What's Next
Released February 14, 2013
Album cover photos by Natalie & Kirk Hopkins - edited by Kirk
Available on Apple Music and many other streaming services
The album title was going to be 'Sophomore Album'. Just before the release, Bob suggested 'What's Next' as the title; perhaps because Aaron will be leaving us to put in more time with another praise team (nothing bad about that, right?) and we have some more changes coming. Maybe the album should be called What's Next? (with a question mark) because no one really knows what's next. The question mark was left off though, because this album is what was next after our first album, and we'll see what's next after this album. It's not a unique album name :-( but that's OK. We hope you enjoy the songs and are inspired to praise a God who loves you. Lyrics and chords charts are provided for you to use in worship.
Music Gear
Recorded on location in the Hopkins Studio in Okeana, Ohio using the following equipment:
MacBook Pro with GarageBand
MBox2 mini (dual channel audio interface)
Shure SM58 vocal microphone
MXL 990 Condenser vocal microphone
Kirk's - Martin DXME acoustic guitar
Kirk's - Epiphone Les Paul electric guitar
Kirk's - PodXT Live (effects board) - GarageBand also used for some guitar effects
Kirk's - Washburn bass
Bob's - Ibanez Bass
Bob's - Taylor acoustic guitar
The Freese's drumsets
Zildjian cymbals
Wuhan cymbals
Sound percussion hardware
Drum recording equipment provided by Don Freese:
M-audio 8 channel mixer
4 Sennheiser e604 mic's
3 Shure SM57's
2 overhead mic's
1 bass drum mic
Because of You
Because of You (Bob Conly)
Intro: D A D
D A G D
My life had moved in circles ever spinning never stopped
D A G A
No matter how hard I climbed I could never reach the top
D A G D
Until that day, that day, that day, that day when I met You
D A G A D
Now my life's forever changed I have a brand new point of view
Bm A G Bm A D
Because of You I can find my way, because of You love is here to stay
Bm A G D A
Because of You I will praise Your name, because of You Lord,
G A D
Lord because of You
I'd spent my time in the shadows, nver walking in the light
Did whatever to please myself no matter wrong or right
Until that day, that day, that day, that day when I met You
Now my life's forever changed, my heart belongs to You
Because of You I have found my way, because of You love is here today
Because You I will praise Your name, because of you Lord,
Lord because of You
(Drums only )
Until that day, that day, that day, that day when I met You
now my life's forever changed I have a brand new point of
until that day, that day, that day, that day when I met You
G A D
now my life's forever changed my heart belongs to You
Bm A G Bm
because of You I have found my way, because of You love is
A D Bm A G
here to stay, because of You I will praise Your name
D A D A D A A
because of You Lord, because of You Lord, because of You Lord
G A D
Lord because of You
Composed by: Bob Conly
Vocals - Brianna Quinn (Lead and 4 part harmony)
Vocals - Pam Hopkins
Acoustic Guitar - Bob Conly
Bass - Kirk Hopkins
Drums - Kirk Hopkins
Song Notes: I had penned these lines some time ago, maybe two years. It was during one of those very frustrating times in life when nothing seemed to be going right. Job, family, music, finances etc. etc. were all just running a muck. Even my relationship with God, whom I trust implicitly, was not where it should be. So I did what ever good Christian does, I screamed at God 'where are you'? Not really, I prayed and he spoke most of the words of the song, at that time a poem, to me. It had been sitting till, just recently when I had a very frustrating recording session. One in which I was questioning both my musical talent and future. I went home and had an honest face-to-face with Jesus. Asking (in regards to leading worship on the praise team) should 'I stay or should I go'. The next day he led me back to the unfinished poetry. And in literally minutes I had the 'Until That Day' line finished along with the rest of the verses. I grabbed my acoustic and the melody of the song came to me. And on 'That Day, That Day, That Day, That Day' I believe I got my answer.
