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

“A Reason to Sing” by Stefan Lanfer is a modern folk-Christmas ballad that reimagines the nativity from the perspective of the innkeeper’s wife. With acoustic warmth and poetic lyrics, it explores hospitality, humility, and the quiet moments that reveal true glory.

Lyrics:

When every room is full of a guest, my husband says, 
“Gloria!” Aren’t we so blessed?”
But, though we don’t lack for a thing, that isn’t a reason I sing:

Glo ri	a.	Glo 	ri	a.	Glo 			ria.	

I’ve never cared about the money. 
I’m happy family always stays for free
With the cousins and the friends that they bring
But that’s still not  a reason I sing:

Glo ri	a.	Glo 	ri	a.	Glo 			ria.	

“You think too much,” my husband says. 
I wish he would think some more
As he turns away that desperate pair, 
“There’s no room,” he says, and shuts the door.
But I catch them at the gate. And I show them to the place - 
not exactly fit for a king.
And the look in their eyes that says, 
“glory to God” That is a reason to sing:

Glo 	ri	a.	Glo 	ri	a.	Glo 			ria.	
Glo 	ri	a.	Glo 	ri	a.	Glo ria.

A reason to sing (the innkeeper's wife, feat. Maya Lanfer)

“How Can This Be?” is an acoustic folk meditation drawn from one of the quieter corners of the Christmas story—when the angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah with news too wild to believe: he and his aging wife Elizabeth will have a son. And not just any son—John the Baptist.

This song imagines Zechariah’s stunned, very human reaction. Not rebellion. Not disbelief. Just… an honest question:

“How can this be?”

With intimate, personal lyrics, this track reflects on what it means to encounter something holy in the middle of an ordinary, well-settled life—and how grace still shows up even when we ask questions.

Inspired by Luke 1:5–25, 57–66, this is a story-song for skeptics, seekers, and the ones who don’t get it all right—but still get to be part of the miracle.

Lyrics:

VERSE:

Life can be so strange
It seems by now that I would learn
To expect the unexpected
To see around the turn

VERSE:

But when I get settled in
When I get in my groove
It seems like nothing in the world
No nothing can make me move

PRE-CHORUS:

Until it does
Until I do
Until I can’t
Keep coasting through

CHORUS:

How can this be?
Have you had a look at me?
I want to believe.
But how can this be?

VERSE:

Sometimes that is a question
On the tip of every tongue
It’s not just ‘cause I’m old
It was the same when I was young
And what also hasn’t changed
No matter what the task
If there’s something
Funny about it
You can count on me to ask
PRE-CHORUS:

That’s just it.
That’s the way I do.
I just can’t
Coasting through

CHORUS:

How can this be?
Have you had a look at me?
I want to believe.
But how can this be?

BRIDGE:

I’d say so if I could
I”ll just write the same
It’s not the choice I woulda gone with
But John’s his name.

PRE-CHORUS:

That’s just it.
It’s my choice!
And just like that
You can hear my voice.

CHORUS:

How can this be?
Have you had a look at me?
I want to believe.
But how can this be?

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)

From "Don't Blink" - the modern folk singer-songwriter Christmas musical featuring the minor characters and minor moments full of fresh insights into a story many of us thought we knew inside and out. "My Guys" gives the spotlight to King Herod in a sly, flattering exchange with the three wise men. With easy charm and a velvet tone, he heaps on the praise and the promises as he points them toward Bethlehem… with something smoldering below the surface.

Lyrics:

VERSE

When you say King the thing I hear
And in your eyes, I see
You are not referring to me. 
       
VERSE
You came here first and that’s the first
I knew you were wise
And I’ll know, when you return, you’re my guys

CHORUS
You’re my guys
You’re my guys
I can see it in those eyes
You’re so charming it’s disarming
You’re so wise

VERSE
You asked me where to find the king
And what I’ve done for you
Is check with my best people
My best people they come through

CHORUS
For my guys
You’re my guys
I can see it in those eyes
You’re so charming it’s disarming
You’re so wise

Bridge
Here’s the word they gave to me
To your ears from this kingly mouth
the place you seek is Bethlehem 
Not much further to the south

CHORUS
Good luck, guys!
You’re my guys
I can see it in those eyes
You’re so charming it’s disarming
You’re so wise

You’re my guys
You’re my guys
I can see it in those eyes
You’re so charming it’s disarming
You’re so wise

My guys (King Herod)

The wise men's song 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 and minor moments that are full of fresh insights into a tale many of us thought we knew inside and out.

The Magi’s wisdom wasn’t just in reading the stars—it was in daring to defy a king. ✨ “By Another Way” reimagines the three wise men’s story as a song of unity, wonder, and choosing a different path.

