Blessed Are The Ones
About the Album – Lyrics, Videos, Commentary
Album Description
Description: Moving songs, soaring instrumentation, powerful messages honoring those who love, serve and inspire us; celebrating God as first in our lives & culminating with an unforgettable Medley of America the Beautiful, My Country Tis of Thee, God Bless America!
This album also features several originals of a biographical nature, which give insight into what spiritual values helped Ann through challenging periods of her life, including single motherhood, coping with severe addiction among family members, as well as holding on to the vision of serving God and others through her spiritual artistry despite many odds.
Lyrics & Links
Click on song titles to find lyrics & links to videos for that song.
"Blessed Are the Ones"
“Blessed Are the Ones”
Verse 1
Blessed are the ones
Blessed are the ones who honor life
In their own special way
Blessed are the souls
Blessed are the souls that shine on
Even when the world can’t hear what they say
Blessed are the heroes
Who do not know they’re heroes
But without them
How would we find our way?
Blessed are the ones
Blessed are the ones who still care
Despite it all
The ones who dare to love.
Verse 2:
Blessed are the hearts
Blessed are the hearts still open
Blessed are the brave who dare to give
Blessed are the dreamers
Those impassioned dreamers
Who do not know another way to live
Blessed is the ground they walk on
Blessed are the words they speak
And when they move
The angels guide their way……
Blessed are the ones
Blessed are the ones reminding us
Of all the beauty we can know
Bridge:
And if their voice is silenced in them
The rocks and stones will cry out for them
And if their way is blocked they’ll learn to fly
Blessed are the ones
Who cry our tears for us
The ones who heal the fear in us
The ones who teach that love can never die
Conclusion:
Blessed are the ones
Blessed are the ones who have so much love
And in Love we’re born again
Again, Again
Blessed are the ones
Who despite it all
Still choose to shine on even through the darkest night
Blessed are the ones.
Ann M. Wolf Music, Words, Articles & All Original Content – C 2012 – BMI – All Rights Reserved.
WATCH VIDEO: “Blessed Are the Ones” – Honoring those who served on 9/11/2001 & since
"Can We Bring Those Days Back Again"
“Can We Bring Those Days Back Again?”
Verse One:
I remember when, water tasted so fine
And fruit was so sweet; you could eat it straight off of the vine
I remember when, we thought those days would never end
Can we ever bring those days back round’ again?
Verse Two:
I remember when we used to run and play
And our cheeks would burn like fire
From the air and the sun, that we would take in that day
I remember when we thought those days would never end
Can we ever bring those days back round again?
Bridge:
Can we not try to remember cold, clean water at our feet?
And the cool protection of the shade of a tree?
Can we not try to remember before it slips away?
The laughter and dreams of our children at play…
Verse Three:
I remember when our fathers blessed the wine
And gave thanks for all that they had taken in at harvest time
I remember when we learned God’s laws, the Holy ten
Can we ever bring those days back round’ again?
Bridge:
Can we not try to remember what we have left today?
From those-who-lived and died before us to make freedom’s way
Can we not try to remember before it slips away?
For what, on their knees, our forefathers prayed?
Verse Four:
I remember when, water tasted so fine
And fruit was so sweet; you could eat it straight off of the vine
I remember when, we thought those days would never end
Can we ever bring those days back round’ again?
Can we ever bring those days back round’ again?
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” – John 15:5 KJV
Words & Music by Ann M. Wolf – c 2012 – BMI – All Rights Reserved.
WATCH VIDEO – “Heroes Honoring Heroes” on YouTube: Veterans & family members honor the ones who inspire them in this video to the background of “Can We Bring Those Days Back Again” by Ann M. Wolf
"Through the Eyes of Love"
“Through The Eyes of Love”
Verse One:
And of all the wonders in this world to find
There is nothing like the beauty that you find inside
And if you think the sky is blue
Or that the forests are green
Just wait until you’ve seen these
Through the eyes of love
Verse Two:
And of all the music ever to be sung
Of all the melodies, there is only one
And if you think you know the words
If you think you have learned it
Just wait until you’ve heard it
With a heart of love
Chorus:
Born of a womb of flesh and earth
But I never knew my living birth
Till tears bathed my eyes
And washed my vision clean
And life could be seen
Through the eyes of love
Verse Three:
And of all the places that I’ve called my home
From every corner of the world there’s only one
And if you think that you have found it
If you think you have known it
Just wait until you’re home,
In a heart of love
Chorus:
Born of a womb of flesh and earth
But I never knew my living birth
Till tears bathed my eyes
And washed my vision clean
And life could be seen
Through the eyes of love
Till tears bathed my eyes
And washed my vision clean
And life could be seen
Through the eyes of love
Words & Music by Ann M. Wolf – c 2012 – BMI
"Help Me Cross Over"
“Help Me Cross Over”
Verse One:
Easier said than done
To let the past go by
And to forgive the wrongs
That broke my heart long ago
But if He said we must
I place in Him my trust
And I believe that with Grace
It is done.
