Things for which I'm grateful by singer-songwriter Stan Countz

Grateful

I walk these streets
Where my fathers walked
Breathing the same air
They once breathed

Tryin' to connect the dots
Wonderin' what kind
Of legacy I'll leave
It's hard to believe

They call it progress
They say it's grand
It wasn't bomb threats
That made this land

We need to hold fast
To the things that last
Be bold and fight
For what we know is right

We need to hold on
We need to right what's wrong
Before it's long gone
We need to right what's wrong

My grandpa's unyielding hands
Worked the fields and the land
But loud voices taunt and jeer
The end is drawing near

Other voices on the rise
Offer choices I despise
These voices yell and scream
Making noises in the streets

They say it's progress
They say it's safe
Didn't win a contest
It was God's grace

We need to hold fast
To the things that last
Be bold and fight
For what we know is right

We need to hold on
We need to right what's wrong
Before it's long gone
We need to right what's wrong

When the winds of change blow like the breeze
And they try to take what belongs to me
I won't give in, won't bow my knee
I won't be timid, or cowardly

I'll hold on tight, be bold and fight
Won't let the devil, devour me
I'll walk in the Light as You're in the light
I'll let Your Spirit empower me

The weight of change is on my shoulders now
Those who came before me, have shown me how
To cherish what I have, not take it for granted
Don't wanna lose the chance, I've been handed

Need to stand guard through the night and day
To make sure these blessings don't slip away
What we have is sacred, what we have is true
Need to protect the red, white and blue

We need to hold fast
To the things that last
Be bold and fight
For what we know is right

We need to hold on
We need to right what's wrong
Before it's long gone
We need to right what's wrong

Right What's Wrong

We work for pay and a wage
We weren't made for a cage
We're saved by grace thru faith
The choice, of course, is yours to make

He died and rose from the grave
That our soul might be saved
He'll take His bride with Him
So give your life to Him

Before it's too late to start a new page
His plan for you's great, so don't wait
He waits at the gate, so don't hesitate
Only He, can fix the mess you made

This was predicted -- by prophets n sages
Choose His free gift -- or take your wages
Sand may shift -- but not, the Rock of Ages
God's plan, seems a bit -- outrageous

He calmed the sea and waves
Only by faith can we be saved
We're saved by grace thru faith
The choice is yours to make

He died and rose from the grave
That our soul might be saved
He'll take His bride with Him
So give your life to Him

Before it's too late to start a new page
His plan for you's great, so don't wait
He waits at the gate, so don't hesitate
Only He, can fix the mess you made

Be brave and courageous, it's a bit outrageous
Choose His free gift -- or take your wages
Sand may shift -- but not, the Rock of Ages
God's plan, seems a bit -- outrageous

Admit your sin n break free of your cage
Accept His free gift -- or take your wage
The choice, of course, is yours to make
Only He, can fix the mess you made

The choice, I guess, is on your shoulders now
Every tongue will confess, every knee will bow
Take your wage, and live like a refugee
Stay in your cage, or let Him set you free

It ain't too late to start a new page
His plan for you's great, so don't wait
He waits at the gate, so don't hesitate
Only Heee, can fix the mess you made

A Bit Outrageous

Life is no bowl of cherries
It's no walk in the park
Whether single or married
We all need a little spark

f your load is too great to carry
Don't lose heart
Don't be despairing
Don't give up, just hit re-start

Go ahead and hit re-start
And depression will soon depart
Don't fret and start afresh
Walk in the spirit, not in the flesh

I asked Christ into my heart
And He gave me a fresh start
The old me has passed away
Since I let Jesus have His way

Life is no piece of cake
But our soul is immortal
We all make mistakes
We are all mere mortals

We all need a little break
Of that fact, I've no quarrel
We all need a little grace
To see through this portal

Go ahead and hit re-start
And depression will soon depart
Don't fret and start afresh
Walk in the spirit, not in the flesh

I asked Christ into my heart
And He gave me a fresh start
The old me has passed away
Since I let Jesus have His way

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation
Old things have passed away
Behold, all things have become new

Go ahead and hit re-start
And depression will soon depart
Don't fret and start afresh
Walk in the spirit, not in the flesh

I asked Christ into my heart
And He gave me a fresh start
The old me has passed away
Since I let Jesus have His way 

Fresh Start

An Acquired Taste

The Soundtrack of My Life is a song about the ever-changing music that shaped my life - from Doo Wop in the 50's to the British Invasion of the 60's to the digital age.

Born n raised in the fifties
Doo Wop was fillin' the air
Thought the King was nifty
Sock Hops were everywhere

We were California Dreamin'
Under painted skies
Those sweet harmonies
Shaped this heart of mine

British groups were invadin'
That's a well-known fact
The Monkees stood by waitin'
The Stones were "Painted Black."

