Category Archives: Words and Music

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

As the “hallowed evening” fast approaches, I see souls scatter like startled roaches. Some parts of it are kinda funny. But most are like the “love of money.”

Yeah, Halloween (Neewollah, as its known in Independence, Kansas) sure brings out the people who love to live in the dark.

And I mean that mostly literally. After all, it IS “hallowed evening.”

Most of the “fun” doesn’t happen in bright, sunny daylight hours.

Even without the costumes, you can find an excessive amount of what I call street zombies. People who oftentimes resemble the walking dead. And more and more you’ll see them in the alleys and even front and back yards of regular citizens. Caught on security cameras. And Ring doorbell cameras.

Sadly, this time of year, they basically blend in with the dark side that appears to be growing, exponentially, all around.

But, then again, it’s actually not surprising. Because America, generally speaking, is in a downward spiral. Turning its back on God. And, in the process, it lost its blessed status.

And that’s because most would rather live in the dark and be their own kings (and queens) than  show humility to the one, true King. But here’s the thing.

When you prefer a hallowed evening over God’s light…

You Just Don’t Get It

You want to live the way you want to live
And you want to be your own king
You think you’re wise enough to rule your world
And handle everything
But how much happiness is in your life
How many friends do you know
Who would give up their lives to give you yours
Do you think any would show

Well you idolize with your idle eyes
Your body wants what it wants, and you let it
You identify what you deify
You’ll see the kingdom, but you just don’t get it

You can’t submit to any higher will
You’d rather live in the dark
Well, you can have exactly what you say
Look where you’re making your mark

Chorus

Don’t you think you should think about it
Do you know all there is to know
There’s a choice; you can’t live without it
You can be sure where you’re gonna go…

inst…chorus…repeat to end

© 1997 Tony Funderburk

(You can hear this song, when you subscribe to the The Power of God’s Love Podcast)

Join the growing body of believers who signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. And receive daily, delightful dashes of salt and flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

For several years I wrote a lot of short tunes that became jingles in advertising. And I wrote for all sorts of companies. If you lived in Colorado for any time during the past 20 years, and if you listened to radio, chances are you heard me at least once.

Most jingles in advertising tend to have a short life.

But not all of them.

In fact, one of those jingles I produced was for an auto repair shop in Lakewood, Colorado. And they used the catchy little tune for over 20 years.

I remember calling the shop to talk to someone about an issue I had with my Jeep. The receptionist put me on hold while she paged a service manager. And instantly I heard my own voice singing the jingle I wrote for them 10 years before that.

Then, over 10 more years passed. And by that time their repair shop had been handed down from one generation to the next generation of the same family. Their family history, in the auto repair and supply business, spanned over a hundred years. And that’s certainly not the norm these days.

But with a new generation you expect change. Right? Of course. Because each generation has to deal with a whole new generation of cars, too. So, it’s only natural the younger generation would probably see things a little differently from the previous generations. But even the new generation used the jingle I wrote for them in their on-hold music.

Wow, that’s a lot of generational talk.

Recently I discovered the owners finally sold their business to a large tire brand. So, I’m pretty sure you won’t hear me, anymore, if you call and get put on hold. But it was a great run. And you can still hear the catchy tune in one of the videos on their old Pickering’s Automotive YouTube channel.

It was an honor to be a part of their quality business for so long. Because Randy Pickering, the owner I worked with, was one of those guys who understood the value of jingles in advertising.

And that’s part of the reason why I wrote:

For great service and repair,
You need someone to care.
Look no more. Pick Pickering.

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

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Your government’s budget (and every other part) is NOT operating on or in a just and wise system. And if you ran your household like politicians run this country, you’d be a dead duck already.

Dead duck. That’s kind of a weird thing to say when you think about it.

I read, somewhere, that Andrew Jackson first used the expression, dead duck, in the 1840’s to describe a political opponent. And I don’t know if that’s true. But, based on other things I’ve read about that former president, it sounds plausible.

Anyway…

Yeah, your household couldn’t, and wouldn’t survive, the kind of deficits your country has. Here’s something I wrote, years ago, about how reasonable taxation could help you be more creative.

