 In many ways, the music business is a man's game. The majority of full-time songwriters are men, as are most most publishers. I think those numbers are changing a bit, but I have no statistics to give you on that. Just my observation from watching things develop over the past 25 years. While I have had some fantastic male role models and co-writers over the years, one of the great privileges in my writing journey has been connecting with women songwriters all over the world. The opportunity to build relationships with women who share a passion for songs has been a true blessing.
One of those blessings is my mentor and friend Sue C. Smith, who has long been one of the go-to lyricists in Christian music. Her career is remarkable with cuts, awards, and accomplishments. However, I'm confident that most people would tell you the reason she is so beloved isn't simply because of her writing. She is a true example of an encourager and has more grace and strength in her little finger than I hope to have in my entire being. I love her. A couple years ago, Sue hosted four women at her house for a writing retreat. We arrived on a Thursday evening, and over the next two days, divided up into groups of two or three and wrote songs. It was awesome. While the writing was a blast, the fellowship was really what made the weekend so incredible. Since that weekend, our little group of five has continued to stay connected via a group text that is filled with little word bubbles that have made us laugh, cry, and mostly pray. I'm telling you, these women pray. The devil does NOT want to mess with these women. They mean business. Back to the retreat.... One of the fondest memories I have of our time together was when the five of us gathered to write a song together. All five of us. Five women. Women who use a lot of words. Could it be done? We were determined. And honestly, it came together pretty quickly. The song ended up being cut by the Tribute Quartet, and from what I understand, during their concerts, they occasionally share the story of how this song was written. That makes me smile. You can listen to their recording HERE. Reading this lyric makes me smile, too. Yes, it's a lot of words. Five verses. One for each woman who poured her heart and soul into an unforgettable weekend. Everybody Come See Jesus Dianne Wilkinson, Sue Smith, Gina Boe, Donna King, Marcia Henry Verse 1 Working in the fields in the dark of night Shepherds saw a glorious sight Left their flocks and took some friends To see a little baby in Bethlehem Pre Chorus Everybody come see Jesus Everybody come now everybody come Verse 2 Standing in the Jordan to be baptized The voice of God was heard on high This is my beloved Son The Spirit came down like a heavenly dove Pre Chorus Everybody come see Jesus Everybody come now everybody come Chorus Son of God and son of man Never been another do the things He can Healer, teacher, savior, lamb Never been another do the things He can See the long awaited promised One Everybody come Verse 3 Woman at the well running into town Five thousand folks in a lunchtime crowd Little Zachaeus in a sycamore tree Changed by the man from Galilee Pre Chorus Everybody come see Jesus Everybody come now everybody come Chorus Verse 4 Standing where the stone was rolled away Staring at the wonder of an empty grave Ran to tell the world the good good news Jesus did exactly what he said He would do Pre Chorus Everybody come see Jesus Everybody come now everybody come Chorus Verse 5 King of kings and lord of lords Every knee will bow before Every nation, tribe and tongue Everybody, everybody, everybody, everybody come Chorus
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