“Cast your bread upon the waters” - Ecclesiastes 11:1
YouTube: https://youtu.be/9FL0qIYxLEg
Music available on Sheet Music Plus: https://www.arrangeme.com/title/885163

Lyricist Cheryl Prazak blends eclectic and nostalgic lyric themes with lively renditions of traditional tunes in her new release “Hearts Aflame.”
Working with arranger/producer Jon Burr of https://arrangerforhire.com, and the wonderful vocalist Sammie Jane, these tracks were created for your enjoyment in the celebration of Christ.
The album title and song "Hearts Aflame" were inspired by the 2023 Asbury Revival at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky.

Shady Grove Deliverance

“Cast your bread upon the waters” - Ecclesiastes 11:1
YouTube: https://youtu.be/rcDrh_w8Brk

Lyricist Cheryl Prazak blends eclectic and nostalgic lyric themes with lively renditions of traditional tunes in her new release “Hearts Aflame.”
Working with arranger/producer Jon Burr of https://arrangerforhire.com and the wonderful vocalist Sammie Jane, these tracks were created for your enjoyment in the celebration of Christ.
The album title and song "Hearts Aflame" were inspired by the 2023 Asbury Revival at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky.
Sheet music is available here:
https://www.arrangeme.com/title/885162

Psalm 45 - 1

“Cast your bread upon the waters” - Ecclesiastes 11:1
YouTube: https://www.arrangeme.com/title/885159

Lyricist Cheryl Prazak blends eclectic and nostalgic lyric themes with lively renditions of traditional tunes in her new release “Hearts Aflame.”
Working with arranger/producer Jon Burr of https://arrangerforhire.com and the wonderful vocalist Sammie Jane, these tracks were created for your enjoyment in the celebration of Christ.
The album title and song "Hearts Aflame" were inspired by the 2023 Asbury Revival at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky.
Sheet Music available here:
https://www.arrangeme.com/title/885159

Near To Your Heart Medley

“Cast your bread upon the waters” - Ecclesiastes 11:1
YouTube: https://www.arrangeme.com/title/885157

Lyricist Cheryl Prazak blends eclectic and nostalgic lyric themes with lively renditions of traditional tunes in her new release “Hearts Aflame.”
Working with arranger/producer Jon Burr of https://arrangerforhire.com and the wonderful vocalist Sammie Jane, these tracks were created for your enjoyment in the celebration of Christ.
The album title and song "Hearts Aflame" were inspired by the 2023 Asbury Revival at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky.
Sheet Music available here:
https://www.arrangeme.com/title/885157

Footprints In The Garden

“Cast your bread upon the waters” - Ecclesiastes 11:1
YouTube: https://youtu.be/JibBbzpfC4c

Lyricist Cheryl Prazak blends eclectic and nostalgic lyric themes with lively renditions of traditional tunes in her new release “Hearts Aflame.”
Working with arranger/producer Jon Burr of https://arrangerforhire.com and the wonderful vocalist Sammie Jane, these tracks were created for your enjoyment in the celebration of Christ.
The album title and song "Hearts Aflame" were inspired by the 2023 Asbury Revival at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky.
Sheet music available here: https://www.arrangeme.com/title/884869

Bounteous River Of Mercy

Military Man
Lyrics by Cheryl Prazak
Music, arranging and production by Jon Burr
Vocal by D Madonia
Sheet Music at https://www.arrangeme.com/title/915490
Video at https://youtu.be/fjJY1mo5aLw

Blossoms in a tulip tree, flood mem'ries to my mind,
For it was there beneath the flow'ring boughs, two hearts were intertwined.
Hearts carved upon a tree, for all the world to see.
With wedding bands, in a love so true, that it could not be denied,
And hearts carved upon a tree, to test the sands of time.

Never would he want to leave her, never would he want to go,
But he was a military man, a patriot to his soul.
He was a military man, a patriot through and through,
So off to duty he must go, to pay his patriotic due.

She would pray each night, for her military man,
And she would lift her head a little higher, when she heard a patriotic band.
And as the flag would pass, a little taller she would stand.
With hand upon her heart, she would be thinking, of her military man.
Through the years and through the fears, her heart was ever true.
At home she would stay, to do what she could do.

And thus it would always be, when her man was at her side,
That when the flag would pass, and the anthem’s strains would rise, 
Together they would stand, with military pride.  