~ If we took enough from every taxpayer (say about 5%) and spent it on only those things that benefit the country, we’d have beautiful bridges, smooth roads, and strong defense against all enemies. And lots more time for creative endeavors and innovations. ~

Can you imagine how much nicer (and budget friendly) it would be to drive on smooth roads all the time? And how much safer you’d be if all our bridges were maintained they way they should be? Not to mention (be here I go mentioning) how much safer we’d all be if our enemies knew they’d be a dead duck to try to stand up to our strength.

But THAT good ol’ USA went away.

A long time ago. It didn’t just happen in the last four years. Sure, the last four years have been some of the most disastrous in American history. But the system that got us here started over 100 years ago.

Years ago I described what we now have like this:

~ Instead we have a tax system that only the trained professionals and lawyers can understand. And it makes for “class” envy, fraud, and political skimming. Not to mention that our tax system has become a Robin Hood money laundering machine. Take from those who work hard and give to those who don’t or can’t or won’t. You can call it whatever you want. But if private citizens did that, it would be called stealing. Just because the government has made laws and given the tax system involved and caring (yeah, right) names doesn’t change the fact that it’s stealing. ~

It’s ironic how many “conservatives” and “republicans” declare how they’ll fight to be sure America never becomes a socialist nation. Ironic because we’ve been a socialist nation for a long time. And those same Americans say how much they despise the people who say “you’ll own nothing and like it.” But that’s where we ARE. You and I effectively own nothing.

And, from what I can see, most people seem to like it.

For the record, I hate it.

Sometimes this world brings my bad side out.
I get so mad I could scream.
I wonder why can’t we all be friends;
Live and let live and share the dream.
So much depending on tomorrow.”
Heaven only knows where tomorrow goes.
Why must we beg and steal and borrow?
It’s a temporary fix; an empty bag of tricks. © 1989

(from my song, Never Neverland)

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Love when you can, cry when you have to.
Be who you must, that’s a part of the plan.
Await your arrival with simple survival.
And one day we’ll all understand.
One day we’ll all understand.

Those are lyrics from Dan Fogelberg’s song, Part of the Plan.

I included several of Dan’s songs in my regular repertoire when I made my living as a musician. And he wrote some mighty fine music. So, those songs were almost always audience favorites.

And that chorus pops into my head just about every time someone talks about how everything is part of God’s plan. To quote popular (but silly) slang, that’s “so cringe.”

As you think about that, consider this. A headline that reads, Rejoice: Rapture Almost Here

Of course, the rapture is eventually part of the plan for “whoever believes” in Jesus. So, since it’s almost here, do you have your affairs in order? If so, that means you sold all your belongings, gave to the poor, and gathered together your women, children, and families. And you’re ready to go.

Now, are you looking up in anticipation? If not, you should be. Especially if you believe everything is part of God’s plan. Because the King James version of the Bible is mighty clear about it. I shared this information about 8 years ago. And it’s gotta be even more true now.

Here’s what I said then:

~ Check out this passage in Paul’s 1st letter to the Corinthians. In it he mentions the current Republican candidate for U.S. president by name. Paul says “at the last Trump” Christians will be caught up in the air in the twinkling of an eye. I can’t imagine there being another Trump of any significance in our history, so “the Donald” must surely be the last. I mean, c’mon, this is so blatantly obvious. Isn’t it? Can’t we all simply read between the lines and acknowledge what we’re being told? ~

Well, in case you hadn’t noticed, since Trump was denied his second term, he’s running again. And presidents don’t serve more than two terms. So, this has GOT to be the last Trump scenario. Right?

OK, I’m sure you caught my tongue-in-cheek editorial or Biblical exposition.

But I’m not just kidding around. Because too many Christians don’t seem to realize the potentially irreparable damage they do when they attribute everything to “God’s plan.”

Yes, the vast majority of what goes on in this world is part of the plan by the “ruler of this world.” But that ruler is NOT (currently) God. Jesus will be the ruler of this world. But He’s not right now. And THAT’S (to quote a Kim Carnes song) where the trouble lies.

