Linda N. Firth.com

Thank you for your interest in Center Field.
Center Field is a first for me in many ways: it's is the first project done completlely in and for HeartSongMusic, it is the first collection I did all of the arranging, recording, mixing and mastering, all art work and printing was done at HeartSongMusic. It is the first collection where 3 of my children are featured, two with solos (Kelli on "Change" & Emily on "Share It With Me")and one with back up vocals and a solo verse (Nick on "Evidence of Love"). My daughter Christy played clarinet on "Come To Me" as well. It is the first collection that MyBeloved Linda, "Lefty", "the piano teacher", plays on two tracks. And it's the first studio recording of mine with live mandolin. (Thanks Bill) and drums (Thank you Tony) that makes the songs come alive like no synth keyboard could ever do. I hope you enjoy Center Field as it has been a labor of deep love for more than two years. Blessings, David

He wasn’t such an old man, just a bit beyond his prime. Packin' his glove and an old wood bat so he could play the game at anytime. She was quite a Lady, a piano student’s dream. livin' and lovin' just to play the music with perfection on the ivory keys. You see, to him life was just a game of baseball where comin' home he had a chance to be safe And the lady's best friend was the piano 'cause when they got together all they did was play.

One autumn afternoon he stepped into the church to see if someone there would want to play ball. There sat The Lady at the baby grand playing Christmas carols in the fall. He got up the nerve to introduce himself and asked her why she was there alone. She was there to teach a kid who never showed up and it was better then bein’ home. So he handed her is glove and like a school boy said, "You want ta go outside and play? 'Cause there's nothing more delightful than a simple game of catch in center field on a sunny day."

Oh, the ball player and piano teacher each came from a different place. Her from the cold notes on the score and him always roundin’ first base. And she caught his heart through music and he caughts hers with his glove. They both taught each other a new way to play, in the centerfield of love.

As the weeks went by and the days grew short she would meet him there in centerfield. And he taught her how to catch the ball and how to throw it right back, she learned to hit and bunt and steal. And when they got tired they would go inside, she’d teach him music on the baby grand. She taught him chords and scales and a little bit of Bach and the value of discipline.

And then one afternoon in the winter, in the middle of playing ball, the sky grew darker and the wind got colder and the snow began to fall. As he silently walked toward her she could see sadness in his eyes. "The snow means the game is finished; I guess I'll have to say good bye." And with a passion from within she never felt before, she kissed him sayin', "No need to go. You know there's nothing more delightful than a simple game of catch in center field even in the snow.

Oh, the ball player and piano teacher each came from a different place. Her from the cold notes on the score and him always roundin’ first base. And she caught his heart through music and he caughts hers with his glove. They both taught each other a new way to play, in the centerfield of love...in the centerfield of love.
Copyright © 1999 by David Firth
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It’s Sunday night and the food is all gone. Life is hard and you’re feelin’ down. A home-cooked meal will take the blues away And a taste of hope will brighten up your day.

Re:
The tables are set and the banquet prepared. The door’s wide open, so(just)come on in. It’s love we serve on a plain white plate, Welcome to The Faith Café.

A bunch of grapes, turkey and a roll can renew the spirit and refresh the soul. The people here are kind and the music is great! Your order is ready so don’t hesitate.[Re:]

It’s all about love and the folks really care. We’re The Faith Café but there’s no preachin’ here. So gather up the kiddies and just follow the light Sweet Jesus loves you and there’s chicken tonight!

Final Re:
The tables are set and the banquet prepared. The door’s wide open, so (just) come on in. It’s love we serve on a plain white plate, Welcome to The Faith Café. It’s love we serve on a plain white plate, Welcome to The Faith Café. Welcome to The Faith Café.
Copyright © 2005 by David Firth
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IF YOU’RE FEELING LIKE YOUR LIFE IS MUCH TOO HEAVY TO BEAR, YOU CAN SHARE IT WITH ME. WHEN YOUR DAYS AND NIGHTS START MELTING INTO ONE LONG COLD GREY, YOU CAN SHARE IT WITH ME. WHEN YOU’RE FEELING LIKE YOU’RE TRAPPED IN A BAD DREAM, AND YOU’RE NOT SURE JUST HOW TO WAKE UP... AND YOU’RE VERY CONFUSED; I HAVE BEEN THERE TOO.

