Kingdom of Grace

Kingdom of Grace is a favorite with most audiences. Whether I'm singing at a prison or church it's a song everyone can relate to. You can't breath and not struggle with what Kingdom your life is a part of. It's one of my meat and potato songs. Sometimes a song like this is hard for people to listen to because it convicts them. If that's the case then the song is doing it's job. Again Chris Brekke's lead guitar work was just right for this song.

Verse One

Kingdoms will rise and kingdoms will fall, but

I know a kingdom that will out last them all.

There are Kingdoms with peasants and kingdoms with gold.

Kingdoms just starting and kingdoms of old.

Kingdoms of deception all over the place, but

There’s only one true kingdom that’s the Kingdom of Grace.

Chorus

I belong to the Kingdom of Grace, were everyone is a rich man.

I belong to the Kingdom of Grace, my King is Righteous and True.

I belong to the Kingdom of Grace, I’m a chosen heir to the King.

I belong to the Kingdom of Grace, where Jesus is King of everything.

Verse Two

There are kingdoms of Addiction where your king for a price.

Kingdoms of seduction where all men become mice.

There are kingdoms of seclusion where fantasy rules.

Kingdoms with wise men and kingdoms of fools.

Kingdoms where everyone is always running a race, but

There’s only one True Kingdom that’s the Kingdom of Grace.

B.T.C.

Copyrighted & Published 2000 by Corelli's Music Box, BMI

I was there

"I was there" was originally written in the 80's and like a lot of songs it took awhile to finally be recorded. The last verse regarding a princess dieing is about Princess Diana. But, when I first wrote the song it was "when Kennedy was killed, they say to soon."

I wrote this song because at the time the theory of evolution was becoming more and more excepted. When I was in college I took a course in Human Anthropology to learn more about man's quest for turning from God and accepting that he came from oooz. I expected the professor to stand there and declare with absolute conviction that man evolved and that there was proof. However, to my astonishment she was most adamant to make it clear that there was no proof and that evolution was still a theory.

There is no where, it seems, that evolutionists haven't been able to get their THEORY into the main stream of news reports, television shows, commercials, books, you name it and make to appear to be an established fact. But, no it's still a theory and only a theory and to this day there is still no proof that the Earth and everything on it evolved.

So, I wrote this song with the idea that God was telling us that he's always been there for us to turn to, since He created everything. But we, humanity, continually turn to other things and away from God to explain our existence. We think ourselves too smart to believe in God. Mankind simply cannot accept God sending his Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins also.

I Was There

Verse 1

I was there when you where a baby.
I was there when you took your first step.
I was there when you spoke your first word.
For I'm the one who made the Heavens and the Earth.

Chorus

But all the time man has still turned away.
Thinking he's better left alone.
He won't open up and admit he is wrong.
He'd rather believe he came from the sea, than from me.

Verse 2

I was there when man took his first breath.
I was there when the world had its first death.
I was there when Noah became a sailor.
And I was there at the parting of the Red Sea, that was me.
B.T.C.

Verse 3

I was there when man first flew in the sky.
I was there when Einstein first wondered why.
I was there when man stepped on the moon.
And I was there when a princess died, they say to soon.
B.T.C.

copyrighted & Published 1991 Corelli's Music Box, BMI
Words & Music by Jerry Corelli

Can't Get Enough Of His Love

If I had to pick a song on this CD that's my favorite it would be "Can't get enough of His Love". I like the feel of the song, the way the words came together and what the song has to say. I had a lot of fun recording the song too so I suppose that's another reason I like it so much. Written by Jerry Corelli

Jerry Corelli

Can’t Get Enough Of His Love
Written June 5, 1985
Words & Music by Jerry Corelli

1 Verse
Well, I’ve been up and I’ve been down.
I’ve seen the good and the bad.
Well, I guess I’ve been around.
And I know what it’s like when you don’t have a friend.
And I know what it’s like when the road has no end.

Chorus
Now on the solid rock I stand.
My feet are planted firm.
His saving grace has given me faith.
His flame will always burn.
No power on earth or Satan’s hand couldn’t keep me from His love.
Of all the things on this earth it’s His love… I can’t get enough of.
I can’t get enough of His love.

