"Sure the music's great, but what is she saying?" Well, read the lyrics and you'll know! Also included are a few notes on the inspiration and history for each song.

MY PRECIOUS CHILD

One Little Voice carries through the darkness
& a light so bright none can dim
A mother's prayer reaches up to Heaven
Thank You for the gift you've given me
the precious moments you have let me see in my child

God's Angels wrap their arms around you
They've guided every step you took &
And like water rushing over stones cast into a stream
You have vanished from my sight
but not so far that I can't see the magic of your life as my child

And someday we'll meet again, somewhere beyond the sun
Where pain and sorrow fade

Though I can't wrap my arms around you now
Except for sometimes in my dreams &
You'll know my love for you goes on & on
& cause Love's the only true thing that remains
And I can see your face in every ray of sun and every drop of rain
I'll hold to this, I Love You So
My Precious Child

c.2006 C. Blackwood-MacLeod

My publisher asked me to write something poignant, yet hopeful for a show depicting a mother who had lost her daughter in a car crash while they flashed scenes of them in happier times. Already, this was something heavy on my heart as a local boy had been hit by a car and killed on his way to school. Although I didn't know him personally, my heart went out to his Mom and surviving brother. Then within a few weeks, I learned my neice, only 22 with a daughter of her own, had been killed in a motorcycle wreck. There is no way to prepare for a loss such as this, only the comfort that God holds our loved ones safely in His arms till we meet again. This is also a song to my Mom who is also in Heaven, for all the joy and words of wisdom she shared with me.

I WISH YOU WELL

We have loved like there's no tomorrow
We have dreamed like the morning would never come
We have wondered if love would conquer all
When the times got tough, could we break the fall

We have fought and shed tears of sorrow
We have learned broken hearts don't always mend
We have chose a path Angels fear to tread
So when you left this was all I said

I Wish You Well
& hope that you will find the joy and peace you couldn't find with me
I Wish You Well
& hope your dreams will lead you where you want to be
Wherever you may go, Despite what you might think
In my heart I'll always Wish You Well

We'll look back on the hurt and sorrow
& forgive when the heart has grieved enough
& someday I hope you'll find a smile for us
For of all we shared we started this with love
~ Chorus ~

& Time may fade the hurt that I may never show
& Should we meet again, there's something you should know
~ Chorus ~

c. 2000 Connie Blackwood

(This song started when I overheard a conversation at Borders books in Oviedo. I'm not sure if it was a book or a personal situation they were talking about, but the words that rang in my head were "I Wish You Well." Little did I know these lyrics would echo my own life shortly after the writing. Life is full of relationships, some good, some bad. Hopefully we learn from all of them. Looking back I grieve for what might have been. But despite the hurt of words that cannot be retrieved and actions that cannot be undone, with time and faith there will be healing.)

---

I BELIEVE

I believe there's a holy battle raging
& for every soul that walks this Earth
But there's hope in Christ who treasures us
Beyond what we are worth

And I believe that Jesus is my Savior
The very word of God made man
And He's standing at the door of your heart
Waiting to come in...



CHORUS

I believe we'll see
Christ the King on His throne
When we let Him in
We'll hear His loving voice He calls us home
He's the light of this world
Yea, it's a leap of Faith
But Jesus loves us more than we could ever conceive
And that's what I believe!

And I beleive the pages of my bible
Are the very breath of God
And like the Isrealites we wander
The deserts of life we trod
But I believe our Father made a promise
And He chose us for His own
And it fills me with such joy to see
Every prodigal son come home

Repeat Chorus

c.2006 Roddy & Connie MacLeod

(There's so much false teaching out there, but when we seek God earnestly, He reveals Himself in incredible ways! In the movie "Kingdom of Heaven," the king who is stricken with leperocy speaks to Ballion and says "When we stand before our maker we cannot say, I was told to do thus, or valor was inconvenient at the time." We are each called to know the word of our Heavenly Father...some of us run to Him with open arms while others flee, but if we are obedient to His call, He is faithful to His promise that He has plans to prosper us, for hope and for a beautiful future!!)

