Shut Up And Listen
TimothyMichaelMusic
04 OCT 2024

V1
The crispness of the morning
Winter’s chill is in the breeze
Water splashing on a shoreline
Wind whistling through pine trees
Answers flowing in the river
… Nature’s a magician
Can you hear the voice of reason?
Shut up and listen.

Chorus
You can’t hear what God is saying
If you’ve already made up your mind
About what you want Him to say
But I think that you might find
The answers to life’s questions
Are often found within
The Holy Spirit is blowing in the wind
Shut up and listen

V2.
A bobber on the water
Sunshine on my skin
Wondering if I’m fishing
Or if he’s fishing for me, man.
Children laughing in the distance
Can’t we all just get along
If we just shut up and listen
To the message in the song

Chorus
You can’t hear what God is saying
If you’ve already made up your mind
About what you want Him to say
But I think that you might find
The answers to life’s questions
Are often found within
The Holy Spirit is blowing in the wind
Shut Up and Listen

Bridge
Let nature fill your mind
And fresh air fill your soul
Be confident that God is in control
Shut up and listen

Chorus
You can’t hear what God is saying
If you’ve already made up your mind
About what you want Him to say
But I think that you might find
The answers to life’s questions
Are often found within
The Holy Spirit is blowing in the wind
Shut Up and Listen

Shut up and listen

Shut Up and listen





Shut Up And Listen (5-2025)

Strongest Thing I See
timothymichaelmusic
29 SEP 2023

V1.
Today life beat me to the punch
And held me on the ropes
With each blow that was landed
I started losing hope
And everything I’m facing
Feels like another bout I’m losing
I could run back to the bottle
Or I can fight the urge for boozing

Chorus
I can see right through the vodka
And the rum’s still pretty clear
When I need a friend to lean on
I won’t find one in the beer
The demons in the whiskey
Ain’t gonna get the best of me
My reflection in the mirror
Is the strongest thing I see

V2
Duck and cover, bob and weave
I’ll show life what I’ve got
Jab and move, defend the heart
And wait to take my shot
This old fight might take all night
But round by round I’ll make it
Stick to the plan, they’ll raise my hand
Pound for pound I am the greatest

Chorus
‘Cos I can see right through the vodka
And the rum’s still pretty clear
When I need a friend to lean on
I won’t find one in the beer
The demons in the whiskey
Ain’t gonna get the best of me
My reflection in the mirror
Is the strongest thing I see
Bridge
So I’ll two step around the bottle
My whining don’t need the wine
And pour some ice cold water
On these open wounds of mine]

Chorus
‘Cos I can see right through the vodka
And the rum’s still pretty clear
When I need a friend to lean on
I won’t find one in the beer
The demons in the whiskey
Ain’t gonna get the best of me
My reflection in the mirror
Is the strongest thing I see

My reflection in the mirror
Is the strongest thing I see








Strongest Thing I See (2025) (Cover)

“The Unexpected” 
TimothyMichaelMusic
20OCT 2020

V1.
It’s not my style to have a plan
Living in the moment when I can
Make it up as I go, 
knowing it’s not perfected.

Living it up, and taking it in.
Then I’m shifting on the fly again
And always thanking God 
for the unexpected

Chorus 1:
It’s a call from a friend right out of the blue
With just the perfect thing to do.
It’s a sunrise when you thought you’d sleep in
And the things you may never do again

It’s snuggling up close, it’s hugs from behind
It’s taking a breath and catching a sign
It’s taking the chance, placing the bet
And all the stuff I never will forget.

Opportunities seized for things 
I might not have selected
Because you can’t schedule up the unexpected.

V2.
So I’m saying yes and going with the flow
Being open to options I didn’t know
And living the life I never knew 
that I was destined.

I’ll take that shot when the odds are thin.
Just go all out and go all in
And thank the Lord 
for the unexpected.

Chorus 2:
It’s hearing the words I love you 
For the very first time.
It’s the faith and hope
Knowing God will provide.

It’s a surprise wedding proposal
From a twist of fate
A night that changed your life
All from a blind date

It’s hearing your child’s voice 
When they probably could have just texted
The best moments in life come 
from the unexpected

Musical Bridge

Chorus 1:
It’s a call from a friend right out of the blue
With just the perfect thing to do.
It’s a sunrise when you thought you’d sleep in
And the things you may never do again

It’s snuggling up close, it’s hugs from behind
It’s taking a breath and catching a sign
It’s taking the chance, placing the bet
And all the stuff I never will forget.

