Newsboys Album

dull as dirt
you canґt assert the kind of light
that might persuade
a strict dictator to retire
fire the army
teach the poor origami
the truth is in
the proof is when
you hear your heart start asking,
"Whatґs my motivation?"


and try as you may, there isnґt a way
to explain the kind of change
that would make an Eskimo renounce fur
that would make a vegetarian barbecue hamster
unless you can trace this about-face
to a certain sign...

Chorus
shine
make ґem wonder what youґve got
make ґem wish that they were not
on the outside looking bored
shine
let it shine before all men
letґem see good works, and then
let ґem glorify the Lord

out of the shaker and onto the plate
it isnґt Karma
it sure ainґt fate
that would make a Deadhead sell his van
that would make a schizophrenic turn in his crayons
Oprah freaks
and science seeks a rationale
that shall excuse
this strange behavior

when you let it shine
you will inspire
the kind of entire turnaround
that would make a bouncer take ballet
(even bouncers who arenґt happy)
but out of the glare
with nowhere to turn
you ainґt gonna learn it on "Whatґs My Line?"

Chorus
I'm not ashamed to let you know
I want this light in me to show.
I'm not ashamed
to speak the name of Jesus Christ.

What are we sneaking around for?
Who are we trying to please?
Shrugging off sin,
apologizing like we're spreading
some kind of disease.
I'm saying, No way. No way.

- Chorus -

This one says it's lost cause
– save your testimonies for churchtime.
The other ones state you'd better wait
until you do a little market research.
I'm saying, No way. No way.

- Chorus -

Hold the milk, put back the sugar
They are powerless to console
We've gathered here to sprinkle ashes
from our late friend's cereal bowl.
Breakfast Clubbers, say the motto
that he taught us to repeat:
"You will lose it in your gym class
if you wait `til noon to eat."

Back when the Chess Club said our eggs were soft
every Monday he'd say grace and hold our juice aloft
Oh, none of us knew his checkout time would come so soon
But before his brain stopped waving, he composed this tune:

Chorus
WHEN THE TOAST IS BURNED
AND ALL THE MILK HAS TURNED
AND CAPTAIN CRUNCH IS WAVING FAREWELL
WHEN THE BIG ONE FINDS YOU
MAY THIS SONG REMIND YOU
THAT THEY DON'T SERVE BREAKFAST IN HELL

Breakfast clubbers, drop the hankies.
Though to some our friend was odd,
that day he bought those pine pajamas
his check was good with God.

Those here without the Lord,
how do you cope?
For this morning we don't mourn
like those who have no hope

Oh, rise up, Fruit Loop lovers -
sing out sweet & low
With spoons held high
we bid our brother, "Cheerio!"

- Chorus -

Mom and Dad,
I'm fine, how are you?
I have joined a small circus,
that much is true.

I'm a litte malnourished,
but try to relax,
could you find a better photo for the milk carton backs?
Send money...

Run away
Where's your head?
Dreamer's dreams
are grounded!

(chorus 1)
In reality that comes from above,
God is calling,
there's no bigger love,
it's his reality that welcomes us back,
trust and obey,
there is no other way...

Mom and Dad,
I'm fair, how's life?
Lent the money you sent me to a clown with a knife,
my career as an acrobat hasn't begun,
but I'm busy giving blood and shoveling elephant dung.
Send Money...

Run away
why so tense?
Dreamer's dreams
will make sense...

(chorus 1)

Run Away!!
Blowing smoke,
Your folks are worried
and going broke
after the fall,
is a whole new episode,
Reality is a high road

(chorus 2)
In the Reality that comes from above,
God is calling,
there's no bigger love
his reality will welcome us back,
trust and obey, there is no other way!
x 3

In the reality that comes from above,
God is calling.

Isabelle is a belly dancer
with a kleptomaniac's restraint
tried stealing Helena's hand basket,
made a fast getaway,
but McQueen she ain't
at the courtroom Joshua judges her
ruthlessly on account of Ruth walking
out on him

in the Big House Isabelle is a-telling all
to the chaplain who's become her friend


she says: I don't know why you care
I don't know what's out there
I don't know where or how
just take me to your leader now
take me to your leader now

Justin is adjustin' to the odor from
Theodore's Evergreen Incense
but aroma therapy don't make him any
younger than Oliver's All Liver Supplements

his late mate Merrilee merrily said
immortality can't be bought in a jar
this just in: Justin's had enough of cure-
alls, gonna quiz the neighbor kid with the
fish on his car

he says: I don't know why you care
I don't know what's out there
I don't know how it's done
just take me to your leader, son

