HERE I AM

Listen to the song; #4 on SONGS FROM THE WOOD

1985 - This is obviously a song of repentance that came at a time when I was actively trying to write songs that were simple enough to be easily remembered and yet profound enough to touch the heart of God. The song starts out in a minor key which gives it a sullen and somber feel. But then the chorus modulates to a major key which changes the mood to one of joy and celebration. Therefore the song attempts to take the worshiper from the emptiness of repentance to the peace, grace and love of God’s forgiveness and acceptance. I heard someone say that songs to the songwriter are like children to the loving parent. No matter how ugly a child is, they are always beautiful to the parent that bore them. This has been so true to me and the songs I have written over the years; so much so that I have come to distrust my own opinion when it comes to the quality and beauty of the lyrics, melodies and chord progressions that come from my songwriter’s heart. The sad part is that it is nearly impossible to get an honest second opinion in this regard from anyone who cares enough to have one. So, I have learned to let the songs take on a life of their own. I would put them out there by singing them and teaching them to our home group and if they caught on there I would introduce them to the congregation as a whole.

HERE I AM caught on for a short time and if you have a really good memory you might even remember singing it. But after singing it for several months in the home fellowship and noticing that most people still didn’t remember the lyrics, I let it drop off the regular roster. However, it is a “situational” song and when the need arose within the group for a song of repentance, I would break it out, dust if off and give it another round. Some current events from 1985 were 

• Ronald Reagan entered his 2nd presidential term
• Mikhail Gorbachev took over as Soviet leader
• Rock Hudson died of aids 
• Madonna launched her “Virgin” tour 
• US Postage stamp went up to 22 cents.

HERE I AM
© 1985 Words & Music by Reginald M. Michaud

Here I am, on my knees
Seeking to come before thee
Here I am, on my face
Seeking to come before Your throne of grace

Open up these ears so I can hear you speak
Trade Your strength for mine for I am feeling weak
Lord the words you say are all I need to hear
Fall upon me now; I long to feel you near

Here I am Lord and here I’ll stay
Till Your Spirit comes my way
Here I am Lord hear my cry
I will serve you till I die… then after

Here I am, once again
To confess all my sin
Here I am at Your feet
Lord empower me to overcome defeat

You can heal my heart Lord if You desire
You can clean my life with Your holy fire
You can guide my path with Your truth and light
I will walk with You; side by side we’ll fight

Here I am Lord and here I’ll stay
Till Your Spirit comes my way
Here I am Lord hear my cry
I will serve you till I die… then after