I wrote this song around summer 2008, by which time it was more or less confirmed that I’d be moving to Korea in a few years, which I knew would effectively end my musical aspirations. I was feeling frustration at the lack of progress in my career despite having completely devoted myself to it since I was 18 years old, and this song was born out of that.

I gotta say, all the musicians did an incredible job on all these songs, but they really outdid themselves on this one. During the verses, I wanted to get a “sitting around and jamming” feel, so I gave the musicians lots of freedom to do as they pleased, and they all just killed it. Brian in particular, I gave him zero direction whatsoever beyond basic kicks and arrangements, and this is probably my favorite performance I’ve ever heard from him (at 1:35 is one of my favorite bass licks by anyone, ever). Between his “staccato bass” (a phrase I had never heard of prior to that day) line and Nick’s perfectly tight drumming, the rest of us ended up having a really fun foundation to build on. Gave me some surprises too, like I had initially planned for the b-3 to be more of a filler in the background, but the way Kurtz played it, it just sort of took over the song and really became a major part of the sound. Love the results. If I had to name one song as my favorite song I’ve ever written, this would be the leading candidate.

Just Say the Word
 

When I was young I had this feeling
That there was more than my eyes could see
That my whole life was headed towards something
Something more than the sum of me

As I grew up I heard You calling
Words of a promise to put my faith in
As time went by I gave You everything
And now the years have gone and I’m still waiting

Lord I’m ready for You
Just say the word and I’ll be there
I’ll be waiting here in my unanswered prayers
Patiently, just say the word

So Lord forgive me when I falter
When my persistence starts to fall
It’s just sometimes it makes me wonder
If what’s in store is worth it at all

But I believe that You are faithful
These trials and tears only make me stronger
So all I’ll say is, “Lord I’m grateful”
And I’ve been waiting this long, I can wait a bit longer

Lord I’m ready for You
Just say the word and I’ll be there
I’ll be waiting here in my unanswered prayers
Patiently, just say the word

And I’ll be there, my heart laid bare
These hands prepared to do Your will
Your will not mine
All in Your time

Nam Hwang - acoustic guitars, background vocals
Jeff Dennis - electric guitars
Chris Gillette - electric guitar
Kurtz Ison - piano, b-3
Brian Song - bass
Nick Amoroso - drums
Danny Ybarra - percussion