from the CD "Between The Worlds" 25th Anniversary Edition (2010)
Music and lyrics by Mark Geisler © 1984 Thoryan Music
Vocal: Mark Geisler ~ Piano: David Lange

Written July 1984 – Seattle, WA.  This song was written as a comfort to myself when I was feeling sad.  This studio version is quite different from the original album version and this arrangement suits the mood of the song much better.  The piano track was recorded in 1993.  I never got as far as tracking a vocal for the song though I wanted to for many years.  I finally recorded the vocal on May 19, 2004 and made this mix the same day.

Rainchild [Studio Version]

from the CD "Voice Of The Wild Heart" (1998)
Music and lyrics by Mark Geisler © 1998 Thoryan Music
All vocals and instruments performed by Mark Geisler

Written December 7, 1986 – Seattle, Washington.  This tale has roots in the old stories of the king or God disguising himself as a peasant or beggar and going out amongst the common folk to see how he is received in that guise.  This song is simply about showing kindness to someone in need and how you never know if that next person who you meet will be someone who will change your life forever.

Beggar Of Dreams

Here is the video mix of this song. The official lyric video can be viewed on my youtube channel at https://youtube.com/markgeislermusic

"The Wind And The Lion" music and lyrics by Mark Geisler © 2022.

Somethin’ in the wind is calling out to me
It doesn’t have a name – just a voice that beckons me
To come out of my hiding - leave the cover of the trees
For like the nameless wind – the lion must run free

With whip hand at the ready - through fear you always reigned
You tried to be my keeper – the warden of the game 
But you were not the tamer and I was not tame
Now I only hear the wind calling out my name

Whenever you came near me I caught the bitter scent   
Of your jealousy and fear and I couldn’t stand the stench
No instinct – you relied too much on your intelligence
For that I would never love you – you never even sensed

I came in as the lion – you thought I was a lamb
All ready for the slaughter – to be led at your command
Though you tried to kill the beauty you didn’t understand
That you could never change this beast – I am who I am

From the very moment I was born I waited for the day
That I could get away from you and break out of this cage
Now after all these years I’ve finally made my great escape
At long last I am free of you - the lion’s come of age

Now something better calls and in the wind I’m running free
While you are fading like a ghost – a dying memory
Still, in the barren places of your heart that never bleeds
You will hear the lion roaring – yes, you will always hear me

So now I leave you with your emptiness - I leave you with your pride
Lie down upon the altar – be your own sacrifice
And at the threshold of your ending – if ‘I love you’ is your cry
The wind will blow it back to you – and with you it will die

I am the lion
I am the lion
I am the lion

The Wind And The Lion [Video Mix]

I always like to tell a little bit about my songs, but for this one I think the lyrics and meaning are pretty self-evident. I hope you find the song as inspirational and empowering as I do. Lyrics are below.

"The Wind And The Lion" music and lyrics by Mark Geisler © 2022.

Somethin’ in the wind is calling out to me
It doesn’t have a name – just a voice that beckons me
To come out of my hiding - leave the cover of the trees
For like the nameless wind – the lion must run free

With whip hand at the ready - through fear you always reigned
You tried to be my keeper – the warden of the game
But you were not the tamer and I was not tame
Now I only hear the wind calling out my name

Whenever you came near me I caught the bitter scent
Of your jealousy and fear and I couldn’t stand the stench
No instinct – you relied too much on your intelligence
For that I would never love you – you never even sensed

I came in as the lion – you thought I was a lamb
All ready for the slaughter – to be led at your command
Though you tried to kill the beauty you didn’t understand
That you could never change this beast – I am who I am

From the very moment I was born I waited for the day
That I could get away from you and break out of this cage
Now after all these years I’ve finally made my great escape
At long last I am free of you - the lion’s come of age

Now something better calls and in the wind I’m running free
While you are fading like a ghost – a dying memory
Still, in the barren places of your heart that never bleeds
You will hear the lion roaring – yes, you will always hear me

So now I leave you with your emptiness - I leave you with your pride
Lie down upon the altar – be your own sacrifice
And at the threshold of your ending – if ‘I love you’ is your cry
The wind will blow it back to you – and with you it will die

I am the lion
I am the lion
Running in the wind
I am the lion
I am the lion

The Wind And The Lion [Single Mix]

