i was hoping to give y’all the full version of the song that we previewed last week… but my life has taken a different turn and i haven’t yet made a few final changes (yes, from some of YOUR wonderful helpful amazing feedback!!!)
instead, you get the “title track” for this blog: “Just a Girl”
i wrote this in the summer of 2002, a year after i graduated from college. i was standing at the edge of leading worship in the biggest venue i’d yet to face. the woman who led before me was someone that i GREATLY admired. when i was in high school i attended a young women’s retreat and she was our leader. she inspired me and fast became my hero. i’d even prayed that God would give me a ministry like hers. when i graduated from college, i started working under her at a parachurch youth ministry. and, the summer i began working there, she pulled me aside and said she wanted to turn her ministry over to me.
ME?????
i was floored. humbled. honored.
recorded at Highest Praise Productions, Inc. (Fred McKinnon - Producer)
All I ask is a simple chance to say
(…It might take all day)
What this heart believes, ooh yeah, it’s killing me
But I, oh I am not afraid
CHORUS:
I’m just a girl full of fear and fire
my only desire is to know You more.
I’m just a girl tryin’ to sing a song.
I’m learnin’ right from wrong in this crazy world.
I’m just a girl.
This half-pint of honesty will carry me when I
I am too ashamed.
The mistakes I’ve made, they’ve been erased
But I still wanna get away…
BRIDGE:
And You have all the answers to what questions me
And You paint all the pictures that my heart can see
‘Morning, Mandy -
I remember that like it was yesterday. Tracking that in my old utility room of the garage, converted to a Digi001 ProTools studio … my how times have changed since then. I liked the simplicity of that – just guitar/vocal, and great lyrics.
I think you should put “Songbird” on one Music Monday – still, probably one of my personal faves!
Have a great day!
FRED
PS: did this double-post? I posted it, and got a blank page?
this is fantastic, friend. i really, really like it. the guitar is… beautiful! wow. my favorite line is: “This half-pint of honesty will carry me when I am too ashamed”.
love you.
Fred: simplicity. i was re-listening and was struck by the simplicity as well. i’m SURE that, at the time, the simplicity came from lack of resources, but… looking back, i don’t think there’s any other way to produce that one. simplicity is what the song is about. thanks for giving me that time in your studio.
Alece: able to read between the lines, eh?
Hi Mandy,
This was the first time that I have actually heard you sing! Wow!! Your voice blew me away! And the lyrics are fantastic. I hate to echo everyone else, but the simplicity is what hits me the most, not just the arrangement but the simple heart-felt words as well. Thank you for using the gifts that God has given you!
Sean
thanks, sean…. really.
I like it. I’m so glad you can use your giftings for others and be full of satisfaction in it!
MANDY! That was just spot on. You have the voice I have always wanted. Soulful, raw, honest. It is my favorite type of voice because it there is a vulnerability in it. I am not making sense, so I will stop, but I would buy your music in a second.
Thanks for sharing!
Teri: what you’re hearing as ‘raw’ might be the cold i was getting over while recording!! nevertheless, to a musician/singer, you make beautiful sense. maybe one day i’ll have something you can buy!
Yep, yep, yep. What they all said!
That was a great song. I agree with teri, your voice does have a “raw” edge to it that really brings out the emotion. I like the way you put a little extra in “Trying to sing a song” at the end. Like Alece. I think the line “half-pint of honesty” seems to personalizes(?) the song. I assume you are the “half-pint” referenced.
Is the song part of an album? Is it alright if I download?
This is my most favorite song:)