Opportunities seized for things 
I might not have selected
Because you just can’t schedule up
 the unexpected.



The Unexpected (5-2025)

Let Your Imagination Run (Final)
timothymichaelmusic.com
05 JUL 2023

V1.
This same old same old dejavu
I need a getaway with you
And get out of the doldrums
I’m ready for some fun
The sand and sea and sun
Tropical tunes and steel drums
And I’m sure I’m not the only one,
So babe let your imagination run.

Chorus 1
My favorite way to get you smiling
Is floating through the Virgin Islands
Set our clocks to island time
Unwind and leave our cares behind
Summer tans and happy tunes
Are all included with the room.
The fun here don’t stop with the setting sun
Go on and let your imagination run

{Instrumental]

V2.
What if we just call this home
We can work from anywhere on the globe
Where the sun is shining all day long
Just strum along and sing some songs
Babe, you know I got your back.
This might be a great life hack
Could be the coolest thing we’ve ever done.
………..

Chorus 2
Or we can take it to the Florida Keys
Ain’t much chance that place will freeze
We could be our story’s heroes
Hanging out at Mile Zero
Island hopping hand in hand
Dock the boat right on the sand
Life sure would be a lot more fun
Go on and let your imagination run

[Instrumental]

Bridge
All our favorite spots on earth
Are half submerged in salty surf.
According to my navigation calculator
The finish line is close to the equator.

Chorus 2
Or we can take it to the Florida Keys
Ain’t much chance that place will freeze
We could be our story’s heroes
Hanging out at Mile Zero
Island hopping hand in hand
Dock the boat right on the sand
Life sure would be a lot more fun
Go on and let your imagination run

Go on and let your imagination run

Go on and let your imagination run







Let Your Imagination Run (Cover)

I Don’t Make Mistakes
Whitney Schlesener/Tim Schlesener
22 JAN 2024

V1.
I remember like it was yesterday
When your heart beat filled the room
I was scared, and all alone
Didn’t know what I should do 

The nurse asked If I was really ready
The monitor screen flashed, and then
A picture of your heart beating inside me
She kindly asked me once again

Pre
I fell into a peaceful trance
He calmly said just give her a chance

Chorus
The voice of Jesus
Said please don’t do this
Take a look at her beautiful face
She’ll do great things
She deserves your love 
You’ll find amazing grace
I chose you. So trust in me
‘Cos I don’t make mistakes

V2.
Eighteen years has come and gone
And nothing can compare
To your heart beating inside me
That answered all my prayers

Pre
I fell into a peaceful trance
He calmly said just give her a chance

Chorus
The voice of Jesus
Said please don’t do this
Take a look at her beautiful face
She’ll do great things
She deserves your love 
You’ll find amazing grace
I chose you. So trust in me
‘Cos I don’t make mistakes

Bridge
As you smile and wave
From that graduation stage
I’m reminded of that day

Chorus
The voice of Jesus
Said please don’t do this
Take a look at her beautiful face
She’ll do great things
She deserves your love 
You’ll find amazing grace
I chose you. So trust in me
‘Cos I don’t make mistakes

I chose you. So trust in me
‘Cos I don’t make mistakes







I Don't Make Mistakes (2025) (Cover)

Stepping Up The Stairs 
timothymichaelmusic
18 DEC 2023

V1.
I used to run full throttle to the bottom of the bottle
To erase her memory
I’d taken all the blame, swallowed all the shame
Hiding pain so the world can’t see.
When the demons were drowned it was time to turn around
Looking up from the bottom of the pit
Satan’s a traitor there was no elevator
Had to climb the ladder out of it.