I see you've got the joy
I've seen you live it, boy
It's real, it's free, it's fun,
so take me to your leader , son


They don't know why we care
They don't know what's out there
They don't know how it's done
Let's Take `Em To Our Leader's Son

They see we've got the joy
They see us live it, oi
it's real, it's free, it's fun,
Let's Take `Em To Our Leader's Son

You give me joy that's unspeakable
And I like it, And I like it
Your love for me is irresistible
I can't fight it, I can't fight it

If life is water, I was dry as Tuscon dirt
If it's a gamble, I'd already lost my shirt
If it's a journey, I was dazed without a clue
I flipped a "U" back to the first love I ever knew

CHORUS
You give me joy that's unspeakable
And I like it, And I like it
Your love for me is irresistible
I can't fight it, I can't fight it
You carried the cross and took my shame
I believe it, I believe it
You shine Your light of amazing grace
I recieve it, I receive it

If life's a battle, the invasion is complete
If it's a rhythm, I have found the perfect beat
If it's a renaissance, I've got a new birthday
The world don't give it
And the world can't take it away

CHORUS

I'm bowed and broken, everything's new
All that I need, You're like water to seed
And how Your love, rights everything wrong
And in my weakness
You're ever stronger, You're pulling me back
Where I belong

CHORUS

One to another
do you remember me
I feel so small
are you listening tonight

So temporary
things that i have seen
I ran so far
will you take me back again

Entertaining angels
by the light of my t.v. screen
24-7 you wait for me

Entertaining angels
by the time i fall to my knees
host of heaven, sing over me

One to another
the feelings in between
I won't let go
of all you taught me - alright

Close as a brother
the way we used to be
I'll hold my breath
and wait for you to breathe

Entertaining angels
by the light of my t.v. screen
24-7 you wait for me

Entertaining angels
while the night becomes history
host of heaven, sing over me

[Insturmental Break]

Entertaining angels
by the light of my t.v. screen
24-7 you wait for me

Entertaining angels
by the time i fall to my knees
host of heaven, sing over me

Entertaining angels
by the light of my t.v. screen
24-7 you wait for me

Entertaining angels
while the night becomes history
host of heaven, sing over me

Entertaining angels
by the light of my t.v. screen
24-7 you wait for me

Entertaining angels
by the time i fall to my knees
host of heaven, sing over me

Tears have fallen water beads
Wipe the floor with my regrets
In the crevice tiny seeds
Spring to life from
Pardoned debts
And all I have is, all I have

Praises on my tongue
From my heart
For our God who became flesh
For us all
Unto you
I will sing my praises
Sing forever

In the quiet I lament
Every nail, my sin did buy
And I wonder why you spent
Lavish blood on such as I
When all I have is, all I have

Praises on my tongue
From my heart
For our God who became flesh
For us all
Unto you
I will ever sing my praises
I will sing forever

Oh, for a thousand
Tongues to sing
To sing aloud
Sing aloud
Oh, to the glory
Of my God and King
To sing aloud
Sing aloud

It's not a family trait,
it's nothing that I ate,
and it didn't come from skating with Holy Rollers,

It's an early warning sign,
it keeps my life in line,
but it's so hard to define,
Nevermind...

(Chorus)
It's just a spirit thing,
it's just a holy nudge,
it's like a circuit judge in the brain.
It's just a spirit thing,
it's here to guard my heart,
it's just a little hard to explain.

It pushes when i quit,
it smells a counterfeit,
Sometimes it works a bit like a teleprompter...

When it's telepromting you,
I pray you'll let it through,
And I'll help you with the how,
But for now...

(Chorus)

I took the pulpit,
then backed down again,
Some things in heaven
cannot be explained.
no they can not be explained...
yeah

(Chorus) x3

request the honor of your presence
the tear gas has blown away
put down your crumpets and your coffee now
so unfashionably late
little brother, little sister
underwater we go
out of our ordinary selves
stepping out
to where the people sing

woohoooooooooo
-and the people sing
-and the times are good

you say i'm acting like a beggar
i call it killing the fool
you carry more baggage
than a momma's boy
on your first day of school

let go the light of the t.v.
drop the hands
the chains that bind me
turn it all around
stop, lift you up `n die to self
in a time when the left and the right's the same
when it's all blurred vision in a crazy haze
send out the invitations!

you say I'm acting like a beggar
i call it killing the fool
to save your life you gotta lose it
so the people sing

say hello
to anyone who's listening
put on a show
if that's what makes your ears prick
this microphone
will take a word and make it bigger
oh hello
so here goes

steppin' right up to the microphone
i say hey man!
there's only one way!

