JPF Home Page Forums Lyric and MP3 Feedback Lyric Feedback Forum LET GOD DO THE DRIVING

Hi Folks-
I haven't posted any lyric in a while, and tossed this one in with a reply in the Songwriter Message Forum as an example titled:
LET GOD DO THE DRIVING,
then thought, what the heck; might as well post it here too.
I flipped out when I heard Carrie Underwood's hit song with a similar idea released about a year later in October of 2005 titled:
"Jesus Take The Wheel."
I wrote the music, to a simple arrangement.
Didn't think it was strong enough to record.

LET GOD DO THE DRIVING
(c) Cal Skomski
9/11/04
Up beat Country

Are you lost or have a need
For a compass or a leader
To show you where to go a little push to get to speed
Don't fuss fret or worry
There's no need for you to hurry
Cause there's one who'll always take you in his hand

Let God do the driving
Let God take the wheel
Let Him be the one to guide you through any problem or ordeal
Let God do the driving
Let God take the wheel
Sit back enjoy the scene'ry life aint that big a deal
Let God do the driving
Let God take the wheel

Don't need special insurance
He's all mighty your assurance
He'll always put you safely on that road where you want to go
You don't need to be a Petty
Earnheardt or Andretti
Your faith alone will make him understand

Let God do the driving
Let God take the wheel
Let Him be the one to guide you through any problem or ordeal
Let God do the driving
Let God take the wheel
Sit back enjoy the scene'ry life aint that big a deal
Let God do the driving
Let God take the wheel

rep chorus 1x

Rock On!

~C~

* this half of L-6 in the chorus bugs me;
life aint that big a deal

not bad at all cal in fact I like it

Hey bm-
Tnx for the visit and the feedback.

~C~

Hi Cal ...I enjoyed the read too...!!...

I'm wondering....if verse one...should somehow be a bit more
driving related... I don't know how either...and maybe am seeing it wrong....but the thought crossed my mind.....

hugs to you....
Kaley

MARC-ALAN BARNETTE actually had already written a song called "Let Jesus take the wheel" long before "Jesus take the wheel" became a hit. But is was obvious from listening that the story, melody, arrangement and artistry of the song, wasn't even in the same ballpark. Once a song that good (Carrie Underwood's) is released however, a similar song doesn't stand a chance. There was a song that won song of the year or some such prize years ago called "I'm easy". I think the writer was Keith Caridine. Then about a year later, Lional Richie release "Easy" and blew the other song away. Still the progression is- from medicore to good; or from good to great but never from great to good or from good to medicore. So in the case of the idea in your song, you have to know that your song has to be BETTER than "Jesus take the wheel". I wouldn't want that kind of a challenge!

Hi Kaley-
In most songs, I always thought the content in the verses
should build up explaining the story.
Although this approach is not etched in stone, depending how one wants to write the tune.
I do see your point though; the driving aspect is the focal point in the song.

Thanks for the visit.

~C~

Hey Sam-
Yeah, my song can't compete with a Grammy winner like Carrie's.
I would't even start comparing it, or try to compete with Carrie's tune; different styles, grooves etc..
But,,, I wouldn't hesitate to perform the tune.
I think it has some catchy unique ideas, and a good beat.
The beat is a two step, but I may use a 4/4 time sig in the verses.
I like your reference of the other tune LET JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL;
shows us that well discussed topic that titles and ideas, cannot be copywritten.


Thanks for the visit, and comments.

~C~

Hey Folks,

I just learned that Cal's having some tough times. If anyone knows him, please send him a note. He doesn't have a computer at this time so he's only checking email via the library, but I got an email from him and he could definitely use our support! He's had health problems and financial difficulty because of that and has lost his home and job. Cal's always been a supportive guy and I feel bad that so much has happened to him without any of us knowing it.

Brian

Thank you Brian...Cal and I had corresponded about songs..
a few years back.....Just wrote him...and he is a very nice person.

That is Really Tough!!!!.... I know what it's like to give up
a home you love...But...we were able to get another one...
so .....I've NOT been in the spot he's at....but sure can feel for him....

best...
Kaley.....

I don't know him but I sure will offer up prayers for him!

Carl,
Hang in there. Like your lyrics said ... " Let God take the wheel and guide you". He certainly works in the most mysterious way that we don't understand. Just trust him. We are all in this together.

Take care,
Gary D.

hey cal...!

thanks for leading me to thins wonderfull place...

~Neo~

Cal,
It's a shame that your song didn't get discovered first...sadly, when a song as strong as Carrie's hits the charts, a similar song idea will often be rejected.
If it makes you feel better, "Jesus Take The Wheel" has a slight flaw:

"She was so scared.
She threw her hands up in the air.

Jesus take the wheel,
take it from my hands,"

uh, her hands are already in the air...

cal.. i like the hook and how you repeat it over and over through out the chorus makes your point.. carrie underwood is up for competition. Jesus will take her wheel and God will do the driving for you smiles and Wink Great job!

to make it more interesting you could add a bridge for the music harmony to change paste when hearing it to music. it can finish your statement that god is driving.

Hi all-
I just took a look at this forum, and noticed all of the
nice, inspiring, and supportive comments...
also those regarding my lyric.

Thanks a million!

Rock On!

Cal