The rehearsal tapes of a new Christmas musical, seeking creative collaborators who catch a vision for the possibilities here, and for taking "Don't Blink" to the next level and to live audiences for Christmas 2026 and beyond.

If you "Don't Blink" this Christmas, you might just see the secrets in the subtext, the subtle moments, and the secondary characters in the ancient story I thought I knew inside and out.

Tracks like “How Can This Be?” (Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, https://soundcloud.com/stefanlanfer/how-can-this-be),  “A Reason to Sing” (Gloria, the innkeeper's wife, https://soundcloud.com/stefanlanfer/a-reason-to-sing), the Angel Gabriel's "You can believe - or not" ( https://soundcloud.com/stefanlanfer/you-can-believe-or-not-gabriel), and Mother Mary's "My whole world"  (https://soundcloud.com/stefanlanfer/my-whole-world). 

 " I know I'm not the hero .
Not many of us are.
But what if there's a message
Written to us in the stars?
Any one of us might hold an illuminating piece
Of the puzzle, whether ours is the greatest or the least."

"There just might be a reason
that all of us are here,
even if we’re not the center 
of the story – nowhere near.
If you take another look, 
take a minute, 
take two, you might see something 
that is true as true is true.
You might see 
something for you. “ 

Merry Christmas 2025.

Don't blink!

Don't Blink

The Mountain

You'd Adore Me Now

How can this be? (Zechariah)

From the angel Gabriel’s point of view—part divine messenger, part melancholy superhero—this piano ballad gives voice to the weight of bearing news from on high to people down low who struggle to believe - and he can understand why. Honest. Wistful. A little weary. "We're not that different, you and me," he sings across the veil of eternity, holding space for mystery, doubt, and faith. For fans of introspective storytelling in the spirit of Superman (It’s Not Easy) and "Believe It or Not, I'm Walking on Air..." (The Greatest American Hero 1980s TV theme).

Lyrics:
VERSE

I get a job. I do a job and that’s what filters through.
It’s pretty much my known for - I bring messages to you.

CHORUS

We’re not that different, you and me, on different sides of eternity.
These riddles wrapped in mystery. You can believe - or not.  What will be will be.

VERSE

You get a word. You hear a word. You wonder, “Now what do I do?”
Your part is to receive it. And believe what’s true is true.

CHORUS

We’re not that different, you and me, on different sides of eternity.
These riddles wrapped in mystery. You can believe - or not. What will be will be.

BRIDGE
Look, I get it. I know how you feel.
Even talking to me you’re like, “Can this thing be real?”
“Am I awake? Am I dreaming?” “Is this the light? Am I dead?”
“Was it something I ate that’s gone to my head?”

CHORUS

We’re not that different, you and me, on different sides of eternity.
These riddles wrapped in mystery. You can believe - or not. What will be will be.

We’re not that different, you and me, on different sides of eternity.
These riddles wrapped in mystery. You can believe - or not...

You can believe - or not (Gabriel)

“Something for you” is the opening number and title song to the new modern folk singer-songwriter Christmas musical, "Don't blink"

This musical brings forward the minor characters in the first Christmas story — shepherds, innkeepers, fathers and mothers — those whose names we might know, or not. In any case, we rarely linger in their company, and can be left to wonder why the author even included them. "Don't blink" also invites us deeper into previously unexamined moments with the more central characters - Joseph, Mary, the angel Gabriel - to help us grasp how it felt for them to be caught up in this great, grand, mysterious narrative.  

“Something for you” raises the central theme for the whole project:

👉 The heroes at center-stage aren’t the only ones whose stories can point the way to the universal and profound.

With acoustic warmth, lyrical honesty, and a modern folk sensibility, “Something to See” invites listeners to pause, look again, and discover what surprising truths are right there in plain view, waiting to be seen at the edges, between the lines, just below the surface of a story many of us thought we knew inside and out.

LYRICS:

VERSE

You might see me, if you see me, on the outside of the frame,
A kind of “also ran” - you might never know my name.
Maybe all you’ll know is I’m a husband or a wife,
A shepherd or a wise man, just living out my life.