Lyrics:

Verse

We three as one we read the signs

And history and shrines the things we see

The same with these six eyes

And that is how you know that we are wise

Chorus

Go back by another way go back by another way go back by another way

Verse

We’ve come so far following a star

Rising from the east it stood out like a beast

So plain into these six eyes

And that is how you know that we are wise

Chorus

Go back by another way go back by another way go back by another way

Bridge

It’s true we all were glad 

that other king wasn’t half bad

He supplied our missing piece and the star reappeared in the east

Good Lord, wasn’t that wild how it settled right above The child?

Chorus

Back by another way, go back by another way go back by another way

Verse

We three as one woke up from a dream

Strange as it may seem

The dream we see the same with these six eyes

And that is how you know that we are wise

Chorus

Go back by another way go back by another way. Go back by another way go back by another way…

By another way (wise men; feat. Drew + James Lanfer)

"Just a Father" is Joseph’s aching prayer in "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 and minor moments that are full of fresh insights into a tale many of us thought we knew inside and out.

In this song, Joseph wrestles with doubts that have dogged him since he first entered stage right. Years after that first visit from a heavenly messenger, he faces the boy he agreed to raise — now twelve years old, confidently stepping away from his parents into the life that calls him, already wiser than any can fathom.

Part lament, part confession, part heartfelt pledge, “Just a Father” is a song of love and hope, dismay and frustration, and - finally - faith and faithfulness, all bound up together. 

Lyrics:

VERSE:

I would have called him Joseph. No one would ask us why.
But you asked me to trust you and a message from on high.

CHORUS:

It’s no small thing to ask. It’s no small thing I’ve done.
Believing better angels telling me that he’s the one.
This boy, this boy, this boy - like no other kind of son
And me, I’m just a father wondering, “Who will he become?”

VERSE:

“My father’s house,” he said and “didn’t you know” as if to shame
the both of us, like he’s through with us, who gave the boy his name.

CHORUS:

It’s no small thing to ask. It’s no small thing I’ve done.
Believing better angels telling me that he’s the one.
This boy, this boy, this boy - like no other kind of son
And me, I’m just a father wondering, “Who will he become?”

BRIDGE:

I know I share the blame. But what am I to do?
When here we are again - you asking me to trust in you
And in our boy - our gift from heaven. He always knows the way
And everything to do and exactly what to say.

CHORUS:

It’s no small thing to ask. It’s no small thing I’ve done.
Believing better angels telling me that he’s the one.
This boy, this boy, this boy - like no other kind of son

JOSEPH:
You know I wanna be faithful. But I’m still wondering - who will he become?

Just a father (Joseph)

“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)

"...all who heard it were amazed." 

A raw, piano-driven ballad 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 and minor moments that are full of fresh insights into a tale many of us thought we knew inside and out.

 “A fair question” is the song of the “all” (as in "all who heard it were amazed") who heard the shepherds tell their breathless story of what they had just witnessed. Closer than any of us and yet, like us, left to grapple with doubt and faith about what’s real and what it means, when all we have to go on is what other people saw and experienced, and what they say about it.

LYRICS

VERSE:

I didn’t see what they saw
All I’ve got to go on is,  
Same as you it’s just their story - 
This whole star and angel biz.
First one, and then a lot of them
The night sky bright as day,
Talking wonders ‘bout some baby
Born in Bethlehem. OK…

CHORUS

If I didn’t know these guys,
Didn’t hear and didn’t see
For myself what had come over them,
Would I still believe?
It’s a fair question - 
To be honest - I don’t know.
I feel for you, I really do,
As the distance grows.
It’s a fair question - 
Would I still believe?
If I were in your shoes - I might just leave. 

VERSE

A baby’s nothing special.
They show up all the time.
But this was no repeat, they said
It’s history when it rhymes
We saw him with our own eyes
Just like the angels said
Wrapped up and in a manger
His parents at his head.

CHORUS

If I didn’t know these guys,
Didn’t hear and didn’t see
For myself what had come over them,
Would I still believe?
It’s a fair question - 
To be honest - I don’t know.
I feel for you, I really do,
As the distance grows.
It’s a fair question - 
Would I still believe?
If I were in your shoes - I might just leave. 

BRIDGE

All who heard it were amazed.
I was too 
By that look in their faces - 
Could a lie do that to you?
What would be the reason
To make up such a tale
To sell it like a promise
If the whole thing’s doomed to fail?

CHORUS

If I didn’t know these guys,
Didn’t hear and didn’t see
For myself what had come over them,
Would I still believe?
It’s a fair question - 
To be honest - I don’t know.
I feel for you , I really do,
As the distance grows.
It’s a fair question - 
Would I still believe?
If I were in your shoes - I might just leave.

