MISSION STATEMENT: GOD: Life With You
- Everything... Life Without You - Nothing.
"I think we're in a time where we need
to minister to the church; but also go beyond those walls. I
want to minister to all of God's children. I would hope someone
who didn't know the Lord would pick up this album and be drawn
in by it to where they realize there's more going on than what's
on the surface, and they want to dig deeper and move in a direction
they may never have moved in before. I want it to be convicting...but
convicting with love and hope. What's old becomes new, and what's
new becomes old, but God's message ---and His love---never changes."
- Percy Bady
About Percy Bady...........................
Percy Bady is both a family man and
a gifted, Spirit-inspired Gospel songwriter / producer /performer
who has had a huge impact on influencing the "modern Gospel
music." In addition to his music ministry for Jesus, Percy Bady
also is a loving husband to his wife, Teresa and an involved
father with their three children.
Percy Bady was born and raised in Chicago
with his sister, Florida, and his brothers, George, Robert and
Ray, in a strong, God-centered, churchgoing Christian family.
Their preacher father, Pastor O.D. Bady, and their Sunday School
teacher mother, Martha Carol Bady, gave all their children great
exposure and training in the Christian faith and life, and provided
wonderful role models in their own behavior, being servants
to the Lord in their own lives.
A mainstay in their growing up years
was traditional Gospel music, an influence which was both heard
and encouraged in their home and fostered / developed in their
church. As a child Percy heard many Gospel quartets and Choral
arrangements sung by church choirs / soloists, etc. As in many
churches, music was used to promote the Gospel, offer courage,
inspiration, worship opportunities and comfort to others and
train the young in the fine traditions of Gospel music, offering
opportunities to sing, perform in the church music programs,
learning to serve the Lord through music.
Young Percy's musical gifts surfaced
early at the age of 3 when he started to pick out simple songs
and chords on the piano. Percy was active in his church's children
and youth music programs. His first church performance was at
the tender age of 9, in front of a supportive congregation.
In his youth and teenage years, Percy's tremendous hunger for
music became very important to young Percy, who entirely self-taught
himself how to play keyboards, a skill instrumental in his upcoming
music ministry that the Lord was slowly but surely leading him,
preparing him for.
Percy's fascination and love of music
led him frequently at the age of 12 to the nearby Chicago public
library, which had a wide variety of secular music not heard
in his home; R & B, blues, soul, jazz, funk and pop, which melded
into his musical mindset, and Gospel music background. As Percy
had a driving interest with "how you put it all together," in
the production of music, Quincy Jones had a lasting and molding
influence on Percy's music.
Percy's youth and high school years were
important building blocks in his musical development. At Chicago
High School, well known for its music program, Percy learned
a lot about choral music through the mentorship of "an instructor
who gave him his first real grasp of choral music," knowledge
which would influence his future musical career" and ministry
for Jesus Christ.
While Percy briefly took a job in the
secular world, the Lord made it plain to him that he was being
called into a music ministry for the Lord. After studying music
at Roosevelt University in Chicago, Percy began his music ministry
by simply performing as a guest musician at a friend's church.
Gospel legend, Reverend Milton Brunson, who was the pastor of
Chicago's Christ Tabernacle Church, was in the congregation
during this particular service. Being impressed with Percy's
talent and faith, Reverend Milton invited Percy to be the piano
player for his own church choir, the Thompson Community Singers,
known as the "Tommies," and described as "one of the definitive
choirs in the history and development of Gospel choral music.
This God-given opportunity led to not
only to playing accompaniment of a fine Gospel choir, but also
to composing and producing music, inspired by his own faith
in Jesus and empowered by the Lord. Percy soon became their
head keyboardist, a high profile position, and was given the
opportunity to write much of the choir's choral music as well
for the next 15 years and produced a number of their albums
deemed to be classics. With his Spirit-inspired musical compositions,
Percy gave the choir a contemporary sound to their gospel repertoire
"with such innovations as a modern band and horn section," which
inturn influenced and melded into the whole Gospel genre.