So, whether we’re about to hear the “last Trump” or not, make it part of your plan to be ready.

My Dream

Thought I woke up one dark night
With yellow wings prepared for flight.
A sword of silver, polished steel
To keep me ready, keep me real.
I yelled to see who’d come with me
And celebrate sweet victory.
But no one heard my rising call.
|Guess I was not awake at all.
I’m losing the balance on this beam.
Will no one believe in my dream?

© 8/17/2000

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

There’s no safe haven on Earth.

”Uh, gee Wally. Why you gotta be such a Donnie Downer?”

Look. I’m just sayin’.

This planet ain’t no safe haven.

Sure, there ARE safer spots than others when it comes to crimes like murder and stealing. But planet Earth is wicked. And I know that’s an old-fashioned word. But it fits better than just about any other word. In fact, there was only one time in history when it was worser (which is even worse than worse). And that’s when God was sorry He even made human beings. So, He broke the planet and killed all but 8 people. Yikes! Kinda harsh, right?

And that was really for the sake of only ONE of those people.

And that was because God is the most brilliant “big picture” thinker.

Since He has that kind of perspective, it’s vitally important to have a better understanding of that big picture. And I’m sure you know this.

But for someone who just happened to find my little corner of the internet as they looked for answers, here’s how it goes. You WILL exist forever somewhere. One of two places. You can live in the fullness of life with your Creator in paradise. Or you can exist totally separate from Him, forever.

Option 1, God’s Kingdom. The only safe haven. Filled with life and love.

Option 2, your “kingdom.” Consisting of one miserable soul.

But you DO get to choose. Because God loves you so much He won’t even force you into paradise if you don’t wanna go there. My recommendation is: Choose Option 2.

Safe And Sound

Down on our luck but not out of the game
We both go the distance and cover some ground.
And still our love is safe and sound.
We learned to be part of each other’s dreams.
Some time was lost but look what we found,
Knowing our love is safe and sound.

We laugh like there’s no tomorrow.
We’re touched by the hand of God.
So what if there’s no new sunrise.
So what if the world won’t spin around.
We’re safe and sound.

Miles have gone by; we dared to go see
The wide open space and seldom we frowned.
Look how our love is safe and sound.
Deep in our hearts and inside our minds.
We capture the words and they keep us bound,
Saying our love is safe and sound.

We laugh like there’s no tomorrow.
We’re touched by the hand of God.
So what if there’s no new sunrise.
So what if the world won’t spin around.
We’re safe and sound.

So many give up when one knee is down.
But we’re down on both and now we’re safe and sound.

© 1993 Tony

Let’s get to know each other better and stay connected. Join the growing body of believers who signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. And receive daily, delightful dashes of salt and flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Ocean waves and temperatures and levels are the key to your survival. Yeah, if they change, you might be doomed. Doomed I tell you!!

And you thought ocean waves were just for surfing.

You silly ninny. Have you ignored all the symptoms and signs altogether? If so, you deserve whatever mother nature throws at you from the sea? Think you have nothing to worry about? Well, I’m gonna share some statements from an article where “scientists” share “actual” data. And I’ll add a little commentary to keep it real.

“A shutdown of that ocean current could dramatically alter phenomena as varied as global weather patterns and crop yields.”

The key word in that dramatic sentence is “could.” Here’s another example:

“Messing with complex systems is chilling precisely because there are so many levers. If the temperature of the sea surface changes, precipitation over the Amazon might too, contributing to its deforestation, which in turn has been linked to snowfall on the Tibetan plateau.”

The key words in that long (winded) assertion are “so many levers” and “if” and “contributing.”

Here’s another example that really plays on fear:

“We may not even realize when we start passing points of no return. Or if we already have.”

So, if we don’t even realize if or when we pass points of no return, how can we ever really know where they are? Could they be constantly moved around by the ocean waves? Who knows?

And here’s the final attempt to scare you into submission to the mother nature’s capricious whims.

“It’s kind of like stepping into a minefield. We don’t want to find out where these things are by triggering them.”