A fair question

From the “Something to See” modern folk Christmas musical project, "Don't Fly Apart" is the song of Simeon’ - the old priest in the temple, where Mary and Joseph bring their new baby to be dedicated. Part prophecy and warning, part blessing, Simeon speaks with tenderness and urgency: hold fast to each other, he urges the young couple, even as heartache await. A folk singer-songwriter meditation on the whispered answers few can hear, the inevitability of suffering, seeking, steadfast faith, and faithfulness to each other, come what may.

LYRICS:

VERSE

When you walked in, when you handed me the child
The stirring in my spirit - it was wild.
I knew at once he was the one
That my days would soon be done.

CHORUS

Blessings on you both - you know he is a gift
Though as he grows as as he goes, It will rift
Friend from friend, kin from kin.
Don’t you too fly apart.
You will need each other. Life can be a spear to the heart.
You will need each other. Don’t fly apart.

VERSE

It’s not easy to explain 
how I know the things I know
What to say or what to do, 
when to stay or when to go

CHORUS

Blessings on you both - you know he is a gift
But as he grows as as he goes, It will rift
Friend from friend, kin from kin.
Don’t you too fly apart.
You will need each other. Life can be a spear to the heart.
You will need each other. Don’t fly apart.

BRIDGE:

His way ahead will cause some to fall and some to rise
What he says and what he does - few will recognize
Who he is or why he’s here or what it all will mean
To those who believe what you and I have seen.

CHORUS

Blessings on you both - you know he is a gift
But as he grows as as he goes, It will rift
Friend from friend, kin from kin
Don’t you too fly apart.
You will need each other. Life can be a spear to the heart.
You will need each other. Don’t fly apart.

Don't fly apart (Simeon)

✨ "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)

"Good news" is the shepherds' song, the moment they hear from a host of angels announcing the birth of Jesus; 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 and minor moments that are full of fresh insights into a tale many of us thought we knew inside and out.

LYRICS 

VERSE
We were out in the fields,  keeping watch of our flocks by night
When an angel of the Lord appeared, all around us got blazing bright.

VERSE
Good Lord, were we are afraid. I bet you - you would be too
But “do not fear,” the angel said, “I bring good news to you.”

CHORUS
Peace on earth, good news, all the favor, great joy,
Born to you this day, the one and only baby boy.
God in heaven, the highest heaven, good news, all the glory.
And a place for you - if you want it - in the story.

VERSE
Then the one became many, a host of voices began to sing,
Praising God. We all knew we had to go to see this thing.

CHORUS
Peace on earth, good news, all the favor, great joy,
Born to you this day the one and only baby boy.
God in heaven, the highest heaven, good news, all the glory.
And a place for you - if you want it - in the story.

BRIDGE
“This will be a sign,” he said. “You’ll find the child in a manger bed,
“Underneath a star, very near to where we are.”

CHORUS
Peace on earth, good news, all the favor, great joy,
Born to you this day the one and only baby boy.
God in heaven, the highest heaven, good news, all the glory.
And a place for you - if you want it - in the story. Good news.

Good news (shepherds)

"Get up, take the child and go. It's not safe, and you don't want to know..."

The angel's warning that a vengeful king has it in for them, which is why the first family spent their first years together on the run, far from home, as refugees and immigrants.

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 and minor moments that are full of fresh insights into a tale many of us thought we knew inside and out.

LYRICS & Chords:

Key: Fm

INTRO:	Fm     F4/Eb     Fm/Db     F2/Eb     Fm (x2)

VERSE 
Fm		     Fm/Ab         F4/Bb		F2/C		       Fm
Get up, take the child and go. It’s not safe. And you don’t wanna know
Fm		     Fm/Ab         F4/Bb		F2/C		       Fm
What’s in store for you. Just go. There’s no way out but through.
Fm		  F4/Eb	     Fm/Db                     F2/C
This king, you can’t appease, once he counts you enemies.
Fm		  F4/Eb	     Fm/Db                     F2/C
Hear me when I say to you, just go - it’s what you have to do.

CHORUS
       Fm     		     F4/Eb                    Fm/Db                        F2/Eb          (x2)
And on the winds, such cries you’ll hear, as good news drowns in all the fear. 
       Fm     		     F4/Eb                    Fm/Db                        F2/Eb          (x2)
Joy will come one morning light, but weeping will endure the night.
       Fm     		     F4/Eb                    Fm/Db                        F2/Eb          (x2)
Everything will come round right, but weeping will endure the night.

VERSE
Fm		     Fm/Ab         F4/Bb		F2/C		       Fm
You can’t go home, you can’t stay here. Just go - while the coast is clear. 
Fm		     Fm/Ab         F4/Bb		F2/C		       Fm
There’s no other way to live and see another day.
Fm		  F4/Eb	     Fm/Db                     F2/C
This king, he won’t let go. When it’s safe, I’ll let you know.
Fm		  F4/Eb	     Fm/Db                     F2/C
Until then, fly as far as you can. And don’t lose faith, there’s still a plan.