Chorus:
Help me cross over, help me forgive
To live with mercy in my heart, is to live
And with the time that-I-have-left here in
My earthly home
Help me be a healer
With open arms of love
Verse Two:
I feel the darkness surround me
Everywhere I turn
Every part of the life I’ve known
Is changing all around
There are those who have lost
What was once sacred to us
Yet by His Grace I can hold
On to Love.
Chorus:
Help me cross over, help me forgive
To live with mercy in my heart, is to live
And with the time-that-I-have-left-in
My earthly home
Help me be a healer
With open arms of love
Modulate/Chorus:
Help me cross over, show me the way
From fear to friendship, so love can stay
And-when my time is over
Please take me home
To where I can rest
In the arms of love.
And when my time is over
Please take me home
To where I can rest
In the arms of love.
Words & Music by Ann M. Wolf – c 2012 – BMI
WATCH – “Help Me Cross Over” on YouTube: Celebrating healing, prayer, and forgiveness
"Simple Gifts"
“Simple Gifts”
Verse One:
Tis’ the gift to be simple
Tis’ the gift to be free
Tis’ the gift to come down
Where we ought to be
And when we are in
The place just right
Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
Refrain:
When true simplicity is gained
To bow and to bend we will not be ashamed
To turn, to turn twill be our delight
Till by turning, turning
We come round’ right.
Verse Two:
By His Gift we are humble
By His Gift we can see
By His Gift… we reach for where we ought to be
And with God’s Grace we will reach the goal
To be one with Him, with our whole heart and soul
Refrain:
When true understanding is gained
We will learn to forgive
By His Love we’ll be changed
We’ll grow as He leads us from the old to the New
Till we shine like His Light and walk in His Truth
Verse Three:
Tis’ the gift to be simple
Tis’ the gift to be free
Tis’ the gift to come down
Where we ought to be
And when we are in
The place just right
Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained
To bow and to bend we will not be ashamed
To turn, to turn twill be our delight
Till by turning, turning
We come round’ right.
Original version (#1) by Joseph Brackett, Jr. (1853) Contemporary verse (#2) by Ann M. Wolf (c – 2012 – BMI
WATCH – “Simple Gifts” YouTube Video: Features Ann M. Wolf singing the classic hymn while displaying beautiful images of her family cabin home in the Smokies of Tennessee.
I Will Never Forget You
“I Will Never Forget You”
Verse 1 – (For Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
I will never forget you; I will speak on
I won’t sit and be silent when there’s a song to be sung
Beneath the fire, after the fury
All you wanted to teach us was truth
So I will hold your words in my heart
And I will never forget you.
Verse 2 – (For Mother Teresa)
I will never forget you; I will go on
I won’t sit and be silent when there’s a work to be done
With just your dream and all your faith
You drew the truth in the sand
So I will stand up and I will reach out
And I will carry love on.
Chorus:
For these shall not be forgotten
Or the love than shone from their eyes
And for every hero that’s fallen
A thousand more will rise!
Verse 3 – (For those in public service, especially those who have been killed or wounded)
I will never forget you; you answered the call
You offered your life in my place; you gave your all
Somewhere out there, in the terror
That you stood and you faced all alone
Thank you for my freedom and for standing for us here at home.
Chorus:
For these shall not be forgotten
Or what they gave as the price
And for every hero that’s fallen
May I live worthy of their sacrifice!
Verse 4 – (For all who seek to fulfill God’s call to love, to forgive and to serve)
I will never forget you; I will pray on
I won’t sit and be silent when there’s a bell to be rung
After what was given and forgiven
It was freedom and purpose you knew
So I will hold you in my heart
And I will never forget you
I will carry you in my heart
And I……. will never forget you.
I will never forget you.
Ann M. Wolf Music, Words, Articles & All Original Content – C 2014 – BMI – All Rights Reserved.