CHORUS

There just might be a reason that all of us are here,
Even if we’re not the center of the story - nowhere near?
If you take a another look, take a moment, take two - 
You might see something that is true as true is true
You might see something for you.

VERSE

I know I’m not the hero. Not many of us are. 
But what if there’s a message written to us in the stars?
Any one of us might hold an illuminating piece
Of the puzzle, whether ours is the greatest or the least.

CHORUS

There just might be a reason that all of us are here,
Even if we’re not the center of the story - nowhere near?
If you take a another look, take a moment, take two - 
You might see something that is true as true is true
You might see something for you.

BRIDGE

You might think truth a fiction some people believe,
Candy that the masses mindlessly receive.
So be fearless with your questions.
Don’t hide it when you doubt.
And never fear to look.
Who knows what you’ll find out?

CHORUS

There just might be a reason that all of us are here,
Even if we’re not the center of the story - nowhere near?
If you take a another look, take a moment, take two - 
You might see something that is true as true is true
You might see something for you.

Something for you

✨ From the modern folk Christmas musical “Don't blink”, FAITHFUL is a duet between Joseph and the angel Gabriel, as Joseph wrestles with doubt and heartbreak after learning of Mary’s pregnancy. Gabriel steps in with encouraging words, perspective on what can and can’t ever really be known, and a call to live a life of faith even when you don’t feel like it or understand it.

LYRICS:

CHORUS
		   
Joseph:	Faithful. Faithful. Faithful
		Is what I want to be and be called faithful.

VERSE

Joseph: 	I was so confused, I felt abused - that she would stray

Gabriel:	She never has, she’s always been true to you for all her days [she has been]

CHORUS

Gabriel: 	Faithful. Faithful. Faithful

Joseph:	Is what I want to be and be called faithful.

VERSE 

Joseph:	So you’re saying my - my first take…

Gabriel:	A big mistake!

Joseph:	How can I know?

Gabriel:	You can’t you won’t. What’s true is true. And all that counts is what you do. 
[So be]

CHORUS

Both: 		Faithful. Faithful. Faithful

Is what I want to be and be called faithful.

BRIDGE

Joseph:	But you’re just a dream!

Gabriel:	[Hah!] How real do I seem?

Joseph:	What about when I wake up?

Gabriel:	Pour the wine and drink it up!

CHORUS

Both: 		[And be] Faithful. Faithful. Faithful

Is what I want to be and be called faithful.

		Faithful. Faithful. Faithful

Is what I want to be and be called faithful.

Faithful (Joseph + Gabriel; feat. Drew Lanfer)

✨ "What I know" is Elizabeth’s song to her cousin, Mary, from "Don't Blink" - the modern folk Christmas musical that features the minor characters and minor moments that are more often overlooked, but which hold major insights into a story many of us thought we knew inside and out-  the first Christmas. Both women pregnant by a kind of miracle with children who will change the world, Elizabeth sings to Mary of believing what you feel in your bones and trusting what you know is real. 

LYRICS:

VERSE:

When I saw my happy cousin, right away I knew - 
There was something there about her unbelievable but true.
In her eyes  a certain something, in her step a certain spring
The word that came to me was “blessed.” I couldn’t help but sing:

CHORUS: 

The child in me - he more than moved, he more than kicked, he leapt.
In every way impossible, in every way except...
For what I see with my own eyes. For all the things I feel. 
The harder part would be to doubt when I know I know what's real
What I know, what I know, what I know, what I know.

VERSE:

“My husband’s just gone quiet - some kind of attack.
His voice just up and left him. Who knows? It might be back.
But while it’s gone, between us, cousin, let’s cut the man some slack.
Silence can be golden, or an aphrodisiac!

CHORUS: 

The child in me - he more than moved, he more than kicked, he leapt.
In every way impossible, in every way except...
For what I see with my own eyes. For all the things I feel. 
The harder part would be to doubt when I know I know what's real
What I know, what I know, what I know, what I know.