This previously unheard studio version of "Ghosts" is not on any of my albums. It is available exclusively on soundcloud as a downloadable single and on the official music video at https://youtu.be/nsenQ3ZYU3k

GHOSTS
Music and lyrics by Mark Geisler © 2022

Misty moon, castle cold - empty room, footfall echoes…
Standing here - well, I see weathered stones, faded tapestry
And there are Souls who wander lost so all alone within these halls

Hollow hearts, empty shells - in the dark, lost in self
Live for money, live for fun - and live for only number one
You don't know, you don't see - so how can you turn and say to me

There are no ghosts; they are just images and ghosts; they cannot feel
No ghosts; I don't believe in them and ghosts; they are not real
Well, you know I don't believe that for I can see them as they glide
Across this room that is so empty - like the emptiness inside of you

So you laugh - you can scoff, shake your head and shrug it off
You believe in flesh and blood but does your reasoning bring you love?
Look at you, look at me - who knows Truth? Who is free?

You are strong, feel no pain - but just a pawn within the Game
And the ghosts; they are like you - they are just people you see right through
But there's a difference you don't know - you're just a body, they're all soul

But you say ghosts; they are just images and ghosts; they cannot feel
No ghosts; I don't believe in them and ghosts; they are not real
But it is you who are the image and it is you who cannot feel
And it's you I don't believe in and it's you who are not real - who are not real....

Ghosts [Single]

Ghosts [Single Version]

This previously unreleased track comes from our 1991 "Shining Heart" Christmas album release concert at the Village Theatre in Issaquah, Washington. We have always loved this performance and are thrilled to finally be able to share it with you after all these years. Enjoy and happy holidays!

Music by Alfred Burt, Lyrics by Wihla Hutson
Tro-Hollis Music, Inc.

Recorded December 10, 1991 at the Village Theatre, Issaquah, WA

Maggie Stenson - lead vocal
Frances Leah King - vocals and keyboard
Vickielee Wohlbach - vocals
Mark Geisler - vocals and harp

© 2022 Shining Heart Productions

Some Children See Him [Single]

Some Children See Him [Previously Unreleased Concert Version]

Modern Angels: Some Children See Him [Previously Unreleased Concert Version]

Modern Angels returns to our vault of unreleased material, and we’re excited to share with you a track featuring a rare lead vocal from Mark. This comes from a treasure trove of 1992 studio sessions in which we laid down numerous songs live with all of us standing around mics in the same room. It’s a thrill to finally release this version of one of our favorite Luka Bloom songs.

Mark Geisler: Lead vocal & 12-string guitar
Frances Leah King: Lead vocal on bridge, vocals & keyboard
Vickielee Wohlbach: vocals
Maggie Stenson: vocals

Recorded at JB Recordings - Seattle, WA
Engineered by Jim Bachman
Mastered by Gabriel Pehrson

© 2023 Shining Heart Productions
MODERNANGELS.COM

LYRICS:
Where is this place we've come to?
We don't know what to say
We long to see each other
But are frightened of that day

You met me in a barren place
You walked me to the hill
We were so good for each other then
I know we could be still

You couldn't have come at a better time
You couldn't have come at a better time
You couldn't have come at a better time
Not if you tried, oh no, not if you tried, oh no

We have five hundred questions
Between you and me
But when you look into my eyes my love
Tell me what you see

Is there something you're not sure of?
Is there something true and fine?
Or is it just another case
Of the right face at the wrong time?

You couldn't have come at a better time
You couldn't have come at a better time
You couldn't have come at a better time

Since we were first together
By the lakeside sky so blue
We were so good for each other
Me and you and me and you and 
Me and you and me and you

You couldn't have come at a better time
You couldn't have come at a better time
You couldn't have come at a better time
Not if you tried, oh no, not if you tried, oh no

You couldn't have come at a better time
You couldn't have come at a better time
You couldn't have come at a better time
Not if you tried, oh no, not if you tried, oh no
Not if you tried!

Music and lyrics By Barry Moore, Copyright Wc Music Corp

You Couldn't Have Come At A Better Time [Single]

Modern Angels: You Couldn't Have Come At A Better Time [Single Version]

Modern Angels opens up the vaults once again and we are pleased to bring you this exclusive, previously unreleased live recording of "The Blue Green Hills Of Earth/Silent Night".