WATCH – “I Will Never Forget You” YouTube Video: See Ann’s salute to MLK, Mother Theresa, and those who serve in harm’s way on our behalf, done in classic slide show fashion, this having been her first upload to her video channel.
"We Will Stand"
“We Will Stand”
Verse One:
Mary you stood by His side when He was living
Mary you stood at His feet as He died
And when they laid Him in your arms,
How could you breathe?
How did you make your hands move
To prepare Him for the tomb?
Verse Two:
Mary the mothers of the world are crying
As they watch their children slip into the night
You know the enemy is trying
To steal their light away
But we will stand as you did
And work while we pray
Chorus:
We’ll stand as you at the Cross
We’ll work as you from all places
We will pray without ceasing
Till darkness is defeated.
Verse Three:
Mary I looked into your eyes and I felt you
And all the weight that you carried of the world
If you could stand beside Him then
We’ll stand as you did now
We’ll lift up all our families
To be restored by His Love.
Chorus:
We’ll stand as you at the Cross
We’ll work as you from all places
We will pray without ceasing
Till darkness is defeated.
Bridge:
The enemy’s a liar
We will not buy deceit
We claim our inheritance
Our nation redeemed!
Chorus:
We’ll stand as you at the Cross
We’ll work as you
From all places
We will pray without ceasing
With God as our leader
Chorus Repeat:
We’ll stand as you at the Cross
We’ll work as you from all places
We will pray without ceasing
Till darkness is defeated.
We’ll stand as you at the Cross
We’ll work as you
From all places
We will pray without ceasing
Till darkness is defeated.
We Will Stand!
We Will Stand!
We Will Stand!
Words & Music by Ann M. Wolf – c 2012 – BMI
WATCH – “We Will Stand” YouTube Video: This storyline set to the music of this stirring song, tells the tale of families interceding for their young as they face the dangers and temptations of this world.
"Wings of Grace"
“Wings of Grace”
Verse One:
Every time my heart’s been broken
I would swear that that would be the
Last time that I would ever
Be a fool and let another soul
Inside my dreams all were fading
Out of reach and too tired to go on.
Chorus:
But then… as the Proverb goes
Trusting Him with all our soul
On wings of Grace through joy and sorrow
He’ll lead us through all our todays
And tomorrows
Verse Two:
Day to day the load got heavy
To pay the rent and keep the kids from
Harm’s way, the nights were lonely
Knowing that the dawn would only
Bring another day like the other
And I just prayed I’d have the strength
To go on.
Chorus:
But then… as the Proverb goes
Trusting Him with all our soul
On wings of Grace through joy and sorrow
He’ll lead us through all our todays
And tomorrows
Bridge:
I never thought that it would always be easy
But I didn’t know just how much that I could take
And even the strongest warrior gets weary
But on my knees I could see heaven’s gate
Verse Three:
Everywhere I see such hurting,
Loneliness and poverty
Is there no end to what we humans
Find to do or not to do
To each other
And the land that feeds us?
Could we instead,
Help each other go on?
Chorus:
But then… as the Proverb goes
Trusting Him with all our soul
On wings of Grace
Through joy and sorrow
He’ll lead us through all our todays
And tomorrows
But then… as the Proverb goes
Trusting Him with all our soul
On wings of Grace
Through joy and sorrow
He’ll lead us through all our todays
And tomorrows
On wings of Grace.
Words & Music by Ann M. Wolf – c 2012 – BMI
ARTIST NOTES: Based on Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)
"By Our Fruits"
“By Our Fruits”
Verse One:
It is said that in the last days of darkness
It is said that in the time of changes
It is said that many will claim they have truth
How will we know this is so?
Verse Two:
It is said that many will be called
It is said that fewer may be chosen
It is said that many seeds will be planted
But we must care for the garden
Chorus:
By our fruits they will know us
By our love they will see who we are
By our fruits, the tree is known
By our works we will shine like the stars
Verse Three:
It is said that heaven is within us
It is said we must be twice born
it is said that we’re made of spirit and light
But to see this we must gain true sight.
Verse Four:
It is said that our lives have a purpose
It is said we are children of God
It is said that whatever we find true of heaven
We are to express here on earth.
Chorus:
By our fruits they will know us
By our love they will see who we are
By our fruits, the tree is known
By our works we will shine like the stars
Bridge:
Reaching out to each other
To be a blessing wherever we go
Comfort and peace from the Father
So the world will know…..
