Part II: Lyrics - Coming

I should take it slow so that I know the direction that I'm walking in.
I know every crack in this pavement and I'll walk them a thousand times I'm sure.
Heavy is the heart that is burdened, that can't quench its fires within.
But I know there's got to be a way out, a light to pierce right through my heart.

I am searching and hoping, could You be my Light within the dark?

You're coming like a thief in the night, so I will wait for You - I'm waiting for You.
You're coming to sanctify the called and mend this broken spirit dwelling in me.
You're coming to take me by the hand and lead me through this storm that's raging in me.
You're coming like a thief in the night, so I will wait for You - I'm waiting for You.

I am a broken vessel, I could be of no use to You.
But my heart of iron is melting and by Your hands I want to be mold.

I'm still searching and hoping, You are my Light within the dark.

I don't know why You're mindful of me, but You have heard my cry.
So when You knock I will answer, and You will dine in me.

You're coming like a thief in the night, so I will wait for You - I'm waiting for You.
You're coming to sanctify the called and mend this broken spirit dwelling in me.
You're coming to take me by the hand and lead me through this storm that's raging in me.
You're coming like a thief in the night, so I will wait for You - I will put my trust in You.

Part II: Lyrics - Say Anything

We'll take a trip to somewhere we've never been and we'll talk about you and me.
We'll talk about where we are, where we've been, and the roads that have led us here.
So take the time to read between these lines at the truth that's in between.
You'll see my heart I'm wearing on my sleeve and girl it's yours for the taking.

You talk a lot about me and you, but you never really say anything.
You talk a lot about me and you, but you never really say anything.

So I'll take it as a sign that you've not run to hide and you still stand before me.
Because girl you're just so damn fine and you know you blow my mind and I'm left still wondering.

Why you talk a lot about me and you, but you never really say anything.
You talk a lot about me and you, but you never really say anything.
But I'm not giving up and I'll pour my heart out just to see your smiling face.
Because you talk a lot about me and you, but you never really say anything.

Part II: Lyrics - Sharpshooter

Will you look at my face, and tell me why I feel this way?
I feel so out of place, and I don't know the words to say.
Now you've got me in your sights, and there's nowhere I can run.
This fever we could ignite, oh it isn't over til we're done.

You're a sharpshooter and you're blowing me away.
I don't want to close my eyes because I don't want to miss a minute with you.
So I won't close my eyes or even hesitate when I'm with you.
You're a sharpshooter and you've blown me away.

Part II: Lyrics - 75th Avenue

On this night of nights, I will call to you.
And if you take my hand, I'll lead you through this crowded street.
And the taxi ride, and the street lights - as the band plays on tonight.
Will I wake in the morning and find that you're still here?

And I could never forget this night, because it will always remind me of you.
This is too wrong to be right, too real to be fake - but what's real could never be right.
Like your wavy hair and the ocean air blowing against my face.
This is too wrong to be right, too real to be fake - but what's real could never be right.

On this night of nights, I will look at you.
And if you take my hand, we will dance this night away.
And the ocean's tide, and the moonlight - as I stand with you tonight.
Will I wake in the morning and realize it was all a dream?

And I could never forget this night, because it will always remind me of you.
This is too wrong to be right, too real to be fake - but what's real could never be right.
Like your wavy hair and the ocean air blowing against my face.
This is too wrong to be right, too real to be fake - but what's real could never be right.

On this night of nights, I will think of you.
And if you had taken my hand, I would have never felt want again.

Part II: Lyrics - Dreams

I can see it inside of you - a vibrant light that's shining through.
Its buried deep within your soul - of rich amber & fashioned gold.
A heart so pure, a flame so bright - passion that could illuminate the night.
I can see it inside of you - you're waiting for your dreams to come true.

I know we're from two different worlds - but I'm just a boy, you're just a girl.
Hoping that our dreams will come true - lucky for me, that dream is you.
A heart so pure, a flame so bright - passion that could illuminate the night.
I know we're from two different worlds - but I'm just a boy, you're just a girl.

Could I ever capture you're light? Could I ever capture this dream?
Could I ever capture you're light? Could your heart belong to me?
I know we're from two different worlds - but I'm just a boy, you're just a girl.
Hoping that our dreams will come true - lucky for me, that dream is you.