All that kind of talk reminds me of a song I wrote back in 1989. It talked about opinions. The song is called “Everybody’s Got One.”

And here’s a section of the song that addresses the why of all this:

Danny says he wants respect; says he’s got a job to do
But David jabs and pokes his fun; just the same as me and you
Pat declares we all should pay to clean up our environment
And Joan believes it’s federal; so leave it to the government.
Every time you know you’re right, your opinion’s like a stick of dynamite.
And everybody’s got one.

OK, here’s what I recommend to prepare for the environmental apocalypse. Go get yourself some survival gear. Ebay’s a great source. I’ve even got a link to help you save 20% off your choices.

https://ebay.us/32984Q

Now, maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, let’s change that. Get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. And receive daily, delightful flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Have you heard any of those marketers who talk about working on your laptop on a beach? Of course, that’s just so much hype and silliness.

I’m not saying it can’t be done. But most hard-working entrepreneurs don’t live that life.

So why does so much hype, like that, get spread all over the internet?

Because it sounds so cool. Duh!

Except, when you get right down to it, taking your laptop onto a beach is a wacky thing to do. Because there’s something on a beach that high-tech gadgets, like laptops, don’t take kindly to.

Sand.

But I remember, back in the day, when it wasn’t so much hype for me to be able to live a life like that.  When time at the beach, or by a pool, or on the ski slopes was totally doable.

It was during the time of my life when I was a full-time traveling musician. And there were plenty of times I found myself on a beach during the day, playing music at night, and thinking up the next songs to write.

I didn’t reach the stratosphere of “fame and fortune.” But it sure felt like it sometimes. I’d pinch myself and say “Just think, Tony, they’re paying you to sing and play music!” And I don’t mean once in a while. No, when I say full time, I mean full time. Five to seven days a week. And multiples on the weekends. Did I mention, regular paychecks to sing and play music?

Speaking of writing songs during those days, I wrote and recorded one in a little beach hotel near Padre Island, Texas.

And here’s how that story goes.

I used to carry around an image of the woman I wanted to be with, for good, in my head. And it became so vivid I started to “see it” musically. So, I set up my motel room studio with my 4-track, my Yamaha keyboard, drum machine, and percussion machine, and my headphones.

It was a rainy, South Texas day, so being indoors all day was just the ticket to getting the song recorded with all the parts I wanted in it. If you ever recorded on tape, with only 4 tracks to work with, you’ll know what I mean when I say there was a lot of dubbing and ping-ponging. But, by the end of that day, just as it was getting dark, I had the song out of my head and on tape for posterity. Here are the lyrics. If you want to hear it, you’ll have to tune in to the The Power of God’s Love Podcast. Here are the lyrics:

Drawn to You

Maybe it’s your eyes.  I don’t know.
It could be your walk.  I’m not sure.
But you have a way of distracting my thoughts.
Would you be my drug? Would you be my cure.

Maybe it’s just me making it up
Maybe I’m wrong to even tell you.
But you didn’t lift a finger, and now I’m wrapped around it.
What else can I say?  What more can I do?

I’m drawn to You
Like a June-bug to the light.
I’m drawn to You
Like a boxer to the fight.
I’m drawn to You
Like a sweet tooth and ice cream,
And it may all sound extreme,
But I’m drawn to You.

Maybe I’ll wake up…maybe soon
And find I made it up…Who can say?
“˜Til then I’ll live it out…’til then I’ll follow through
And see if maybe you might feel the same way.

Chorus

Heaven, help me, won’t you take me to my heart’s desire?
Nothing could mean more than having her to share my fire!
Take me higher…draw me near.

Chorus…instrumental…repeat chorus to end

© 1986 Tony Funderburk

If you’ve only known me since my mostly Christian music days, you might think I changed the words to one of my songs on the Amen collection. But it’s actually the other way around. And now you know some of the rest of that story without so much as even a little hype.

OK, maybe you still don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Well, then, let’s change that. Get to know more about me and my worldview when you join the growing body of believers who signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. And receive daily, delightful dashes of salt and TRUTHes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

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