WHEN WHO YOU ARE’S REPLACED WITH EXPECTATIONS AND DEEDS, YOU CAN SHARE IT WITH ME. AND YOU’RE SURE NO ONE WOULD MISS YOU IF YOU JUST DISAPPEAR WELL, YOU’RE IN GOOD COMPANY. OR IF ANGER AND RESENTMENT PITCH A TENT IN YOUR HEART AND ARE FEASTING ON YOUR JOY AND YOUR DREAMS... YOU CAN SHARE IT WITH ME.

AND I PROMISE I WON’T TRY TO FIX YOU, ‘CAUSE I’M NOT HERE TO BE YOUR JUDGE. IT’S JUST I YEARN TO KEEP THE SEEDS OF TRUST ALIVE IN YOUR SOUL, ‘CAUSE THE FRUIT IT BEARS IS KNOWING YOU’RE LOVED. [TO MUSIC INTERLUDE]

WHEN LIKE A CASTE-A-WAY YOU’RE DRIFTING ON THE PAIN OF THE PAST AND THE HARBORS OF TOMORROW CAN’T BE FOUND.... YOU CAN SHARE IT WITH ME.

IF YOU JUST CAN’T PUT THE WORDS ON HOW YOU’RE FEELING INSIDE, IT’S NOT EASY TO DO. SO YOU NEED SOME TIME AND SPACE TO STRUGGLE ALONE WELL, YOU CAN SHARE THAT TOO. YOU SEE I YEARN TO KEEP THE SEEDS OF TRUST ALIVE IN YOUR SOUL ‘CAUSE THE FRUIT IT BEARS CAN SET YOU FREE. AND I LOVE YOU ENDLESSLY. I’LL WAIT FOR YOU AND THE SEEDS OF TRUST TO BLOOM SO YOU CAN SHARE ANYTHING WITH ME.
COPYRIGHT © 1998,1999 David Firth
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I DON’T SEE GOD IN THE MOON LIGHT I CAN’T SEE GOD IN THE STARS I SOMEHOW MISS THE LORD IN THE SUNSET AND FINDING GOD IN A FLOWER IS HARD. I DON’T SEE THE CREATOR IN A MOUNTAIN LAKE OR IN THE OCEAN DEEP AND WIDE. AND FORGIVE ME, BUT I FAIL TO SEE THE GOD OF HOPE IN THE RAINBOW COLORED SKY.

[REFRAIN 1]
YET I SEE GOD IN YOUR SMILE AND I CAN SEE GOD IN YOUR EYES. I GAZE UPON THE LORD IN MY CHILDREN AND IN THE TEARS OF ONE WHO CRIES. I SEE GOD IN THE COMPASSION OF THE SUFFERING AND SIMPLE GIFTS OF BREAD AND WINE. AND YES, I CAN SEE THE LORD OF HEAVEN AND EARTH, LIVING IN YOUR EYES.

I DON’T HEAR GOD IN THE CHURCH BELLS OR IN THE WAVES CRASHING ON THE BEACH. I CAN’T HEAR THE LORD IN A BABBELING BROOK OR IN THE WORDS OF SOME WHO PREACH. I CAN’T HEAR GOD IN A SUMMER BREEZE OR IN “HOW ‘YA DOING”, “FINE”. AND I’M SAD TO SAY BUT MOST’ THE TIME I DON’T HEAR GOD IN THIS OLD HEART OF MINE.