Chorus
When I hit rock bottom I guess I’d forgotten
That there’s light beyond the dark.
Time to take control and climb out of the hole.
I just needed a little spark
From flicker to flame there ain’t no shame
No time to be scared
I gotta stop staring up the steps
And start stepping up the stairs

V2.
When the destination is unknown
It’s hard to know the path to take
And when the road ahead starts winding
I’ll take every step in faith.
Making mole hills out of mountains
Ascending to the end
Nothing in life takes more courage 
Than putting myself together again

Chorus
When I hit rock bottom I guess I’d forgotten
That there’s light beyond the dark.
Time to take control and climb out of the hole.
I just needed a little spark
From flicker to flame there ain’t no shame
No time to be scared
I gotta stop staring up the steps
And start stepping up the stairs

Bridge
I’ve been knocked down a thousand ways
But I get back up every time
And when I reach the peak
I see the steps were worth the climb

Chorus
When I hit rock bottom I guess I’d forgotten
That there’s light beyond the dark.
Time to take control and climb out of the hole.
I just needed a little spark
From flicker to flame there ain’t no shame
No time to be scared
I gotta stop staring up the steps
And start stepping up the stairs

I just gotta stop staring up the steps 
And start stepping up the stairs





Stepping Up The Stairs (5-2025)

Into The Fire (Final 8/12)
timothymichaelmusic
20 JUL 2023

V1.
I’d been hanging on a bit too tight
It was time to let you go
I put pen to paper
And just let my feelings flow

Writing you that letter
Was my true breakthrough
And setting it on fire 
Brought me closure on you

Chorus  
Into the fire I drop you in
And watch your memory die
Up in flames just like our love
I finally said goodbye
There’s freedom in the rising smoke
Pain makes it burn brighter
I’ll stare you down here one last time
Disappear into the fire

V2.
I didn’t stir the ashes
Didn’t stomp the coals
I just turned and walked away
And let the moment cleanse my soul  

I’m never gonna look back
Because now the deed is done
The fire put you where you belong
And now you’re finally gone.


Chorus
Into the fire I drop you in
And watch your memory die
Up in flames just like our love
I finally said goodbye
There’s freedom in the rising smoke
Pain makes it burn brighter
I’ll stare you down here one last time
Disappear into the fire

Bridge 
I got it all off my chest this time
Burning your memory out of my mind

Chorus
Into the fire I drop you in
And watch your memory die
Up in flames just like our love
I finally said goodbye
I felt freedom in the rising smoke
The pain makes it burn brighter
I’ll stare you down here one last time
Disappear into the fire

I’ll stare you down here one last time
Disappear into the fire





Into The Fire (2025) (Remix) (Cover Female)

Knight In Shining F-150
Timothymichaelmusic
Tim Schlesener/ Melissa Coston
16 NOV 2024

V1.
Didn’t want to go anyway
Another sucky single Saturday
But I was on my way…
…. In the rain

Traffic was hell that day
Got headed the wrong way
A wreck in the fast lane
…. And I prayed

I was hydroplaning on four bald tires
Cross the ditch to the barbed wire
Not where I wanted
…. To be
Headlights shining on my door
My hero in his four by four
Riding in…
… and saving me

Chorus
He didn’t have armor
Don’t need a sword
He stays locked and loaded
And ladies good Lord…
…That man in his Ford

He’s rough around the edges
But loves me gently
Hi – yo Silver away
He’s my Knight in shining…
… F-150

V2.
Most days I’m a hot mess
A damned damsel in distress
… And he’s John Wayne

When I need rescuing again
He flies in like Superman…
… And I’m his Lois Lane

Chorus
He didn’t have armor
Don’t need a sword
He stays locked and loaded
And ladies good Lord…
…That man in his Ford

He’s rough around the edges
But loves me gently
Hi – yo Silver away
He’s my Knight in shining…
… F-150

Bridge
But I rescue him back
…every chance that I can
I’m his Wonderwoman
…and he’s my damn good man

Chorus
He didn’t have armor
Don’t need a sword
He stays locked and loaded
And ladies good Lord…
…That man in his Ford

He’s rough around the edges
But loves me gently
Hi – yo Silver away
He’s my Knight in shining…
… F-150

He’s might Knight in shining…
… F-150









Knight In Shining F-150 (5-2025)

Together
TimothyMichaelMusic
24 OCT 2025

V1.
What started off as singles
Spinning at forty-five
One hit wonders
Just beginning our love life
Like the needle in the groove
We found some harmony
The more I got to know you
Words started pouring out of me

Chorus
The sad songs make us smile
Cheating songs keep us faithful
Through the best of times or trials
And even when the days are painful
Truth laid over just three chords
Blessings coming from the Lord
Sunny skies or stormy weather
We’re Stronger when we stand 
… Together

V2.
The chorus found the verses
We started to create
Music built our family album            
Spinning at seventy-eight
Kids and constant chaos
Hopes and dreams and fears
Enough trials and tribulations
Both sad and happy tears

