Category Archives: Words and Music

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

When I mention the phrase, lovers and friends, your reaction might be influenced by your age. For example, a younger generation might think of a music festival that features “nostalgic hip-hop and R&B.” And an older generation might remember lyrics from a Beatles song:

All these places have their moments.
With lovers and friends, I still can recall.
Some are dead and some are living.
In my life, I’ve loved them all.

Lovers and friends came to my mind, today, because of hatred.

I know how, at first glance, that sounds counterintuitive. But see if this makes sense to you.

Have you noticed how the world is obsessed with selfies? And money? And pleasure and leisure? Anyone who hasn’t  noticed, I wonder where you’ve been. Also, if you’ve paid attention to social media and so-called “news” reporters, you surely couldn’t have missed how much more brutal and unforgiving criminals have become.

I recently saw a video clip of some young guys who sneaked up behind an old lady and stole something from her. And after they grabbed what they wanted, they hit her in the head and knocked her to the ground. Sadly, that’s not an isolated incident. Young people are attacking older people, defenseless young women, and even kids at an alarming rate. And people of all colors, creeds, and countries despise what is actually good and wholesome.

And the vast majority of kids disobey to their parents. That’s if and when they even listen to them. Because they’re parents bargain with them. Or debate with them. And, as a result, kids are headstrong while parents are head weak. Plus, self-control is almost non-existent in humans of all ages.

Then, there are the “tolerant” beautiful people.

You know, the ones who love their money, influence, and power more than they love their neighbors. And the killers who shoot somebody, on camera, in a store, in the daytime. And they walk past their victim, who’s on the floor, and shoot them again on the way out of the store. Totally void of love, forgiveness, and a respect for right and wrong.

America is flooded with traitors and those who aid and abet them. This country is overflowing with brutal people who murder for the cost of a “fix.” Or even just to “see what it felt like.”

And maybe you’ve noticed the HUGE spike in human trafficking? Most of those who are abducted become work slaves or sex slaves. There seems to be no low level they won’t stoop to.

My observations are based on what I see in America, where I live and from what I read about what goes on in the rest of the world. We have technology that gives us access to information 24/7/365. And yet, with all that learning, very few ever reach the knowledge and value of truth. Actual validated, verified, and viable truth.

For Christians (at least those who read the Bible), this is horrible. But not surprising. Because Paul told us it would be like this. He described everything I just wrote about with incredible accuracy. It’s almost as though he got some inside information about the future. And Paul had some strong words for Christians. But I suggest you do NOT go read those words if you don’t appreciate masculine teaching.

Like Paul, I’m an optimist.

With an optimism based on facts and promises. So, I don’t worry or live in fear of what’s going on in this world. In spite of its scarcity of true lovers and friends. Because, ultimately, this is where I live for just a little while.

In This World (but not of it)

I’m in this world but not of it.
I like this life but don’t love it.
My Savior rises above it.
I’m in this world but not of it.

This world can beat me up.
But this world is not my home.
I have a finer place where I will forever roam.

This world’s no easy street.
This world is not so nice.
It costs a lot to leave,
But my Father paid the price.

So…Chorus

This world has lots of love,
But this world is filled with hate.
One day it won’t be so,
And so I can hardly wait.

This world has moans and groans.
This world has aches and pain,
But soon even this shall pass,
Jesus the King will reign.

Chorus…inst…chorus 3 times

© 2008

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When I was a kid, I lived part-time in Texas and part-time in Kansas. And my time in Texas was city life while my time in Kansas was in a rural town of about 1500 people. But because America’s states were still more “united” back then, I still experienced normal time year ’round. And, of course, I took it for granted.

Because normal time was…well…the norm.

Back then (granted, back then, for me, is pretty far back), during the waning days of normal time in America, I experienced the sheer, delightful thrill of riding a bike.

And when I was a full-time road musician, years later, I bought a fat tire mountain bike. I mounted it to the back of my Toyota pickup and took it all around America, wherever my bookings took me. And I loved the freedom I felt, on long rides, as the wind rushed through my long hair (remember, envy is a sin).

I really dived into the world of biking. And it was nothing for me to ride 20 miles a day. From the humid coastal areas to the arid mountain west. Unless the weather was prohibitive, I made time to get on my metal horse and ride.

There’s a term they use to describe that time you’re riding and it feels effortless. Even in high gear. It’s called freewheeling. Mostly that feeling comes after a long, difficult climb. But sometimes it’s just on a straight, flat run through the countryside. Where you can think back and connect to that normal time.

I wrote a song about it in 1988. And the original lyrics focused on the exhilarating feeling of freewheeling. But back in 2020 I updated the lyrics and instrumentation and recorded a new version. And that new composition focuses on the connection I make to God as I freewheel on a bike. Here are the lyrics. Hope they strike a chord with you.

