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Mark Shepard Sings

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May 12, 2015 · Life In Song 1970's, Longing, Modern Dystopia, Seasonal Songs, Songs of Transformation, Spring Songs

25 The Glass That Dares Itself To Shatter

37725573_sHere is one of the most musically interesting songs I wrote early on.

I can’t say it’s one of the most positive LOL.

I wrote it Freshman year at SUNY Purchase.

It’s admittedly a bit angst filled and dramatic but that’s part of being a teen moving towards adult hood…

I was noticing the flowers this week of the maple trees as well as the gravel by the side of the highway with it’s little bits of old glass and it reminded me of this song…

The two friends I reference in the song, “Tell me Joe, Tell me Stan…” lived on my dorm hall. I lost track of Joe but Stan went on to become the famous actor, Stanley Tucci…

Anyway if you listen closely this is a recording of an actual vinyl LP record… my second “release” called, “The Hesitant Journey”, (“which is not available in any stores” as the old TV Commercial used to say). Can you hear the background crackle?

This is the project recorded in 1982 or 1983 where I met the legendary Gene Moore who is playing bass on this tune. It was also a theme Album where I went from doubt to faith. The idea was to market it to the newly emerging Contemporary Christian Music scene. However, it wasn’t “Jesusy” enough for those folks. But it was too Spiritual for other situations. There’s an hour long story here about this Album… Blecch! Let’s just listen to the song shall we?

Please click the arrow to play:

The Glass That Dares Itself To Shatter

Song #25 | November 1978 | Album: The Hesitant Journey

They say we drive fast
But if we could
I’m sure we’d go much faster
We are the glass
I’ve heard it said
That dares itself to shatter
We are the blossoms of the maple trees
That look like chandeliers
We laugh and dance in the breeze awhile
But even before Spring is Gone
We’re no longer here…

They ask about goals
But we just shrug
And leave it all to circumstances
They talk about losing and winning
And all our wasted chances
They’re always holding us and polishing
And trying to see through us
But we only allow them sto see themselves
As the owners of faces that years
Of giving have lent…

Tell me Joe
Tell me Stan
Is there any escape in thinking?
Or in large amounts of late night drinking?

And if our lives are all we have
What we have is not half bad
And if our souls are much abused
At least they can’t say that they’re not used
And one night while I was walking home
I saw your faces and mine
In the gravel and sand the the pieces of glass
by the side of the road…

They say we drive fast
But if we could
I’m sure we’d go much faster
We are the glass
I’ve heard it said
That dares itself to shatter
We are the blossoms of the maple trees
That look like chandeliers
We laugh and dance in the breeze awhile
But even before Spring is Gone
We’re no longer here…

[Tuning: GGDGAD. Capo somewhere pretty high up on the neck maybe 5th fret]

Copyright 1978-2015 by Mark Shepard. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.

Photo – Copyright: / 123RF Stock Photo

Questions? Comments? Contact me!

Filed Under: Life In Song 1970's, Longing, Modern Dystopia, Seasonal Songs, Songs of Transformation, Spring Songs

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Some reviews & testimonials

You have put a grown man in tears…

Mark, this song and message really hit home for me today. You have put a grown man in tears. Thank You for what you do. Sometimes I think you sound kind of cheesy, and then others, I think you are a genius, and I’m beginning to realize that you actually care about helping people. So hard to “get out of your own way” sometimes…thanks for the reminder.

Jeremy

They love (your song) and ask to listen to it, ALWAYS.

My name is Cecile. I teach kindergarten at OMSD. I had the pleasure of using your song Together We Can Change The World to help my students make a difference in this wonderful world! They love it and ask to listen to it, ALWAYS.

Cecile Arvizo

Your song was just perfect to start my day…

Mark, your song ‘Freedom (It’s Been  Long Road)’ was just perfect to start my day. I LOVE IT!  Thank you, Thank you.  Blessings to you and much gratitude for your musical gift.

Judy

Love your lyrics!

Love your music! Love your lyrics!

Robin Bridgeford

I Love listening to all your songs…

Mark, you really are an amazing songwriter! I Love listening to all your songs and sitting in the creative aura they create!

Cheri

Your lyrics embody everything we hold sacred…

Your lyrics embody everything we hold sacred and dear as a faith community.

Gina Sullivan, Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph

I loved the song and listened to it 3 times….

Hi Mark, I just had to tell you this. I emailed my 3 granddaughters the song you wrote who are sisters with the youngest being 11 years old, has cerebral palsy and is very smart, is able to talk, very funny, uses a computer, is able to write, now is learning to play drums, emails me ‘Thanks. I do.’ I loved the song and listened to it 3 times.

Gail Russ

Been singing the chorus since the first day I heard it…

I sh*t you not when I say I’ve been singing the chorus to Honest Rock since the first day I heard it. I sing this every single day. Many times a day. Seriously. It’s like a mantra to me. It soothes me:-)

Gene Moore

For me these songs are transformational lessons in self-love…

Dear Mark, THANK YOU for sending *Spark & Flame*!!!! This CD certainly is a compilation of Conscious Love Songs! As I listen I am transported to memory after memory past, present and future, fulfilled and unfulfilled. I was flooded with many different emotions. I cried, laughed, held my breath and also breathed deep heart-centered breaths of connection to the Divine. I feel joy, grief, sadness, compassion, love, awe, freedom, kindness, gratitude and appreciation. For me these songs are transformational lessons in self-love, releasing, acceptance for what was, what is and who I am. Knowing that I am enough and that I am Divinely Loved.

J

You write some great songs!

Hi Mark, You write some great songs! I really enjoyed listening to all of them on Spark and Flame. Thank you for all that you do. Keep up the good work! All the best.

Susan

Love the “Key To Your Cage” album…

Love the “Key To Your Cage” album. I hear so many different influences and styles woven throughout the songs, really keeps it interesting from start to finish!

Dan Z

Enjoying your songs so much…

Hello Mark. I am enjoying your songs so much! I’d love to see you play live somewhere.

Marianne

Total awesomeness!!!

‘Let’s Run’ is MY FAVORITE so far.. I LOVE THIS ONE.. great job.. total awesomeness!!! I thank Jana Stanfield for introducing me to your gifts. I am grateful.

Merril

Never fails to move me…

Your incredible music never fails to move me. Thank you, Mark.

Paula

Brilliant!

Brilliant! I LOVE seeing the words to all these beloved songs, thanks!

Mary F.

Just awesome…

Your music is taking over my life and it’s awesome!

Eric

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