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For a songwriter, any new, catchy phrase or one-liner joke could become the hook of their next creation. However, it is commonly accepted that the most enduring impressions from songs are born from personal experience.
“Granny’s Song” is a collaboration from two brothers deeply affected by the life of their grandmother. This song portrays the simplistic lifestyle of a lady who would not allow the lack of today’s conveniences to deter her from living the “good life,” which centered around her family and the simple pleasures in life. “Watching her during those final days, says Mike Manuel, is a bittersweet time that I talk about a lot in concerts and this song is my way of sharing her story with the world.” This song makes reference to a quality of life that many people today long to experience. The concept that there really is a “secret to happiness” is revealed in the song as the love of God along with the love of family.
“Granny’s Song” will certainly stir the emotions of the listener and provide a reality check to hearts everywhere.
Granny’s Song
(Mike & Greg Manuel/Manuel Family Publishing, BMI)
She didn’t own a home never drove a car
But if you knew her she lived for
Treasures that money can not buy
In a two room flat on borrowed ground
Family and friends came from miles around
To share a cup of coffee and one of her fried pies
Oh what I would give to hear her say
Could you run me to town today
And if you have time when you stop by
I’ll fix you somethin’ to eat
Oh we could learn if we tried
The secret of her simple life
The love of God and the love of family
She worked a miracle with just a few things
Then she’d spread a feast fit for a king
And I remember she always said
This ain’t gonna be no count
But I set by her bed just the other day
Held her hand and I heard her say
You’re beautiful I love you there’s no doubt
Oh what I would give to hear her say
Could you run me to town today
And if you have time when you stop by
I’ll fix you somethin’ to eat
Oh we could learn if we tried
The secret of her simple life
The love of God and the love of family
Now she looks down from the happy side of forever
While we look through all the questions and the pain
And through our tears we hear her voice
Asking us to make the right choice
And not let foolish pride stand in our way
But what I would give just to hear her say
Could you run me to town today
And if you have time when you stop by
I’ll fix you somethin’ to eat
Oh we could learn if we tried
The secret of her simple life
The love of God and the love of family
It was the love of God and the love of family
Mike Manuel
I’ve been writing songs most of my life and been fortunate to have a few recorded along the way. About 10 years ago I was introduced to Christian Country Music. I have been a Christian for many years and never realized the opportunity that music brings to ministry. I had written some positive message type songs in the past, but never totally Christ based lyrics that had the ability to lead someone to a saving relationship through Jesus Christ. I recorded my first Christian Country project and found a gratification I’d never felt with any other songs I’d ever written. My songs were changing peoples’ lives.
Christian Country Music sounds like Country Music and therefore doesn’t make them turn the radio dial when they hear it. It sounds like the other Country Music, but has a message that when heard has a chance to impact a person all the way to their heart and soul. Today there are many people who will not ever go to church, so to hear the “Good News of Jesus Christ” they have to get it somewhere else. I believe this music allows that ministry opportunity that otherwise may never happen. That’s why I support Christian Country Music and will continue to try and write the best songs I can for Him, for He gave me the talent to do so.
Ernie Rowell
Mission Country Entertainment
For about 10 years I have listened to country radio air more and more positive message songs and I have spent a lot of time trying to find out why. I have determined that the appetite of the listener has created a demand for wholesome and good ol' faith based songs. I quess my personal research into the content of todays country songs have been an ongoing inspiration to write and perform faith based songs. Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy a lot of country music that doesn't necessarily have a direct faith based message. Songs with a lyric of hope rather than a song that just promotes a persons degraded condition in life and then conveys to the listener that he or she should just accept that it's alright to wallow there! My song "Back In The Country Again" is just a recap of what's happening in country radio today. My inspiration to write this song is nothing less than content gained from songs I hear on the radio! Remember my research tells me that this song is an anticipated desert for the country listeners appetite!
Mike Manuel |
