Ring Them Bells!

Great news, friends. Nathan Crede Siegert was born Tuesday, December 16 at 6:15 pm. Seven pounds 10 ounces, I'm told & I hear everybody is happy & healthy. I can't wait to see the little shaver, I hear he's really something. I couldn't be prouder of Holly & my old pal Ryan.

Five Favorite Songs of the Day

Amazing Grace-Sufjan Stevens

I know this song is always played at funerals, but why not play it when someone is born?

Come Thou Font of Every Blessing-Sufjan Stevens

Is this a Christian Reformed song? I don't remember ever hearing it when I was a kid, but I've heard it quite a bit in churches around here. It's a good one.

Danko/Manuel-The Drive By Truckers, The Dirty South

If you've been standing within earshot of my shower the last couple of days you would've heard this song.

Forever Young-Bob Dylan & The Band, The Last Waltz

Forever Young

May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

Copyright ©1973 Ram's Horn Music

Empty Hearts-Josh Ritter, The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter

A great song for the new year, if you ask me.

Josh Ritter
Empty Hearts lyrics

So save all of your light
For those who can't sleep at night
And who can't even sing to their shadows
Oh they ride into town
And they throw the shots down
And they save the last round for the windows

Singing don't let me into this year with an empty heart
With an empty heart
Don't let me into this year with an empty heart

I'm inside with my friends
We build fires and pretend
That the night could just bend on forever
While outside in the frost
Are the wolves and the lost
And we sing to the dogs or whoever

Singing don't let me into this year with an empty heart
With an empty heart
Don't let me into this year with an empty heart

There's a friend that I have
And for her I'll go back
You see all of these empties that I'm holding
They're too much for a man
Empty arms, empty hands
And she'll know me by the sound of my hoping

Singing don't let me into this year with an empty heart
With an empty heart
Don't let me into this year with an empty heart

Happy Thursday, friends...

andrew