Here are the chords. My explanation comes after.
(C)
Give me a clean heart
(f)
Give me a clean heart
(C) w/d
Give me a clean heart
Am (D7) (G)
May I be born anew
(C)
Give me a clean heart
(F) w/d (Dm)
Give me a brand new start
(G) (C) w/d (Am) (G) (C)
Give me a clean heart that I may follow you
(C) (F)
Many’s the day I stood by the roadside
(C) w/d (Am) (D7) (G)
No one knows how I cried waiting for you
(C) (F) w/d (Dm)
And then you came here, filled me with love so dear
(G) (C) w/d (Am)
So far away, and yet so near
(G) (C) F w/d C
You always come through
Several weeks ago my friend and fellow writer Lora and I decided to collaborate and sing the following song together, she playing the mandolin and I the guitar. What made this decision "unique" is that Lora has never played a mandolin and I have yet to learn to tune my guitar, let alone strum, play or otherwise do anything but hold it.
(C)
Give me a clean heart
(f)
Give me a clean heart
(C) w/d
Give me a clean heart
Am (D7) (G)
May I be born anew
(C)
Give me a clean heart
(F) w/d (Dm)
Give me a brand new start
(G) (C) w/d (Am) (G) (C)
Give me a clean heart that I may follow you
(C) (F)
Many’s the day I stood by the roadside
(C) w/d (Am) (D7) (G)
No one knows how I cried waiting for you
(C) (F) w/d (Dm)
And then you came here, filled me with love so dear
(G) (C) w/d (Am)
So far away, and yet so near
(G) (C) F w/d C
You always come through
Several weeks ago my friend and fellow writer Lora and I decided to collaborate and sing the following song together, she playing the mandolin and I the guitar. What made this decision "unique" is that Lora has never played a mandolin and I have yet to learn to tune my guitar, let alone strum, play or otherwise do anything but hold it.
.
We chose "Give Me a Clean Heart" because it is a simple and beautiful song written by our friend and writing guru Nerissa Nields. Lora and I parted with our intention stated, and nothing more until today, when she emailed me the cords and a note that she is readying.
.
I hadn't seen all the words to "Clean Heart" before today, and I read them now with special significance, in more ways than one.
.
I should mention that I have never ever played any musical instrument and my last singing engagement was preparing for my first communication at age seven, at which time the nun-in-charge directed me to move my lips and cease all sound from my enthusiastic lungs and voice box. I haven't recovered from that direction yet, so you can imagine I'm wondering why the f--- I've agreed to do this all!
.
So if all goes well I will learn to tune the guitar I have never played, and then I will learn the four chords to "Clean Heart". Then, and only then, I will decide if there is any chance in holy hell that I will sing out loud.
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Want to hear this wonderful song? Click here and be inspired:
My friend,
ReplyDeleteSing... Sing loud...Sing soft... sing wild and free
Your voice is beautiful
And im sure any song would be blessed to have you hold it in your heart awhile,
Much love, M
Hello KJ-thanks for checking on me. Oliver will be back tomorrow, and I likely will the day after. I'm just sort of letting things process right now, but I'm ok.
ReplyDeletemaithri, how happy i am to see your avatar and words here! thanks for the encouragement that comes uniquely and lovingly from you.
ReplyDeletedebra kay, yay!
Beautiful words to the song.
ReplyDeleteI love that you'll be strumming and singing this with your friend!
I think it's the perfect song and the perfect time to do this because of all the "heart work" you've been doing. I know it will all come together perfectly. Why?
Because it will be from your heart ;)
lolo, my heart might not be able to sing on key. and if that's the case, i cannot cannot cannot sing in front of anyone!
ReplyDelete:)
That is a lovely song. Good luck with learning it - will you post a You Tube version?
ReplyDeletecs, never!
ReplyDeletewhat a wondeful gift to yourselves! and it is awesome to try new things :) swak, valgal
ReplyDeletehey, American Idol just started their new season!
ReplyDelete:)
My theory is that you don't know if you can sing till you open your mouth, tilt your head back and let go. And the...just sing whatever your heart tells you - to hell with carrying the tune.
ReplyDeleteMy DH was equally intimidated by a nun - hasn't sung since!
KJ -- This is Iris' favorite song of theirs -- and I can't wait to hear your version with Lora!! bravo!
ReplyDeleteSing!!! Your book arrived today! It's awesome!
ReplyDeleteAh I see why the song has resonance and good on you for picking up the guitar. I can't play a note but I can hold a tune! Don't worry about singing off key. . .if singing gives you joy, sing loud and bugger the consequences! (Maybe you should practice on World Tour or Rock Band!)
ReplyDeleteHahahha....sounds like such a good Time! Sing your heart out & then laugh, take a breath & sing some more girl! It's not how it sounds but how it feels. Enjoy & keep on strummin'
ReplyDelete