou O'Hern

* ROCK OF AGES - Written by Augustus Toplady; 1776 / Altered by James Cottrell; 1815 / Altered by James Ward; 1984

A peaceful, simple rendition, using the original words of the hymn,''Rock of Ages," put together with a lovely new 1984 melody, with only the soothing voice of Mary Lou and sensitive guitar accompaniment, played by Larry Vincent.

This song answers the question that was asked at the end of the song, THE HIDING. Can the Lord lead me out of the horrible, painful mess that I alone created and now find myself?

Mary Lou: "'Rock of Ages is a message of hope to that person who cries out believing he or she is too far gone."

The Senior Pastor at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church, John Wood, further comments: "God himself has provided us a rock of refuge, a hiding place from life's storms. He has given his own Son in our place, His perfect life for my broken life, His beauty for my ashes, the water and blood from His side to break sin's power and free me of guilt. Here alone is joy and peace, and life without end."

Related Scripture References: (John 3:16, Romans 5:8 & 7:21-25 & 8:2)

Lyrical Sample:

Rock of ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee. Let the water and the blood from thy riven side which flowed, be of sin the double cure. Cleanse me from its guilt and pow'r.

Nothing in my hand I bring. Simply to thy cross I cling. Naked, come to thee for dress. Helpless, look to thee for grace.

* * * HANNAH'S SONG - (Adapted from Samuel 2) Words by Scott Simmerman & Mary Lou O'Hern. Music by Scott Simmerman

An uplifting, solemn praise and worship song, sung in a vocal duet with great harmony, courtesy of Mary Lou and John Jackson who really bring the song alive with their inspiring performances. Effective dynamics throughout the song add to the inspiring message of the vocals. Strong, yet subtle musical support is nicely done. (Piano, Strings, Guitars, Bass, Choir, & light drums in parts)

"'Hannah's Song' is a reflection on the prayer and mediation of Hannah. When I think of Hannah's Song, I think of God's anointing that enabled Hannah to conceive and also enables believers to succeed." - Jarvis Ross, Senior Pastor.

Related Scripture References: (Job 38, Psalms 18, 37:15, 9:16, 113, Phil. 1:6 & 2:15, 1 Peter 4:11)

Lyrical Samples:

Chorus: There is no one holy like the Lord. Like the Lord. There is no one besides You. There is no rock like our God.

The foundations of the earth are His - Upon them He set the world. In His justice he will shatter warriors' bows, Bring down the mighty ones. And guard the feet of the saints. Oh, have you not heard? Chorus.

He is sovereign Lord of all in death and life - In time and eternity, In His glory and His mercy He shall reign. In wonder and majesty. The heaven's now proclaim.... Oh, do you not know?

Bridge: In judgement and in blessing. He works all things for the good of those He loves and calls His own. He gives strength to the weary, trading beauty for ashes. He gives bread to the hungry. To the barren he gives life!

My heart rejoices, Lord, in Your salvation. No one besides you. Let the heavens declare your glory! Do you know? Have you heard? He is sovereign Lord!

* * * GOING HOME - Words and Music by Mary Lou O'Hern.

Strings arranged and conducted by Paul Jones. A personal favorite of this reviewer. A song of great comfort for those facing their own death and for anyone who has ever mourned the death of a close friend or loved one. A truly beautiful song, whose lovely melody, expressive vocals, positive message, and musical composition all work together to create a song of compassion, support and hope for those facing "going home" and the people that are left behind to continue on without them. Mary Lou again treats the listeners to wonderful vocals, backed with expressive piano accompaniment (Scott Simmerman) and a lovely string ensemble; violin 1 & 2, viola, and cello.

Lyrics express the point of view of a believer who will soon go home to be with the Lord. They were inspired by a real person, Mary Lou's sister-in-law, Jennie, who left behind a husband and two young sons.

"The peace the Lord gave her in the face of her own journey home was a comfort and witness to all around her. We who remain, continue to be blessed as we reflect upon our last days with Jennie, steadied by the strong hand of her Maker, enveloped in the Spirit's grace, courageously pressing ahead, seizing every opportunity to share her story and her faith in Christ." - Michael O'Hern

Related Scripture References: (John 14:1-5, 2nd Cor. 5:1-5, Phil. 3:20 & Rev. 21:3,4)

Lyrical Samples: 1) On the road to here and gone (living every moment), lie the places we call home... and the days get away. Unrelenting ticking time. Count the hours, Church bells chime. I watch the eyes of these babes of mine, and the world grows dim.

Chorus: I never imagined I would travel this road so young, so soon, too early. The journey here was short and sweet, and the pleasure was all mine. Mysterious, the call of Grace, so young, so soon, too early. Still, I ready myself to stand before my maker. I'm going home.

2) Space and time cannot contain the soul my mother gave a name, so put my picture in a frame and remeber my smile. Lives so intertwined will grieve upon this sometime's summer's eve, but time and tide and eternity will make all things very clear. See you on the other side.

Reviewed by Julie Carr for Christianmusic.com

To find out more about Mary Lou, listen to her music and order a CD, visit
Mary Lou's website: www.notaboutyourecords.com


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