SUNNY STRETCH OF BEACH

A certain guy was walking down a Sunny Stretch of Beach
& you don't know the thoughts I had as I came within your reach
Well eyes met eyes & we found ourselves walking hand in hand
Down that Sunny Stretch of Beach

We talked on through the day about things we'd like to do
You told me you liked sailing & I said that I did too
Summer love won't last that long or at least that's what I've heard
But there we were on that Sunny Stretch of Beach

You shared with me your secrets, your smiles & your dreams
Our laughter filled the salty air & your eyes were oh so green
The day swept by so fast, Sunset came right on cue
& though tomorrow's coming, I'll always have this memory of you

You might say we parted as we turned & walked away
But we had known each other for a lifetime in one day
Summer love won't last that long or at least that's what I've heard
But there we were on that Sunny Stretch of Beach
& Summer love won't last that long in reality
But the memories we keep are forever
when your eyes just seem to meet
& things like that only happen on the beach
On the beach, sunrise to sunset, on the beach...

c.1981 C. Blackwood

(This one was inspired by all the Summers at the Jersey shore! A Great place to flirt!!)

Lying in my bed so deep into the night
I close my eyes and see your face amoung my dreams
Where I can tell you just how much you mean to me
& you never turn away

Then through the day I hear your warm embracing voice
You wrap me in your words of soft & sweet desire
I could take this chance surrender to your touch
But in the morning would you stay

Cause You're the One I want to love
You're the One I want to need
& with every breath I ever take
I pray you'll feel the need in me
To have you in my life
Each day & every night
But would you love me, would you need me
Ooh, will you be the one

Cause I want more than just one night of ecstasy
So where we go from here is up to you and me
Are you the kind of man who'll stand by what you say
That kind of trust will last forever & a day
~ Repeat Chorus ~ Bridge ~ Chorus ~

c. 1999 C. Blackwood/C. Mogollen

(Wrote this one with my friend Carlos. We used to play in New York City at Catch A Rising Star...we were what they called "Comic Relief"...1 & 2 in the morning we got to play originals between comics!! This song is for everyone searching for love, and willing to take a chance to make it happen!)

I've been afraid to take that first step
Damn if it doesn't scare me to death
But what on Earth am I holding back for
I'll go ahead try what I dare
Without faith I'm going nowhere
Now I feel something brewing inside
I'm casting off the edge of this world
Brave like Wallace (Wm.) yet scared like a child
Gathering up my strength cause I'm gonna need it

On a Sea of Emotions life's not safe & warm
On a Sea of Emotions riding out the storm
Let the wind fill my sails, I'm ready for a course in perpetual motion
On a Sea of Emotions

I'll never know by holding inside
I give my heart free will to survive
Cause now I know what it is that I truely desire
So I'll let go search the great unknown
Forge ahead drop this necklace of stone
I can't wait to feel that sweet release
~ Repeat Chorus ~

Just scratching the surface never looking that deep
Someday the truth I find is going to set me free...

On a Sea of Emotions life's not safe & warm
On a Sea of Emotions riding out the storm
Let the wind fill my sails, I'm ready for a course in perpetual motion
On a Sea of Emotions

c.1999 C. Blackwood

(Life is so full of uncertainties...we have one shot at going round. We can either step up and meet a challenge or choose not to. The choice is in the living!!)

I wake up to the whisper of the waves upon the shore
& smile at your letters peeking out of the spice scented drawer
Knowing you're on the other side I look out to the sea
& send my love on velvet wings till you come back to me

Cause I want to spend my life with you & show you things I know
Travel like an Ocean Bird wherever we may go
Like the deep green sea, that is calling me
Like an Ocean Bird sailing across the sky

Have you ever noticed the sunshine reflecting on the waves
In every brilliant dancing star I see the smile upon your face

As the sun sets on the waves tonight I'll blow a kiss into the breeze
& hope you catch it in your thoughts as you drift off to dream

Cause I want to spend my life with you & show you things I know
Travel like an Ocean Bird wherever we may go
Like the deep green sea, that is calling me
Like an Ocean Bird sailing across the sky

c.1983 C. Blackwood

(If you've ever been seperated from the one you love...this makes sense. Here the lovers are seperated by the Ocean...but dreaming of each other till they meet again...there's something so romantic about that!)