Chorus
The sad songs make us smile
Cheating songs keep us faithful
Through the best of times or trials
And even when the days are painful
Truth laid over just three chords
Blessings coming from the Lord
Sunny skies or stormy weather
We’re Stronger when we stand 
… Together


Bridge
Our story’s one of one
A day dreamer won’t believe it
Even with you by my side
It took a miracle to weave it

Chorus
The sad songs make us smile
Cheating songs keep us faithful
Through the best of times or trials
And even when the days are painful
Truth laid over just three chords
Blessings coming from the Lord
Sunny skies or stormy weather
We’re Stronger when we stand 
… Together




Together (2025-Duet)

Wish I Could Call You Momma
TimothyMichaelMusic
25 OCT 2025

V1.
When life went right or wrong
You were always my first call
My sounding board
The one I could tell it all.

Through the highs and lows
And when I didn’t know
Which way to turn
Or where to go

Pre-chorus
But you always got me through
My toughest days were solved by you

Chorus
I wish I could call you momma
I wish I could tell you now
I finally found the woman
That’s taken your place somehow

So thank you momma
For bringing her to take your place
You knew just what I’d need
To finish this race

It’s hard not to grab the phone
‘Cos I know I’m gonna wanna
I wish I could call you momma

V2.
When the kids were sick
When those towers fell
When I needed some advice
You could always tell

Yeah I miss your voice
That laughing, loving sound
But when I’m talking to her
I know you’re still around

PC
‘Cos she always gets me through
My toughest days are solved by her and you

Chorus
I wish I could call you momma
I wish I could tell you now
I finally found the woman
That’s taken your place somehow
So thank you momma
For bringing her to take your place
You knew just what I’d need
To finish this race
It’s hard not to grab the phone
‘Cos I know I’m gonna wanna
I wish I could call you momma

Bridge
Yeah, time keeps moving right along
And she helps me carry on

Chorus
I wish I could call you momma
I wish I could tell you now
I finally found the woman
That’s taken your place somehow
So thank you momma
For bringing her to take your place
You knew just what I’d need
To finish this race
It’s hard not to grab the phone
‘Cos I know I’m gonna wanna
I wish I could call you momma

Outro
It’s hard not to grab the phone
‘Cos I know I’m gonna wanna
I wish I could call you momma






Wish I Could Call You Momma (2025)


Right… or If I’m Wrong
timothymichaelmusic
27 OCT 2021

V1.
I’ve never pretended to be perfect
I’ve lived the error of my ways
But, the Father has forgotten
And forgiven my worst days

All the awful things I’ve done
The hurt I’ve caused along the way
Have been washed away by kindness
And mercy  I can’t repay

Chorus
If I’m right or If I’m Wrong,
I’m not hurting anyone
So why are you trying to fight me
‘Cos if  I’m right then there you’ll go
Down the stairs to hell below
I’m here to help set you free
There’s still time to get it right
And I pray you see the light
All you have to do is believe

V2.
I’ve watched the way you struggle
And I’ve seen the way you fight.
And When Satan has his hold on you
There’s no silence in the night.
I just want to share some
Better ways to ease the pain
There’s a better path to travel
Down the righteous road again.

Chorus
If I’m right or If I’m Wrong , 
I’m not hurting anyone
So why are you trying to fight me
‘Cos if I’m right then there you’ll go
Down the stairs to hell below
I’m just trying to set you free
There’s still time to get it right
And I pray you see the light
All you have to do is believe

Bridge
If I’m right there’s consequences
There’s still time to mend the fences

Chorus
If I’m right or If I’m Wrong , 
I’m not hurting anyone
So why are you trying to fight me
‘Cos if I’m right then there you’ll go
Down the stairs to hell below
I’m just here to set you free
That there’s still time to get it right
And I pray you see the light
All you have to do is believe


If I'm Right (2025)

Lyricist looking to connect with artists in the country genre that are searching for great songs to record. Also open to co-writes. Regularly pitching music to Nashville publishers and song pluggers. Primarily country genre. Mid 50s, married. 6 kids and 10 grandkids in a beautifully blended family. Enjoys golf, working out, nature/lakes, and listening to live music every chance I get!

Shut Up And Listen (5-2025)

Timothy Michael Music - SONGWRITER