My appologies for not coming out with a collection of songs sooner, but I've been busy starting a family. My wife, Mary, and I have been blessed with a baby boy who has kept us considerably busy.
I'm still finding time to continue to play whenever I get a chance, and I'm currently in two local bands, as well as playing my own material.
This selection of recordings includes all songs penned by me. Some of them are played in the bands, and others are performed by myself only. You might ask, "Why are some performed in some situations, but not others?" The answer (simply stated) is that there is a great deal of censorship that takes place when performing music in public that has references to God.
That doesn't stop me from writing from the heart. "One Step Away," is actually a good example. The title song was inspired by my friend, Norman. We share some similarities in the way that we were raised and were both rescued from our pasts at about the same time.
While I have more flower-child influences in my early childhood life, Norman came from the trenches of the street life. He has always had an affection for the street elders that harbor answers to the mysteries of life.
So, the basis of the song is that all of us who, "walk the walk," are only one step away from the fate that has befallen others less (or more) fortunate than ourselves.
I appologize, in advance, for everyone who has purchased these recordings expecting to hear, "authorized Christian music." Although some of it is, be forwarned that some of it is not.
Dave-Michael Valentine
Letter To Dad
O' knock off at five, meet the broker at six. You're barely alive but a good name really sticks. Appointments 'til nine and sometimes ten. Hope the family's fine, guess I'll be home lateagain. Save a buck to make a dime. With a little luck you'll be a hit this time. Be with the right folks. Get a bigger car. The life of the party and' your kids are wonderin' who you are... The wife's uptight, another fight. The same options still remain: a drink or a toke should ease the pain. I'm doin' it all for you. Can't you see? That's how I show love to you, it's not for me. That's what I keep sayin' but you never seem to hear. Why is it that you never seem to hear?
Contemplate The Mysteries
Look my way and you will find that you'll find I'm worth the time. The future's full uncertainty, look with your heart and you will see the colors of the ties that bind and the reasons behind the rhyme. You'll see life's frivolity and get a glimpse of what could be. Contemplate the mysteries all of life's uncertainties. Ponder majestic fantasies, our interlocking destinies. Together we will extrapolate consciousness of love and hate. We will drink from the well unbound from heaven or hell. Universally intertwined, we'll leave our past well behind. Soaring above the physical plane where other humans still remain. We will reunite as one, a fusion tht can't be undone. Having the possibilities of exceeding our humanities. serenity bestowed upon we who bask within the sun. Take a chance and you could see we could have eternity.
What Would You do?
What would you do if Jesus doesn what He said He would do today? like a thief in the night, a bright and shining light. That's how He'll come. Where will you go, if He does what He said will be so, today? It's easy to say He's a fake and leave your life at stake. You'd like to say, "It's not true," that He didn't die for you. "Don't talk to me about your religion... Don't want to have to make a decision... Just stop your accusation... I ain't no God's creation." (say what?) You can call Him a liar, but if you do, you'll surely burn in the fire. He's not the liar, you are. God's Son will return, the Day Star. If you wear a Christian face on Sunday and live like the devil on Monday, what do you think you'll do, when He says, "I never knew you?"
Red Carpet
As they drove the nails in His hands. He rolled out the red carpet for all man to enter the gates of heaven. Roll out the red carpet and take a walk. Long is the road and narrow is the path. Roll out the red carpet and take a walk to eternity. His blood colors the carpet that we walk on, so take a brother's hand and join the band. Listen for the trumpet that calls us home.
There Is A Beggar
There is a beggar with a knife in his hand. He is a liar walking across this land. He'll tell you everything's okay. He'll try to lead you astray. Don't let him do it to you. There's only one thing you can do: Look to the Son. Satan wants to kill you, make you his slave. He'd like to see you rot away in your grave. Just don't give him any place. Don't let him laugh in your face. Like you, he was created. One day he will be cremated by the Son. There are some people who are faithful and just for in Jesus Christ they put their trust. If you like, you can see Him there, when we get caught up in the air, to worship our God and King, who gave us everything through the Son.
Where I'm Goin'
They say I know where I'm goin' and you know I'm happy in knowin' that you can go with me too, all you have to do is what the Lord wants you to do. Oo-ooo-oo Say ya think you know where you're goin'? Just take a look at the fruits your life is showin'. Who do you really give your life to? Is He the master, or are you? Oo-ooo-oo Think you'd like to go where I'm goin' to see Him in you just keep on growin'. We'll you can come with us, too. Give your life to Him, He'll make you new.
One Step Away
There they sitmocking me, beckoning me, calling me to come and join them. They sit there in their self-righteousness, full of knowledge and wisdom, asserting their superiority. The beauty it surrounds them, it knows me too, the rushing water, teh foliage-rich banks of the brook. They know that their home is my home. As much as I try to avoid them. The bedrolls, the bottles, call my name, sayin, "Lost one find your way home. We're waiting for you." Lest I forget that I'm only one step away. One step away.
I've Got A Love
Keep on talkin', keep on walkin' your way into your grave. The voice is ringin' and you're still singin' songs that are still the rave. You're doin' no good and you think you should but you really don't know why. Sometimes you feel alright but you're empty inside as you gaze at the sky. You don't know how but you'll get there somehow at least you're gonna try. Your efforts are in vain if you're still insane. Without change you'll die. I've got a love for you. I think you know it's true. You've got to change your life, you've got no place to hide. You've got to repent to the One who was sent to give His life for you. Your life's been lent since the veil's been rent. Now give your life to Him, 'cause He's got a love for you. I think you know it's true. Keep on playin' I'll keep prayin' that His Spirit will speak to you. If you search your mind, I think you'll find, only one thing left to do. He's paid the price by His sacrifice so that you might come to him. You'll hurt inside 'til you're by His side, right where you belong. He'll take your sin make you new within and you'll sing a brand new song. You'll never die, 'cause you're gonna fly when you hear the trumpet call.
I Wonder
I wonder when you look at me, do you see what I thnk you see? Do I appear to be too strong, don't know difference between right and wrong? All these issues racing in my head, spilling through into what I say. We all might be better off dead. Wonder what life will bring today? I wonder if the sky falls down and there's carnage lying all around - you'll see that look in my face - wish I'd never seen this place. I wonder if life would cease, will I ever find a place of peace? Don't wanna rot away in the ground, so I'll listen for that trumpet sound.
Seasons Change
Seasons change lives rearrange, everything old is new again. We still age, live in a cage, run 'til our fase is blue again. Every time I turn around I find myself within the sound of life that's gone all upside down. All smiles now turned to frown. When I can see clearly now... How can I? I don't now how it all came undone, when we turned our backs on the sun. Heat will blaze in wintertime. Money won't be worth one thin dime. Snow will fall in summertime... we'll be dead most anytime. It's a story we've heard before, one back from the days of yore, when saviors walked above an ocean floor, travelin' with love knockin' on your door.