Stories & Songs | Ellie Holcomb - I Place My Hope

Even though I wrote about Drew & Ellie Holcomb's song Live Forever not too long ago on my blog, I wanted to share with you a gorgeous new song from Ellie. She released an album in August that I keep forgetting to go on ahead and purchase - from what I've heard so far, it's really good!

One of the songs on her album is called I Place My Hope, and the lyrics are so beautiful and encouraging. The song is also beautiful musically - one of the things that caught my attention immediately was the guitar intro. It's in drop D tuning, which gives it a really rich, deep sound (it reminds me a lot of the intro to Lori McKenna's song Luxury of Knowing).

Whenever I hear this song I'm reminded to pray for some dear friends that are walking through a valley right now - please pray for the Phillips family as Mr. Randy battles cancer.
(Update: on October 1st, the LORD took Mr. Randy home to be with Him. We praise God that he is healed completely but our hearts grieve for his family. Even if you're reading this post days, weeks, or months later, please take a moment to lift them up in prayer.) 

The troubles of my heart

They're tearing me apart

How I need Your saving hand

To grant me a new start

Lonely and afraid

I call upon Your name

Save me from my enemies

And cover all my shame

I will lift my eyes

From this fragile life

For You will rescue me

You are my Prince of Peace

And I lift up my soul

To You who makes things whole

Oh, mercy love of old

In You I place my hope

I place my hope

So guide me in Your truth

Be my strong refuge

Oh, forgive my doubting heart

And lead me back to You

Help me to believe

Your love is all I need

Even when the storm is strong

You will provide for me

I will lift my eyes

From this fragile life

For You will rescue me

You are my Prince of Peace

And I lift up my soul

To You who makes things whole

Oh, mercy love of old

In You I place my hope

I place my hope

Even in my darkest place

There's a promise I will claim

Those whose hope is in Your grace

They will never be ashamed

I will lift my eyes

From this fragile life

You will rescue me

You are my Prince of Peace

And I lift up my soul

To You who makes things whole

Oh, mercy love of old

In You I place my hope

I place my hope

I place my hope

In You I place my hope

For the love of music and the glory of God,
Rebekah

Stories & Songs | Il Volo - Smile

Those of you who have been reading my blog for a while (as in, a couple years ago, ever since I first started!) may remember me mentioning the Italian trio, Il Volo. They were just starting to tour in America at the time, and since then, they've taken over the world! :)

The producers of a popular Italian TV talent show, Ti lascio una canzone, decided to put three contestants together to see how they would sound: tenors Piero Barone and Ignazio Boschetto and baritone Gianluca Ginoble. They quickly won the hearts of the Italian people with their incredibly strong, mature voices - and the oldest was sixteen! Gianluca won the competition, but the three continued to sing together. Their debut album was released in Italy two years later, and went platinum in six months - with almost no promotion, simply because people remembered and loved them so much! The album was released in the US a few months later, and thus they were introduced to the American public. They've since toured all over the world and have taped two specials for PBS.

One of my favorite songs from their debut album is called Smile. It was written as an instrumental piece by Charlie Chaplin for his 1936 movie, Modern Times. The lyrics were later added by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons in 1954, and the song was recorded by Nat King Cole the same year. Michael Jackson also recorded it, as have countless artists.

This song is so beautiful - I hope you enjoy it!

Smile when your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by

 If you smile through your fear and sorrows
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You see the sun come shinning through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide any trace of sadness
Although a tear be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying
You'll find that life is still worth while
If you just smile

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by 

 That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying
You'll find life is still worth while 

If you'll smile

When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by

If you smile
Smile
You'll find that life is still worth while 

If you'll just smile
Smile
You'll find that life is still worth while
If you'll just..
Smile


For the love of music,
Rebekah