Trinity Lutheran Church pastor Rev. Steve Wagner delivers a sermon titled, "Entering Through the Narrow Door," based primarily on the Gospel reading from Luke 13:22-30. Learn more at www.trinitylombard.org.

Entering Through the Narrow Door - August 24, 2025

Trinity Lutheran Church's Mr. James Baerenklau delivers a Sunday sermon penned by Rev. Steve Wagner titled, "First Class Living," based primarily on the Gospel reading from Luke 14:1-14. Learn more at www.trinitylombard.org.

First Class Living - August 31, 2025

Trinity Lutheran Church's Mr. James Baerenklau delivers a Sunday sermon penned by Rev. Steve Wagner titled, "Living Wide Awake," based primarily on the Gospel reading from Luke 14:23-35. Learn more at www.trinitylombard.org.

Living Wide Awake - September 7, 2025

"Wishing You Well" is a soul-baring anthem of acceptance — a song about letting go of someone you once held close.

It came from a place of emotional turbulence, but also clarity. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is:
“I’m letting go...”

Driven by a cinematic blend of indie soul and alternative rock, this track weaves moody guitars, heartfelt vocals, and a slow-burning pulse that builds with quiet intensity.

If you’ve ever had to say goodbye without closure, this one’s for you.

🙏 Let me know if it resonates.

#indie #soul #healingmusic #cobi #wishingyouwell #cinematicpop #newmusic

09/12/2025

Wishing You Well

Free That Captive Mind

A folk-blues ballad of dust and dawn, Free That Captive Mind traces the long road from exile and self-doubt to the quiet shock of belonging.

Drawn from the parable of the wayward son, the song follows a wanderer who spends decades in humble labor, believing he has no claim to greatness. With patient mentorship and hidden grace, the truth emerges: the fortune was never lost—it was waiting inside all along.

Rust-tinged guitars, steady rhythms, and weathered vocals carry the story like an old lantern on a dark trail. It’s music for anyone who’s ever wondered if their real inheritance was still out of reach—until the moment they finally turned and found it burning bright within.

Lyrics: 
Free That Captive Mind
(folk ballad – steady, rootsy groove)

Verse 1 
A young soul left his roots and home, a legacy deep and wide, 
Wandered through the hard years, nowhere left to hide. 
Fifty winters bent his back, hunger wore him thin, 
Never guessed the treasure waiting, right where life began. 
The elder rich in wisdom watched from a silent place, 
Longing for the lost one, hoping time would give him grace.

Verse 2 
One day the weary drifter, heavy with old fears, 
Stumbled on a grand estate that echoed through the years. 
Awe and trembling filled the heart—this can’t be for me, 
Turned and fled that shining hall, back to poverty. 
Saw himself as nothing, just a laborer on the hill, 
Blind to the greatness beating quiet and still.

Chorus 
He ran from his own blessing, too humble to believe, 
That the wealth before his eyes he was born to receive. 
The elder, patient, knowing that a small dream can bind, 
Worked with subtle kindness to free that captive mind.

Verse 3 
Two mentors came in plain clothes, with simple, honest ways, 
“Clear the clutter, learn the ropes,” they said, and doubled pay. 
Twenty years of steady work, roots in sacred ground, 
While the elder—masked and silent—kept the circle round. 
Each small skill a stepping stone, each day a hidden plan, 
Building trust and confidence, to wake the sleeping clan.

Verse 4 
Promoted up to manager, steward of the land, 
Still the heart stayed servant-small, riches close at hand. 
Never claimed a single gift, thinking nothing due, 
The old story of being low kept shadowing the view. 
True identity lay waiting, just beyond that fear, 
A vast inheritance shining ever near.

Chorus 
He ran from his own blessing, too humble to believe, 
That the wealth before his eyes he was born to receive. 
The elder, patient, knowing that a small dream can bind, 
Worked with subtle kindness to free that captive mind.

Bridge 
At last the elder summoned all and spoke with ringing voice, 
“This is my true heir—my heart, my rightful choice. 
All that I have is theirs; it always has been so.” 
The final veil was lifted; the soul could finally know. 
It wasn’t gaining fortune, but reclaiming what was there— 
His own inherent power, beyond all worldly care.

Outro 
No longer a vagabond, no longer lost and tossed, 
An heir to boundless treasure, whatever years had cost. 
Living proof of hidden wealth that patience can restore— 
The Heir’s Blues no longer, but a song of “evermore.”

Free That Captive Mind

Trinity Lutheran Church's Rev. Steve Wagner delivers a sermon titled, "A Sinner Saved by Jesus," based primarily on the Epistle reading from 1 Timothy 1:5-17. Learn more at www.trinitylombard.org.

A Sinner Saved by Jesus - September 14, 2025

Trinity Lutheran Church's Rev. Steve Wagner sermon titled, "On the Edge of Disaster" is based primarily on the Old Testament reading from Amos 8:4-7. Learn more at www.trinitylombard.org

On the Edge of Disaster - September 21, 2025

Trinity Lutheran Church's Rev. Steve Wagner delivers a sermon titled, "Listen Up," based primarily on the Gospel reading from Luke 16:19-31. Learn more at www.trinitylombard.org.

Listen Up - September 28, 2025

Trinity Lutheran Church's Rev. Steve Wagner delivers a sermon titled, "Justice is Served," based primarily on the Old Testament reading from Habakkuk 1:1-4. 2:1-4. Learn more at www.trinitylombard.org.