one God one body one faith alone
if you don't know
then ya need to be told!

i said hey boy
it's a narrow road

i say hello
to anyone who's listening
the message ain't nothing new
i don't decide what's true
so when the stones get thrown
they either miss or
they turn to glory
here's the story as far as i know

steppin' up
i don't step alone
the question is "how do we know
what we know"
the answer is so plain to me
so here i go
tap the mic "test 1, 2, 3"

You don't understand
this is not what you think it is
You don't get it, man
you want to boil it down to show biz
Your in-depth research shows:
drop the God, emphasize the beat
I've heard that positive pop you dig--
I'd rather be buried in wet concrete
Take back your free advice
I don't accept
I will not play those games
God is not a secret to be kept
God is not a secret to be kept

You don't understand
I'm not talking multiple choice
You don't get it, man
if the cross offends you, find another voice
I am not running for office here
I won't keep it purposefully vague
I've heard New Age Life-force trip
I'd rather be dipped in bubonic plague

Take back your free advice
I don't accept
I will not play those games
God is not a secret to be kept
God is not a secret to be kept

If we keep silent
If we mass defect
These very rocks will scream
God is not a secret to be kept
God is not a secret to be kept

And would I wash my hands again?
Would I deny my savior when
he hung inside the public square?
Did not my silence put him there?

When youґre dull from all that glitters,
when youґre thoughts have a hollow ring,
when you canґt escape from the feeling
you're getting it wrong...

All your foolproof plans seem foolish,
all your status is status quo,
all your really need to know
is where you belong.

Chorus
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow
strangely dim in the light
of His glory and grace.

I was used to the cold for so long
that I couldnґt feel anything.
And I shivered and stared like a beggar
who wonґt lift his hands.
I was numb until he touched me.
I was deaf until he heard.
I was senseless ґtil I met the one
who understands.

- Chorus -
(echoes)

Turn your eyes
Turn your eyes
Turn your eyes

And the things of earth
Will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace

How you gonna reckon with a God like this?
When you gonna face what you can't dismiss?
Whatcha gonna say to the... Soul Kiss that is my God?
Fearsome like the sag in a fat man's chair?
Sweeter than a patch of Rogaine hair?
How do you define what you can't compare?
This is... My God

And there's no use explaining what can't be contained

Chours 1

I'm not following a God I can lead around
I Can't tame this deity
That's why Jesus is the final answer
to Who I want my God to be!
He's Who (I want my God to be...)

How you gonna reckon with a God this Great?
Why you gonna measure what you can't equate?

Whatcha gonna say to the... Checkmate that is my God?
Stronger than the burn of an aftershave?
Tender as a burger in the microwave, rarer than the air in an empty grave?
This is... My God

And there's no use explaining what can't be contained

(Chours 1)

How we gonna work this out?
To fabricate a God like this?
No doubt
We'd end up worshipping a Christ of our own design
But Jesus doesn't fit that profile
His ways aren't mine

I'm not following A God that's imagined!
Can't invent his deity
That's why Jesus is the final answer
to who I want my God to be
He's Who I want my God to be!

as i lay me down
where do i begin
so simply complicated
the voice within

i hear it singing so clear
invisible like the sound of the wind
we all know
you are there

i just believe
i just believe it
and sometimes i dunno why
i gotta go with my gut again on this one

not just a feeling
it's the reason
we know a line is crooked
`cause we know what's straight
that little voice inside

as i lay me down
i confess
i'm a fool for you
no more, no less

and in this world turning gray
strikes a chord when i say
there is black
there is white
there is wrong
and there is right

there is no alibi
if it's not the truth it's.....??

falling for the truth again

not by the wisdom of a man, or a machine

this is not preference or a taste that disagrees

the evidence of things unseen

the more you look
the more you'll see

if there's ever been a time it's now
i hear that still small voice inside

I got your number
where love can be found
I got your number
where truth can be found
I asked you in one day
and you came into my life
I got your number
for the rest of my life

Chorus:
I can feel your love
flowing out to me
each day and night
I can see clearly now
I see your eyes in the starry skies
I can feel your life flowing out to me
with each breath I take
I can see clearly now
your Spirit has shown me the perfect way

I got your number
and I'm happy to say
you set my heart on fire
with every move you make
when you walk into a room
it lights up with your grace
I got your number now
it's the hot line to your place

Repeat Chorus

bridge:
you say you say you want
you say you say you want
you say you say you want to be free.

you want you want you want
you want you want you want
you want you want you want to be free.

you can you can you can
you can you can you can
you can you can you can be free.