During this time, as his reputation
grew, Percy found himself also composing, playing and producing
music "God gave him" for a growing number of both
Christian and secular artists to the point that Percy started
his own production company, producing classic albums for such
powerhouse Gospel artists as Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin,
Yolanda Adams and Fred Hammond. Learning from each group and
project he was involved with, both musically and spiritually
and empowered by the Lord, Percy continued to evolve as a musician
and producer. By the time Percy left the Tommies in the mid-
'90's, Percy had become "a highly sought-after player, writer,
music director and producer, very happy and contented with fulfilling
his music ministry for the Lord by being the "hand that shaped
the hits."
All these years, Percy used his musical
gifts for the glory of the Lord, through creating / playing
/ producing music for other Christians and secular artists as
well. Little did he know what challenge the Lord had planned
for him next. After making a production deal with "modern Gospel
pacesetter," GOSPO Centric Records, Percy worked closely, and
got to know this label's executives, who "gently but persistently"
encouraged and proded him to produce his own solo album. Though
resistant to the idea at first, Percy eventually agreed to do
so, because of the persistence of these determined executives,
and because of the popular demand of his own fans, which surprised
Percy.
So Percy went to work, with the help
of some of his friends in Gospel music and came up with 10 of
his songs that other people have told him meant a lot to them
spiritually and would like Percy to sing / perform keyboards
/ produce himself, though Percy also has other Gospel artists
joining him in singing the songs, on his debut CD album of songs,
THE PERCY BADY EXPERIENCE. Among his many friends, Percy enlisted
the vocal contributions from among his many talented friends,
including BeBe Winans, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Ted Winn, Papa San,
Ray Bady, Dawkins & Dawkins, DJ Rogers, New Direction, The Soul
Seekers Darius Brooks, Leanne Faine (The Tommies), PAJAM (remix),
Yvette Williams (Mrs. Tonex) and Big Jim Wright.
All were eager to help bring these wonderful
spiritual songs to life, Gospel style, which so wonderfully
express Percy's personal faith and love in our Lord Jesus, in
a variety of tempos and various styles of Gospel music. All
aspects of the human experience; laughter, joy, positive living,
pain, tears, trials, losses and faith struggles are put in perspective
from a Christian faith point of view, recognizing that the spiritual
anchor, source of support, and grand encourager and lover of
our souls is our merciful Lord Jesus.
THE PERCY BADY EXPERIENCE.........................
Concerning this first solo Gospel music
CD, which is considered both traditional and contemporary,
Percy says, " This is not so much me trying to start a career
as an artist as it is simply having something to say and my
own way of saying it. My whole concept was to make a classy
album that was part nostalgia and yet still very much today.
I come from a more traditional background, but my exposure over
the years has been so broad that I wanted to make sure this
album encompassed everything that I like, as well as things
that I knew would move other people. I didn't want to omit anybody.
I didn't want it to be all one thing or another. I want people
to feel that by the time they finish listening to it, they've
been on an experience."
Being totally responsible for his own
project was challenging but fulfilling as he took on dual roles
of artist / producer, an experience that he felt blessed by
the Lord in doing, which always happens in following the Lord
into ministry projects that He has planned specifically for
us. Again inspired, empowered by the Holy Spirit, Percy brilliantly
put together 10 of his own songs to bring Percy's message of
outreach and hope, that we have in Jesus Christ, no matter what
is going on in our lives. "The Percy Bady Experience is about
so many things. It's about laughter, it's about joy, it's about
pain, it's about tears, it's about love, it's about how good
God is despite sometimes how bad we are. And I'm just blessed
to have this opportunity to share this with you...this is my
experience." - Percy Bady
This reviewer has found that the songs
on this CD are the perfect remedy for a tough day, moments of
discouragement, the anguish of having to make tough choices,
other forms of stress and strife encountered in our lives, and
trials that bring one down, burdening the heart and soul. Percy
has put together a classic collection of a wide variety of his
gospel songs that are unique and special in their own right,
which all point to the hope, joy, comfort, strength we have
in Jesus Christ, making this a CD a MUST in anyone's Christian
music collection. The songs transcend genre barriers, and will
uplift, comfort and inspire people of all generations and musical
tastes.