2 Verse
Well, I’ve felt pain and I’ve faced death, I’ve fought the fight.
When wrong was done to me I’d pray He’d make it right.
Poverty’s knocked more than once when relief was just in sight.
And I wonder how I ever got by without Jesus… in my life.

BTC

© 1990 Jerry Corelli, Song #227

Palm Sunday

I wrote this song back in the 80's to discribe the events of "Palm Sunday". There didn't seem to be many songs written about Palm Sunday. At the time I registered the song with BMI it was only the eight song with that title. Now there are 16 with that title. Written by Jerry Corelli

Jerry Corelli

Verse One

There came riding in on a Sunday,

on a warm nice day it was.

A man riding on a donkey,

he said he was the Son of God.

Well, the people they all shouted and cheered,

as the man came through the streets.

And they all laid down palm branches,

down before his feet.

Well, just a few days later,.. they crucified Him.

They nailed Him high on a Cross.

But, it had to happen on that day.

For Jesus' cleansing blood,.. it took our sins away.

Words & Music by Jerry Corelli

Copyrighted & Published 2000 by Corelli's Music Box, BMI

Faithless Among Men

Faithless among men first came to me from Joe McSorley. Joe is from England so the song was co-written on two continents. I love the style of this song and what it has to say. It's about so many people in the work who believe they are alive because they are breathing. But, in reality they aren't because they are without Christ in their heart.

Jerry Corelli

Somethin's Happened To Me

I have a lot of favorites on this CD and "Somethin's Happened To Me" is certainly one of them. Of the many of the songs my good friend Kevin Mannarino and I have written together the lyrics in this song mostly came from Kevin. The first time I read the lyrics I knew the song would be special. This has been a great audience participation song and is always a song I sing live. Words & Music by Kevin Mannarino & Jerry Corelli

Jerry Corelli

Somethin’s Happening To Me
Written January 15, 1999
Words by Kevin Mannarino & Jerry Corelli
Music by Jerry Corelli

Verse 1
As I lay on his couch my psychiatrist said,
That emptiness you’re feelin’ is all in your head.
Still, I left his office without a clue,
Not knowing who I was or what I should do.

Chorus 1
Somethin’, somethin’, somethin’s gotta happen to me.
I didn’t know what it could be.
Somethin’, somethin’, somethin’s gotta happen to me.
I needed somethin’ it was plain to see.
On the left side, right side and all around.
From the top to the bottom, inside and out.
Somethin’, somethin’, somethin’s gotta happen to me.
But I didn’t know what it could be.

Verse 2
I thought my life was over and I started to run.
Then one day I found out that Jesus is the one.
So I prayed that the Lord would come into my life.
My sins were washed away and I stepped into His light.

Chorus 2
And somethin’, somethin’, somethin happened to me.
Jesus came into my life.
And somethin’, somethin’, somethin happened to me.
My sins have all been washed away.
On the left side, right side and all around.
From the top to the bottom, inside and out.
somethin’, somethin’, somethin happened to me.
That’s right Jesus set me free.

Verse 3
Now I believe in His Love with all of my heart.
Now my eyes are open and I made a new start.
He reached right into me and embraced my soul.
Now I’ve got to sing out to both young and old.
(Repeat Chorus 2)

Recorded 1999 by Jerry Corelli / Song 304
Copyright 1999 Corelli’s Music Box
Published 1999 Corelli’s Music Box, BMI / BMI Work ID: 004736692

I Believe In Jesus

"I Believe In Jesus" is downloaded regularly through Napster and others. The songs talks of what it took, and takes, for others to believe in Christ. I think the words are hard hitting and on the mark. In addition, the unmistakable electric guitars and Lead guitar of Chris Brekke impacts the song with a distinctive flare.

Jerry Corelli

I believe In Jesus
Words and Music by
Mark Needham & Jerry Corelli

Stanza 1
It seems some need a sign to fall down from the sky.
And some need to read the writing on the wall.
Some don’t think it’s much unless it’s something they can touch.
But, I am here to tell you I believe.