Because of You (Unplugged)
Composed by: Bob Conly
Vocals - Brianna Quinn (Lead and 4 part harmony)
Vocals - Pam Hopkins
Percussion - Kirk Hopkins
Song Notes: This is a fun version of the original with only vocals and percussion.
Content In You
Content In You (Bob Conly)
Intro: C G Am F C F G C (electric guitar: 15D)
Verse 1:
C G Am F
Open my eyes Lord let me see, just how you want my life to be
C G Am
come be with me through my everyday, give me your thoughts Lord,
F C F G C
teach me your ways, I want to be taken with only you
Chorus:
F G Am F
Show me yourself to the full extent, I never want one day to regret,
C F G C C
not knowing how to be content in you.
Verse 2:
Teach me not measure my worth, by the treasures I gain here on earth,
set me apart, from the things of this world, take my heart Lord,
I give you control, I want to be taken with only you
Repeat Chorus
Bridge 3x:
Am F
What we need more than treasure is your presence oh Lord
G
Oh Lord
Outro:
F G Am F
Show me yourself to the full extent I never want one day to regret
F G Am F
Show me yourself to the full extent I never want one day to regret
C F G Am F
not knowing how to be content in you,
C F G C
not knowing how to be content in you
Composed by: Bob Conly
Vocals, Lead - Pamela Hopkins
Vocals - Brianna Quinn
Electric Guitar - Kirk Hopkins
Bass - Bob Conly
Drums - Aaron Edwards
Song Notes: This piece is a tribute to my darling wife. She is an unflagging example of Grace. She has an unwavering trust in God. She models the virtue of contentment daily. That is, she has learned to be satisfied where she is at, and with what she has, at all times. Trusting that God always has our best interest in mind. And this contentment is rubbing of on me. Matthew 6:31-33
Doxology Rock
Doxology Rock (Thomas Ken 1674 and Kirk Hopkins)
Intro: Riff (electric guitar: 13c) A C Praise God from Whom all blessings flow A | Praise Him all creatures below A C Praise Him above ye Heavenly Host A | Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost D A D A Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him - Amen Repeat Song Riff: A 3 3 E 5 5 5 2 3 5 5 5 5 5 5 2 3 5| Counts: 1 2 3 & 4 & & &3 4 1 2 3 & 4 & 1 2 3 4
Composed by: Thomas Ken 1674 and Kirk Hopkins
Vocals, Lead - Kirk Hopkins
Vocals - Brianna Quinn
Vocals - Pamela Hopkins
Electric Guitar - Kirk Hopkins
Bass - Tim Cornelius
Drums - Aaron Edwards
Song Notes: Hmm, where in the world did this song come from? After selecting Christmas songs to lead in worship I felt like God was telling me to do a hymn. I wanted our sophomore album to only have originals on it so I asked, 'are you sure'? Dumb question. The first hymn that came to mind was the doxology. The 2 younger members of the group had not heard the hymn before, nor do they recognize it after hearing this version. Uh, this is 'Doxology ROCK'. This is one of the few times that the words came before the tune for me, but using someone else's words makes that easy. Thanks Thomas Ken (1674) for the words. I don't think he minds me using them sense it's to worship the same God that he worshiped.
God is With Us
God is With Us (Kirk Hopkins)
Intro: Play the verse (no vocals)
Verse:
G D Em Em (Em's muted)
God is our refuge and strength
G D Em Em
He is always near
G D Em C
Therefore we will not fear
G D Em (Em or G into the Pre-chorus)
We will not be afraid
Pre-chorus:
D Em
So I sing and I pray
C G
For today You are with me
D Em
So I sing and I pray
C D
Lord Almighty here me say
Chorus:
G D
God is with us, He's always near
C D
In times of trouble, He's always here
G D
God is with us, He's always near
C D
When I need Him, He's always here
Repeat Song
Repeat Chorus (vocals & light guitar only)
Based on Psalm 46
Composed by: Kirk Hopkins
Vocals, Lead - Brianna Quinn
Vocals - Pamela Hopkins
Vocals - Kirk Hopkins
Acoustic Guitar - Kirk Hopkins
Electric Guitars - Kirk Hopkins
Bass - Bob Conly
Drums - Aaron Edwards
Song Notes: This song came after 'Doxology Rock'. That was such a happy song, I needed some dark chords again, insert the Em (E minor). Once again, the chords came first. The lyrics came from Psalm 46, by way of Pam Friermood on Facebook. So God can speak to us using Facebook, who knew. This song gets stuck in my head and I actually hear the kids humming it when we clean up after dinner. That's always a good sign.