I'd rather be known for the good I've sown
Than the clothes label on my back
I'm no slave to the fashion trade my self worth is well intact
I'd have to say too many lives
have been shot down trying to perfect
Being socially, politically & anatomically correct

So if you're treading water in the sea of self doubt
Here's a little secret that you might just want to check out
Learn to take a compliment, but don't let it go to your head
Cause you're the only you there is & that's enough said

I'm not Tommy's Girl on the cover of Vogue
Where do they get that stuff?
I'm more than 90 pounds, but I've got my health
& that beats being all screwed up

I'm special, kind of quirky, I like to think that's unique
Facial lines, a little wisdom & a curiosity streak
If you want to float my emotional boat
Don't compare me to some magazine
Cause God never made any junk & I like what he's done with me

(You've got something special a certain quality
Something only you can claim...it's your personality)
You're special, kinda quirky, you've got to know that's unique
You can't bottle it up and sell it,
but sometimes we get to take a peek
You've got to love what's inside
Cause that's how God meant it to be
You know the man upstairs don't make no junk
I like what he's done with you & me...

In designer frocks, high styled locks or your Sunday Target best
It doesn't matter what you wear if your thoughts are all a mess
You've got to love what's inside
Cause that's how God meant it to be
You know the man upstairs don't make no junk
I like what he's done with you & me
I like what he's done with you & me
We're Special!

c.1999 C. Blackwood

(So...I was flipping through the pages of Vogue Magazine one day, looking at the fashions and the people mentioned for wearing this or that designer, not because they did anything great for mankind. Ok, so what do you expect from a fashion mag. Anyway, I met Ilene Ford when I was 16...wanted to be a Model. She told me (at 5'8"/110lbs) I was fat and not pretty or exotic enough to be one of her models. I was devastated and tried to be a 90 pounder. What a shame, that we don't like ourselves for who we are as opposed to what fashion dictates. To that I say...horse pucky!! We Are All Special...Everyone was born with a unique gift to share with the world. And, most importantly Beauty Comes From Inside Us, not from the pages of a magazine!!!)

I can feel you out there somewhere just beyond my reach
Through all eternity you've been a step ahead of me
In dreams you appear behind gossamer viels
& I long to glimpse your face
But as I wake from slumber you've only left a trace

I know you're My Angel, the one who watches over me
I can feel you guide me through all my heart's uncertainties
A sense of calm is washing over me
Heaven is watching through your eyes
You shelter me with your wings as you fly...My Angel

I search this Earthly life for purpose & peace of mind
Someone to walk beside, not judging what we find
I sense you there within every step I take
& I'm sure I would know your voice
You're sent from Sacred Ground to help me through life's void

I know you're My Angel, the one who watches over me
I can feel you guide me through all my heart's uncertainties
A sense of calm is washing over me
Heaven is watching through your eyes
You shelter me with your wings as you fly...My Angel

c.1999 C. Blackwood

When I was 16 years old, I had pneumonia so bad my heart & breathing stopped...what's referred to as a near death experience. God gave me the most awesome vision...I was enveloped in a brilliant white light and I saw a white linen robe billowing in the breeze. Though I didn't see His face, I heard His voice as clear as day...He said "Connie, Go Back, It's not time Yet." I didn't know who Jesus was at the time, but He revealed Himself to me in a way I had absolutely no doubt it was Him!! The experience was so personal, I kept it to myself for a very long time, but be assured God knows each of us by name. He knows everything about us and He loves us beyond our wildest imaginings...He walks with us through the darkest times and most terrifying trials. If we will just believe and put our trust in Him, there is nothing to fear, not even death itself!