Percy Bady ends his CD in a unique way.
At the end of the CD, Percy Bady has also included Accompaniment
Tracks of three songs, to make the Percy Bady Experience complete
and real so people can get involved in the music themselves
through singing the songs for church, some special event. Also,
people will have the chance to record their own vocals on three
songs during an upcoming contest to be sponsored by GOSPO Centric
Records. This extension of the Percy Bady experience includes
the musical instrumentation and back-up vocals in these songs,
I'LL KEEP HOLDING ON, GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN and UM GOOD.
CD Dedication: "God, Your love is so
amazing! Thank you for using me even when I didn't understand
the path You had me on. May I never forget to honor You in all
I write, sing, play and produce. God, Life With You EVERYTHING.....
Life Without You.....NOTHING." - Percy Bady.
SONGS on THE PERCY BADY EXPERIENCE: The
Experience is Love....The Experience is Everlasting..................
Note: (I found that I couldn't choose
the favorite song of mine on this CD, but instead have a group
of favorite songs, rated * * * +)
. * * * + MEDLEY: SONGS THAT BROUGHT
US THROUGH - Words and Music, Piano / Rhodes by Percy Bady
A favorite of this reviewer. The CD starts
off on a strong uplifting note, with this perfect, well put
together medley of songs, which offer encouragement and comfort
for discouraging moments in our faith walk in ministry, hard
choices, painful trials and senseless losses. These are songs
which remind us of the Lord's promises and the fact that we
are not alone in our challenges we experience in our every day
lives.
Percy comments, "These are songs that
so many people have told me meant a great deal to them over
the years, and that they would love to hear me actually do myself.
I think people hear them and it's a reminder of where they were
when they first heard this music, and where they are now. Sometimes
it's hard to know where you are if you don't stop and remember
where you've come from."
* * * + A).THERE IS HOPE - Words and
Music by Percy Bady - Vocals by Percy Bady.
. The horn accents in the beginning
of the song grab one's attention, then the composition quiets
down to a very pretty acoustical guitar and piano introduction
with broken chords and counter melody to support the main melody.
Light strings join the piano and guitar which all softly support
the main vocals with chords and counter melody until chorus.
Dynamics swell, with entrance of choir, light percussion.
A Lovely contemporary/ traditional Gospel
hymn, with expressive vocals, that reminds us that the Lord
is in control, and that He sees and hears and knows all and
has a plan which is unstoppable by any evil man can devise.
Our personal ministry is to go where He leads us, trust and
obey His will and depend on Him in all things, as we in our
own calling spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Scriptural References: (2nd Cor. 12:9,
Psalm 46:1, Phil. 4:6,7)
Lyrical Sample:
1) Now we ask this question. Is there
any hope for the world in its condition. We're at the end of
the rope. It seems that all of our efforts to restore the world
of love, have fallen short of measure and only God above can
change the world change the world.
Chorus: Yes, there's hope for the world.
An answer for the world, not need to worry or doubt, (It will
work out). No need to give up our hope, for as sure as there
is God..... Segues into...
* * + B) LORD I BELIEVE - Words and
Music, keyboards by Percy Bady, - Vocals by Darius Brooks
A melodious prayer hymn, which is an
affirmation of faith on what the Lord has promised us. Flowing
melody and lyrics and vocals nicely supported by piano, keyboards
and strings, some very nice acoustical guitar support.
Related Scriptural References (Galations
3:11, Ephesians 6:16, Hebrews 10:13, Hebrews 11:6, 2 Chr.20:20)
Lyrical Sample:
I am standing on the promises of Jesus,
and I believe He will do just what He said. And now there's
no more doubt and disbelief that keeps causing my faith to decrease
all the more.
Chorus: Lord I believe. Lord I believe,
I believe that all things are possible, Lord I believe.
