For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 14:7-8

This should be interesting, talking about an old recording kind of feels weird. Like I’m partially making excuses for what I thought was cool a long time ago, partially flat out embarrassing, and partially nostalgic. So, hopefully this will be mostly nostalgic, but well see.Now, I think I remember Rich Mullins saying something to the effect of “If you have to ask the story behind a song, then it probably isn’t a very good song. Because what the song says is what the song’s about.” (Maybe I’m butchering it, but I seem to remember something like that…) That’s kind of the deal with most of my songs, with exception to a few quirky stories and memories. Romans 14:7-8 was one of the first songs that I wrote for this project, and it kind of sets the reckless abandon tone for the project. It’s just sort of a declaration of faith. I’m not gonna lie, the movie Braveheart had 5 years to simmer in me before I wrote this one. It definitely ‘goes’ for it -very grandiose chorus hook (kind of a pep talk I guess), and I definitely showed my love for paradoxes in it 🙂 I guess the biggest thing is that I really meant what I wrote. For all my weaknesses and broken pieces, I really wanted God to have my everything…and still do.

Romans 14:7-8

(c) 2000 Joel A Bidderman
On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is but sinking sand
As the world holds trophies in their hands
On this grace alone will I stand

As the flowers of the field wilt and they fade
And as the birds in the sky fly away
I’ll take up my cross and follow your lead
Cuz there’s one life to live and it’s for your name

Whether I live or die
Whether I fall or rise
Or if I am lost in this heart of mine
Whether in peace or storm
Or standing in suffering’s court
Let it be known that I belong to You

For rich or poor, being poor and rich
For You own my everything
In weaknesses tear
Your joy is strength
To reach out beyond me

The balm for brokeness lies in Your grace
Rest for the weary in seeking Your face
Though the path gets lonely, You are with me
As I stand through the night, and though the earth gives way…I sing

Vocal & Guitar: Joel Bidderman
Vocals: Tabitha Hauser, Erin Parsons
Drums: Wes Clark
Bass: Jay Brashear
Percussion: Fred Jacobs
Guitar: Joe Sanzo
Keys: Jake Parsons