BRIDGE:

I couldn’t make this happen - all that’s happening to me,
Or believe it’s just an accident. No, this is destiny!
We’re part of it, you and me - this story being told.
Don’t ever let the doubters make you think that you’re too old.

CHORUS: 

The child in me - he more than moved, he more than kicked, he leapt.
In every way impossible, in every way except...
For what I see with my own eyes. For all the things I feel. 
The harder part would be to doubt when I know I know what's real
What I know, what I know, what I know, what I know.

What I know, what I know, what I know, what I know….

What I Know (Elizabeth; feat. Ashley Lanfer)

The song of the old prophet, Anna, as she blesses the newborn baby Jesus at the temple for his consecration. I may be old, she says, and some folks discount me, "but don't assume I'm out of aces until all the hands are played..."
From "Don't blink" (https://soundcloud.com/stefanlanfer/sets/dontblink), the modern folk singer-songwriter musical retelling of the first Christmas story from the perspective of the minor characters, unexamined moments, and subtext hiding in plain view that are full of fresh insights into a tale many of us thought we knew inside and out.

LYRICS

VERSE
Most people miss what they’re not looking for
And avoid the things they see that they would much rather ignore
Like the fact that they’ll get old like me - their superpowers fade.
But don’t think I’m out of aces until all the hands are played.
CHORUS
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in all of my born days
It’s to keep your eyes wide open and don’t let up on praise.
Don’t let up. Don’t let up. Don’t let up. Don’t let up.
Don't ever let up on your praise.
VERSE
Ask any of the locals what they know of me.
It pretty much boils down to thing 1, thing 2, thing 3.
Thing 1 is I was married once. Thing 2 is that I’m old.
Thing 3 - I’m praising day and night. That’s how my story’s told.
CHORUS
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in all of my born days
It’s to keep your eyes wide open and don’t let up on praise.
Don’t let up. Don’t let up. Don’t let up. Don’t let up.
Don't ever let up on your praise.
BRIDGE
Unless you’re always looking, don’t expect to see.
Miracles do happen, but they happen suddenly.
And they happen in the most unexpected ways.
That’s all you need to know ‘bout this old lady and her praise.
CHORUS
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in all of my born days
It’s to keep your eyes wide open and don’t let up on praise.
Don’t let up. Don’t let up. Don’t let up. Don’t let up.

DON'T LET UP CHORDS (Key: C#)
INTRO: 	C#	Fm	F#2	G#2
VERSE
C#		Fm	      F#2		G#2
Most people miss what they’re not looking for
C#			     Fm	   			   F#2		G#2
And avoid the things they see that they would much rather ignore
	   F#2		         G#2/F		     G#4/A#	 F#2
Like the fact that they’ll get old like me - their superpowers fade.
	    F#2/D#                 G#/F	   G#4/F#	       G#2/G#
But don’t think I’m out of aces until all the hands are played.
CHORUS
C#		Fm	      F#2		G#2
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in all of my born days
C#		Fm	      F#2		G#2
Is to keep your eyes wide open and don’t let up on praise.
           Fm/C#	       F#/D#               Fm7              G#4/F#5
Don’t let up. Don’t let up. Don’t let up. Don’t let up.
	      C#	      F#//G#           F#2 → C#
Don't ever let up on your praise.
VERSE
C#		Fm	      F#2		G#2
Ask any of the locals what they know of me.
C#		Fm	      F#2		G#2
It pretty much boils down to thing 1, thing 2, thing 3.
       F#2	    G#2/F	       G#/A#	        F#2
Thing 1 is I was married once. Thing 2 is that I’m old.
	    F#2/D#                 G#2/F	   G#4/F#	       G#2/G#
Thing 3 - I’m praising day and night. That’s how my story’s told.
CHORUS
C#		Fm	      F#2		G#2
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in all of my born days
C#		Fm	      F#2		G#2
It’s to keep your eyes wide open and don’t let up on praise.
           Fm/C#	       F#/D#             Fm7               G#4/F#5
Don’t let up. Don’t let up. Don’t let up. Don’t let up.
	      C#	      F#//G#           F#2 → C#
Don't ever let up on your praise.
BRIDGE
Fm/C#		Fm		  F#2		   G#2
Unless you’re always looking, don’t expect to see.
C#		Fm	      F#2		G#2
Miracles do happen, but they happen suddenly.
	        C#/A#       Fm/G#            D#m/F#     C#/F
And they happen in the most unexpected ways.
                  C#4/D#       C#/F            	       C#4/F#            G#
That’s all you need to know ‘bout this old lady and her praise.