Here and Now
Here and Now (Kirk Hopkins)
Verse 1 2x: (electric guitar 16d or 10b or 16b) C2 C2/B C2/A G I love You, I love You, I love You Chorus: Em F#m7 Em F#m7 Em F#m7 Em A Here & now I love You Here & now I love You Verse 2 2x: I need You Chorus 2: Here & now I need You Here & now I need You Verse 3 2x: I come to You Chorus 3: Here & now I come to You Here & now I come to You
Composed by: Kirk Hopkins
Vocals, Lead - Brianna Quinn
Vocals - Pamela Hopkins
Electric Guitar - Kirk Hopkins
Bass - Greg Mathena
Song Notes: Here and Now is my first communion song. I had the chord progression for the verse and searched for a chorus for a little while. It's easy to get stuck in a rut; which I didn't want to happen. So the progression is peaceful but still unique. I think there are some interesting sounds that come out of the guitar voicing. The words came after playing the guitar part. I asked God for the words and He gave them to me. Not very many words, it's more of a meditation. Listen to the song and let God speak to you.
Jesus It's You
Jesus It's You (Bob Conly)
Intro: A E D A
Verse 1:
A E
Won't ever be president, most times it's hard just to make the rent
D A A2 A
Not likely a movie star, can't see me drivin' a fast race car
A E
Probably not a baseball name, sure won't make it to the hall of fame
D A
I'm certain I'll never fly into space, I have a hard time finding my
A2 A
parking place
Chorus:
F#m E D A
But there is something great inside of me, I know it's true
F#m D E Esus E A
And I need someone to help let it out, and Jesus it's You--oo-oo
E D
When we're praying it's You-oo-oo, when we're praising it's You-oo-oo
A
Oh Lord it's You
Verse 2:
Making millions is not my way, my lot in life seems to be makin' hay
I'll never have a big old estate,
a hammock in the shade now that's first rate
Never a lawyer or a PHD, no trip for me down a fashion runway
My box of crayons may be half full,
only You have what it takes to color my world
Repeat Chorus
Bridge:
F#m E D A
You see it doesn't matter how much you have, but how much you give
F#m D E Esus E
It's not how far you go in life, but how you love and live
Outro (A E D A):
And Jesus it's You-oo-oo, when we're singing it's You-oo-oo
When we're dancin' You-oo-oo, Oh Lord it's You
And Jesus it's You-oo-oo, when we're working it's You-oo-oo
When we're playin' You-oo-oo, Oh Lord it's You
And Jesus it's You-oo-oo, when we're living it's You-oo-oo
When we're dyin' You-oo-oo, Oh Lord it's You
Composed by: Bob Conly
Vocals, Lead - Pamela Hopkins
Vocals - Brianna Quinn
Keyboard - Brianna Quinn
Electric Guitar - Kirk Hopkins
Bass - Bob Conly
Drums - Aaron Edwards
Song Notes: This song was written with a real country flair. It was originally a reference to the people in my life. The original title was 'Baby it's You, a reference to our grandchildren. It is intended to be somewhat lighthearted. Kind of poking fun at ourselves, but also stating that deep down desire I believe all of us have, that is, that we're put here on earth to do something great. And it is the people in your life that can bring that greatness out. When we first started putting together original music, for this, our sophomore album, I did not even consider this song to be a candidate. I was just playing the tune one day when I realized that this could be a crossover song. In one take I realized that not only did 'Jesus' fit in the meter of song, but that it is truly in Him that we live and move and have our being. 'Jesus It Is Truly You'.