[REFRAIN 2]
YET I HEAR GOD IN YOUR LAUGHTER AND I CAN HEAR GOD WHEN YOU SING. I HEAR THE LORD IN THE WORDS “I FORGIVE YOU” AND IN MY CHILDREN’S HONEST. I HEAR GOD IN THE WISDOM OF THE ELDERLY AND IN THE NEW BORN BABY’S CRY. YES, I CAN HEAR THE LORD THROUGH YOUR SINGING, AND SEE GOD LIVING IN YOUR EYES.

[Bridge]
I AM CERTAIN GOD IS PRESNT AND ETERNALLY ALIVE IN TIMES AND PLACES I WILL NEVER HEAR OR SEE. IT’S JUST THAT WHEN AND IF I SEE AND HEAR THE GOD OF ALL CREATION IT IS THEN I SENCE THAT GOD LOVES ME.

[Final Refrain]
YES I HEAR GOD IN YOUR LAUGHTER AND I CAN SEE GOD IN YOUR EYES. I HEAR THE LORD IN THE WORDS “I FORGIVE YOU” AND IN THE TEARS OF THOSE WHO CRY. I SEE GOD IN THE COMPASSION OF THE SUFFERING AND SIMPLE GIFTS OF BREAD AND WINE. AND YES, I CAN HEAR THE LORD THROUGH YOUR SINGING, AND SEE GOD LIVING IN YOUR EYES.... I CAN SEE THE LORD OF LOVE, OF HEAVEN AND OF EARTH LIVING IN YOUR EYES.
Copyright © 1998, 1999 by David Firth
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Above all, honesty; this is what you said you see in me. Generosity of spirit, acceptance of oneself, passion and The willingness to follow it.

And, an open heart, mind, And eyes are qualities you’ve said you love in me. The Capacity for humor, intimacy and joy, patience and the Willingness to grow.

One who values love, justice and forgiveness; actions over Words, and time to play. Living with compassion and deeply In the moment; who can be both teacher and the student Humbly respecting both; yet

Above all, honest, all of this and more you find in me. And when you tell me what you see, I believe that it’s All true for what you see is someone being loved by you.
Copyright © 2005 by David & Linda Firth
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Good Morning, Olivia.
Good morning, Olivia.

I’d like you to see the beautiful trees And the flowers that bow to you.

Good morning, Olivia.
Good morning, Olivia.

You’re a gift from above, A sign that I’m loved and A prayer that’s been Listened to.

Good morning, Olivia.
Good morning, Olivia.

There will be a time one day soon When you will come to me and Ask why. We’ll talk all about The dreams we hold inside And we’ll learn from each other, Yes we’ll learn from each other.

Good morning, Olivia.
Good morning, Olivia.

God is alive, for He shines in Your eyes and you know, He’s As beautiful as you.

Good morning, Olivia.
Good morning, Olivia.
Good morning, Olivia.
I love you, Olivia.
Copyright © 1975,2008 by David Firth
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Refrain:
Things are gonna change and it's way over due. Gonna step into the light and face the truth. No more compromise, no apologies. Yeah, there's gonna be some change; beginning with me.

1st Verse:
Gonna listen to my heart for the voice that knows me well and follow as it leads me out of my custom-fitted hell. I'm gonna listen for the song that only (in triplets) I-I can sing a melody of freedom proclaiming all that I can be. (RE)

2nd Verse:
Gonna stop all the complaining about the things I can’t control. And use the energy to build a boat to sail the bliss that fills my soul. I'm gonna change my point of view by getting out of the past. And savor moment 'cause it's the only time I have. (RE)

3rd Verse:
I'm gonna loose the attitude and replace it with a smile. And stop trying to impress you and let you know me like a child. I'm gonna change what I believe and what I value in life. I won't need someone to define me, I'll find the passion deep inside. (RE)
Copyright © 2008 by David Firth
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Refrain:
COME AND EAT, BE WITH ME.
ALL THAT I AM NOW IS YOURS.
AS WE SHARE THIS MEAL,
WE ARE ONE…ONE IN THE BODY OF LOVE.