Chorus:
By our fruits they will know us
By our love they will see who we are
By our fruits, the tree is known
By our works we will shine like the stars
By our fruits they will know us
By the love from the Father
That flows through our hearts
By our fruits, the tree is known
By our works we will shine like the stars
By our works we will shine like the stars
Words & Music by Ann M. Wolf – c 2012 – BMI
"You Believed In Me"
“You Believed In Me”
Verse One:
I remember when I first told you
Of all of my hopes and dreams
And I remember how you listened so deep
And then, I saw your face beam.
Chorus:
Cause you believed in me
Breathed life into my being
You believed in me
You spoke the words that planted a seed in me
And everywhere I look now
All I see are possibilities, cause you believed.
Verse Two:
I remember when you first told me
To go on then and move forth in faith
I remember how you told me
To keep my eyes on Him, He’d make the way!
Chorus:
Cause you believed in me
Breathed life into my being
You believed in me
You spoke the words that planted a seed in me
And everywhere I look now
All I see are possibilities, cause you believed.
Bridge:
When the storms come
I reach for His Grace
Through the darkness I still see your face
And I hear your voice telling me once more
Greater is He that is in me
Than He that’s in the world.
Chorus:
Cause you believed in me
Breathed life into my being
You believed in me
You spoke the words that planted a seed in me
And everywhere I look now
All I see are possibilities, cause you believed.
All I see are possibilities, cause you believed.
Words & Music by Ann M. Wolf – c 2012 – BMI
"The Ways of Love"
“The Ways of Love”
Verse One:
Whatever I give, I receive
Whatever I offer in Love, Love brings to me
In giving my life to learn the ways of Love
As Love rules my life, I am free.
Verse Two:
Where ever my treasure is, there lies my heart
Whatever I sow into, I am a part
In giving my life, and humbling my mind
I receive life and am purified.
Chorus:
Hold me in Your hands,
Hold me to Your Word
Hold me to all Your loving Ways,
Not those of this world.
Hold me in Your Mercy,
Lead me by Your Grace
Oh, so that one day I’ll see Your Face.
Verse Three:
Whatever I give, I receive
Whomever that I forgive, sets my own heart free
Whomever I love and lift up in His Name
He said loving those, is loving Him the same
Chorus:
Hold me in Your hands,
Hold me to Your Word
Hold me to all Your loving Ways,
Not those of this world
Hold me in Your Mercy,
Lead me by Your Grace
Oh, so that one day I’ll see Your Face.
Oh, so that one day I’ll see Your Face.
“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” – Matthew 6:20-21 KJV
Words & Music by Ann M. Wolf – c – 2012 – BMI
WATCH – “The Ways of Love” YouTube Video: Soothing vocals & strings create a background for images which portray real and lasting relationships based on true love.
"Medley for America" (America the Beautiful, My Country Tis’ of Thee, God Bless America)
“America The Beautiful”
Verse One:
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
Verse Two:
O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!
By Katharine Lee Bates – 1913
“My Country Tis’ Of Thee”
Verse One:
My country, ’tis of Thee,
Sweet Land of Liberty
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From every mountain side
Let Freedom ring.
Verse Two:
Our fathers’ God to Thee,
Author of Liberty,
To thee we sing,
Long may our land be bright
With Freedom’s holy light,
Protect us by thy might
Great God, our King.
By Samuel F. Smith – 1832
“God Bless America”
God bless America,
Land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above;
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America,
My home, sweet home.
God bless America,
My home, sweet home.
By Irving Berlin
WATCH “Medley for America” YouTube Video: This is Ann’s second video creation (slide show) from circa 2011, celebrating the beauty of our nation and its founders and protectors.
Click to read Ann’s commentary for each song on this album
Blessed Are the Ones – Album – Artist Notes
Track 1 – “Blessed Are the Ones”: Says Ann, “Inspired by the works of Mother Teresa & other great humanitarians, visionaries, & patriots, this song honors all those who still dare to love and serve, even in the face of hate and fear. The Video story-line is based around the Heroes who served on 9/11 & since.” WATCH VIDEO
Songwriter: Ann M. Wolf – c 2012 – BMI – All rights reserved.
Track 2 – “Can We Ever Bring Those Days Back Again”: Says Ann, “This song was originally written to ask the question, “Can We Ever Bring Those Days Back Again?”… remembering the times when children would play in nature, when families would still pray together, and when our principles and values connected us together.” WATCH VIDEO (“Heroes Honoring Heroes”)
Songwriter: Ann M. Wolf – c 2012 – BMI – All rights reserved.