Jesus Will Help Me All the Way
Jesus Will Help Me All the Way (Natalie Hopkins)
Intro: D C G D
Verse 1:
D C G D
I may just be a girl running to your love
D C G D
and I may only be 5 feet tall reaching for your hand
C G C G
but I know that I can make it anyway
C D G G
because Jesus will help me all the way
Chorus:
No matter how far away or high up you are
Even if it seems impossible I know it can be done
and I know that we can make it anyway
because Jesus will help us all the way
Verse 2:
You may just be a person running to God's love
and you're only so tall reaching for His hands
but I know that you can make it anyway
because Jesus will help you all the way
Verse 3 (light guitar only):
We might feel all alone running to God's love
and we will feel really small reaching for His hands
but I know that we can make it anyway
because Jesus will help us all the way
Repeat Chorus
Outro 3x:
C D G G
because Jesus will help us all the way
Composed by: Natalie Hopkins
Vocals, Lead - Natalie Hopkins
Acoustic Guitar - Kirk Hopkins
Bass - Greg Mathena
Drums - Aaron Edwards
Song Notes: You might feel like you don't deserve God, but because of Jesus, you can make it to Him.
Keep Burning Brighter
Keep Burning Brighter (Kirk Hopkins)
Intro: (electric guitar: 13c)
A . . G A . | (2x)
Verse 1:
A G A
Oh Your fire is burning brighter
A G A
Oh yes Your fire is burning brighter
A G A
Oh Your fire is burning brighter
A G A
Oh yes Your fire is burning brighter
Chorus:
D G D
Oh the flames of Your love
A G A
Are burning brighter, set me on fire
E7 DDD|
Keep burning brighter in me
A G A
Keep burning brighter, set me on fire
Verse 2:
Oh Your love is burning brighter
Yes Your love is burning brighter
Oh Your love is burning brighter
Yes Your love is burning brighter
Repeat Chorus
Repeat Intro (except on the recording)
Bridge: soft
A A A A
Oh Your fire is burning brighter
A A A A
Oh yes Your fire is burning brighter
AAA A A A
Oh Your love is burning brighter
AAA A A A A A A A A (build up)
Yes Your love is burning brighter
Repeat Chorus loud
Outro:
E7 D
Keep burning brighter in me
A G A A
Keep burning brighter, set me on fire
Composed by: Kirk Hopkins
Vocals, Lead - Kirk Hopkins
Vocals - Brianna Quinn
Vocals - Pamela Hopkins
Electric Guitar - Kirk Hopkins
Acoustic Guitar - Kirk Hopkins
Bass - Tim Cornelius
Drums - Aaron Edwards
Song Notes: Obviously this song was written in front of a camp fire. I actually didn't mean to write it. I was just sitting in front of the fire that we had the previous night, my kids got it going again, and as I watched it, the song just came out. I had to go inside the house and get my guitar, then went back to the fire to actually play and sing it. So this is not the most challenging song, but it sure makes sense to play in front of a campfire. Hopefully the lyrics make it past the literal fire and show up in your heart with the fire of God's love.