Written by Kim Oler, "The Blue Green Hills Of Earth" is from The Paul Winter Consort's "Missa Gaia/Earth Mass".  We never recorded this beautiful song in the studio and only ever sang it live in concert in conjunction with "Silent Night" as our concert finale in 1991.  During this particular performance of "Silent Night," Maggie became overwhelmed with emotion and was barely able to continue, at which point we asked the concert audience to sing with us. Their immediate and enthusiastic response was equally overwhelming, as you will hear. It was a magical moment that made for an unforgettable ending to the show.

This performance is from our 1991 Christmas concert at the Village Theatre in Issaquah, Washington. Thanks to the magic of modern technology, we have been able to remaster the original to minimize, as much as possible, audience noise and maximize the music. SO glad we were recording that night!

CREDITS:
The Blue Green Hills Of Earth 
(music and lyrics by Kim Oler, Copyright Boosey & Hawkes Inc., arranged by Modern Angels)

Frances Leah King: Lead Vocal
Maggie Stenson: Vocals
Vickielee Wohlbach: Vocals
Mark Geisler: Vocals
Special Guest Mark Rabe: Piano
 
Silent Night 
(music and lyrics by Joseph Mohr & Franz Gruber, public domain, arranged by Modern Angels)

Maggie Stenson: Lead Vocal
Frances Leah King: Vocals
Vickielee Wohlbach: Vocals
Mark Geisler: Vocals and 12-String Guitar
Concert Audience: Vocals

Audio Mastering: Gabriel Pehrson
Modern Angels cover portrait by Mark Rabe

© 2023 Shining Heart Productions
MODERNANGELS.COM

The Blue Green Hills Of Earth/Silent Night [Single]

The Blue Green Hills Of Earth/Silent Night

From the private collection CD "Evolution Revolution" (2006)
Music and lyrics by Mark Geisler © 2005 Thoryan Music
All instruments and vocals performed by Mark Geisler

Written November 5-7, 2005 - Boulder, Colorado.   This is one of the most empowering songs I have ever written. It is about how we can be easily beaten down by others bit by bit to the point where abusive behavior is normal (and even acceptable), and how freeing it is when we no longer listen to those voices, let go of the abusive ones and become our true selves. This home demo was recorded on March 25, 2006.

Leeches And Scabs [2006 Demo]

For Christmas 2024, Modern Angels is pleased to present our newly reworked and reimagined version of "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day." 2024 has been a rough ride for many the world over, and we sincerely hope this song and video lifts your spirits and brings joy & light to your holidays and beyond. May it serve to manifest Peace On Earth.

Music by John Baptiste Calkin, Words by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 
Additional Lyrics by Mark Geisler

Vickielee Wohlbach: lead vocal, harmony vocals
Frances Leah King: harmony vocals
Maggie Stenson: harmony vocals
Mark Geisler: harmony vocals, harp, hammered dulcimer, violins, chimes, keyboards

Audio mixing and remastering by Emmy Pehrson 

ModernAngels.com
© 2024 Shining Heart Productions

I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day [Single]

I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day (2024 Version)

I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day (2024 Release)

This song was inspired by one of those rainy late autumn days, when the sky is a heavy blue-grey color, the trees are nearly bare, and the leaves are lying in massive carpets on the sopping wet ground. A perfect day to be curled up in front of a nice warm fire with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, tea or warm apple cider. So grab a mug, relax and curl up with a warm blanket as you join me on this journey of beautiful memories through the old houses of my childhood. May it evoke warm and beautiful memories of the houses of your own childhood. 


LYRICS: 
Grey November Day
Rain falling on the cold, bare branches
Leaves of copper brown
Decaying in masses on the cold November ground

And three colored corn husks decorate the door
The fireplace crackles and it makes me feel so warm
Cider and spices from the kitchen fill the air
I'm curled up in my sweater in the worn out leather chair

REFRAIN:
This house that I remember feels a little smaller now
The shingles are all weathered and the gutter's falling down
But now, much more than ever, it's so good to be around
This house when it's November and the rain is falling down.....