* * * C) CAN'T LOOK BACK NOW - Words
and Music, keyboards by Percy Bady - Vocals by Yvette Williams
(Mrs. Tonex)
A wonderful combination of piano, keyboards
and acoustic guitar accents and counter melody, strings, organ
accents. Nice dynamic build to chorus, when backup vocals come
in, offering find support to strong, expressive vocals, which
are dynamically effective, bringing to life the expressive emotion
of the lyrics.
Scriptural References: (Isaiah 41:10,
Psalm 27:1, Hebrews 10:13)
Lyrical Samples:
1) Even though sometimes I don't understand,
still I must hold to His hand. In the midst of it all I'll stand
strong. I'll stand tall cause I can't forget how.
Chorus: You brought me, You taught me.
You keep me and never left me. Said I know I've make mistakes
in my life but I can't look back now.
* * * D) LOVE SAID NOT SO - Words and
Music by Percy Bady - Vocals by BeBe Winans & Shaundra Dixon
Another favorite of this reviewer. A
positive, heart-felt testimony to the guiding and fortifying
force of God's Love. Expressive Piano and keyboards offer fine
support to lovely melody and heart-felt vocals by BeBe Winans
& Shaundra Dixon.
Scriptural References: (Romans 8:26,
8:35-38, Psalm 27:1)
Lyrical Sample:
1) Life was bitter to the core there
was nothing to live for until Love came. Even second times around,
happiness could not be found, until Love came. Life was bitter
to the core, there was nothing to live for until Love came.
Even second times around, happiness could not be found until
Love came.
Bridge: I was left all alone (heart was
breaking), Fault was my own (soul was aching) Tears covered
me (weeping thru the whole night) And I need some relief (joy
comes in the morning) I've been searching for (many years now)
The keys to life's door (need to know how)Brought to my knees,
(Savior can you help me)
Chorus: Left to believe, His love told
me love said not so. Even with the odds against me, Love showed
me. Love said not so, keep on holding on. Love showed me love
said no, Love told me don't let go, Love showed me Love said
not so.
* * + THE HOLY GHOST - Words and Music
by Percy Bady - Vocals by Leanne Faine.
A great, energetic traditional Gospel
praise song of celebration guaranteed to lift your spirits and
may even get one dancing around the room! When we accept Jesus
Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit.
We then have the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide us, strengthen
us, lead us through anything we are experiencing, because the
Lord is ever faithful and has given us a councilor in the form
of the Holy Spirit.
Leanne Faine brings the song to life
with her spirit-filled vocals, in the fine tradition of Gospel
church music, backed up by a fine choir. Supportive music accompaniment
cooks, offering strong support to Leanne's energetic, heart-felt
vocals. Scriptural References: (John 14 :17-18, 1 John 1: 7,
9)
Lyrical Samples:
1) It was early, one morning, just about
the break of day, when Jesus came in the room and touched me,
Washed these old sins away. I got happy. I started shouting,
I found no time for doubting, I tell you that I felt... Chorus:
Nothing but the Holy Ghost, But the Holy Ghost (vamp) The Holy
Ghost , Moving down in my soul. Moving (4x) The Holy Ghost.
* * * IT WAS LOVE - Words and Music
by Percy Bady & DJ Rogers, Keyboards & programming by Percy
Bady - Vocals by Ray Bady, DJ Rogers, and Dawkins & Dawkins.
Song is described as being "irresistibly
catchy pop/R&B." Perky percussion programing, and subtle music
composition are perfectly blended, offering strong support for
the heart-felt, uplifting lyrics and vocals. Nice use of keyboards
and strings, offer various counter melodies and chord support.
Ray Bady's opening sweet vocals in the first stanza start the
song off on the right foot. All vocal solos were well-done,
bring the spirit of the song to life.
Scriptural References: (Ephesians 2:7-8,
& 3:17-18, I John 4:19, Hebrews 13:5-6)
Lyrical Samples:
1) Now it was Love, that woke me up early
this morning. It was Love that started me on my way (Lord have
mercy y'all). It was Love that put more than a menu on my table
(talk on, talk on). It was Love that let me see another day.