All I Want is a Kiss, a little touch & go
The sweet feel of your lips is something I want to know
Don't make this complicated, It could be hit or miss
I don't want your heart baby, All I Want is a Kiss

I like the way you're looking at me
With that come on look in your eyes
This flirting game we're playing
Is such a nice surprise
It could mean everything or nothing at all
So don't press your luck cause I'm not looking for a fall
~ Repeat Chorus ~

We could cuddle for awhile & talk the night away
Something sweet to remember on some rainy day
Cause love can get so tangled up in the crazy web it weaves
I'm not asking for a big commitment I just want you to believe

All I Want is a Kiss, a little touch & go
The sweet feel of your lips is something I want to know
Don't make this complicated, It could be hit or miss
I don't want your heart baby, All I Want is a Kiss
Something tantilizing, mesmerizing make my temperature arise
All I Want Is A Kiss...

c.1996 C. Blackwood

(OK, so this song has no socially redeeming qualities, but it's got a good beat & you can sing it at the top of your lungs in your car while beating on the steering wheel!!)

Here we are caught up in a dream
Don't wake me up until you're here with me
One Kiss that moment lingers on & on
I close my eyes & feel you though you are gone

Is this mere fantasy or will you soon be here with me
For Love Comes to those who wait on their dreams
We'll touch again I do believe
Just let go, fall right in & then
Love will Come to you & me

Days go by I hope that you will sense
I don't want to wait to hold you again
Faith will prove our hearts are meant to be
Ever entwined through eternity
~ Repeat Chorus ~

I'll hold you so close the miles will melt away
Nothing can seperate two hearts that love this way
For Love Comes to those who wait on their dreams
We'll touch again I do believe
Just let go, fall right in & then
Love will Come to you & me
Just let go fall right in & then
Love will Come to you & me

c.2000 C. Blackwood

(I believe that when two people love one another, nothing can seperate them...love endures time, distance and everything inbetween. Here's to all the Hopefull Romantics!)

I've been looking for some black & white
In a matter of fact grey kind of world
Searching for some absolutes
Cause my ship of dreams just ran aground
I was hoping that just this once you'd say you needed me
But you can't recapture past love, not as far as I can see

Cause Nothing Stays the Same
Can we evolve together
Nothing Stays the Same
I'd like answers to questions that are wracking at my brain
The world won't stop spinning round
So run when you hit the ground
Cause Nothing Stays the Same

I've secured a broken heart,
But that won't last in the long run of things
I'll change my hair, make up my face & move on
Cause who's got time to grieve
All I know is it's been fun keeping your memory
Cause love's not what you capture
It's all about setting it free, baby
~ Repeat Chorus ~

You said variety is nice it's like the flavor of the day
So why was I so surprised when you walked away, baby

Cause Nothing Stays the Same
Can we evolve together
Nothing Stays the Same
I'd like answers to questions that are wracking at my brain
The world won't stop spinning round
So run when you hit the ground
Cause Nothing, Nothing Stays the Same
No Nothing Stays the Same...

c.1999 C. Blackwood

I really thought this would be a great song for Hootie & the Blowfish, but are they still recording???

We sit here so silently a million miles away
I'm trying to figure out what's on your mind
If I reach out to you can I get to your soul
How can I get back inside
Back to the spot where your laughter begins
The place where passion comes alive

Cause I Need To Feel an emotional touch
>From the days that used to be
So hold me close like you won't let go
& you can't get enough of me
Cause I Need To Feel that you're still in love with me

Oh how I long to be that close to you again
To bear our souls up to the light
When you dared look in my eyes right down to my very soul
& weren't afraid of what you'd find
What keeps our hearts such a distance away
Like strangers with nothing left to say
~ Repeat Chorus ~

I want you, to want me
I need you, to need me
Look at me & know I've missed you heart & soul
I'm guilty too, but I'm not letting go....