A quilt of many colors made of rows and rows of granny squares
Was there at my grandmother's house draped upon the old rocking chair
The floor would always freeze my feet in the middle of the night
When I'd sneak into her kitchen just to watch the flicker of the orange nightlight 

And in Bloomfield, Michigan my nana had a house at 626 Wattles road
Where I'd play with an old, broken Howdy Doody doll and sit in the den and spin the globe
The grandfather clock, the red velvet chairs, the huge crystal chandelier
I remember them like it was yesterday though it's been almost forty years

The houses I remember; some are faded, some are gone
And I think about them mostly when the holidays come on
And though they are not with me now, I can go there anytime
For the houses of my childhood remain so very much alive within my mind

REFRAIN:
These old November houses are my windows to what was
They take me to the places and the people that I love
They steal into my memories when November comes around
And I'm curled up by the fireplace and the rain is falling down.....


Music and lyrics by Mark Geisler
© 1985 Thoryan Music
All vocals and instruments by Mark Geisler

Mark Geisler photo by Michael Snively @ intimatemuse.com
Cover art by Mark Geisler

November Houses digital single © 2025 Mark Geisler
Available on the album Between The Worlds 25th Anniversary Edition.
November Houses (Official Lyric Video) is available on my youtube channel at https://youtu.be/QF_6-GHpf2s

November Houses

"Greetings of the season - may we grant each other peace." ~ Shelby Flint

What a lovely message for the holiday season.

Modern Angels performed many songs in concert that we never had the opportunity to record in the studio. This beautiful song written by the legendary Shelby Flint is one of them. Our 1992 Christmas concert (which ultimately turned out to be our last Christmastime concert) was the one and only time we ever performed this song. Thankfully someone was there with a VHS camera and a tripod who recorded the entire show from the back of the theater. We are so grateful to have this vintage concert preserved, and now thanks to the wonders of modern technology it is our pleasure to finally be able to bring some of these performances out of the vaults and share them with the world. 

"When the world astounds us, and we question what is true, may the message of this season still be there to lift us up and see us through." 

We hope you enjoy this song along with our "living Christmas card" video version on YouTube. May it add more light, warmth and love to your holidays.

---------------------------------------------------

GREETINGS OF THE SEASON
Music and lyrics by Shelby Flint, Flintworks Music BMI

Greetings of the season, may we grant each other peace
May the blessings of this time be ours to keep
Celebrate the reason to be children once again
And welcome in a stranger as a friend

It's the very best time of the year
Calling up the best of what we are
Telling us to follow all our highest dreams
Just as others followed a star

Time to decorate the windows and light the fire bright
Join our voices in the music filling up the frosty night
Forget our foolish grudges and put away all care
Gather all together the gifts we bring to share

Love is all around us, what a magic time is here
To remember as we start another year
When the word astounds us and we question what is true
May the message of this season still be there to lift us up and see us through

So I send this season's greetings to you

---------------------------------------

Mark Geisler: lead vocal, keyboard
Frances Leah King: vocals
Maggie Stenson: vocals
Vickielee Wohlbach: vocals

Recorded live at The Village Theatre, Issaquah, Washington, December 15, 1992
Audio remastering by Gabriel Pehrson
Video concept by Mark Geisler

©2025 Shining Heart Productions
ModernAngels.com

Greetings of the Season [Single Version]

Music and Lyrics by Mark Geisler © 2018 Thoryan Music
All instruments and vocals performed by Mark Geisler

Written August 20, 2016.  The inspiration for this song came from conversations with my friend Rick about his late partner Pat with whom he shared a life of 40 some years.  Pat was a very complex man (as was their relationship) and despite decades of being together Pat was never quite able to accept that someone else could love him as deeply as Rick did.  It has been several years now since Pat's passing but the light clearly continues to burn in Rick's heart for this man.

A Light Shines

Mark Geisler is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, arranger and producer.  His musical career spans over 35 years both as a solo artist and founding member of the Seattle based musical ensemble Modern Angels. 

This soundcloud page includes tracks from Mark's numerous CDs as well as new material and exclusive tracks that haven't been issued on any CD and are only available here. Opening a song in a new tab will take you to that song's page where you will find information and liner notes about the song as well as lyrics. Be sure to follow the link to Mark's YouTube channel as well!

If you like Mark's music and would like to purchase CDs please contact Mark directly at markgeislermusic@gmail.com.  

Thanks for listening and enjoy the music!

Mark Geisler

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