I recently ordered Mike Crawford and His Secret Siblings: Songs from Jacobs Well. Mike serves at Jacobs Well Church, a church in Kansas City that I have kept my eye on because of their vibrancy in ministry as well as their (growing) connection to NTS.
The album is a collection of songs that have given shape to and arisen out of Jacob’s Well’s worship.
The last song on the double album is a song entitled “Words To Build a Life On.” It’s really good. Epic in its scope (8 minutes long). Probably worth the price of the album itself.
I’ve included the song. Below that I’ve posted the lyrics. Buy the album. Or on iTunes. You’ll enjoy it.
These are words to build a life on
These are Your words how can they be mine
These are words to build a life on
These are Your words I want them to be mine
Blessed are the poor
Blessed are the weak
Blessed are the ones
Who can barely speak
Blessed in your hurt
Blessed in your pain
Blessed when your teardrops
Are falling down like rain
Blessed when you’re broken
Blessed when you’re blind
Blessed when you’re fragile
When you have lost your mind
Blessed when you’re desperate
Blessed when you’re scared
Blessed when you’re lonely
Blessed when you’ve failed
Blessed when you’re beat up
Blessed when you’re bruised
Blessed when you’re tore down
Blessed when you’re used
These are words to build a life on
These are Your words how can they be mine
These are words to build a life on
These are Your words I want them to be mine
Blessed when you’re heartbroke
Blessed when you’re fired
Blessed when you’re choked up
Blessed when you’re tired
Blessed when the plans
That you so carefully laid
End up in the junkyard
With all the trash you made
Blessed when you feel like
Giving up the ghost
Blessed when your loved ones
Are the ones who hurt you most
Blessed when you lose your
Own identity
Then blessed when you find it
And it has been redeemed
Blessed when you see what
Your friends can never be
Blessed with your eyes closed
Then blessed you see Me
These are words to build a life on
These are Your words how can they be mine
These are words to build a life on
These are Your words I want them to be mine
Blessed when you’re hungry
Blessed when you thirst
Cause that’s when you will eat of
The bread that matters most
Blessed when you’re put down
Because of me you’re dissed
Because of me you’re kicked out
They take you off their list
You know you’re on the mark
You know you’ve got it right
You are to be my salt
You are to be my light
So bring out all the flavor
In the feast of this My world
And light up all the colors
Let the banner be unfurled
Shout it from the rooftops
Let the trumpets ring
Sing your freaking lungs out
Jesus Christ is King!
Jesus is my Savior
Jesus is divine
Jesus is my answer
Jesus is my life
These are words to build a life on
These are Your words how can they be mine
These are words to build a life on
These are Your words I want them to be mine
Give us ears that we may hear them
voice that we may sing them
life that we may live them
hope that we may give them
hearts that we can feel them
eyes that we can see them
thoughts that we may think them
tongues that we may speak Your words
Troy, you’re right–great album and great song. I got to know Mike a little when we lived in K.C. and went to Jacob’s Well. What I like about him and the music from J.W. so much is the profundity of the lyrics combined with great music. They used to sing a song there called “This is to Remind Me”–maybe you remember it–but when I asked Mike for lyrics and music, he said that the guy who wrote it wasn’t around anymore. Too bad.
The album does indeed end on a high note–we actually sang “Words” in youth group at Lafayette once. Keith might remember, or his brain might be too clouded over with C.O.D. to recall. I love how they found a way to use the word “freaking” in a redeeming way.
“Search Me” is also powerful–”Even the darkness will not be dark to You!”
Have you listened to Starfield?
Andy – I’m not the biggest Starfield guy. I’ve heard you are a fan. Maybe I should look into them more.
I do remember “This is To Remind Me.” I also remember a song that went “You are ____ and that is exactly why you are worthy to be praised.” I can’t for the life of me remember what should fill in the ____ and I was disappointed that song wasn’t on the album.
Troy,
The song “Words to Build a Life On” was sang at the Youth Winter Retreat this last weekend by Jake Randall. I had planned on asking if you thought it would be a song that would work with your current sermon series. The youth loved it and I must be honest the lyrics made me search out my heart and helped me to know I am truly blessed. Our youth showed me how blessed I am to have gotten to know them on a personal level.
God is AWESOME!
Dave
I love this song. Do you know where I can get the guitar tabs?
Michael,
Just heard your song on Sunday played by Vince LaVergne — and enjoyed it so. Is there somewhere close by — where I could purchase your album. I am not allowed to buy things on my Shawnee Mission Schools website. I would love a CD right away — my hubby and I do lay witness mission and could even possibly use it this weekend.
Have been to Jacob’s Well for a wedding or two — and know you must bless so many with your wonderful ministry of the Lord.