The Beach Boys were surfin'
To that California sound
Deuce Coupes were swervin'
People were comin' unwound

This is the soundtrack of my life
Every decade cuts like a knife
Through my heart and my soul
Rock n Roll -- won't grow old

From vinyl forty fives
To this digital stream
The soundtrack of my life
Isn't just a dream

The seventies exploded
With The Eagles flyin' high
Denver's Country Roads on
A Starry, Starry night

Then Disco lights were flashin'
Bee Gees were Stayin' Alive
MTV added action
And kept the dream alive

This is the soundtrack of my life
Every decade cuts like a knife
Through my heart and my soul
Rock n Roll -- won't grow old

From vinyl forty fives
To this digital stream
The soundtrack of my life
Isn't just a dream

From Purple Haze
To Purple Rain
The music might change
But the feelin' remains

Each generation brings
A brand new sound
But the twist and the swing
Still spins me around

This is the soundtrack of my life
Every decade cuts like a knife
Through my heart and my soul
Rock n Roll -- won't grow old

From vinyl forty fives
To this digital stream
The soundtrack of my life
Isn't just a dream

From vinyl forty fives
To this digital stream
The soundtrack of my life
Isn't just a dream

The Soundtrack of My Life

Christmas is around the bend
We're wrappin' gifts and toys
We're gettin' ready to spread
Lots of happiness and joy

Time for mistletoe n holly
And for little girls and boys
Cuz Santa's feelin' jolly
So raise your hands n voice

And make some noise
For the newborn king
Lift your voice n sing

Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna to the newborn king
This world is on the brink
The brink of World War Three

We're the sheep of His pasture
He came n died for you n me
Saved us from sure disaster
Hosanna to the newborn king

The Way, the Truth, the Life
Turned water into wine
Born to pay the price
For your sin and for mine

That baby laying in a manger
Wrapped in swaddling clothes
Came to save us from our failures
Lived and died and then arose

Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna to the newborn king
This world is on the brink
The brink of World War Three

We're the sheep of His pasture
He came n died for you n me
Saved us from sure disaster
Hosanna to the newborn king

The Way, the Truth, the Life
Gave sight to the blind
Born to pay the price
For your sin and for mine

That baby laying in a manger
Wrapped in swaddling clothes
Came to save us from our failures
Lived and died and then arose

Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna to the newborn king
This world is on the brink
The brink of World War Three

We're the sheep of His pasture
He came n died for you n me
Saved us from sure disaster
Hosanna to the newborn king

Hosanna to the newborn king
Hosanna to the newborn king

Hosanna to the Newborn King

Christmas day will soon be here
Time to spread good will n cheer
Many are filled with dread n fear
Because the future's still unclear

But God above's -- still in control
Trust His love, He'll fill your soul
If you're of His flock and of His fold
You can't be bought, you can't be sold
And one day you'll walk, the streets of gold

So let's make some noise
Celebrate His grace and rejoice
Tell the Christmas story, and sing
-- Glory to the newborn King

Glory to God in the highest
Pray His truth will triumph
Saved Daniel from the lions
Helped David slay that giant

He came to save humanity
Gave His life for you and me
Wanna take this opportunity
To pray for strength and unity

And to lift my voice and sing
Glory to the newborn King
Glory to the newborn King
Glory to the newborn King

He was a willing sacrifice
Make Him the Lord of your life
He was born to pay the price
For your sin and for mine

That baby laying in a manger
Wrapped in swaddling clothes
Saved us from our sins n failures
Lived and died and arose

So let's make some noise
Celebrate His grace and rejoice
Tell the Christmas story, and sing
Glory to the newborn King

Glory to God in the highest
Pray His truth will triumph
Saved Daniel from the lions
Helped David slay that giant

He came to save humanity
Gave His life for you and me
Wanna take this opportunity
To pray against dis-unity

And to lift my voice and sing
Glory to the newborn King
Glory to the newborn King
Glory to the newborn King

He came that we might have life
He even gave sight to the blind
He was born to pay the price
For your sin and for mine

That baby laying in a manger
Wrapped in swaddling clothes
Saved us from our sins n failures
Lived and died and arose

So let's make some noise
Celebrate His grace and rejoice
Tell the Christmas story, and sing
Glory to the newborn King

Glory to God in the highest
Pray His truth will triumph
Saved Daniel from the lions
Helped David slay that giant

He came to save humanity
Gave His life for you and me
Wanna take this opportunity
To pray against dis-unity

And to lift my voice and sing
Glory to the newborn King
Glory to the newborn King
Glory to the newborn King 

Glory to God in the Highest

I remember sitting in my Meemaw's kitchen
She'd tell me stories 'bout the olden days
How they marched and prayed for rights we take for granted
"Child, these blessings came with a fight and by God's grace."

So stand your ground, don't give up, keep the faith
(Stand your ground)
Freedom ain't just another word you say
(Stand your ground)
It was bought with blood, sweat and tears
(Yes it was)
Stand your ground, don't give way to fear

Last Sunday morning I tried to speak my mind
Felt the walls closing in around my faith
They tried to silence what I knew was right
That's when I heard my Meemaw say

She said "Don't give up, keep the faith!
Freedom ain't just another word you say
It's something you live each and every day
Don't give up, keep the faith."