Part II: Lyrics - A Constant Signal

You can mask your doubt and disguise your shame,
but there's no way you can hide this pain.
This burden that you carry, you carry inside,
and these wounds run deep and they sever your pride.

You're looking for something to go all the way,
a steady force that will never fade away.
You're calling out for strength and grace,
a constant signal through time and space.
Something to break these walls and set you free,
from kaleidoscope vision and this destiny.
Hope is renewed as you embrace this romance,
this constant signal - you second chance.

If the first come last and the last come first,
then where's my hope to break this curse?
This burden that I carry, my status quo,
I've run for so long that I have nowhere to go.

I'm looking for something to go all the way,
a steady force that will never fade away.
I'm calling out for strength and grace,
a constant signal through time and space.
Something to break these walls and set me free,
from kaleidoscope vision and this destiny.
Hope is renewed as I embrace this romance,
this constant signal - my second chance.

So just sever these ties that bind you here,
and cleave to the belief, "no hope without fear".
The path is curved, it could never be straight,
but you could live for tomorrow and the moments you create.
We could live for tomorrow and the memories we'll make.

We're looking for something to go all the way,
a steady force that will never fade away.
We'recalling out for strength and grace,
a constant signal through time and space.
Something to break these walls and set us free,
from kaleidoscope vision and this destiny.
Hope is renewed as we embrace this romance,
this constant signal - our second chance.

Part II: Lyrics - Scars

It is the scars that we bare that give us identity.
It is the scars that I bare that separate you and me.

It's these scars that remind me I'm real and broken.
It's these scars that heal and teach me life is worth living.

I'll beat myself up and pour myself the blame.
As if your self-denial is not the same.
This bottle of beast, will it take away the pain?
Or will it further define me by this ongoing game?

It's these scars that remind me I'm real and broken.
It's these scars that heal and teach me life is worth living.

Part II: Lyrics - The Secrets Behind These Walls

These silly thoughts in my head, they are keeping me up late.
So I will dwell on them instead, as I linger on every word you've said.

So I, I won't lie, I won't hide. If I have to, I'll take this fall.
And tonight, I will look you in the eyes and tell you the secrets behind these walls.

So tell me what you're thinking right now. Are we tossing pennies in the well?
I don't know, but I'm convinced somehow that this is a story designed to tell.

So I, I won't lie, I won't hide. If I have to, I'll take this fall.
And tonight, I will look you in the eyes and tell you the secrets behind these walls.

Part II: Lyrics - Light

You are light, you illuminate, you captivate me.
You walk into a room with that smile on your face and I become alive.
You are light, you illuminate, you've captured my heart.

You are light, you illuminate the darkest of nights.
You look up into the sky and all the clouds seems to tumble to the ground.
You are light, you illuminate, you brighten my day.

Will I let you know that you mean everything to me?
When I'm lost and cannot be found, you open up your eyes to see me.

You are light, you illuminate, you fascinate me.
You could speak the words to let me know that everything will be okay.
You are light, you illuminate, you've opened my eyes.

Will I let you know that you mean everything to me?
When I'm lost and cannot be found, you open up your eyes to see me.
Will I let you down, my light that I have found?
A hope that now I can embrace, the one whose put a smile on my face.

Part II: Lyrics - Hold On, Love

The thought of it still lingers here, it's waiting for its chance to call.
Secretly it hides itself in the depths of our heart's walls.

Is this a burden for you to bear? A new comfort you're not accustomed to?
There is no fear for you to concede, let these feelings begin to blanket you.

So hold on, love - let these feelings overtake you.
And hold on, love - it's buried inside of you.
Let's push down these walls that separate you and me,
And we won't hide behind our hearts anymore.

Is there hesitation on your part? Your skeptical opinion of me?
Is it the frankness in which I speak? It's a part of me that you've never seen.

So hold on, love - let these feelings overtake you.
And hold on, love - it's buried inside of you.
Let's push down these walls that separate you and me,
And we won't hide behind our hearts anymore.

Part II: Lyrics - Suffocation

This fragile branch is weeping down and it's slowly progressing towards the ground.
And it's hanging on by a thread like I'm hanging on to every word that you've said.
Have I heard you right or am I wrong to consider this a possibility?
The chance of all chances to call you my own.

And this is why I'm standing here with my heart on my sleeve,
To tell you that my life's been hard when I don't have you here with me.
Because I am so predictably afraid to tell you how I feel.
Because I need you like the air I breathe won't you suffocate me.