CHORUS
       Fm     		     F4/Eb                    Fm/Db                        F2/Eb          (x2)
And on the winds, such cries you’ll hear, as good news drowns in all the fear. 
       Fm     		     F4/Eb                    Fm/Db                        F2/Eb          (x2)
Joy will come one morning light, but weeping will endure the night.
       Fm     		     F4/Eb                    Fm/Db                        F2/Eb          (x2)
Everything will come round right, but weeping will endure the night.

INSTRUMENTAL: Fm     F4/Eb     Fm/Db     F2/Eb     Fm

CODA
Fm     		    F4/Eb     	    Fm/Db                F2/Eb                     Fm
Get up, take the child and go. It’s not safe, and you don’t want to know
Fm     		    F4/Eb     	    Fm/Db                F2/Eb                     Fm
What’s in store for you. Just go. There’s no way out but through.

Endure the night (Gabriel)

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)

Mary's song to her newborn baby boy, her heart bursting with longing for a future she knows is only possible, not promised - and yet she wants it all.

From "Don't Blink" - Stefan Lanfer's modern folk singer-songwriter Christmas musical project featuring the minor characters, unexamined moments, and subtext hiding in plain view that are brimming with fresh insights into a story many thought we knew inside and out.

LYRICS and CHORDS

My Whole World
Words and music by Stefan Lanfer © 2025					(Key: Cm)

INTRO:  C Bb (RH: Bb-D-Eb-Bb x4 each) Ab (RH: Bb-F-Ab-Eb x4) Eb (RH: Eb-G-Ab-Eb)

VERSE

C Bb (RH: Bb-D-Eb-Bb x4 each) Ab (RH: Bb-F-Ab-Eb x4) Eb (RH: Eb-G-Ab-Eb)
Look at you, baby boy. Look at you.
Here…in my arms. Are you real?
My boy, my baby boy, what I feel -
All…  of the gifts life could steal…

CHORUS

C Bb (RH: Bb-D-Eb-Bb x4 each) Ab (RH: Bb-F-Ab-Eb x4) Eb (RH: Eb-G-Ab-Eb)
And I want it all. I want it all. My whole world...my all.  I want it all. 

VERSE

              Eb2/C 	Bb 		      Eb/Ab 	Bb… (RH pulse)
Are you dreaming, baby boy? Or is your mind clear?
Are you back inside the womb, not a worry or a care?
I’m dreaming, baby boy - ‘bout the road ahead of you?
All the places that you’ll go. And all the things you’ll do.

CHORUS

C Bb (RH: Bb-D-Eb-Bb x4 each) Ab (RH: Bb-F-Ab-Eb x4) Eb (RH: Eb-G-Ab-Eb)
And I want it all. I want it all. My whole world...my all.   I want it all. 

BRIDGE

Eb2			Bb/D		Eb/C		Cm7/Ab    	(Right - Left - Right)
I know nothing’s promised - every moment is a gift.
Eb2			Bb/D		Eb/C		Cm7/Ab    	
That I should just be present. All your days will run so swift.
Eb2			Bb/D		Eb/C		Cm7/Ab    	
I know that’s right. I tell myself, not to want the things I do.	
Eb2			Bb/G		Eb/C		Cm7/Db    	
Don’t blink or you might miss it - is good advice and true.

CHORUS

C Bb (RH: Bb-D-Eb-Bb x4 each) Ab (RH: Bb-F-Ab-Eb x4) Eb (RH: Eb-G-Ab-Eb)
But I want it all. I want it all. My whole world…my all. I want it all. 
     (a capella) 
I want it all. I want it all. My whole world…my all. I want it all. I want it all.

Curious about the backstory? It's here at the StefStack: https://stefanlanfer.substack.com/p/the-story-of-marys-song

My whole world (Mary; feat. Jasmine Reid)

The closing number of the Don't Blink modern folk Christmas musical. The narrator leads us in to the final chorus, with an instrumental break for all the bowing and such:

Lyrics:

Most excellent people!

If you see me, you might see me
On the outside of the frame
A kind of "also ran" - you might even know my name.

And me, I’m the one who made this orderly account - 
I hope you have found it orderly.

For it is unembellished and true, to the extent of my ability, to the testimony of each person
Who spoke to me of what they themselves experienced, and what they saw with their own eyes.

As you have no doubt heard it said, Jesus went on to do many other things.

So did everyone I spoke with.

So have you.

If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world 
would not have room to contain
The books that would be written.

As our days are too few to hear the stories that would be told.

Our breath too short 

to sing every song that would be sung…

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 (reprise)

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"