Cause I Need To Feel an emotional touch
>From the days that used to be
So hold me close like you won't let go
& you can't get enough of me
Cause I Need To Feel
I Need To Feel that you're still in love with me

c.1998 C. Blackwood

(Complacency hurts. Yet, it takes so little to keep a relationship fresh. A little inventing can reveal new ways to please and learn about each other...and by being the right partner, we invite our dearest to be the right partner in return. Keep the first spark of Love well tended for Love, like time is precious!)

What was that you said?
Did I hear you right? I really want to know
Did you say to me, what I thought I heard?

You'd better come again
I want to know for sure, this might just be a dream
I've waited for so long to hear you say to me

~ Chorus ~
I really love you with all my heart
Those little words that mean so much
I love you and all the world just melts away when I'm with you
Oh baby I love you

Should we tell our friends?
Or keep this to ourselves, What are they gonna say?
Do you think they know? The way you look at me
~ Repeat Chorus ~

c. 1999 Connie Blackwood/Carlos Mogollen

(Carlos came up with the tune on this one and wanted killer lyrics to grab a younger audience!" I'm a bit past High School age, so it was a stretch...anyway here's the finished product. A great tune to um-bop to!)

WHERE DOES LOVE GO

Oceans & Oceans & lightyears away
Swirling through memories that remain to this day
Caressing every moment we drenched in lovers bliss
I revive the rendezvous that started with one kiss

When there was a magic that lept from your soul
Urging us onward raging out of control
A piece of sky, a bit of sand, God's breath upon the sea
The lessons that we learned of love come back so tenderly

~ Chorus ~
With the magic of Springtime, the warm Summer rain
Dances through Autumn leaves, the Winter held no shame
For two hearts that met & loved so many years ago
Are we like the seasons oh were does love go

Ashes & Ashes of letters I'd burned
Some you had written & some you returned
As I watched those scented words go up in puffs of smoke
Hoping I would never yearn to read those words we wrote

When sleepless nights tortured I tossed & I turned
Praying you'd come back over bridges you'd burned
But as the sun bathed the night in shades of early dawn
A stronger heart relented & let you move along
~ Repeat Chorus ~

c.1999 C. Blackwood

(Love is a funny thing...the harder you try to hold on to it, the less likely it is to stay...sometimes you just have to let it go...)

If we had never met, I'd have never known
How wonderful this life could be
I've found a friend in you to last throughout all time
& you know that you can count on me
To be there if you ever call my name
Keep passion burning on this loving flame

& I'll love you forever
I promise you, you'll always have my heart
From daybreak to nightfall
Wether we're together or apart
I'm your's, your mine, throughout all time
& I'll love you, Forever

A simple twist of fate brought us face to face
& brought your heart so close to mine
There's never been a doubt that we were meant to be
Cause nothing else has ever felt so right
& every day we spend our love grows stronger
Let's tell the world that we belong together, Forever...
~ Solo ~ Repeat Chorus ~

c.1997 C.Blackwood

(Believe it or not this song started when I woke up from dreaming about Jamming with Journey!! Great dream...maybe someday!! Anyway, started noodling around on the piano and when it was finished, I thought this would be perfect for Steve Perry to sing!!! Maybe even a duet!! I had my good buddy Jodie Harris in Nashville do the demo and I said "Think Journey!!!" Been trying to get the song to Steve Perry ever since. Unfortunately it seems to keep falling short of his ears...remember "Nothing takes the place of persistence!")

I've never been the one to wake up sorry
For something that I did the night before
But life's a gamble anyway you live it
Sometime's it's safe to risk a little more

& if you want to live your' life with no regrets
Make each moment too special to forget
Dance with me, feel that Human touch
You can live your life in fear or you can live it up
Dance with me like there's no one in the crowd
but you and me...Living out Loud

I don't look back on used to be's or might have been's
I wouldn't want to waste our time that way
Let's fill it up together with adventure
That's our insurance love won't fade away
~ Repeat Chorus ~

You're living in a moment that you think will never end
Turn around tomorrow and you'll wonder where it went
~ Repeat Chorus ~

c.1999 C. Blackwood

(Life has never been a dress rehearsal...seek out the desires of your heart and the people who make your life complete. Then live each day as though it was the only one you had on Earth...that way you won't regret a moment!!)