OOOH Chorus: It was nothing that I done, (that I done), To deserve
such a love like this (I wish, I wish). I wish the world would
come to know (I wish, I wish). I wish the Lord He loves us so
(Love). I thank You for Your (Love). Grateful for Your (Love)
(Grateful) (Love). How I need Your (Love) Love (Love). I understand
we were made to (Love) (Love). Teaches us how to (Love, Love
Love).
2). It was Love, that kept me from hurt,
harm, and danger. And it was Love that kept me when I lost my
way. It was Love that lifted me when nothing else would do (do
ooh). It was sho'nuff Love that covered me when I was going
thru (When I was going through).
Chorus 2: Who was there when your back
(back was against the wall)? Love (Love) It was Love Love (Love)
Love (Love) Who was there when all haters said you'll never
stand tall? Who was there when you felt down and out? Love (Love)
It was Love Love (Love) Love (Love). And gave you strength to
make it. Now you can dance and shout.
* * * + YOU OUGHTA BEEN THERE - Words
and Music by Percy Bady & Warren Campbell. Lead vocals by Percy
Bady and Teddy Campbell, The Soul Seekers.
Another favorite of this reviewer. A
Gospel praise song that really cooks with a syncopated rhythm
/ melody brought to life in a big way by a sharp horn/sax section,
driving percussion, funky guitar work and inspired vocals full
of joy of the Lord, Gospel style, describing a born again conversion,
after accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and asking
Him into his heart
. Percy comments, "It's got that classic,
funky groove happening with Gospel quartet influenced vocals.
I think it's something that's both new and old. It's contemporary,
but I also feel a need to get back to songs that people can
hear, and sing along with, and really hang onto."
Scriptural References: (Romans 10:13,
Proverb 3:5-6, 1 Peter 1:3, Col. 2:6)
Lyrical Samples:
Chorus: You oughta been there, when Jesus
saved my soul. You oughta been there, when Jesus made me whole.
You oughta been there, when Jesus washed me clean. You oughta
been there, when the Holy Ghost fell on me.
1). Listen, it was one Friday evening,
when I met the Lord. Gave Him my heart, and I made Him my choice.
It was the best thing that could've happened to me. Once I was
blind but right now I see. Chorus.
3). He snatched me out of the muck and
miry clay. That ain't all He's done for me. He washed my sins
away. Placed my feet on straight street. Now I'm walkin' right.
It was King Jesus that made a difference in my life. Chorus.
VAMP: You oughta been there. When I
went down, when I came up. You oughta been there. Oh you oughta
been there. You oughta been there
* * * GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN - Words
and Music, Piano and Vocals by Percy Bady. Strings by Larry
Gold & The Studio.
A solemn, beautiful song, carried by
flowing piano accompaniment and strings, with heart-felt vocals
sure to comfort those who have lost someone who has gone home
to be with the Lord.(John 14:2). Percy drew on the experiences
of his own loss of his mother and his brother George, to create
this song, which is close to his heart.
Percy comments, "I think of soldiers
dying in Iraq. I think of my own mother's passing, and then
also the death of my own brother, who we lost at a very young
age. There are times when I can almost hear my Mom still calling
my name, or if I close my eyes I can still see her face, and
my brother's face. And I know that if I feel that way, there
are other people who'll hear this song and feel the same way
about someone very, very special in their own lives whom they've
lost."
Lyrical Samples:
1). Not a day goes by, I don't wonder
why. You had to go away. Still remember that day. Every now
and then, Wonder how and when We'll ever meet again. We'll ever
touch again.
Chorus: But until then you're gone but
not forgotten. I can still hear your voice. Calling out my name
I know. You're gone, but not forgotten. I can still see your
face, and that time can't erase.
2).You're always in my heart, yes you
are. We'll never be apart though it seems the distance is so
far away. I will remember you. DA da DA DA DA DA
* * * + FREE - Words and Music, keyboards
and programming by Percy Bady. Lead vocals by Dorinda Clark-Cole
& Ted Winn.