And tonight I see you looking at me, but I cannot read that look in your eyes.
So tell me what you mean, tell me what's on your mind. And I will not speak, I will not speak a word.

And this is why I'm standing here with my heart on my sleeve,
To tell you that my life's been hard when I don't have you here with me.
Because I am so predictably afraid to tell you how I feel.
Because I need you like the air I breathe won't you suffocate me.

Part II: Lyrics - Overdue

I practiced every verse and said it like I had rehearsed,
But I could have never anticipated her response.
She looked at me calm and collected - every word carefully selected,
And she caught me by surprise when she said ...

"I might be a little rough around the edges.
I might not have the answers to your questions,
But when the day is gone and you get home I'll be the one you're calling for.
I might be shy, but I'm a little crazy.
I might not like it when you call me baby,
But I'll be your shooting star and wherever you are I'll be the one you're searching for.
I might be a little out of line. I might have misread all of the signs,
But if you'll only follow through - I'll be the girl whose in love with you."

I admit that I had no clue as to what I should do,
Maybe I wasn't ready for this after all.
But when I looked into those brown eyes, I realized I'm a lucky guy,
And I caught her by surprise as I replied ...

"You might be a little rough around the edges.
You might not have the answers to my questions,
But as each day is gone I'm still alone because you're the one I'm looking for.
You might be shy but you're a little crazy.
You might not like it when I call you baby,
But you're dressed to kill and time stands still because you're the one I'm fighting for.
I might be a little out of line. I might have misread all of the signs,
But if my intentions aren't overdue - I'll be the boy whose in love with you."

Part II: Lyrics - Jackson

As I turn off the interstate, it's dark out as it's getting pretty late.
I take a left at the flashing lights and I can't help but think about those nights.
We were young and had nothing to do. We'd ride to the lookout just for the view.
We talked about life, our master plans, and up on those rocks is where it began.

And up ahead I can see the great big sign,
Where I know what's mine is yours and yours is mine. It says ...

Welcome to Jackson,
A place to live and a place to love, a small piece of Heaven from up above.
Welcome to Jackson,
Population four hundred and thirty-two, but the only one I care about is you.
Because you're my Jackson - you're my Jackson.

As I drive over Old Mason's Creek and by the courthouse onto Maple Street,
I see the fountain where we would wish. I see the spot where we shared our first kiss.
You were nervous and I was scared, the timing was right - a chance that we dared.
Never would I see the stars the same, after that night when we lit this flame.

I pull in, you're waiting with a bottle of wine,
And I know what's mine is yours and yours is mine. You say ...

Welcome to Jackson,
A place to live and a place to love, a small piece of Heaven from up above.
Welcome to Jackson,
When the road has called and you are gone, I'll be waiting right here until you get home.
Because you're my Jackson - you're my Jackson.

As I turn off the interstate, it's dark out as it's getting pretty late.
I take a left at the flashing lights and I can't wait to see you tonight.

Part II: Lyrics - I Like Your Chemistry

I like your chemistry, baby come next to me - I'm right here.
I like your chemistry, baby come next to me - I'm waiting right here for you.
And the sound of your voice it drives me crazy - so drive me crazy.

I like your chemistry, baby come next to me - I'm holding on the wire for you.
I like your chemistry, baby come next to me - without a doubt I've singled you out.
So run to me and show me the meaning - because you give me meaning.

So step inside and I won't hide these feelings I have for you.
So step inside and realize that I'm crazy about you.
Because I am blessed because you are blessed, you are a blessing to me.
So take my hand and you'll never hit the ground again alone.

I like your chemistry, baby come next to me - and set me ablaze with your eyes.
I like your chemistry, baby come next to me - I'll hold you tight through the night.
And I could never count the ways that you amaze me - because you're so amazing.

So step inside and I won't hide these feelings I have for you.
So step inside and realize that I'm crazy about you.
Because I am blessed because you are blessed, you are a blessing to me.
So take my hand and you'll never hit the ground again alone.
So take my hand and I'll never hit the ground again alone.
So take my hand and we'll never hit the ground again alone.

Part II: Lyrics - Say

Take the time to drink the wine of youth,
And don't be deterred by the blurry lines of the truth.
Because where there's black and white there's still shades of grey,
And I don't know any other way to say ...