Freewheel

It’s another day in the land of everything
It’s another day so full of expectation
I’m gonna grab my bike and head for the sunrise
Gonna give my mind a brand new elevation.

When I spin my wheels, it’s just like makin’ music.
I can hear the song of life play inside my ears.
Ain’t got no time to live an ordinary day
Yeah, I’m lookin’ up because that’s where hope appears.

I’m gonna freewheel back to my own free will
I’m gonna pedal away at the speed of light
‘Cause when you freewheel back to your own free will
It’s so easy to see life don’t have to squeeze so tight
Freewheel!

I can feel the weight of my life just float away
Then I feel the sun melt down the cold frustration
And so I point my bike to pick up a tailwhind
And sail down the road to my brand new destination 

chorus

Freewheelin’ don’t give me all of the answers
But questions don’t bother me out here at all.
Reality helps me diminish illusions
And I get a second wind to break through the wall.

chorus…inst…chorus…to end

© 1988-2023

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

89. Seems strange to think. But that’s how old my Dad would be, today, if he was still around to celebrate his birthday here on Earth. But if birthdays are still celebrated in Heaven, that’s where he has celebrated the last 38 of his. Because he only had 51 birthday cakes on Earth.

My guess is, Dad hasn’t missed birthday cakes.

Of course, he misses me. Because, duh. Who wouldn’t? But he knows we’ll see each other again.

Both my parents are now in Heaven. And I find great comfort in knowing that. And I feel sorry for all the billions of people on the planet who don’t have that hope and joy and comfort. Especially those who ridiculously believe when you die, it’s all darkness. Over. Because, for them, time on Earth is just not enough. And they do whatever they can to make up for the loss of hope.

Sadly, there’s nothing you or I or anyone can do to rustle up hope if there’s nothing after this life. That just means there’s an “eternity” of nothingness to face and endure.

I’d rather live in hope and expectation that I’ll live forever in paradise with God. Where no gold, silver, or even birthday cakes can compare with the Truth who’s there.

And where I’ll dance on…

Fandango Street

Dwight was a boy anybody would employ
‘Cause he worked his fingers to the bone.
But he said he had to fly, get a piece of the sky.
So he took off for the great unknown.
Everybody said no, no, no.
But he still had to go
To make his whole life complete
And look for Fandango Street.

He took himself a wife as he made the change of life
And the boy became a regular man.
They had a couple kids just like everybody did.
But it really wasn’t in the plan.
And his spirit said no, no, no.
That’s not the way you should go.
Should be pointing your feet
On up to Fandango Street.

Oh, but somewhere the world took over
And left him thirsting for more.
Where was the milk and the honey
He had dreamed of all those years before?

He was moving right along feeling permanently strong
Thinking all he had to do was behave.
But a terminal disease slowly drove him to his knees.
And it took him to an early grave.
And his family said no, no, no.
But he still had to go
To make the journey complete
And look for Fandango Street.

And to this day I say no, no, no.
But I know he had to go.
To make the journey complete
And look for Fandango Street.
I hear him tapping his feet…up on Fandango Street.
And so his life is complete…he dance on Fandango Street!

© 1992

Happy Birthday Dad!

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I’m gonna rant and rave. And, although I can’t speak for him (especially since he’s got other things on his mind besides music, these days) I think Buddy Holly would back me up on this. If you’ve never heard of Buddy Holly, or don’t know any of his music, that reference is gonna be way over your ears.

Anyway…

My rant and rave is about your rants and raves.

Well, you’re included if you’ve posted anything, on social media (or elsewhere) about the sad state of “contemporary Christian music. And praise and worship music. I’ve read lots of comments about how the music offered up in churches, and on the radio, is “repetitive” and “empty” and “repetitive.”

But, in spite of all those commentaries from the bleachers, I still see most church goers still going to those churches. And still enduring those syrupy, up and down, namby-pamby, limp-wristed “love songs” week after week. And then going back home to post a rant about it on Spacebook.

Plus, most of those church goers still buy (on those rare times when they actually buy) music from those celebrity christians. Instead of seeking out singer-songwriters who add meat to the musical message.

And I think it’s because it’s easier to listen to (and buy from) the status quo, that doesn’t judge you and make you feel guilty. And it’s uncomfortable, sometimes, to listen to (and buy from) singer-songwriters who deliver up God’s word in a way similar to the Apostle Paul.

Of course it’s self-serving of me to rant and rave this way.

Because, yes, I consider myself to be a singer-songwriter from the meat market side of Christian music. But I absolutely don’t want you to buy my music or books or anything if you prefer today’s sugar-coated christianity. Because you might hurt your “teeth.”

