These songs were composed in a strophic hymn-style with congregational singing in mind. Most of these recordings were done in “living room sessions” just to have a demo to put on the website. Please bear with some of my poor tuning!

I hope to continue adding 4-part harmonizations as I get around to them.

O GOD, MY JOY [mp3 / lyrics / lead sheet (D) / lead sheet (Eb) / harmonization (Eb) / harmonization (E)]

(words by Paul Keew & Brian Pinner; music by Paul Keew) O God, My Joy was mainly inspired by the ministry of John Piper, who helped me realize that only seeing God’s glory brings true joy which sustains us where begrudging duty never will. My friend and fellow composer Brian Pinner greatly helped me in editing the text and honing it poetically and theologically.

BORN AGAIN [mp3 / lyrics / lead sheet (C)]

(words and music by Paul Keew) The text for Born Again (previously titled Chosen As His Children) came about as I was studying in 1 Peter, where the Lord showed me a connecting thread running from chapter 1 through the first part of chapter 2. My deep thanks to Heidi Jeanne Rea who helped me through some difficult wordings!

SPIRIT OF GOD [mp3 / lyrics / lead sheet (C)]

(words by George Croly; music by Paul Keew) Spirit of God also came about through Piper’s influence after I heard one of his sermons in Romans 8 about what it means to love God. The author of the text asks the Holy Spirit to help him love God as he ought.

HERE IS GOD [mp3 / lyrics / lead sheet (D)]

(words by Anna K. Crowley; music by Paul Keew) Anna is a friend and a gifted poet. I really appreciate the sweeping and triumphant “storyline” of the person and work of Christ in this text!

SHOUT OUT FOR JOY [mp3 / lyrics / lead sheet (C)]

(words and music by Paul Keew) As I was reading Psalm 66, the text presented itself to me right away as a song, starting with a chorus and four following “verses” of thought. The Psalms are filled with exhortations to believers to “shout to the Lord” with all our might! I tried to set the Psalm to music that expresses the exuberant joy of this particular Psalm!

THIS DAY IT IS COMPLETE [mp3 / lyrics / lead sheet (Bb) / lead sheet (C)]

(words by Anna K. Crowley; music by Paul Keew) Anna was moved to pen a text about Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice based on Hebrews chapter 10. I think she beautifully captured the core truths the Scriptural text in the profound yet simple phrases of her lyrics!

WITH HANDS OF SOVEREIGN LOVE [mp3 / lyrics / lead sheet (D)]

(words by James Harris; music by Paul Keew) James is a beloved brother in Christ and fellow-member of my local church body. His text praises God as our loving guide and provider, especially in His provision of new life and grace through Christ! The gospel informs everything about our lives, even how we respond to trials.