ONE NOW IN LAUGHTER AND ONE IN THE PAIN AS WE LIVE OUT THE STORIES OF TODAY. ONE NOW IN DIGNITY JUST AS YOU ARE... A TENDER VOICE, A GENTLE TOUCH, A HUMAN HEART THAT'S BATHED IN LOVE. (Refrain)

ONE NOW IN HISTORY AND WHAT IS TO BE AS WE LIVE OUT THE STORIES OF TODAY. AND ONE IN THE MYSTERY OF DEATH AND NEW LIFE WITH EACH CHOICE TO GIVE, EACH MOMENT LIVED IN THE ESSENCES OF ETERNAL LOVE.

COME AND EAT, BE WITH ME.
ALL THAT I AM NOW IS YOURS.
AS WE SHARE THIS MEAL,
WE ARE ONE…ONE IN THE BODY OF LOVE.
WE ARE THE BODY OF LOVE.
Copyright © 1999,2003 by David Firth
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Come to me whenever you’re lonely.
Come to me whenever you cry.
Come to me whenever you’re joyful.
Come, sit by my side.

Come to me whenever you hunger.
Come to me both day time and night.
Come to me to rest and do nothing.
Come, sit by my side.

And I’ll sing you a song that will touch all your pain And will give you new hope, a new start. And I’ll teach you a song you can share with your friends About the Love that I give from my heart.

Come to me to share your excitement.
Come to me when you feel uptight.
Come to me with a heart full of gratefulness.
Come, sit by my side.

And I’ll sing you a song that will touch all your pain And will give you new hope, a new start. And I’ll teach you a song you can share with your friends About the Love that I give from my heart.

Come to me whenever you’re lonely.
Come to me whenever you cry.
Come to me whenever you’re joyful.
Come, sit by my side.
Copyright © 1990,2008 by David Firth
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I stood 'neath a tree in a cool gentle breeze at sunrise one Easter morn and I watched with delight at the beautiful sight of a butterfly being born. And as it took to the sky in all it's glory and danced with the spring time dew, I thought to myself, "there is nothing as delicate in all of this world, 'cept you."

On that same day as the clouds burned away I happened by a lush flower bed. As they smiled at the sky a single rose caught my eye dressed in yellow-ish orange and red. I was in awe of this splendid creation...a master piece from peddle to root. And I thought to myself, "there is nothing as beautiful in all of this world, 'cept you."

With my guitar on my knee I wrote this sweet melody to put wings on what I know is true; all the stars in the sky don't match the light in your eyes. For there will never be another you.

Later the night 'round a fire burning bright I sat for hours with those I love. There were family and friends, old and new and the kids playing cribbage and singing songs. I was surrounded by living treasure; a collection of rare and priceless jewels. And I thought to myself, "there is nothing as precious in all of this world, 'cept you."

There is nothing as precious, delicate and beautiful in all of this world, 'cept you..
Copyright © 1990,2008 by David Firth
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Close your eyes and sleep, MyLefty.
Drift on gentle waters of peace. Ride your dreams deep into your soul, where you can Play all day with me.

Rest your head on my chest like a pillow. Listen to your heart dance with mine. On a beach where the sea-turtles fly And the parrot sings lullabies.

Trust the still, cold night to bathe your mind with delight In the joy of being a child. And when grown up games leave you lost in the rain, Let your dreams lead you back to the truth.

Close your eyes and sleep, MyLefty.
Drift on gentle waters of peace. Ride your dreams deep into your soul, where you can Play all day with me… Where you believe you are your dreams.
Copyright © 2006 by David Firth
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THERE IS NO GREATER HONOR,
THEN KNOWING I’M YOUR FATHER.
THERE IS NO FINER GIFT THEN YOU.
AND THERE IS NO LIFE MORE SACRED
THEN THE ONE THAT WAS LAID DOWN
IN MY ARMS, ON THE DAY
YOU WERE BORN.

