Apparitions of Melody
All words and music by Kids in the Way
Last Day of 1888
I have a strange curiosity in Jack the Ripper and uncovered an interesting fact while researching him. Jack's most famous murders took place in October and November of 1888. Baffled, the police just wanted to arrest someone and silence it all. They sought after bums, factory workers, hard laborers, and Jews. Among their prime suspects was John Montague, a train yardman with a family history of mental instability. Before they could arrest him, he disappeared. Soon after, John's body was found in the Thames River and police obtained a document saying he was tired of being falsely accused. I wanted to write a song about being misjudged by others and how that can destroy one's life. This story provided the perfect example.
Safety in the Darkness
Last year, I went through some pretty rough trials in my personal life. I really felt Satan and his hordes closing in on me. One night while sleeping, I was quickly awakened by fear. I sat up in bed and could feel the dark presence in my room. I immediately began praying and singing worship to God in the darkness. After about an hour of intense communication, a huge storm began outside and large lightning bolts lit my room up like the sun. Suddenly, I felt the ultimate peace and safety that comes only from my God. I realized it's during my darkest, scariest, loneliest times that God can be the closest, and there is no reason to fear.
Even Snakes Have Hearts
In my opinion, among the most powerful aspects of Jesus' life was His relationship with Judas. I've always been amazed by Jesus' character, knowing one of His closest friends would ultimately give Him up to the authorities. The opening scene of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of The Christ" really inspired me to write "Even Snakes Have Hearts." Gibson visually mastered the feelings and attitudes in Gethsemane that morning. I wanted to give a voice to those emotions that surged through the garden when Jesus felt His brother's kiss.
Breaking the Legs of Sheep
If you want to know me on a personal level, this song bares my soul. I wrote it during a very painful phase in my spiritual life. I had been cruising along, not really challenging myself or growing with the Lord, and it started to become very apparent. I was dealing with a lot of my poor decisions and weaknesses. I remembered a lesson I once heard on Psalm 23. The passage describes God as our Shepherd. We are the sheep, and He is our master, looking out for us, protecting us. The teacher informed us that sheep are very dumb and will put themselves into danger without knowing it. Even after being returned to the herd, they will wander back into harm's way. The Shepherd would often break their legs to "make them lie down" in a safe pasture. I quickly realized that God was breaking my legs, reminding me of my call and duty as a man of God.
Apparitions of Melody
This song best captures the essence of this record and Kids in the Way as a whole. It implies that someday the music will die. Music is an ever-changing, ever-growing thing that people use up and go through like clothing. As a band, we are very aware of and accept that reality. It is our hope and desire, however, that long after the music fades from your head, its spirit will live on.
The Seed We've Sown
Nathan, our guitar player, recently married, and I was engaged at the time this song was written. I just wanted to capture the adventurous nature of life and love. If God is the cornerstone of your life and relationships, then there is nothing to fear or doubt, only much to rejoice in.
Sad and Guilty Ways
God's grace is a beautiful thing, and I am constantly in awe. I think it's important that we continuously reflect on the sacrifice He made for us. On Sunday mornings, you do this during communion …in remembrance. This is my communion song. Remembering what God did for me, I am overwhelmed with gratitude that He no longer sees me as a sad and guilty failure but as His flawless child.
Blind Behind the Wheel
Hindsight is always 20/20. I think it's remarkable how we can look back at life's circumstances and learn from our mistakes. However, I also think it's important to use such foresight when making future choices. In this song, I liken our lives and choices to driving an automobile. It describes the carnage of a horrible crash that leaves someone's life hanging in the balance, a situation where hindsight might have been pretty costly.