And there nearby upon a tulip tree, withstanding the test of time, 
Initials, bold and deep, are carved, two hearts are intertwined.
Hearts carved upon a tree, for all the world to see,
Hearts carved upon a tree, standing the test of time.

Military Man

If Only In My Dreams
Lyrics by Cheryl Prazak
Music, arranging, and production by Jon Burr
Vocal by D Madonia
Sheet Music at https://www.arrangeme.com/title/915493
Video at https://youtu.be/1xe3TCXLsHo

If Only In My Dreams

The moon shines bright, drifting through the pines tonight, 
The meadow lies blanketed with dew,
Stars take their flight, chasing ‘way the lingering night, 
And I lie here dreaming, dear, of you.

Lonely the nights, when I long to hold you tight, 
In my dreams, I linger and pretend.
Ev’ning draws nigh, pensive fantasies take flight,
My eyes close, dreamy visions descend.  

Nights are cold and lonely; I’m so in love with you.
Wrapped up in your arms, I surrender to your charms, 
If only in my dreams, can I hold you.

Mournful day long, I am trying to stay strong.
I can only sit here, dear, and dream.  
Please play our song, you remember our love song,
And together we will dream our dream.

The moon gives way, breaking forth another day,
And the last star’s twinkle has fade.
I see your face, with the dawn of each new day, 
Morn breaks through, and I’m dreaming again.  

Candles in the window, yellow ribbons on th’door,
When I see the glow and the ribbons I will know
There you are, I will leave your arms no more.

Every day will be a dream, dear, when I am there with you.
Although we’re far apart, you linger in my heart, 
love of my life, my wonderful, amazing wife; 
my wonderful military wife.

Nights are cold and lonely; I’m so in love with you.
Wrapped up in your arms, I surrender to your charms, 
If only in my dreams, can I hold you.

If only in my dreams, can I hold you.

If Only In My Dreams

Good Advice
Parental guidance sets a life on the straight and narrow path
Lyrics by Cheryl Prazak 
Music, arrangement and production by Jon Burr
Vocal by D Madonia
Sheet Music at https://www.arrangeme.com/title/915482
Video at https://youtu.be/8BWZ0bFVSno

Everything was fine, not so very long ago.
I had a weekly paycheck, I was rolling in the dough.
I had a pickup truck, it got me where I needed to go.
I didn’t know how much I had, ‘til things began to blow.

Everything was fine, then my tire picked up a tack.
The rubber was so thin, you see, it really set me back.
“What’s the problem now?” was all my boss would say,
Gave me my last paycheck, and sent me on my way…

So, here I am remembering, not so long ago,
I had a weekly paycheck, I was rolling in the dough.
I had my pickup truck back then, had a shirt. and had a wife.
I didn’t know how little I had because, well, that was life.

Sleeping in my pickup truck, the light began to dawn.
I would go back home, before my last chance was blown.
I would tell my loving folks, at last I saw the light,
My prospects didn’t look so good, my future, none too bright.

Could they start me off again, with tuition and the such, and
help me get a brand new tire, for my raggedy ol’ truck?
If they could be so kind, as to set me on my way,
I would do my very best, their kindness to repay

Consider the military, said my folks, sounding wise
told me I need extra time, didn’t mean to criticize
Maybe they were onto something, maybe that could help
Why, oh, why didn’t I think of that myself?

Military life’s not easy, as I learned from the start,
but I came out much the better, and learned to have some heart.
Well, I’m that better man now, after going through all this.
Fin'lly got my life in shape, it had been so amiss.

I repaid my folks’ advice, as I promised that I would,
Became the son they hoped for, the man they knew I could.
We often go to see them, and they visit the wife and me,
Now they're contented grandfolks, with babies on each knee!

Once upon a time, when I was really stuck,
I went back home to see the folks, which became a day of luck.
Military service, I’m glad I took it up.
Life changed for me, when I stopped sleeping in that ol’ truck.