THERE IS NO RICHER MAN
IN THIS OR ANY LAND
FOR NO ONE ELSE SHARES
THE WEALTH OF YOUR LOVE.
AND I’M MOST GRATEFUL
IN EVERY WAY JUST TO BE
WITH YOU TO PLAY
AND TO LAUGH WITH YOU
AND TO CRY, AND TO SING.

Re:
FOR I BELIEVE DEEP IN MY SOUL
WITH EVERY BREATH
IN EVERY BONE
THAT I AM THE MOST BLEST
MAN I KNOW.
AND IN BOTH JOY AND IN DEPAIR
WHAT REMINDS ME WHO I AM IS
TO KNOW IT’S YOU WHO
CALLS ME DAD.

THERE IS NO SAFER PLACE
THAN THE ARMS OF YOUR EMBRACE
FOR IT’S THERE WHERE I AM AT HOME.
AND ALL THE PICTURES
THAT YOU DRAW
ALL THE LETTERS AND THE SONGS
KEEP ME COMPANY WHEN
I FEEL ALONE.[Re:]

BRIDGE:
TO ME YOU’RE MORE THEN
JUST A CHILD OF MINE
YOU’VE BEEN A TEACHER
AND A FRIEND AT TIMES
AND YOU’RE THE TOUCH OF GOD
THAT HEALS MY BROKEN LIFE.[Re:]
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by Lowell Alexander & Bonnie Keen

[ vs. 1 ] IT IS WRITTEN IN THE COLORS OF A THOUSAND AUTUMN TWILIGHTS, PAINTED IN THE EYES OF A CHILD. SPOKEN AS FORGIVENESS BY AN HONEST OPEN HAND IT’S THE FRIEND WHO WILL WALK THE EXTRA MILE. IT’S THE GIVING WHEN THERE’S NOT ENOUGH. THERE IS EVERYWHERE, EVIDENCE OF LOVE.

[RE:]
OPEN YOUR EYES AND LOOK UPON THE HANDY-WORK OF GOD. OPEN YOUR SOUL… AND FEEL THE BREATH OF GLORY ALL AROUND EVERYWHERE THERE’S EVIDENCE OF LOVE.

[ vs. 2 ] IT’S LIVING IN THE RICH EARTH, WAVING IN THE WIND, IT’S MUSIC THAT MOVES US TO BELIEVE. AND DYING IN A SMALL TOWN KNOWING WHERE TRUE LIFE BEGINS, IT’S HOPE, BEYOND WHAT WE CAN SEE. IT IS MERCY, WHEN TEARS ARE NOT ENOUGH. IT IS EVERYWHERE, EVIDENCE OF LOVE. [RE:]
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by Harry Chapin

On the very day I purchased it I christened my guitar As my monophonic symphony, six string orchestrar. In my room I’d practice late, they’d leave me a lone. My mother said you’re nothing yet to make the folks write home. I’d play at all the talent nights, I’d finish; they’d applaud, Some called it muffled laughter; I just figured they were awed. So I ran up for an encore by they screamed they’d had enough. Oh, maybe I just need a group to help me do my stuff.

[Refrain]
And so I dream a bass will join me and fill the bottom in. And maybe now some lead guitar so it would not sound so thin. I need some drums to set the beat and help me keep in time. And way back in the distance, a flute would sound so fine. And we’d all play together like fine musicians should and it would sound like music and music would sound good. But in real life I’m stuck with that same old formula, me and my monophonic symphony, six string…

I’d write love songs for my favorite girl and sing ‘em soft and slow -- but before I’d get to finish, she says she has to go. She’s nice and says excuse me, I’ve got to find a bar. I think I need refreshment for I hear you play guitar. I sent a demo tape I made to the record companies. Two came back address unknown, one came back C.O.D. Of course I got form letters all saying pleasant things Like suggesting I might find a trade where I would not have to sing.[RE]

I’ve been taking guitar lessons but my teacher just took leave It was something about a break down, or needing a reprieve. I know I’ve found my future, so I will preserver And hold on to my dream of making music to their ear.[RE}
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