SHIRU SHIR CHADASH   (from A New Song to God)
Psalm 96: Sing unto God all the earth a new song
©2010 by Joy Katzen-Guthrie • All Rights Reserved
Music & Lyric by Joy Katzen-Guthrie

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From the time that I was little, to the instant I’m in now,
A song has been my constant companion.
In the thrill of greatest happiness or depths of dark despair,
Music had the power to lift my soul.

CHORUS:
Shiru Ladonai: Sing a new song to God.
All the earth sing with strong and stirring voices.
Shiru shir chadash kol ha-aretz hayom,
Lift your voice in song to God today.

For as long as I remember, a piano eased my pain,
And a song of joy has always dwelt within.
A greater love and saving grace we never could receive:
God’s spirit fuels the music of our souls.

CHORUS:
Shiru Ladonai: Sing a new song to God.
All the earth sing with strong and stirring voices.
Shiru shir chadash kol ha-aretz hayom,
Lift your voice in song to God today.

To the writers who have shared their vision, inspiring mine in turn,
My heart pours out its thanks and deep affection.
For the music I am blessed to give and blessed more to receive
Let me sing my sincerest praise to You.

CHORUS:
Shiru Ladonai: Sing a new song to God.
All the earth sing with strong and stirring voices.
Shiru shir chadash kol ha-aretz hayom,
Lift your voice in song to God today.CHORUS:

Shiru Ladonai: Sing a new song to God.
All the earth sing with strong and stirring voices.
Shiru shir chadash kol ha-aretz hayom,
Lift your voice in song to God today.

Shiru Ladonai: Sing a new song to God.
All the earth sing with strong and stirring voices.
Shiru shir chadash kol ha-aretz hayom,
Lift your voice in song to God today.
Lift your voice in song to God today.
Lift your voice in song to God ... today.

SISTER OF MY HEART (from A Steadfast Bridge)
©2002 by Joy Katzen-Guthrie. All rights reserved.
Music & Lyric by Joy Katzen-Guthrie
Dedicated to Randi Kraus, from her sisters in Hadassah — and to our sisters throughout the world

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Sister, sister of my heart,
Quiet and sweet-natured, you have touched the deepest part of me.
When walking on the beach, or at lunch in a café,
You lighten up my day in your own honest way.

Sister, sister of my heart,
I want to show how much I love you, but I don’t know where to start.
With your outstretched, loving hands and your generous soul,
You’ve played a special role in making my life whole.

How do I find the words to thank you for the part you’ve given of yourself?
If I could fill your shelf with honors that award you, I’d turn toward you
and express to you all you mean to me, and to so many who’d agree
that you have touched them with your faith, inspired them through your grace.

Sister, sister of my heart,
Compassionate and kind, you are a master of the art
of making the world a better place, bringing a smile to someone’s face,
a good and loyal friend, through life and till the end.

Sister, sister of my heart,
Your courage and devotion light a magnificent spark
of strength and valor for a dream of g’milut chasidim.*

You have served the world.
You have repaired the world.
You have rebuilt the world.

You are my sister, the sister of my heart.

* g’milut chasidim (Hebrew) – acts of loving-kindness, righteous deeds



SOMETIMES YOU’VE JUST GOTTA CRY (from A Steadfast Bridge)
Lyric by Annemarie St. Michael  •  Music by Joy Katzen-Guthrie
©2001 by Katzen-Guthrie & St. Michael. All rights reserved.

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Sometimes you’ve gotta cry.  Sometimes you have to let it go.  It’s hard, I know.
When days feel dark, and there’s no answer to your prayers, like no one cares … remember ...

Rainbows are gifts from a storm: that’s how they’re born and light the sky.
Like the storm, a little rain can set us free. For light to be, sometimes you’ve just gotta cry.

When troubles cloud your mind, emotions swell from day to day, don’t run away.
Look within your soul. You’ll find relief, ‘cause tears you’ve stored can’t be ignored.

A happy day follows night: that’s why it’s bright and lifts our life.
The pain of night is what we need to help us feel. That’s how we heal.
Sometimes you’ve just gotta cry.