Good Advice

"Cotton-Eyed Texas," with music by Jon Burr and lyrics by Cheryl Prazak and Jon Burr, is a rowdy promotional song for all the good things about Texas.
https://youtu.be/fYrNJPeuj8g?si=VaP-QEtKmShhbl57
Sheet music available online:
https://www.arrangeme.com/title/899036
Lyric:
Let me tell you ‘bout a place that’s stood the test of time
Once it was a country, but now a State of Mind
Texas is the place I know, it’s special and it’s real
let me share some things it’s got you oughtta see and feel

Do-si-do with fiddle and bow, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,
heel and toe, do-si-do, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,

We belt it out with Jennings, echo through the hills,
rave with Buddy Holly, “ahhah” with the great Bob Wills.
We croon with Kenny Rogers, George Strait and young Clint Black.
We dance the Texas twostep to Galveston and back

Do-si-do with fiddle and bow, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,
heel and toe, do-si-do, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,

Texas has its mountains and plains, valleys and bayous.
We had cotton fields  where legendary pickers grew,
Like Lightnin’ Hopkins, TBone, Blind Lemon, Stevie Ray played the blues
Buddy Holly, and Willie Nelson sang their stories too

Do-si-do with fiddle and bow, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,
heel and toe, do-si-do, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,

We have fought to live our way, and we can fight a-gain.
When we feel the need to fight we on-ly fight to win.
Fight a gain to live our way, we can live no oth-er.
If you plan to come-ing this way, don’t mess with Tex as,  bro-ther 

Do-si-do with fiddle and bow, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,
heel and toe, do-si-do, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,

Us Texans like to hunt and shoot, and what we shoot, we eat.
When you smell the barbcue, bring a dish ‘n grab a seat.
TexMex, tacos, fajitas, enchiladas and red wine!
Avocado guacamole suits a Texan just fine!

Do-si-do with fiddle and bow, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,
heel and toe, do-si-do, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,

Yes, Texas has its music, Texas has its food
Texas has its history to put you in the mood
The very best way to visit is to travel far and wide
one end to the other right through the countryside

Do-si-do with fiddle and bow, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,
heel and toe, do-si-do, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe

Do-si-do with fiddle and bow, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe!

Composed, arranged, mixed, mastered and produced by Jon Burr 
https://arrangerforhire.com
Voice by Bart Topher

Cotton - Eyed Texas

Lyrics by Cheryl Prazak
Music, arranging and production by Jon Burr ( https://arrangerforhire.com )
Vocals by Samantha Jane
Sheet music available: https://www.arrangeme.com/title/1058825
YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFlt9OvRVt0
Lyrics:
Just your smile, was when our love began.
Don’t know how it happened, it wasn’t in my plan
Knowing now what I didn’t know way back then,
Would I do it all again?
Every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

When I looked into your eyes, I saw something more than blue,
My reflection in your eyes told me you saw something, too.
Knowing now what I didn’t know way back then
Would I do it all again?
Every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Would I take you again, to be my dearest friend?
My buddy and my love right through until the end,
Knowing now what I didn’t know way back then,
Would I do it all again?
Every day of the week and twice on Sunday..

At first I didn't know, I was very unsure
when you asked for my hand, I felt so insecure
Took it on faith, somehow I just knew
it could work out getting married to you

From the moment when we danced, when I put my trust in you,
Magic came into my heart, I knew our love would stay true.
Knowing now what I didn’t know way back then,
Would I do it all again?
Every day of the week and twice on Sunday
Every day of the week and twice on Sunday
on Sunday
on Sunday

Twice On Sunday

These 3 new songs are available for cover or sync.
Lyrics by Cheryl Prazak, Music, Arranging & Production by Jon Burr
Sheet Music available https://www.arrangeme.com/title/1058814

Now I Am Set Free

These 3 new songs are available for cover or sync.
Lyrics by Cheryl Prazak, Music, Arranging & Production by Jon Burr

Satisfied

Lyrics by Cheryl Prazak 
Music composed, arranged and produced by Jon Burr (https://arrangerforhire.com)
Sheet music is available on Sheet Music Plus:
https://www.arrangeme.com/title/1058820

Lyrics:
My Lord and Savior, for me You died, Jesus, my Savior, now glorified, 
You rescued me by your design, I am the branch, You are the Living Vine.

Please my Savior, be my Guide, upon your promise, my soul relies.
Holy Spirit, stay by my side, and fill me with a faith that never dies.

Satisfied, so satisfied, in your grace, I now abide.
Please feed me ‘til my soul is satisfied.

Clinging to You, O holy Vine, feed me with your Bread and Wine,
'Til peace alone in You I find, and my thirsting soul is satisfied.

And as the branch looks to the skies, let Heaven's wonders fill my eyes,
Bearing fruit on this earthly side, then take my flight to Paradise.