Another favorite of this reviewer. A
praise song whose composition and vocals build dynamically throughout
the song, which has the listener soaring spiritually by the
end. Percy has created a catchy, infectious melody peppered
with lively dotted eighth note rhythm, brought to life by Interesting
musical composition featuring acoustic guitar, electric bass,
keyboards, strings. Lyrics, melody are carried by smooth, bright
solos and fine harmony duet work between two talented artists,
Winn and Cole, supported by the full choir sound during chorus,
hook and Bridge sections.
Scriptural References: (Romans 8:1-5,
1 Peter 4:11, Phillippians 1:6, 2:15 & 4:13, 1 Cor. 1:8)
Lyrical Samples:
1). (Ted Winn, vocalist) - There will
be problems that I know I have to face. Even though I'm walking
upright, doesn't mean things won't get uptight. There will be
choices that I know I have to make. Ever since I gave my life
up, Trouble always seems to show up. Still I am determined and
I know that I'm not alone. God is with me and I'm singing my
song.
Chorus: Now that I'm free, I know his
love now is covering me. Through many dangers, seen and unseen,
Gave up the world, life is sweet, joy is full and complete now
that I'm free.
2). (Donna Clark-Cole) There will be
times when I feel the need to quit, just because I've the hook
up, doesn't mean thing won't get shook up. There will be changes,
I know nothing stays the same. Even though I am redeemed, it
don't mean there won't be pain.
Hook: I am determined and faith looks
up to Thee. You've brought me this far, and I know You'll never
leave.
Bridge: No more (condemnation), Total
(liberation). Now that He lives inside of me, I can do all things
Thru Christ that strengthens me.
* * * UM GOOD - Words and Music & Keyboards
by Percy Bady. Lead Vocals by Marvin Sapp, Pastor Daryl Hine
& Apostle Donald Alford.
A more traditional, soulful Gospel praise
and worship song that encourages the listener with a strong
statement of faith which implores us to stand firm in the Lord,
even through rough waters, disasters, remembering all the love,
support and blessings that the Lord has already given us. We
can hold onto the promises and character of our Lord, trusting
Him to see us through anything.
Scriptural References: (Psalm 103:1-3,
2nd Peter 1:3, 1 Cor.16:13, 2nd Cor.1: 24B, Ephesians 6:14)
Lyrical Samples:
1). If I never own a mansion, way out
on a hill. If I never see riches, Lord I'll serve You still.
If I lose all my possessions and my health begins to fail. I'll
still say Lord that You've been good .
2). If I wake up on tomorrow and find
my loved ones gone. If I look to see my friends are few, Lord
I'll just keep holding on. If I call and there's no answer in
the midst of my despair. I can still say Lord that You've been
good.
Chorus: You've been good (good, um good).
Long as I live, I'll testify that You've been good, (Lord, You've
been good). You've been good, (Lord, You've been good). Um um
um good. So glad to say Lord You've been good.
* * + KEEP ON DREAMING - Words and Music
/ Keyboards & Rhodes by Percy Bady. Lead Vocals by Jasmine Garcia.
Background vocals: New Direction.
A nice melody carried by a pleasing combination
of piano, keyboards, guitars, with the first verse and chorus
sung sweetly by Jasmine Garcia, a little angel with a lot of
talent. The New Direction ensemble sing in nice harmony the
2nd verse and chorus, singing the part of the child's positive,
encouraging parent/ adult, answering / supporting the child's
positive attitude about dreaming, making goals for herself.
This song is a charming reminder to
all, both adults /parents and children that the first step in
serving the Lord is discovering a person's gifts, interests
and abilities that the Lord has blessed them with. These first
building blocks are discovered in childhood. An important task
for the adults in children's lives is to encourage children
to develop, appreciate their own gifts, and have dreams for
their lives in the future based on their strengths that they
are blessed with. Encouraging children to persevere toward their
goals is a positive force to keep children on the right path
which will lead to serving the Lord, who will step in to guide
them, open doors, put encouraging people in their path and empower
them for His service.
Scriptural References: (1Cor. 12: 4-11,
Phil. 1:6, 2:15, Ephes. 4:15 & 29, 32)
Lyrical Samples:
1) Maybe a teacher, a doctor or lawyer
or a preacher, I don't know, I don't know. I like singing and
oh I like dancing, I like reading So many things so many things.