Chorus
I believe in Jesus, that He died to free us.
I believe in His meekness and His wondrous love.
I believe in Jesus, in His power and greatness.
I believe in His kingdom and that He’s coming again.

Stanza 2
Ah, Moses needed a burning bush to convince him God was real.
And Paul had to be struck blind before his heart could truly feel.
But, all I need is the Word of God and His faith I have to see.
Cause, I’m here to tell you I believe.
B.T.C



Recorded 1998 by Jerry Corelli / Song #301 / Time 3:16
Copyright 1998 Corelli’s Music Box, BMI
Published 1998 Corelli’s Music Box, BMI / BMI Work ID: 004718578

I See You In Her Eyes

When my daughter turned 16 her mother and I didn't have much. She got a few gifts from friends and family and from her mother and I but the only gift I could give her was a song. So, I wrote this song to tell her how proud I was of her. You truly could see the Light of Christ in her eyes so that was my inspiration for this song. Words & Music by Jerry Corelli

Jerry Corelli

I see You in her eyes
Words by Jerry Corelli
Music by Jerry Corelli

Verse 1
She’s been blessed with her mother’s beauty.
Beyond her years the girl is wise.
She has a fire and a passion burning.
Lord, I see You in her eyes.

1 Refrain
Everyone she meets hears about You.
How they can live even when they die.
True love waits and she believes it.
Lord, I see You in her eyes.

Verse 2
Forgive me Lord, a father’s pride.
And delay to give her as a bride.
Bless her Lord, as she becomes a lady.
Lord, I see You in her eyes.

2 Refrain
Give her sight to see her beauty.
To always know You hold the prize.
I pray Your Word is her constant companion.
Lord, I see You in her eyes.

Verse 3
So many questions run through her mind.
So much to do and yet so little time.
In a world where darkness wears a Light disguise.
I still see You in her eyes.
(Repeat 1 Stanza)

This song was written and dedicated to Jessey O'Kelly & Michelle McMahan

Recorded 2000 by Jerry Corelli / Song #299 / Time 3:08
Copyright 2000 Corelli’s Music Box - / PA 994-124
Published 2000 Corelli’s Music Box, BMI / BMI Work ID: 004920605

Aren't You Ready

I was listening to one of my all time favorite Christian Artists the other day, Barry McGuire. The album was a live album "Barry McGuire and the Second Chapter of Acts". By the way I love Second Chapter of Acts too. Anyway, I hadn't heard the album in sometime and realized how much it was like going to church. I realized that my songwriting style is from the generation I grew up in. That is, my style of writing Christian songs, is meat and potatoes like what I was hearing from the Barry McGuire album. In other words Jesus loves you, he died on the cross for you, he rose again and defeated dead and your sins are forgiven. Therefore if you're not born again, if you haven't accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, then, you're going to hell. That's what I call meat and potatoes Christian music. That's what most of the songs are like on this album. "Aren't You Ready" says it loud and clear.

Jerry Corelli

Battle Song

This song has been a concert opener for years when I sing at churches, coffee houses and the like. It announces to the audience that "We're gonna have Church" and Satan isn't welcome. It proclaims there's a Spiritual battle to be raged so hold up your sword (Bible) high and let's kick Satan in the teeth. Words & Music by Jerry Corelli ~ Electric Guitars, Brett Helling

Jerry Corelli

The Making of "With The Sword Held High"

Picture for back CD Cover taken 2000

I wanted to go into some detail about the making of "With The Sword Held High" and what the CD and the people who worked on it mean to me. It was about October of 1998 that I began working on the CD and it was finished and released in April of 2000.

First I'd like to talk about my cousin Brett Helling (Left) who, because of his fantastic producing and awesome guitar skills, really kicked the album off with a bang. The first song to be recorded on the album was "Battle Song". I had a really corny demo of the song that ran a couple minutes longer than the final CD version and I sent it to Brett. He called and said he loved the song and had some ideas for it. It was perhaps a week later and his demo came in the mail. I ripped the package open, put it in the player and couldn't believe what I was hearing. He put guitars everywhere, Bass, ryhthm, lead it was great. I felt that from that moment the album would turn into something really special.