Satisfied, so satisfied, in your grace, I now abide.
Please feed me ‘til my soul is satisfied.

Satisfied, so satisfied, in your grace, I now abide.
Please feed me ‘til my soul is satisfied.
feed me ‘til my soul is satisfied.

Lyrics by Cheryl Prazak 
Music composed, arranged and produced by Jon Burr (https://arrangerforhire.com)
Sheet music is available on Sheet Music Plus:
https://www.arrangeme.com/title/989356
Lyrics:
O how I long to know You, O how I need your care,
O how I crave your love and embrace, I long your heart to share.
You go before me, to show me, what it is that you want for me.
Your blood is sufficient, your grace makes it so, today I am set free.

I call you Jesus and Lord, You are so precious to me,
Your grace did abound, and draw me to You, now I am set free.

Now, I am no longer a stranger, You are my kind, loving guide.
To know that the One who knows me the best, flung the stars to the sky.

In space, there is no distance, between your heart and mine.
On earth, there is no mountain too tall, together that we cannot climb.
Now, I have a home in Heaven, a mansion that’s lovely and free,
To cast down unmerited crowns before You, this is my plea.

I call you Jesus and Lord, You are so precious to me,
Your grace did abound, and draw me to You, now I am set free.
Now I am set free.

Christ is Arisen features lyrics by Cheryl Prazak, with music composed, arranged and produced by Jon Burr (https://arrangerforhire.com)
Sheet music is available on Sheet Music Plus:
https://www.arrangeme.com/title/1058822
Lyrics
Darkness is gone now, You are my sunshine,
Raised in your likeness, I walk in Light.
You are my High Priest, You’re pleading for me,
You are my Counsel, setting things right.

First Fruit of Heaven, returned to the Father,
First Fruit of Heaven, rending the veil.
Life lies before me, death is behind me,
Living in your Light, death can’t assail.

Morning has broken! Dawned is a new day!
Sunlight has spoken, flooding the cave!
Have you not heard, was it not spoken?
Christ is arisen from Hell’s deepest grave!

O bounteous river that flowed from your side,
river of mercy still flowing today.
Hope for the sinner, rest for the weary,
Guide for the searching, escape from the grave.

In Jesus’ blood now, is life everlasting,
In life’s death shadow, there is no fear.
Walking in your Light, calmness surrounds me,
Lord of creation, my heart’s desire.

Morning has broken! Dawned is a new day!
Sunlight has spoken, flooding the cave!
Have you not heard, was it not spoken?
Christ is arisen from Hell’s deepest grave!

Morning has broken!  Dawned is a new day!
Christ is arisen from Hell’s deepest grave!�

Christ Is Arisen

Using the concept of Heaven to Earth Come Down, Lyricist Cheryl Prazak blends her talents with the talents of Musician-Composer John Burnham (AirGigs) to present the Christmas story in a bluegrass sound.

Sheet music available from ArrangeMe.com/Title/ID 1085113

Pure perfect baby lambs 
in priestly swaddle linen bound,
in Bethlehem, 
birthing time for little lambs, 
for the death in Jerusalem.

Shepherds inspect for perfect lambs, 
“Fear not” angel’s voice resounds,  
“Good news, a sign from Heaven coming down, 
a babe in swaddle linen bound, 
born this night in Bethlehem.”
Heaven to Earth come down.

The shepherds could not understand 
that God’s own redeeming Lamb, 
from the foundation for sinners slain, 
was born that night in Bethlehem, 
born for the death in Jerusalem, 
Jesus Lamb of Bethlehem.

Heaven to Earth come down.  

To ransom mortal humankind 
Christ’s glory He laid aside,  
to come to Earth to live and die, 
Hallelujah to the Great I Am! 
born that night in Bethlehem.
Heaven to Earth come down.

A borrowed tomb, a swaddle cloth, 
his folded cov’ring stirs our thoughts, 
A babe He came but then someday 
He’ll come to take his bride away  
to the New Jerusalem.
Heaven to Earth come down.  

A babe He came but then someday 
He’ll come to take his bride away, 
Heaven to Earth come down, 
in the New Jerusalem, 
Jesus the Lamb of Bethlehem.

A babe He came but then someday 
He’ll come to take his bride away, 
Heaven to Earth come down, 
in the New Jerusalem, 
Jesus the Lamb of Bethlehem.
Jesus the Lamb of Bethlehem.