As I was saying, Mel Gibson walks into the room
Sits at my table and kicks off his shoes
Then he says "Have I got a deal for you hon!"

He says, "There's this role on the silver screen,
Made just for you & it's opposite me"
Then in the wink of an eye it was done...

Well It could happen, it's not that far fetched
It could happen, the year's not over yet
Now I know you think I just made this up
But life is short & with a little luck
If I tell enough people, It could happen

So he whisked me off to Hollywood
That was a screentest, hey I was pretty good
To get discovered like this is every starlet's dream

Now I've got double billing & a pocket of dough
Did I get to kiss him, well go see the show
Cause it's all larger than life on the silver screen

Yeah it could happen, it's not that far fetched
It could happen, the year's not over yet
Now I know you think I just made this up
But life is short & with a little luck
Oh somebody tell Mel...It could happen
(I can see it all now...up there on the Tonight show with Jay Leno, yeah, it could happen!)

c.1998 C.Blackwood

(This was my attempt at humor. I was in LA for a music conference and the hotel was nice enough to provide one of those touristy books with Mel on the cover. Then the wheels got turning and I thought, if I was an actress, what better way to get discovered than by your favorite actor? Hey, is that soda shop where Lana Turner got discovered still open??)

I'm sitting at this diner, it's nearly half past three
Milling over coffee & some cloudy memories
I can almost hear your laughter
See your suspicious smile
It's funny how some friendships only last a little while

I guess that I could call you, I still know where you stay
Though I leave a message now & then you never call back anyway
Was it something that I said or just the time & miles
It's funny how some friendships only last a little while

Sometimes I cry but not out loud
For too much time has gone by now
So I'll just remember how it was
When we had time to spend
For oh how sad it is...to lose a friend

Now we would talk for hours about our wildest dreams
How I loved those heart to hears and all our crazy schemes
No matter how the years unfold I'll keep those thoughts on file
It's funny how some friendships only last a little while

I guess we're all like seasons, drifting on the wind
Tangled up together, than drifting off again
~ Repeat Chorus ~

c.1999 C. Blackwood

(Friendship is such a wonderful gift we give to each other! There're so many faces and special memories I carry from all the places I've lived. I wish those bonds could stay as close & strong as when they were first forged, but sometimes we're only friends for a season...so I'm thankful for that too!)

Wish I could wash away the hurt I feel inside
Somehow to cleanse my soul lift the pain out of my mind
Splash on a brand new face, but right now it hurts too much

Lying here I can sense ever beat & sound of life
You climb in next to me how will we make it through this night
Inhaling like it's my very last breath
Breaking down this wall of silence is now my quest

~ Chorus ~
This is the moment of truth
How do I begin to say that something's wrong
Without losing your faith in me
We can leave the light on or talk in the dark
Whatever it takes, it all comes down to this
This is the moment of truth

We've come so far without making too many waves
It hurts to watch us drifting further every day
We never miss what we've got till it's all but dissappeared
It's ironic living together, yet never getting over the fear
~ Chorus ~

No one said this was going to be easy
Holding our love in the palm of our hands
I won't let this world drive us crazy
But just to let you know where I stand...
~ Chorus ~

c.1999 C. Blackwood

(Is it not ironic we find it so hard to talk to the person we've married and loved for so very long? Fear of the unknown, confrontation or thinking a disagreement will mean the end of the relationship can paralyze us. Why are we so afraid to say what's milling around in our little beans? What a crazy way to live...the only way to solve a problem is to deal with it...head on with Love!! Hold hands and talk about it. This will bring us closer than we ever imagined!)