CHORUS (last time to instrumental finale)

Don't Let Up (Anna; feat. Sam Schreiber)

The story:
A rock-musical adaptation of the best-selling book "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

Background:
The Alchemist is essentially our attempt at writing a rock-musical within a pop context. I had just finished the book and the protagonist, Santiago, really resonated with me. The book was gifted to me. My god-sis found that I was quite lost and needed some direction. I actually have a couple of copies of the book now because I tend to buy them at airport bookstores for flights.  

Tim had also begun taking his guitar playing a lot more seriously. He always did, but it was around this time that he really formalised his learning by plowing through theory books. We took as somewhat classical approach to the song. I went to the library to borrow tapes on musicals because we didn't have Youtube. Tim was listening to more classical music. Jon and Jarell had always known what they were doing. It somehow always came more naturally to them when determining the vibe of a song. 

The intro and first verse were written to capture the feeling of a monologue on stage. Because, the song loosely follows the three-act structure (of a play), the breakdown was heavier to represent the confrontation of a second act. The chorus was written last since the song ends with it. We actually had a lot of trouble writing it because M.I.’s approach to choruses was always “big, loud and preferably catchy”. 

If I remember correctly, we'd actually finalised the guitar parts and Jarell came up with the idea to do a drummer-boy baroque-style beat with only the snare. We loved it, so Tim and Jon adapted. Harun recorded the bass and we demanded a brief solo from him. - Illyas 

Trivia:
- The Alchemist is Jon's favourite M.I. song. 
- Tim did not provide vocals for the song because we wanted to remain true to the source material. Santiago was alone on his journey.

Lyrics:
Wandering lost, wondering where this road will take me
A shepherd boy no different from his sheep
This fork might bend, but will it shape for me?
To each his own, so I'll dethrone the destiny that life has set for me

Don't cry
Fall into my arms, I'll sing you to sleep
In time, 
I will return to you my queen

The eastern sky has lightened to mourn the night
Omens have spoken, nothing will break my stride
In search of a treasure residing beyond the brine

No reprieve, I don't need relief 
Faith has kept me on my feet
Cos there is nothing I won't give 
To feel so alive

Credits
Written by: Timothy Adalia, Jonathan Chua, Illyas Lim Effandi, Jarell Monteiro & Harun Rashid
Lyrics by: Illyas Lim Effandi

Vocals: Illyas Lim Effandi
Guitars: Timothy Adalia
Guitars & Keyboards: Jonathan Chua
Bass: Harun Nur Rashid
Drums: Jarell Monteiro

Recorded and Produced by Neil Lim

Moving On (17/1/2016 9:44:45 PM)

The Alchemist

Stefan Lanfer writes indie folk singer-songwriter songs with the soul of a storyteller and the heart of a seeker. With a vibe somewhere between Ben Folds and Cat Stevens, his music blends lyrical introspection, spiritual resonance, and quiet power. This song library is for fans who want to feel something and collaborators looking for material ripe with possibilities and ready for their magic. 

SoundCloud is Stefan's songwriting sandbox, with work tapes and rehearsal tapes, multiple versions, works in progress, different drafts tracing the evolutions, and ideas from listeners always welcome to help these songs figure out and become what they want to be before they launch into the wider streaming world. 

Thanks for stopping by. Come back anytime. Bring a friend. 

Backstories collected on The StefStack: https://stefanlanfer.substack.com/ - "a SubStack stuff sack of Stefan stuff"

Don't Let Up (Anna; feat. Sam Schreiber)

Stefan Lanfer

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