Blessings and care,
Jane Bocox
(913) 631-7499
7805 Long Street
Lenexa, KS 66216-3115
Mrs. Bocox,
I was just listening to this song because I love it. I was reading the comments and saw that you had commented on this song. I don’t know if you remember me from elementary school but I just wanted to say “hi and hope all is going well.” I just felt compelled to at least comment because of the rare coincidence.
God bless,
Brenton Adams (mill creek class of 01)
this song is amazing.
i heard it in church this morning and fell in love with it.
i was wondering why it wasn’t on iTunes, and if it was going to be put up, if anyone knows anything about that!
God bless (:
Stephanie
Words to build a life on…and sustain one.
Thanks for sharing what I would otherwise probably never heard.
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I just heard this song at church camp and i really connect with this song its soooo amazing. I mean these are Gods words HOW can they be mine? And you know coming back from church camp i felt so changed and ready to take on the world and shine God through me and that lyric
“Blessed when you see what
Your friends can never be”
Really hits me cause i know that my friends aren’t changed and i am and it may mean loosing lots of friendships which hurts but its all for the glory of him right? just wanted to share that.
God Bless
I heard this song a couple of weeks ago at my church camp and fell in love with it. I was wondering if there was anyway at all possible that i could maybe find the guitar tabs/chords so I could learn and sing this song for my church. Thank you guys very much for writing a very wonderful song. God Bless
hey guys – glad you are enjoying the song! I am in the process of putting up some youtube videos of all the songs from the JW worship cds…Words was one of the first…you can find it here -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlpTCXZow0s …also, the albums will be released to I-Tunes/amazon/etc. on August 11th…we’re working on getting the word out for that…stay tuned for some reviews/stories/etc. Thanks for listening…
oh yeah, somebody was asking if they could get the album in the KC area…just stop by Jacob’s Well – 1617 W. 42nd KC, MO 64111, either Ginger or I can get you one…they’re $15…
also, check mikecrawfordmusic.com for the charts/tabs/etc. It’s coming soon…
This Is To Remind Me & that other song are by Don Chaffer…that’s why they’re not on the record…
peace,
mikecrawford
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I attended church with my sisters in Wheaton (the Chicago area) and heard Words for the first time, and it stuck with me in a way most worships songs don’t–especially ones I don’t know. I am pumped to be able to finally buy this on iTunes! It’s an awesome song.
This song is truly amazing. I heard it at a See you at the Pole rally a couple weeks ago and it is now my favorite song ever written. I’m not usually an emotional person but with this song I just can’t hold back!!
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wow!!!! i listen to a variety of music that is mostly not Christian because there is no passion or a genuine love of art and true expression of whats going on inside of them……..this is all of that and more. this song describes intimacy and the singers are utterly vulnerable…..one of the best songs i have heard. these are words to build a life on.
Paul – Great to hear from you. I agree about the “Words To Build A Life On.” At our church, we’re currently working our way through Jesus’ words recorded in the sermon on the mount. I can’t get this song out of my head.
I actually heard this two years ago at Paradise, and was completely blown away by it. I’ve sporadically looked for the song for the past two years whenever it came to memory, but I couldn’t find it. FINALLY! I got the song on itunes and I’m content:D
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I love this song so much. It means so much to me. This was the sng they played in worship at a church camp I went to where I gave my heart to God.
This song was played at Youthfront while I was their supporting my middle schoolers at camp. It related so well to me and them. Absolutely amazing.
more than almost any worship song i’ve sung over the past 10 years, this song is unparalleled in its ability to connect with you exactly where you’re at. i, too, was at youthfront camp west this week with middle schoolers, and it is absolutely the most precious sight in the world to see kids “sing their heart and lungs out” to God (lyrics slightly scrubbed for church camp). awesome!
I heard this a our church one Sunday morning. This song is so captivating, it makes people stop and pay attention to the love of God. This song changes lives. Please continue to sing from the heart of the Father. There are so many people who will be saved and blessed. God bless you! Tanya T.
This is a great website!
Hey, I’m trying to play this song on the guitar and was wondering about the chords. I saw the video on youtube about the chords, but I was wondering if anyone knows the chords for the entire song. Thanks!!
Please sir, i want to know more on how i can build my words carefully,thanks and God bless you.
We did this song recently at our church, and have a pretty good recording. Hard to find too many of them out there. Hope we made Mike proud.
http://vimeo.com/16110166
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Heard this Today. Absolutely love this song
I wish there was a loop or repeat option
I’ve listened to this song 5 times already today and could keep in on repeat! I was very happy when I did a search and found it without knowing the title of the song. I heard the song in the background of a video clip and it resonated with me. THANK YOU for posting this song!
I feel Blessed,
Ryan