So stand your ground, don't give up, keep the faith
(Stand your ground)
Freedom ain't just another word you say
(Stand your ground)
It was bought with blood, sweat and tears
(Yes it was)
Stand your ground, don't give way to fear

Now I'm teaching my own kids what she taught me
That liberty requires a watchful eye
When someone tries to take your voice away
You stand up tall and proudly testify

Freedom to speak (Freedom to speak)
Freedom to pray (Freedom to pray)
Freedom to gather (Freedom to gather)
In the light of day (In the light of day)
Freedom to protect (Freedom to protect)
What we hold dear (What we hold dear)
Stand your ground (Stand your ground)
Don't give way to fear

So stand your ground, don't give up, keep the faith
(Stand your ground)
Freedom ain't just another word you say
(Stand your ground)
It was bought with blood, sweat and tears
(Yes it was)
Stand your ground, don't give way to fear

She said "Don't give up, keep the faith!
Freedom ain't just another word you say
It's something you live each and every day"
Don't give up, keep the faith." 

Stand Your Ground - Keep the Faith

It's seems, these days, we're afraid
To say what we truly feel
The swamp is filled with snakes
What's fake and what's real?

Oh tell me how, yes tell me now
How do we clean, this messy house

We need to set right
Our schools n institutions
Need to hold on tight
To our constitution

We need to fight
To watch and pray
With a rifle in one hand
And a Bible to guide our way

Chasing after what we seek
Makes us strong, not weak
The future's mighty bleak
If we lose our right to speak

Oh tell me how, yes tell me now
How do we clean, this messy house?

We need to set right
Our schools n institutions
Need to hold on tight
To our constitution

We need to fight
To watch and pray
With a rifle in one hand
And a Bible to guide our way

All these rights we got, didn't come without a cost
Blood and tears were shed, we had to bear our cross
Freedom to pray and freedom of speech
Someone's gotta pay, freedom isn't free

Now it's up to me and you to see this mission through
Get back to our roots, see the vision, seek the truth
Guard your liberty, it's more precious than gold
Without it our stories will never, ever be told

So when the pressure rises, don't bend and don't break
Remember what our fathers died for n what was at stake
Stand up, speak the truth whenever times get hard
Freedom needs a faithful few, who will stand guard

The house needs
To be mopped and cleaned
The rot starts at the top
The swamp runs deep

Oh tell me how, yes tell me now
How do we clean, this messy house?

We need to fight,
To watch and pray
With a rifle in one hand
And a Bible to guide our way 

Rifle and a Bible

Wanna write a song that makes you cry
Makes you grow wings, take off and fly
Feel things you haven't felt in a while
Makes you laugh, makes you smile

Wanna write a song that makes ya dig deep
Makes you strong when you're feelin' weak
That makes you weep, or makes you pray
That makes you take, a leap of faith

Want to write a song that makes you  think
About a love gone wrong or on the brink
A song that makes you take a chance
Makes you wanna sing along and dance.

Want to write a song that changes lives
Makes you take and hold your baby tight
That makes you go against the grain
Feeds your soul and fans the flame

But a song can only do so much
Sometimes you just need a human touch
If you're in touch with how you feel
A song can help you mend and heal

Want to write a song that makes you  think
About a love gone wrong or on the brink
A song that makes you take a chance
Makes you wanna sing along and dance.

Want to write a song that changes lives
Makes you take and hold your baby tight
That makes you go against the grain
Feeds your soul and fans the flame

[Outro]
But a song can only do so much
Sometimes you just need a human touch
If you're in touch with how you feel
A song can help you mend and heal

Music can only do so much
But don't use it as a crutch
It can help you learn to change
If you're ready to turn the page

Wanna Write a Song.wav

Songwriter. Storyteller. Sound pioneer, Stan Countz is a genre-bending songwriter with over 300 original songs under his belt — a true craftsman of lyric and melody. From his debut track “Those Hap Happy Days” in 2005, a nostalgic tribute to the golden era of the ’50s and ’60s, Stan has built a musical legacy rooted in meaning, melody, and message.

Writing under the moniker Stan and Be Counted, he stands tall in the world of music as both a creator and a voice of purpose. His catalog spans a kaleidoscope of genres — from contemporary Christian rock and gospel to EDM, country pop, blues, R&B, hip hop, folk, and beyond. Each song is a reflection of his passion for storytelling and his desire to uplift, challenge, and connect.

Whether crafting soul-stirring love ballads, foot-tapping jingles, or heart-pounding hard rock anthems, Stan brings a rare blend of versatility, depth, and soul to every track. He doesn't just write songs — he writes moments you can feel.

Stan Countz is more than an artist — he’s a movement. A call to stand... and be counted. He is a prolific lyricist and lives in Denison, Texas with his artist/photographer wife. 

If you're an Artist looking for a song for the next hit, send me a message. Who knows, I may have a gem and a #1 hit for us both!