Track 3 – “Through The Eyes of Love”: Says Ann, “Featured on this song are memorable melody lines accented with the haunting sound of bagpipes; the message speaks of how different & beautiful the world is, as seen through eyes of love. This piece suggests the powerful ways in which the Spirit of God completely changes our perspective on everything, bringing a brilliance and joy to our experience.”
Songwriter: Ann M. Wolf – c 2012 – BMI – All rights reserved.
Track 4 – “Help Me Cross Over”: With sparkling strings and heart-stirring words, this story tenderly captures the human challenge to forgive and hold to love, no matter the darkness around us or deep disappointments that life can bring. Based on the words of Jesus, “Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.” WATCH VIDEO
Songwriter: Ann M. Wolf – c 2012 – BMI – All rights reserved.
Track 5 – “Simple Gifts”: Says Ann, “This is a traditional song, shared by all Christians. It was first published in 1853 by a Quaker; Quakers were very active with humanitarian work at the time, including the Underground Railroad, which was responsible for escorting many slaves out of danger to freedom. As for the “additional verse,” which you might not yet be familiar with….to expand on the wonderful values expressed in the original verses, I added a contemporary verse and chorus to extend the length of the song a bit as well as to build on the meaning of the original lyrics.” WATCH VIDEO
Songwriter: Ann M. Wolf – c 2012 BMI – All rights reserved.
Track 6 – “I Will Never Forget You”: Ann says, “This song honors Martin Luther King, Jr. (Verse 1), Mother Teresa (Verse 2) & all those who serve in harm’s way that others might live. (Verse 3)” WATCH VIDEO
Songwriter: Ann M. Wolf – c 2012 BMI – All rights reserved.
Track 7 – “We Will Stand”: Says Ann, “As Mary, the Mother of Jesus, stood with him in life & since she was one of the few who stood with him as He died, we too can follow her example and can stand for our families and communities against any darkness that would try & lead our loved ones away from the Light.” WATCH VIDEO
Songwriter: Ann M. Wolf – c 2012 – All rights reserved.
Track 8 – “Wings of Grace”: Says Ann, “Based on Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV),this song journals my experiences of relying on Mercy & Grace while raising kids as a single Mom.”
Songwriter: Ann M. Wolf – c 2012 – BMI
Track 9 – “By Our Fruits, They Will Know Us”: Says Ann, “This song was inspired by the words of Jesus, “Ye shall know them by their fruit.” (Matthew 7:18); the Scripture verse says it all…a core message for those who claim Jesus as their Shepherd, keeping us aware of the love & mercy we need to be ever mindful of, as we interact with others in the world.”
Songwriter: Ann M. Wolf – c 2012 – BMI
Track 10 – “You Believed In Me”: Says Ann, “With this song, I remember with gratitude, those who have believed in me throughout my life’s journey… those friends, family members, and mentors who have been there for me when I needed encouragement or guidance. I also honor the special souls who breathe life into all of us, as we grow, mysteriously appearing in our lives when we need them or when we are ready to take the next step in our soul’s journey; they support us and believe in us, helping us to “hold on” throughout our challenges in order to reach our full potential, in fulfilling God’s call on our lives.”
Songwriter: Ann M. Wolf – c 2012 – BMI
Track 11 – “The Ways of Love”: Says Ann, “This is a song and a prayer, asking God to keep us close to Him and to help us establish a pure heart & motive in all of our affairs. As we remain seated in the Love & Mercy of God, Love becomes our core motivation and the driving force of our soul.” – WATCH VIDEO
Songwriter: Ann M. Wolf – c 2012 – BMI
Track 12 – “Medley for America”: Says Ann, “It is a privilege to be able to sing & record this song in a free land. Thank you to all Veterans & 1st Responders who stand in harm’s way, that we may live out the blessing of freedom. God Keep all who serve & protect in His Mercy & Grace. God Bless & Restore our Country to its original Vision, based on God, Country & Constitution, along with Values of hard work, innovation & individual liberties.” WATCH VIDEO
Songwriters: “America the Beautiful” by Katharine Lee Bates – 1913, “My Country Tis of Thee,” by Samuel F. Smith – 1832, & “God Bless America” by Irvine Berlin – These songs are in the public domain.
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