Under the Shadow

So you know how I mentioned Friday I kind of maybe perhaps might have maybe written a song?

Well, here it is. Our band has performed it at our last two gigs, and I decided it was high time to share it with you all. It’s a simple lullaby that talks about the blessing of sleep and the protection that God brings–from the lions and tigers in the outside world as well as the evil and heaviness in our own hearts. As you’ll hear on the recording (live from last month), my friend Carrie is singing the lead, and I’m on harmony.

I can’t embed the audio directly in this post, so just click here to listen.

The song was birthed from an old tape from my high school days that I unearthed last fall, labeled in black permanent marker: “Mis Composiciones.” Most of the content of the tape was rather ridiculous, but there were a few treasures. So I took the good scraps of melody, put them together, and wrote some lyrics with the help of my wonderful and creative husband.

I’m tempted to say that songwriting is new to me, but it’s really not. What’s new is that I’m actually finishing what I start, and bringing songs to completion . . . and to the stage to share with others. For me, being in a band really helps give me the kick-in-the-butt style of motivation that’s necessary to put everything together until the final chord and final lyric is in place.

I’ll be sharing more with you here!

Under the Shadow

Concern thee not for the night
I’ll be by your side
and if you wake from bitter dreams
I’ll hold you close until morning’s light

I know we’ll be safe in our Father’s arms
though cast adrift in helpless sleep
he’ll guard us with his angels from harm

Safe beneath the shadow of his loving wings
comforted and guarded by the peace he brings
lulled to sleep ’cause I am in his hands

And lions from the pit
and tigers of the night
will flee before his sight
And every bitter thought
and every wicked deed
is taken off of me

Concern thee not for the night
I’ll be by your side
and if you wake from bitter dreams
I’ll hold you close until morning’s light

I know we’ll be safe
in our Father’s home
whatever ghosts may roam the night
he promised he won’t leave us alone

I know that I have fallen and forgotten
and I know I don’t deserve the Father’s care
but he chose to lavish me with love and grace
promised he would go and make for me a place
I belong with him forevermore

And lions from the pit
and tigers of the night
will flee before his sight
And every bitter thought
and every wicked deed
is taken off of me

22 thoughts on “Under the Shadow”

  1. Jenny @ Words On Wendhurst

    That’s really pretty. I like the melody a lot, and the words are… moving. Over the last few years God has been teaching me about his role as my Father and Protector, so this really speaks to me. 🙂

  5. Vicki DeArmeyv

    Jenna. This song is just sublime. I have to confess I am a “scaredy cat” when Larry goes on trips for several weeks. I had a prayer that I read each night that really met my needs. Somehow it got thrown away or lost… When I started reading the lyrics to your song I was blown away because while the style is more C.S. Lewis alot of it was very similar as to the requests to being safe in God’s arms and evil being thrown off. Anyways, I am not expressing myself very well here, but just know that I love this song and it is going to go through my head all day.

  10. Veronica

    I don’t think I could be more impressed. That is a beautiful song. I wish I had a better word to describe it…I want to say angelic or heavenly or something like that b/c that’s what I think of but the words fall short of the full feeling I get when I listen. Both the lyrics and the tune are incredible. you go girl.

  14. Twinky

    You may need to add another sub-heading up there next to photography:

    Music!!

    Keep it up… want to hear more =)

  16. Karenpie

    I couldn’t hear it! DANG IT. My computer wouldn’t load the link. DANG IT. I’ll keep trying. It will have to do until you come to the Northwest on your world tour.

    Hey, has anybody ever told you you look like Grace on “The Mentalist”? Her name is Amanda Righetti and she’s almost as gorgeous as you!

  17. Karenpie

    Finally heard it and oh Jenna! What a song . . . tight harmonies and soaring vocals with just that tender guitar to hold you up. Beautiful. You sang peace in that song.

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