Never Abandoned
Never Abandoned (Kirk Hopkins)
Intro: Riff 2x (electric guitar: 13b)
Verse:
Am
I will praise You Lord with all my heart
Am
I will tell of all Your wonders
C
I will be glad and rejoice in You
Am
I will sing praise to Your name Most High
Chorus:
G F C
Those who know Your name will trust in You
G F C
Those who know Your name will trust in You
G F C
Those who know Your name will trust in You
F C G |
for You have never abandoned those who seek you
Repeat Song
Bridge: Am
I will praise You (echo)
I will trust You (echo)
I will seek You (echo)
Repeat
Repeat Chorus
Riff:
D 10
A 10 12 12 10 12 12 10 12 12 10
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 1 & 2 (3) - counts
A 10 12 12 10 12 12 10 12 12 10
E 12 10
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 1 & 2 (3) 4 (5) - counts
Time Signatures for the Riff: 4/4 3/4 4/4 5/4
Based on Psalm 9:1-2,10
Composed by: Kirk Hopkins
Vocals, Lead - Kirk Hopkins
Vocals - Brianna Quinn
Vocals - Pamela Hopkins
Electric Guitar - Kirk Hopkins
Bass - Greg Mathena
Drums - Aaron Edwards
Song Notes: Never Abandoned came after a song that never made it called 'You Deserve', which wasn't terrible, but it wasn't good either. I was reminded that everything doesn't have to be perfect all of the time. Man, that song was not perfect. Once again, the riff came first, then the lyrics accompanied by power chords. It's a driving song, a little dark at the beginning, but opens up on the chorus. It reminds me that even when we fail (like on 'You Deserve') God never abandon's us. This is an easy song with not many words so it was quick to teach in a worship service.
Say Yeah
Say Yeah (Kirk Hopkins)
Chorus:
E
All God's children say yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah)
Repeat Chorus 3x
Verse:
E B
So whatcha (echo), doin (echo),
A E
right here (echo), right now (echo)
E B
I'm singing (echo), and praising (echo)
A E
and shouting (echo), this offering (echo)
Bridge:
E
With the words I say and the things I do
F#m
I want everyone to know that I love You
G#m
You are great and kind and You love me all the time
A A
Oh You know it's true, You know that I love You
Repeat Song
Repeat Chorus 4x
Composed by: Kirk Hopkins
Vocals, Lead - Kirk Hopkins
Vocals - Brianna Quinn
Vocals - Pamela Hopkins
Electric Guitar - Kirk Hopkins
Bass - Tim Cornelius
Drums - Aaron Edwards
Some of God's children that say yeah: Rachel Hopkins, Natalie Hopkins, and Seth Hopkins
Song Notes: This was my first song for this album. I lead a children's worship praise team and wanted a fun song that taught the children some of what worship is. Worship is a lifestyle, we worship in many ways. Some of the ways involve music. This song has an element of 'in your face' that is just plain fun in worshipping a God who loves His children. The long note held has been a staple that our group has adopted in a couple songs (who can hold the note the longest); I won on the album, and no, I didn't cheat. Come on Pam and Brianna, what's the problem? Oh, and 'all God's children' includes adults too, if you are a Christian.
Standfast
Standfast (Bob Conly)
Intro: G Em C Dsus D
Verse 1:
G Em
In Your great Word, we learn of Your plan
C Dsus D
It will give us the strength to daily make a stand
G Em
When the world around makes so little sense
C Dsus D
We find hope and life in the midst of Your promises
Repeat intro
Verse 2:
In Your great word we always find the truth
It will give us direction and bring us back to You
Your passages remind us of just who we are
They confirm forever, we are precious in Your heart
Chorus:
C G
So every morning I need to hear Your voice
C G
and now it's my privilege, I make it my choice
C G
to reconcile myself by what I have learned
Am D G
I'm completed in You, and to Your Word I will turn
(Chords from the Chorus)
C G
And I'm standfast (echo), because You're standfast (echo)
C G
Always standfast (echo), Yes I'm standfast (echo)
Am D G
Forever standfast (echo), I'm standing on Your word
Verse 3:
Lead me by Your teachings, I want no man-made rules
Wrap me in Your promises, let me wear them like jewels
So let Your lines wash over me, and consume me like a flood
Let me take to heart what's written, about Your never ending love
Repeat half of the Chorus, then the full Chorus
Composed by: Bob Conly
Vocals, Lead - Brianna Quinn
Vocals - Pamela Hopkins
Electric Guitar - Kirk Hopkins
Bass - Bob Conly
Drums - Kirk Hopkins
Song Notes: Again my beautiful wife had a great deal to do with the lyrics of this song. She is a Bible totting, Bible reading, Bible believing, Bible sharing, Bible teaching, and Bible living champion of God. It is by her example of being unshaken in her absolute faith, in the 'Word of God', that our marriage is where it is today, our children and ourselves are happy, healthy, prosperous and above all saved by the mercy and grace of Jesus. She is 'Standfast' when it comes to the Bible. Through her tutelage I've also learned to trust implicitly in the 'Word of God'. To be 'Standfast'.