Chorus: I'll keep on dreaming, dreamin',
I believe I can be, anything I see. I'll keep on dreamin', dreamin',
I can do anything, I can be anything, keep on dreamin',I'll
keep on dreamin'.
2) Just remember to never give up, keep
believing, Faith will see you thru. Hold your head high and
aim for the sky. You can make it, you can reach your goal.
* * * + I'LL KEEP HOLDING ON - Words
and Music by Percy Bady, lead vocals by Percy Bady, Darius Brooks
and Paul Garcia
Another favorite of this reviewer. Soulful,
heart-felt contemporary gospel hymn encouraging listener's to
keep holding onto their faith, to persevere to fight the good
fight, to run the good race to the end, to meet the goals given
by the Lord for your life in His service, as Paul tells the
early Christians, in Phil. 3: 13,14.
Great melody is perfect vehicle for
the lyrical message, sung so beautifully by Percy Bady, Darius
Brooks and Paul Garcia.
Related Scripture References: (Isaiah 40:31 & 41:10, Phil.
3:13-14, Matt. 6:25-31,Phil. 4:13 & 4:6-7)
Lyrical Samples:
1). I can't give up now. I've come much
too far. After all is said and done, I'll overcome, ooh. I still
believe (I still believe) That I can achieve, Every dream and
every goal. Somehow I know, I know.
Bridge: Through every situation, Through
every test, Through every trial that I face, I'll do my best.
Chorus: I'll keep holding on, Keep singing
my song, My faith will keep me strong. (I'll keep holding on)
I'll keep standing tall, Keep giving my all, No matter what
the call, I'll keep holding on.
2). I'll hold my head up high, And reach
for the sky, oh yes I will. I'll keep pressing --pressing on.
My time will come, (my time will come)
Hook:. I shall I will I know I can, Live
out my dream, fulfilled God's plan for my life. Chorus
* * * + HOLD UP THE LIGHT - Words and
Music by Pecy Bady, Ce Ce Winans and Tyrone Thompson (Papa San).
Vocals by Percy Bady, Big Jim Wright and Papa San.
A favorite of this reviewer. Two versions
are offered on this CD; an old school mix and an urban remix
(PAJAM), both enjoyable and stirring to listen to, as they bring
home the message that Christianity is an active faith, requiring
us to not only live it, showing God's love, but to stand up
for what is right against injustice, human suffering at the
hands of others and evil in this world.
The mixing of lively contemporary Gospel
/ RB with Jamaican Dancehall Gospel, (Papa San's contribution),
is very well done, and a great way to end The Percy Bady Experience,
with a call to stand up for what is right, both as a nation,
America and as an individual during our every day lives, allowing
ourselves to be a light to the world, following Jesus.
Scriptural References: (James 1:15,22 & 2:8, 14-17, Isaiah
61:8, Psalm11:7)
Lyrical Samples:
Chorus: Hold up the light, Save the world
from darkness. Hold up the light. Won't you please, America?
1) It's time for all of us, who claim
in God we trust, To take a stand. Let our voice be heard, Across
the nation, to every man. If we are the light. It's time for
all of us to fight for what is right. We must work while it
is day, oh yeh, before the fall of night. Bridge: Voices crying,
young people dying, Lost, nowhere to run. So, I'm asking, takes
sacrificing, Time for us to come and...........Chorus:
2) There's no time for delayin', Can
you see? too many people are dying,. without ever being made
free. Look at the trouble in the world today. Time to walk into
the light, gotta lead the way
3) Papa San - sharp, verbal rap-singing, Jamaican style. Calls
us to "Keep it burn'in!" (As the words to Papa San's
part in the song weren't given on the song sheet, his part of
the song will be a nice surprise when you listen to this song
for yourselves. - Check out the review for his own album also
found in our review section, to get an idea about what Jamaican
Dancehall music is like and find an example of his lyrics)
Reviewed by: Julie Carr - ChristianMusic.com
Listen to Percy Bady