And I absolutely don’t want you buy anything from me until you see if what I say lines up with the Bible. Because, despite what stupid people, like Andy Stanley, say, it’s still God’s word. So, if what I say or sing doesn’t sync with the Bible, then what I say or sing is wrong. Period.

OK. As you can see, I do have a rather hot-blooded opinion about this. But I wrote a rhyme five years ago that kind of expounds on why. Hope I didn’t write it about YOU.

Invisible Song Machines

The times will come in everyone’s life
When changes have to occur.
The reasons could be obvious, or
They might even be a blur.
One of those times is happening now
It’s somewhere behind the scenes,
Where the melodies quickly become
Invisible song machines.
Value is lost down deep in a world
Increasingly wanting “free.”
So, I’m moving my music around
To places listeners can see.
Places where I think they’ll connect
With those who connect with me.
If you believe I’ve got it all wrong
Then certainly, by all means,
Continue to get your free songs from
Invisible song machines.

© 2019

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I’ve known, for a long time, at least somewhere way down inside my soul, that there really aren’t any good guys. But that’s because I discovered the ongoing double standard for what makes a good guy. For example, there’s the white hat standard. ‘Scuse me while I tell you a story about it.

I can remember when you could still tell who the “good guys” were. All you had to do was check what they wore. Because old westerns seemed to portray the good guy cowboys as clean-cut-save-the-damsel-in-distress types. With big white hats. In fact, I remember Dodge dealerships, in Texas, that used that as their marketing slogan. “See the Dodge Boys today. You can tell they’re good guys. They all wear white hats.”

Sure, that’s the southern, good ol’ boy version, or the distant past of America standard for what makes a good guy. Just doin’ good deeds. And wearin’ the right hat and jeans.

But, thankfully, inside my soul, I wanted a better standard.

As a boy, I lived a double life. Part of the year in Texas and part of it in Kansas. And my time in Texas was in a large city while my time in Kansas was in a rural town of about 1500 people. But because America’s states were still more “united” back then, I still experienced a thread of normalcy year ’round.

And I remember, in both households, we watched the same kind of TV shows. Similar music was played. English was the common language. Imagine that. And church played a part in both homes, too. And THAT’S where I discovered the other standard for what a good guy is.

Turns out, as I said earlier, there are NO good guys.

But that’s not because so much of America turned into a cesspool of depravity. It has. But that’s not why there aren’t any good guys. Actually there never were any. Not here. Not in “old country.” And not anywhere on the planet.

Fortunately, there was one good guy. And, thankfully, that one was enough. And also, thankfully, that one good guy was so intensely filled with love, He bailed me out of jail. Not the kind of jail those good guy cowboys used to throw the bad guys into. No, I’m talkin’ about the torment of eternal separation jail.

I didn’t get off “scott free” as they say.

Because I do have to be separated from my body one day. So, death, one way or another, is in my future. But not eternal separation from THE source of life. Because that life is inside my soul. Eternal paradise is in my future. And all that’s required of me is to love. But even that’s a challenge, when I know most people don’t wanna hear me talk about it.

And I won’t go on about it now. I’ll just leave you with lyrics to a song that reflects how I feel about what’s been done for me. And what I’ve been given.

Because I Can Love

What made You think
That I was worth the risk You took?
What made You take the time
To write Your Holy Book?
I don’t believe I’d give myself a second look,
But You did because You love.

You made a world
That was as perfect as could be,
But then I broke it
When You gave it all to me…
By going through the gate You made to set me free.
This You did because You love…me.

Because You love me so,
In spite of all You know.
Because You did the most that You could ever do…
Because I clearly see
Evidence of You in me.
Because I can love, I do love…
You!

You put a life
And a will inside my soul.
You knew true love
Would be to give me full control.
But knowing You is all that ever makes me whole.
I trust You because You love…me.

Yeah, I can live because You live!
I can love because You love!

© 2010

Get this song and 11 more in a unique journal. Yeah, you get a book you can keep your study notes in. AND you get access to all 11 songs. With one purchase. Be one of the good guys and get it today.

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Poetry in motion. “She blinded me with science.” And I’m about to dazzle you with distraction. Yeah, I figure I can mix the magic, media, and metaphors and still be back at the kitchen table in time for breakfast. Kids, don’t try this at home. Now, let’s dive into the wonderful world of kinetic art.

First, what’s so great about kinetic art?

Well, here’s a description I found to help understand what it is: “Broadly, any piece of art that revolves around a fascination with movement can be considered Kinetic art. Kinetic artists offer us an artistic expression of the growing modern age with its technological intersections and philosophies. Kinetic artists explored art that could extend into both space and time and artworks that morphed with viewer interaction. Mechanized sculptures that change their appearance over a cycle of time seem to capture the fast-paced evolution of the modern age.”