The Light
The Light (Kirk Hopkins)
Intro:
Em
Verse 1:
Em D/A Em D/A
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
Em Em Em
and the Word was God.
Em D/A Em
He was with God in the beginning, and through Him
D/A Em
all things were made, all things were made
Chorus:
G D C D
and in Him there is life, there is joy, there is peace
G D C D
and in Him there is life, there is joy, there is peace
Em Em
Verse 2:
Em D/A
and the light shines in the darkness
Em D/A
and the darkness can't overcome it
Repeat Verse 2
Bridge 4x:
Em D/A
can't overcome it, can't overcome it
Repeat Chorus big
Repeat Chorus (staccato rhythm)
Repeat Chorus big
Based on John 1:1-5
Composed by: Kirk Hopkins
Vocals, Lead - Kirk Hopkins
Vocals - Brianna Quinn
Keyboard - Brianna Quinn
Vocals - Pamela Hopkins
Electric Guitar - Kirk Hopkins
Bass - Bob Conly
Drums - Aaron Edwards
Song Notes: 'The Light' came after 'God is With Us'. The lyrics are based on John 1:1-5. The beginning of the world seems mysterious to me, so the beginning of the song had to match it. I picture a fog machine crankin' away every time I think about this song. You can see some big hair bands from the 80's influence on this song. Again, the kids hum this tune around the house (and me too). It's an easy tune with spiritual truths that all need to hear.
We Come to You Today
We Come to You Today (Kirk Hopkins)
Intro: Riff 2x
Verse:
E (no chords)
We come to you today we worship in so many ways
Riff
E (no chords)
We come to you today we worship in so many ways
Bridge:
G (no chords)
We lift our voice, we lift our hands
A (no chords)
We lift our hearts, for you we stand
Chorus: (play chords)
E
God You always love me, You always care
G
God You always hear me, when I call in prayer
A
God You watch o'er me, everywhere
B(short)
God it's you, that I wanna share
Repeat Song
Repeat Riff 2x, end on E
Riff:
5/8 5/8 2/8 4/4
1 2 1 2 3|1 2 1 2 3|1 2 |1 2 3 4 |
1 &a2 1 &a2 & 1 &a 1 & & & &
E EEG E EEA G E EE A#A G A G
Drums during Riff:
x x x x x x x x x x x x o o o o
s s fl
b b b b b b b
Composed by: Kirk Hopkins
Vocals, Lead - Kirk Hopkins
Vocals - Brianna Quinn
Vocals - Pamela Hopkins
Electric Guitar - Kirk Hopkins
Bass - Bob Conly
Drums - Aaron Edwards
Song Notes: This was my second song for our sophomore album. Continuing the lesson from 'Say Yeah', this song tells us to come to God and worship Him in many ways. I knew the theme of the song and worked out a riff. I'm a drummer, not a guitar player, so playing riff's doesn't come easy for me. Many Christian songs are 'easy', I wanted this one to be more challenging but still with the ability for kids to worship with. The riff includes 3 measures that go 5/8, 5/8, 2/8, 4/4. My music instructors should be proud. The song is a little bit darker than many worship songs, not all songs have to be super happy, right?