I like a man who know's what he wants
& you say that you want me
You're not too tender, but right to the point
Come over here & give me a squeeze
We've got the whole afternoon
So I'll tell you what we'll do
Why don't you let me get better acquainted with you

~ Chorus ~
Oh you've got my full attention
Oh I'm listening
Won't you whisper something sweet down in my ear

My mama warned me all about your strong & silent types
But seeing you here in the flesh I can't imagine what she don't like
Why don't you tell me all about your great big self
Please don't leave nothing out
I want to know more than anyone else oh baby
~ Repeat Chorus ~

I like a man who knows what he wants
& you say that you want me
So since the feeling's mutual I think we'll both agree
I'm not past being swayed by all your flattery
I'm all ears & I can't wait to hear you speak your peace oh baby
~ Repeat Chorus ~

c. 1997 C.Blackwood

(This song came from an observation in a Nashville publishing office. It's always good to keep your ears & eyes open!! Most especially in this business!!!)

~ Chorus ~
Listen in the moonlit wind amid the sea & waves
You will hear the voices of creatures born to sing & praise
The glory of creation as few mortals ever see
Listen to the voices of the whales of the seven seas

I close my eyes to hear them imagining their grace
Cutting softly through the water, swiftly giving chase
All at once a grand eruption delivered from the depths
Affords me one fleeting glimpse of flukes & tails
Skyward stretched
~ Repeat Chorus ~

You'll hear them through an Arctic wind or amid a summer squall
Their songs can pierce the darkest night or comfort as fog falls
Oh what peaceful songs they sing, hope mingled in the notes
Their mysterious watery world comes near
through the music they compose
~ Repeat Chorus ~

c.1999 C.Blackwood

(We are all given a voice. These creatures I believe were given songs to sing and praise and glorify their creator! As we all should do!! If you've ever seen the magnificence of breaching whales, or heard their voices, you'll know what I mean. Listen...)

I don't need you to save me from this cruel and hurtful world
What I need is tenderness baby and to know that I'm your girl
You keep chasin' me like I'm some kind of coveted possession
But here's the key to obtaining your ultimate obsession

~ Chorus ~
Hold me far enough away
But close enough to know you'll never walk away
When you realize love's a fragile dove that can quickly take to flight
Hold me, like you need me, hold me closer, but not too tight

I've given up believing that true love's the Holy Grail
I've seen how time erodes a heart and leaves a bitter trail
I'm not running after youthful dreams of starry eyed perfection
So how can I convince you that I'm craving your affection?
~ Repeat Chorus ~

You tell me that I've got a problem with committment
But I promise you that's exactly what this isn't
~ Repeat Chorus ~

c.2000 C.Blackwood

(The easy part about love is the courtship...the hard part is staying together, despite all the doo-doo life deals us. I don't expect Hollywood violins, but a little romance (Yes, you have to work at this!), trust and partnership are a good place to start! Love freely and intensely, but give your partner room to be the wonderfully special person they are!!)

We have loved like there's no tomorrow
We have dreamed like the morning would never come
We have wondered if love would conquer all
When the times got tough, could we break the fall

We have fought and shed tears of sorrow
We have learned broken hearts don't always mend
We have chose a path Angels fear to tread
So when you left this was all I said

I Wish You Well
& hope that you will find the joy and peace you couldn't find with me
I Wish You Well
& hope your dreams will lead you where you want to be
Wherever you may go, Despite what you might think
In my heart I'll always Wish You Well

We'll look back on the hurt and sorrow
& forgive when the heart has grieved enough
& someday I hope you'll find a smile for us
For of all we shared we started this with love
~ Chorus ~

& Time may fade the hurt that I may never show
& Should we meet again, there's something you should know
~ Chorus ~

c. 2000 Connie Blackwood

(This song started when I overheard a conversation at Borders books in Oviedo. I'm not sure if it was a book or a personal situation they were talking about, but the words that rang in my head were "I Wish You Well." Little did I know these lyrics would echo my own life shortly after the writing. Life is full of relationships, some good, some bad. Hopefully we learn from all of them. Looking back I grieve for what might have been. But despite the hurt of words that cannot be retrieved and actions that cannot be undone, with time and faith there will be healing.)