Justice is Served - October 5, 2025

The Boogah Man will get 'cha if you don't watch out!
Dark, cinematic crunk rap with a Halloween vibe and redemptive arc where the Boogah Man’s call unveils inner conflict amid eerie beats.

Lyrics and production by Jeffrey Smigelski based on Paul Laurence Dunbar's poem "The Boogah Man".  Vocals and music AI-generated with full rights, mixed from stems by Jeffrey Smigelski, PhD.

******************************

Callin' of the Boogah Man

[Intro]
The Boogah Man
Woo-oo, woo-oo!
Callin’ of the Boogah Man.

The Boogah man will get 'cha if you don't watch out!

[Verse 1]
When the evening shadows
come a-gliding down,
Falling black and heavy
Over hill and town,
If you listen careful,
Careful as you can,
So's you bound to notice...

shhhh...

silence...

There's a dropping pin.

Then you'll hear a funny,
Sound across the land;

Woo-oo, woo-oo!

Lay low...

That's the calling...
of the Boogah Man!

[Chorus]
Woo-oo, woo-oo!
Hear him as he go along the way;
Woo-oo, woo-oo!
Don't you wish the night would turn to day?
Woo-oo, woo-oo!
Hide your eyes behind your hands;
Woo-oo, woo-oo!
Callin’ of the Boogah Man

[Verse 2]
When the wind's a shivering
through the gloomy lane,
and there comes a pattering
of the evening rain,
When the owl's a hooting
out there in the woods,
Don't you wish, my honey,
that you had been good?
There ain't no use to try to
Snuggle up, 
Hide!
if you can...

Woo-oo, woo-oo!

Bless you...

that's the calling...
of the Boogah Man.

[Chorus]
Woo-oo, woo-oo!
Hear him as he go along the way;
Woo-oo, woo-oo!
Don't you wish the night would turn to day?
Woo-oo, woo-oo!
Hide your eyes behind your hands;
Woo-oo, woo-oo!
Callin’ of the Boogah Man

[Someone Shouts]
Uh Oh, It's the Boogah Man!
Everybody Run!

[Bridge - Boogah Man Rap]
I'm the Boogah Man and I'm goin' to get cha'
No use in hidin' 'cause I'm always wit' cha',
I know where you live, I know where you are,
'Cause you opened a door, and you can't run far,
I see your secrets, I know your despair,
I lurk in shadows, I ride the night air,
Just look in a mirror, and then you'll see me.
Cause you've been bad...
and that set me free.

[Verse 3]
If you loves your mom,
and you minds your dad,
if you try to be,
more good than bad,
if you say your prayers,
every single night,
Before you tucks the covers
and puts out the light,
Then the rain can patter,
Wind blow like a fan,
But you need not bother,
about the Boogah Man!

[Chorus]
Woo-oo, woo-oo!
Hear him as he go along the way;
Woo-oo, woo-oo!
Don't you wish the night would turn to day?
Woo-oo, woo-oo!
Hide your eyes behind your hands;
Woo-oo, woo-oo!
Callin’ of the Boogah Man

[Outro]
Woo-oo, woo-oo!
Callin’ of de Boogah Man.
The Boogah man will get 'cha if you don't watch out!
...

Boogah!


© 2025 Lyrics by Jeffrey Smigelski, PhD. All rights reserved.

Callin' of the Boogah Man

Please like and share. 
Welcome to the musical world of The William Altig Choir, where ancient wisdom meets contemporary sound.

Inspired by the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and infused with deep spiritual themes, my music blends the rich traditions of blues and folk with modern elements, creating a unique fusion that resonates with both the heart and soul.

I've been captivated by the Lotus Sutra's messages of compassion, wisdom, and transformation since my youth. It's a journey of self-discovery that has found its voice in my music. Each song is a reflection of my own spiritual awakening and a celebration of universal truths.

My style is characterized by emotive storytelling, powerful lyrics, and a commitment to exploring the depths of human experience. Featuring contemplative blues, acoustic slide guitar, saxophone melodies, and the harmonies of a gospel choir, my music reflects a quest for enlightenment and a better understanding of the self.

Join me on this musical journey. Together, we can explore the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, finding solace, hope, and a deeper connection to the world around us.

#SpiritualMusic  #LotusSutraMusic  #ContemplativeBlues  #BuddhistGospel #AcousticSlideGuitar  #GospelChoir  #Self-Discovery  #SpiritualAwakening  #Hope  #The_William_Altig_Choir

Rev. Steve Wagner is the Senior Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lombard, Illinois. He was installed on November 8, 2016, following a 7 month term as Associate Pastor at Trinity. Rev. Wagner holds an MDiv from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. An ordained pastor of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, he hails from Conroe, Texas.

Doctor Complexity, aka Jeffrey Smigelski, PhD, a pioneer in fractional calculus and advanced mathematics, bridges science and art, weaving the wonders of the universe into songs—a process reflecting his belief that creativity and imagination are essential for both disciplines to thrive. 

He channels his background in fractal geometry, chaos, and complexity theory into his lyrics for a unique fusion of our mathematical understanding of reality, scientific truths, and the human experience.

Explore his science work at snoiselab.com

New tracks tagged #Redemptive