You Can Change The World

A while back I was thinking about free will. How, in the midst of a omnipotent power, we are each handed the ability to choose. How we are given the choice, each day, between our own agendas and a higher agenda.

In the mix, of course, are the evil forces that control this world at present. This makes the choices much muddier than they otherwise would be. Most would admit that “a higher calling” is downplayed in this world we live.

For those of us fortunate enough to have been brought up by God-fearing parents, we have a better perception than most. But even given that advantage, I find the choices more and more obscured as our hearts acclimate to a colder and colder world.

It’s amazing to me that people will choose to rebel against the creator, and yet, how can I dare be amazed when I do it myself everyday.

It was in one of these thoughtful times I sat down and wrote a lyric. Know, as I remember, its been almost 5 years. I got a message a few weeks back that a publisher wants to sign the song and start pitching it. I’d almost forgotten about it.

I may ruffle some feathers with this song, and you may have a theological difference with me on this. To be honest, I struggle with it still. I know that there’s a plan and a knowledge of our lives, but I also know our free will is a part of that plan and that knowledge. Perhaps you struggle with it, as well. Let me know what you think.

When I wrote the lyric, I tried to give it a musical life, but ended up asking a friend of mine to put it to music.

Alan Johnston is a great songwriter from the state of West Virginia, and he has a voice and life that can speak truth into these lyrics. Alan’s had songs nominated for IBMA’s song of the year, and has had his songs sung by the legendary greats of bluegrass.

When Alan sent me the track, he urged me to add some piano. I decided it was just right where it was, and frankly, I was scared to add anything more.

Here’s a link to the demo: YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD

Here’s the lyric:

You Can Change The World
(But you can’t change me)
©2010 Tim Wheeler, Alan Johnston

Chorus:
You can change the world, but you can’t change me
You can change the world, but you can’t change me
And If I don’t let you, you can’t change my legacy

You can lead a horse to water
You can force a horse to drink
You can get inside a horse’s head
And teach him how to think, and

You can change the world, but you can’t change me        
You can change the world, but you can’t change me
And If I don’t let you, you can’t change my legacy

You can stage a protest
You can change the laws
You can march on Washington
And stand up for your cause, and

You can change the world, but you can’t change me
You can change the world, but you can’t change me
And If I don’t let you, you can’t change my legacy

You can be for the devil
You can be for the Lord
You can be for the president
Don’t care who you’re working for, cause

You can change the world, but you can’t change me
You can change the world, but you can’t change me
And If I don’t let you, you can’t change my legacy

You can walk on water
You can heal the blind
You can offer me forgiveness
It don’t matter ‘cause you’ll find that

You can change the world, but you can’t change me
You can change the world, but you can’t change me
See, If I don’t let you, you can’t change my legacy
If I don’t let you, you can’t change my legacy