Originally Posted by John Lawrence Schick
Originally Posted by Steve Altonian
I see this whole CONVO & makes me wonder why I have, & what to do with this "infant" piece of music called "Keep your eyes on the Eastern Sky"...

No matter which way I write this tune I will be subjected to criticism somewhere because scripturally it doesn't EXACTLY fit...I will take a few liberties lyrically speaking...Why?

The phrase "Keep your eyes on the Eastern Sky" I have heard many, many times over the years in Churches. That said, The BIBLE NEVER ACTUALLY SAYS "Keep your eyes on the Eastern Sky", but rather "as the lightening strikes from the East to the West"...

If I write this tune I will be taking "liberties" with the fact that "Keep your eyes on the Eastern Sky" isn't ever actually found in the word of God...

All I got right now is the music and the TITLE/HOOK...A big subject, with a big responsibility...

And once the song is in print & recorded, the same way Hal is being grilled, so could I....That said, right now with the way things are in the world, I can say without hesitation...

"Keep your eyes on the Eastern Sky"...


Songwriters have always spoke their minds, Steve. Can't and shouldn't place a muzzle on them. Don't concern yourself about it. If we had to consider everyones mindset before we write, it would be like a painter playing it safe by mixing all colors together and ending up with mud. Besides there are always going to be those that like to twist and turn things around to fit their senseless agendas. Let the chips fall where they may. Be true to thyself. Etc

Best, John smile


One of the concerns of Christian song writers,(I am one) is trying to accurately depict the word of God. Some of the greatest cherry pickers, on earth, are Christians and they will let you know of your supposed transgression. I feel his concern. When I wrote It Is Done i read and reread the Gospels to seek out actual words said. At the end of the song I wrote It Is Done. Pretty well all Bibles say It is Finished. It may be a small point but it was a big issue for me. In the end It is Finished was never going to work. God was OK with my decision.

Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald