Often, I am nagged awake by an inspiration that compels me to write. Since taking on the writing of this column, I have become enthusiastically interested in discovering other artists and listening to their songs. Themes occur to me and I am pushed to write – to create articles to share what and whom I have discovered. ‘Write to Unite’ are the words that inspired this week’s column.

From the President to the pulpit, the call ‘Write to Unite‘ as a country is growing and being taken up by millions of Americans inspired and motivated by tragedies both natural and man-made.

A Country star, Jason Aldean was on stage during the Las Vegas Massacre. After the event as the bodies were still being identified, he came out with a unifying message. Aldean said: “You can be sure that we’re going to walk through these tough times together, every step of the way. Because when America is at its best, our bond and our spirit – it’s unbreakable.”

The passion of this growing movement is undeniable.To ‘Write to Unite’ is exciting.

David Moss, the President of the Idaho Songwriters Association wrote:

“Our emotions are our soul’s guidance to us. The closer we are to fulfilling our purpose, the more excited we feel. This is what I believe. I can feel it.”

Every person feels excitement when they respond to the calling of their soul. From those wonderful Idaho songwriters I have been so compelled to meet came two perfect songs.

From Idaho Songwriter, David Moss, his song titled: Let the Change Begin With You.

The second songwriter I include here is Robert Houghton with his song titled: Voices.

For a third song on this theme, I offer my own titled: The Universal Beat of a Loving Heart.

Included with each song is a recording and the words.

I begin with David Moss.

Here is David’s statement: “After a 15 hour overnight cab driver shift here in Boise, I felt compelled to write about this. I felt a real connection with the Human Condition. If people could realize that on individual levels, to change the world, the change begins with you. [That change begins] where you are right now.”

Here are the words:

The Change Begins With You

Words and music by David Moss copyright 2017

Once in your lifetime, the spirit comes along;

Will you choose to follow or just continually hang on?

The edge is near, my friend, so take care and beware who you choose to follow;

Find only those who truly care.

Beware.

We’re on a journey, to find the truth,

Somewhere out there among all that we must do;

Will we see it when it comes, or simply look away?

All the good things life has before us everyday.

Well, USA – People of the USA, let the change begin with you.

The Change begins with you.

People gathered here, listen to what I’m saying’;

If you wanna break free, pay attention every day;

You never know when; you never know where;

There’s a lesson to be learned, a new life that begins with you.

People if you only knew that the change begins with you.

The Change begins with you.

Robert: “Voices [is inspired by] kind people helping other people that may have lost their way in life, are having a rough time for any number of reasons, or just need someone to talk to.”

You can hear Robert perform Voices with his daughter, Heather here.

Here are the words:

Voices

Words and music by Robert Houghton copyright 2017

So many times, we find ourselves bearing a heavy load;

So much to do, an uphill battle. We’re on a rocky road.

At times the world can be a very rough place;

With some help we will take it on – face to face;

Sometimes it feels like the walls are closing in;

Sometimes you can’t wait for a new day to begin.

Voices coming together, feeling like it should.

Sometimes you might think that you’re all alone,

But all you’ve got to do is pick up the phone;

At times the world can be a very rough place;

With some help we will take it on – face to face;

Sometimes it feels like the walls are closing in;

Sometimes you can’t wait for a new day to begin.

Voices coming together, feeling like it should;

Voices coming together creating something good.

Someone calls out, it’s time to play the game;

Another story as they call out your name;

Times can be good, yet times can be bad;

Never forget all the good times that you’ve had.

Voices coming together feeling like it should;

Voices coming together, if only the world could.

My song, The Universal Beat of a Loving Heart, came to me after church one day. I was in my garden, thinking about the sermon, that we are all made up of the same basic elements. I became acutely aware of a pulse in my veins and chest. The words “universal beat of a loving heart,” began to play on repeat in my mind. I took off my muddy gloves, picked up a brown paper bag and, with a very dull pencil, wrote this song. Then I went in and figured it out on the guitar.

The Universal Beat of a Loving Heart

Words and Music by Patti Jo Roth-Edwards copyright 2017

CHORUS:

I feel it move me to my soul, the Universal Beat of a Loving Heart;

Makes me move as it takes hold, the Universal Beat of a Loving Heart;

I am dancing with all that lives, my own sweet song I am blessed to give

The Universal Beat of a Loving Heart.

In the center of my beating heart, there dwells a divine creative part;

It is love and lights the dark; I add my part to the Universal Beat of a Loving Heart. CHORUS

We join hands in a circle of all that lives

Begin the movement of the dance – to you, my hand I give. CHORUS

Sometimes we are not sure of the step, yet step we do;

The beat of a loving heart makes us move. CHORUS

Stars and moon and galaxy all take part,

Adding to the rhythm of a beating heart. CHORUS

We are at the center of our universe, our beating heart;

We fight the dark when we share our spark. CHORUS

Together the warmth of our combined light

Warms the cold and lights the night. CHORUS

I feel it move me to my soul, the Universal Beat of a Loving Heart;

Makes me move as it takes hold, the Universal Beat of a Loving Heart;

I am dancing with all that lives; my own sweet song I am blessed to give

The Universal Beat of a Loving Heart.

Write to Unite

David Moss at Number One Music

Robert Houghton on Facebook

Patti Jo Roth-Edwards on Facebook