Sounds simple enough. Right? (I’m seriously tongue-in-cheek right now)

Yeah, the so-called “art world aficionados” love to pontificate. But the gist of what that paragraph said is this. People love to watch things move. So, when artists incorporate motion into their works, people tend to love the added dimension. Seems reasonable to me.

I watched a guy give a Pop Tech Talk about his creations. And even though he was from California and spoke like a guy who had a close relationship with cannabis, his art was mesmerizing.

But that’s how design and motion are. Mesmerizing.

And when you capture motion with raw materials, it can be magical.

The Pop Tech Talk guy I watched used wood and string. And lights. And metal tubing. He said he never attended art school. But he did go to a couple of painting schools in Italy. He mentioned some of his memorable experiences there and at another art class in Russia. And when he got to the Russian part, he shared how the world is made up of two perspectives.

First, there’s the beauty side. Dawns and dusks. Sparkling lights. Rainbows and butterflies. But then, he said, there’s this “sort of structured” side. And he said he wasn’t sure if the structure is about waves and sines. But he was certain of the structure. Just not what to do with it other than “try to reach out and touch it. Or let it touch you.”

Of course, there’s another thing you can do with it.

Appreciate the complexity of design. And then appreciate how important it is for complex design to have a designer. And because that’s true for wood and string and lights and metal tubing, it’s even way more important for you and me. Because you and I are kinetic, eternal beings. We’ll exist forever.

I’ve been fascinated by kinetic and potential energy since I first learned about them in my high school science class. And I’ve understood, for most of my life, that those forces didn’t come from nowhere and nothing. So, naturally (and maybe even a little bit supernaturally) I decided to write and sing about ’em.

Kinetic Love

I got dreams like the sand on the shore.
And I got plans formulating inside.
I got hopes just waiting for an open door.
And I got a system true and tried.

I got a force deeper than a heartbeat.
And I got a strength more potent than a storm.
I got a love that’s music for my dancing feet.
And I got a place that’s always warm

I got kinetic love…I got potential love.
And there’s a kingdom come waiting down the line.
I got a lavish love…and I got a simple love.
And I gotta share this love ‘cause it ain’t just mine.

I got songs married to my mind.
And I got art no one else can see.
I got roads just waiting to be driven down.
I got a Truth that sets me free.

I got a gold you can’t measure on earth.
And I got jewels in the sparkling dew.
I got a wealth that doesn’t have a mortal worth.
And The Living God who gets me through.

© 1990 Tony Funderburk

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For several years I’ve shared this song on Independence Day (July 4). But I believe it’s even more appropriate for the holiday (HolyDay) Christians, around the world, are about to share. A day that marks what one tortured soul endured a long time ago. Not to become a martyr. And not for some crime or sinful action.

No. That tortured soul endured agony for ME.

Because, on my own, I’m a blind, naked, and poverty-stricken wretch. Yeah, I’ve messed up. And believe it or not, I’ve messed up more than once. Gasp! Yeah. On some level or another, I mess up every day. And I’m embarrassed to admit it. Because the truth hurts.

And that truth about me actually hurt THE Truth. Yeah, that’s one of His titles. He’s also known as The Way. And The Life. And He subdued all His magnificent power, for a while, so that human beings could hurt Him for what I did. Not just “hurt Him.” Torture Him. In ways I hate to imagine. Because it’s difficult to blur or erase those images from my mind.

Here’s the thing. I decided, when I was 13, to admit responsibility for my mistakes. And that didn’t turn the rest of my days into an impeccable, spotless example of how to live. Far from it. But my decision gave me a Compass I could trust to get me back on course every time I messed up.

Here’s one song I wrote based on that faith decision:

On a related note, that song isn’t directed at only me. Because whether you like it or not, you’re guilty, too. I don’t know if you’re more guilty or less. Doesn’t matter. Your guilt is real. And there’s only one Way you can spare yourself from being a tortured soul and have…

Freedom

Faith working through love…
Let’s praise God for our liberty…
Christ paid off our debt…
Only in Him are we truly free.

Love leads into joy…
Law leads back into slavery…
God gave us The Way.
Just believe, and we’re truly free.

Freedom from the law that kills,
Freedom with our own free wills,
And freedom from the world of sin…
Just let Jesus in, let the joy begin
Share a hopeful grin, with the Lord “We Win”!
Praise God for what we can become
With our freedom.

What law couldn’t do
Jesus did with finality.
He rose up from the dead
And promised the same life for you and me.

So we have…

Chorus…instrumental…chorus twice

© 2010 Tony Funderburk

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