Jesus, Lamb of Bethlehem

Remembering the mellow days of the past when family enjoyed spending time together.  Lyrics by Cheryl Prazak, Music by John Burnham, Cover Art by Dileep.

Sheet music available from Arrangeme.com/Title/ID 1088503

Oft I have to stop and think and linger at my kitchen sink,
of the days long gone when family gathered home,
just to share a Sunday meal, to reminisce a spell, 
indulgin’ in Aunt Lizzie’s apple pie Sundays.
								  
Thanks to what the kin could spare, our cupboard was seldom bare,
joining in to do our share brought contentment everywhere.
When we shared and shared alike, our burdens became light,
relaxing at Aunt Lizzie’s apple pie Sundays.

Peaceful contentment was found when family gathered round,
the clatter of the chairs joined the chatter in the air.
No matter affairs, a kingdom was found there,
in the backyard at Lizzie’s apple pie Sundays.

Out back beyond the shed of Aunt Lizzie’s old homestead,
kids would run and play and the rest would laze away the day.
Worry couldn’t come and stay, our cares were washed away,
buzzin’ at Aunt Lizzie’s apple pie Sundays.

You never know your kin until you’ve all been gathered in, 
to a family to-do where you bare your soul with them 
and they do the same with you, 
where the body and soul get fed and all the worthwhile news gets said, 
like Aunt Lizzie’s apple pie Sundays.

Peaceful contentment was found when family gathered round,
the clatter of the chairs joined the chatter in the air.
No matter affairs, a kingdom was found there,
in the backyard at Lizzie’s apple pie Sundays.

Pie from a deep-dish pan, ‘ cream from a freezer can, 
where the clatter of the chairs joined the chatter in the air,
out on the lawn on Sundays the chatter cleared the air.
How I miss Aunt Lizzie and her   homemade   deep-dish   apple pie   Sundays.  
How I miss Aunt Lizzie and her apple pie Sundays.

How I miss Aunt Lizzie and her   homemade   deep-dish   apple pie   Sundays.  
How I miss Aunt Lizzie and her   homemade   deep-dish   apple pie   Sundays.  
How I miss Aunt Lizzie and her apple pie Sundays.

© 2023 Cheryl Prazak

Aunt Lizzie's Apple Pie Sundays

Patriotism remembered - "where we came from and how we came to be."  Lyrics by Cheryl Prazak, Music by John Burnham, Cover Art by Dileep.


When Norsemen built their longboats from a million axed-down trees,
and guided by the moon and stars, set upon the northern seas,
they landed at such places called Dublin and Normandy,
their stout blood flows in me.

When Europe was too small to contain a mighty God,
religious zeal brought His people to America’s rich sod, 
the Pilgrim’s firm foundation today is still my staff and rock, 
their fervor sustains me.

I am American, from the world here I came to be,
I am American, their fervor sustains me.

On ships westward bound, stout-hearted and determined,
defying unknown measure, to speak, to pray, 
to gather to a land far away, 
I considered wonders unimagined – America!  

At Bunker Hill and Gettysburg, at Shiloh and Alamo,
I fought for the right as God gave me his vision to go.
Korea to Afghanistan, I served my Uncle Sam,
these patriots remind me.

World War One at Flanders my blood was spilled upon its fields,
with Stars of David and white crosses its soil red poppies yield.
World War Two at Normandy my mighty strength would wield,
their memory lives in me.

I am American, from the world here I came to be,
I am American, their memory lives in me.

I am a flag-waving, puff-chested, patriotic soul,
I thank God for all volunteers who keep this country whole. 
I get dewy-eyed when I hear the anthem played 
or see fireworks displayed.  

Because I’m American!  I am an American!
I’m from over the whole world, 
I am American, I’m red, white and blue  -  unfurled! 

©2024 Cheryl Prazak


I Am American

This song may help you recall the person you wanted to run to when your heart was broken.

There'll Never Be Another You

Lyrics by Cheryl Prazak, Performed by Ronnie Parish (AirGigs), Cover Art by Jackson Prazak.

Come January

Faith, family, patriotism, the military - and, of course - Texas! are my loves and what I write about. I have no musical training, but started out writing poetry. A family member submitted one of my poems to see if it would “sing,” and it did!  That was Spring 2023, and I have been writing ever since.

Cheryl Prazak

Pinned to spotlight

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