To know the heart in you is all I want to do.
Just to know the heart in you is all I want to do.

So peer through your blinds and gaze at the stars outside.
As this is where triumph and grief collide.
As loneliness is frailty, ignorance is bliss.
And if I've learned anything, I know I've learned this ...

That to know the heart in you is all I want to do.
Just to know the heart in you is all I want to do.

So don't let it fade, don't let it slip away.
This gift of life, the joy of clarity.
Don't let these complexities get in your way.
And take to heart these words I'm trying to say to you.

To know the heart in you is all I want to do.
Just to know the heart in you is all I want to do.

Part II: Lyrics - This New Moon

This new light is calling me.
I cannot fight it or even disagree.
But will it be able to move the tide?
Will these waves and shore cease to collide?
I'm a wayward vessel lost in the wind,
But this bag of bones to death I'll defend.

This new moon must suffer the dark, but it is mending me.
This new remedy, this new ecstasy will guide me through the debris.

You made me promises I knew you couldn't keep.
A clever line, a thrill so cheap.
Your hook is words designed to deceive.
But I guess if I'm the cure then you're the diseased.

This new moon must suffer the dark, but it is mending me.
This new remedy, this new ecstasy will guide me through the debris.
This new remedy, this new ecstasy will guide me to you.

Part I: Introduction

So for my first blog, I guess I should begin by explaining the title of my blog, “The Straight-Line Fallacy”. I have used this title for several things over the past few years, from a web company to a musical project, but I think it is most appropriate as the title of this blog. I have always had some concept of what this title means to me, but I have yet to fully explore what it conveys in its entirety.

Essentially, this title was derived from the scripture, “For all have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), and the religious ideology that to live the Christian life is to “walk to straight and narrow” with God. However in my own life experiences, I have learned that these two principles are not complimentary, but are contradictory. How can one truly believe that they are walking a “straight and narrow” path when we are constantly giving in and “falling” subject to our own desires and sin? Yes, to live a Christian life is a calling to be saints (Romans 1:7) and to live a life above the sin and temptations presented to us on a daily basis. But let’s not fool ourselves. If we believe Romans 3:23, we know that not only did we sin and fall short before we came into the knowledge and understanding of who Jesus Christ is, but we are a continual work in progress. We are constantly straying from that “straight and narrow” path seeking to fulfill the desires of our flesh. We are constantly straying so that not God’s will but our will may be accomplished.

When I gave my life to Christ and decided that I was going to live a Christian life, I did not understand the difference between living under the law and living under grace. Living under law is a legalistic way of life where obeying the rules and practices of religion will save you from your sin. Living under grace is a post-Messiah way of life that acknowledges the fact that Jesus Christ took our burden of sin and bore it on the cross. Living under grace frees us from works and rules based religion, but not all Christians understand this freedom. Living in today’s society, we are not use to getting something for nothing. We are not use to having someone else step in and suffer the consequences of our mistakes. That’s why it is so hard for human beings, even Christians, to fathom the concept that we are under the protection of the grace that Christ showed us by suffering and dying at Gethsemane. We are free from the legalistic chains that religion would have us believe is required to be acceptable before God. I believe that Pastor Stephen Wagoner (www.121blog.org) explains it better than I could when he states:

“… [N]ow since we have died with Christ we relate to God on the basis of Christ
and His accomplished work on the cross. We do not relate to God on our basis and
our behavior. There is no need for legalism. We are not working to earn God’s
acceptance. Now we obey God because our identity is found in His love toward us.
Living legalistic lives, always looking at rules and judging others robs Jesus
of the glory He is worthy of and robs the believer of the joy that is only found
in Christ. In Christianity, we learn to rest in His obedience rather than our
own.”

It is a legalistic and religious outlook that gives Christians a sense of entitlement and a self-rightous pride that they are walking on a "straight and narrow" path that makes them part of the elite, when in actuality we all are on a perpectual cycle of rising and falling.

All of this just to say, the notion that the Christian life is a “straight and narrow” path is a lie, a fallacy. I would dare to say that the Christian life is filled with more ups, downs, forks, and crossroads than the non-Christian life. However, it is through this imperfection and vulnerability that we can truly find our identity in the grace of Christ. Resist trying to live “The Straight-Line Fallacy” and accept that we are broken and can only be made whole and redeemed by the grace of God.