Then along came the incorporable Chris Brekke (Left). Chris and I met after I had published a great song of his called "Trials of Faith". I recall us meeting at a coffee shop in Tacoma and the next thing I knew we were in the studio. He would come over and I'd review songs with him, burn a CD with two or three songs, and then he'd be back the following week with fantastic leads for the songs. It didn't take long for Chris to do the lead on the songs but once his guitar parts were finished his work transformed the album into something far better than I'd ever hoped.

When desiding what to do for the Cd's artwork I came across the idea to write out the first song on the CD, "Battle Song". I don't remember how long it took to write the song out in the shape of a sword but I liked it. Many people who get the CD don't realize at first that the sword is made up of words from "Battle Song".

"With The Sword Held High" available on CDBaby.com

A cool mix of musical styles and great songs!
author: Schri Kerbek
It's refreshing to listen to a CD with so much variety like this one. To me, it's like the Christian/Contemporary equivalent to the Beatles' "White Album." It's jam-packed with great songs representing a wide range of styles. It's got something for everybody. Great CD!

This Child

The last song on my first Christmas album.Words & Music by Albert E. Boone

Jerry Corelli

God Bless The Wise Men

Here is another wonderful song about the Wise men that I just had to record. Words & Music by Angeline D Richter

Jerry Corelli

Christmas Time

I suppose every songwriter writes a Christmas song with their childhood in mind. "Christmas Time" is what I remember about Christmas when I was growing up. Growing up in Denver Colorado I have vivid memories of many a white Christmas. Words & Music by Jerry Corelli

Jerry Corelli

Christmas Song

Christmas Song was one of the first Christmas songs I published. The original music didn't work for me and some phrases and words needed rearranging. So I contacted Earl and he agreed to let me do my thing to the song. Words & Music by Earl Andrew Richards & Jerry Corelli

Jerry Corelli

Bethlehem Child

I love this song's narrative. It's told from the view of one of the wise men and gives a different twist on the birth of Christ. Again, when I first heard the demo for this song I knew I wanted to record it.

Words & Music by Tim Hopkins

Jerry Corelli

Cowboy Christmas

The first time I heard the demo for this song I knew I wanted to record it. Very few songs come to me well written and recorded. I love songs that allow your mind to run a video as the songs progresses. Story telling in a song, as good as in Cowboy Christmas, seems a lost art today. But, Rosalie tells a wonderful story in this unique Christmas song that everyone should hear. Words & Music by Rosalie Glemann

Jerry Corelli

On This Christmas Day

Sometimes inspiration for a song comes from the strangest places at the strangest times. I've been at restaurants and used a paper napkin to write out a song and other times driving down the highway. It was Christmas Eve and I was working as a clean up person for a meat cutting company. My mixture of soap would come out of a large nozzle and when I sprayed it over all of the stainless steal and cutting boards it would cover everything in a white foam.

Out of the blue I sang out, "It's starting to look like that time of the year,.." Being the only one who worked the clean up I immediately shut everything down and went into the break room to write down the words that I just sang. Throughout the evening I continued writing the song, got off work about 3 in the morning and finished the song by 6 in the morning on Christmas day. Words & Music by Jerry Corelli

Jerry Corelli

Peace At Christmas

Some years ago I was surfing the web for Christmas Songs & lyrics when I stumbled upon a company that held lyric contests. One of the songs, or lyrics, that caught my eye was called "Peace At Christmas". As I read the lyrics I could hear how I'd arrange the song and how the music and melody might go with the song. Now that happened in the morning and in the afternoon I always went to the post office to pick up the mail. That same afternoon I picked up the mail and one of the demos in the mail was that same song "Peace At Christmas".

I quickly opened it and put the demo in the player to hear the song I had just read the lyrics for earlier that day. The music, was to say the least, not at all what I had expected. So, I called the writer and asked if she would mind if I re-wrote the music and melody. She had no problem with it and all I can say is that, "It was meant to be." Words by Nina Bolin & Jerry Corelli ~ Music by Jerry Corelli

Jerry Corelli