I got your number
it's written deep within my heart
you filled that emptiness
and lighted up a new part
there's much more to life
than other numbers on the wall
I got you number
it's burning deep within my soul

Repeat Chorus...

Woohoo!

Shine
make em wonder whatcha got
make em wish that they were not
on the outside looking bored
Shine
let it shine before all men
let em see good works and then
let em glorify the lord

woohoo hoo hoo hoo hoo 'oo
woohoo hoo hoo hoo hoo 'oo
woohoo hoo hoo hoo hoo 'oo
woohoo hoo hoo hoo hoo 'oo

All the people saying
saying, saying, saying

Shine
woohoo hoo hoo hoo hoo 'oo
woohoo hoo hoo hoo hoo 'oo
Shine
woohoo hoo hoo hoo hoo 'oo
woohoo hoo hoo hoo hoo 'oo

Isabelle is a belly dancer with a kleptomaniac's restraint
Tried stealing Helena's hand basket,
Made a fast getaway, but McQueen she ain't
At the courtroom Joshua judges her ruthlessly
On account of Ruth walking out on him
In the Big House Isabelle is a-telling all to
The chaplain who's become her friend

She says: I don't know why you care
I don't know what's out there
I don't know how it's done
Just take me to your Leader, son

I see you've got the joy
I've seen you live it, boy
It's real, it's free, it's fun,
So take me to your leader, son
Take me to your Leader, son
Take me to your Leader, son
Take me to your Leader, son

*whistling*

Hold the milk, put back the sugar
They are powerless to console
We’ve gathered here to sprinkle ashes
From our late friend’s cereal bowl

Breakfast Clubbers, say the motto
That he taught us to repeat:
“You will lose it in your gym class if you wait till' noon to eat”.

Back when the Chess Club, said our eggs were soft
Every Monday he’d say grace and hold our juice aloft
Oh, none of us knew his checkout time would come so soon
But before his brain stopped waving, he composed this tune:

When the toast is burned,
And all the milk has turned
And cap'n crunch is wavin' farewell.
When the big one finds you
May this song remind you
That they don't serve breakfast, in hell
When the toast is burned,
And all the milk has turned
And cap'n crunch is wavin' farewell.
When the big one finds you
May this song remind you
That they don't serve breakfast, in hell

Woohoo!

In reality that comes from above,
God is calling,
there's no bigger love,
it's his reality that welcomes us back,
trust and obey,
there is no other way
In reality that comes from above,
God is calling,
there's no bigger love,
it's his reality that welcomes us back,
trust and obey,
there is no other way...
no other way
no other way

Entertaining angels
by the light of my t.v. screen
24-7 you wait for me
Entertaining angels
by the time i fall to my knees
host of heaven, sing over me
Entertaining angels
by the light of my t.v. screen
24-7 you wait for me
Entertaining angels
by the time i fall to my knees
host of heaven, sing over me

Stad by me, stad by me,
Stad by me, Stad by me,
Stad by me, Stad by me,

Steppin' right up to the microphone
i say hey man!
there's only one way!
one God one body one faith alone
if you don't know
then ya need to be told!
Steppin' right up to the microphone
i say hey man!
there's only one way!
one God one body one faith alone
if you don't know
then ya need to be told!
Steppin' right up to the microphone
i say hey man!
there's only one way!
one God one body one faith alone

I'm not ashamed to let you know
I want this light in me to show.
I'm not ashamed to speak the name of Jesus Christ.
Steppin' right up to the microphone
Steppin' right up to the microphone
I'm not ashamed to let you know
I want this light in me to show.
I'm not ashamed to speak the name of Jesus Christ.

Steppin' right up to the microphone,
Steppin' right up to the microphone,
Steppin' right up to the microphone,
Steppin' right up to the microphone,
Steppin' right up to the microphone,
Steppin' right up to the microphone,
Steppin' right up to the microphone,
Steppin' right up to the microphone,

I'm not ashamed, I'm not ashamed, I'm not ashamed,
I'm not ashamed, I'm not ashamed, I'm not ashamed,
I'm not ashamed, I'm not ashamed,

Shine
make em wonder whatcha got
make em wish that they were not
on the outside looking bored

Shine
let it shine before all men
let em see good works and then
let em glorify the lord

Shine
make em wonder whatcha got
make em wish that they were not
on the outside looking bored

Shine
let it shine before all men
let em see good works and then
let em glorify the lord

Shine
make em wonder whatcha got
make em wish that they were not
on the outside looking bored

Shine
let it shine before all men
let em see good works and then
let em glorify the lord

Shine