Lyrics – Brand New Me

These are the lyrics for my newest project, “Brand New Me”.

To get the CD, click here!

This CD represents a story that has been unfolding over the past decade. As a musician, it is an honor when someone takes the time to not only listen to the CD from start to finish (as you would watch a movie) but to also read the liner notes and lyrics.

Here’s how it all started:

Fear led to depression. Depression forced me into counseling. Counseling led to figure skating.

Figure skating unleashed a “Brand New Me”.

How could this be, you ask?

As you listen to this compilation of songs, you will be listening to my journey for the past ten years. You won’t see me in the Olympics. That wasn’t why I took up skating. I have a much bigger dream; to live up to my name, Frances Louise, which means “the free one” and “one who fights with honor”. I have been learning how to fight with honor for my own freedom and pursuing skating, even for just a short season, did a long-term work in me. It all started when Hope walked in.

# 1 Hope Walked In / By Frances Drost and Wally Nason

I went out for a walk one day mulling over an idea for a song about hope and came back with this melody and lyric in my head. After writing so many songs about death, it feels good to write about hope.

I was down and out when Hope walked in / Saw what I could be and not what’s been / I could hear Him say / Today’s another day / I was full of fear when Hope walked in / Said you have what it takes so try again / I believe in you / Let me help you through

HOPE CAME KNOCKING / DOUBT QUIT TALKING / MY HEART STARTED FEELING ALIVE / HOPE STAYED LONGER / FAITH GOT STRONGER / LOVE SAID YOU’RE GONNA SURVIVE / WHEN HOPE WALKED IN

I was overwhelmed when Hope walked in / Said I see your strength is wearing thin / It’s all in my control / Rest your weary soul / I was in the dark when Hope walked in / Brightened up my life said Let’s begin / See what I have planned / Come and take my hand

My mind could not ignore / The raging tug of war / But my heart had heard / Every single word / I said yes and opened the door

# 2 Praise To The Lord The Almighty –  By Catherine Winkworth and Joachim Neander –  (New chorus by Frances Drost)

This has been one of my favorite hymns and I looked forward to the day when we could finally record it. Praise is an appropriate response to Hope.

Praise to the Lord the Almighty the King of creation / Oh my soul praise Him for He is your health and salvation / All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near / Join me in glad adoration

PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY / PRAISE TO THE LORD

Praise to the Lord who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth / He shields you under His wings yes so gently sustaineth / Have you not seen how your desires have been / Granted in what He ordaineth

Praise to the Lord who will prosper your work and defend you / Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend you / Ponder anew what the Almighty can do / Since with His love He befriend you

# 3 Brand New Me – By Frances Drost

I came home from the skating rink one day and sat down at the piano to write this song. I knew then that it was the start of a new season in life. Some days I still feel like the same old me, but I know that I am growing and changing. I’m becoming the “free one who fights with honor”.

Living on the verge of something just begun / Don’t have to do what I’ve always done / Feeling my heart pound a brand new theme / I’m pressing on to a bigger dream

I WANT TO RUN TO THE EDGES / LEAP OFF OF LEDGES / FEEL WHAT IT’S LIKE TO FLY / I’M LETTING GO OF THE OLD WAY / SAYING HEY IT’S A NEW DAY / LOOK WHAT I GET TO BE / A BRAND NEW ME

I want to try things I’ve never tried / And say goodbye to my foolish pride / Don’t need to know what you think of me / I’m better off if I live care-free

# 4 Feels Good To Be Free – By Frances Drost

I literally started writing this song one day as I was driving. I was so struck with the realization that I truly am not the person I used to be. I’m on a journey of freedom and it feels wonderful.

Driving down the freeway / Thinking I’m not what I used to be / And since I’m getting stronger / I’m loving what I see in me / I’m not through yet / And I pray there’s more / But there’s one good thing that I know for sure / It feels good to be free

Looking in the mirror / I can see that I have changed / It happens on the inside / Everything is rearranged / And I don’t know how but I know it’s true / ‘Cause I’m doing things I could never do / It feels good to be free

I AM FREE / I AM FREE FROM IMPOSSIBILITY / I CAN SEE BEYOND WHAT USED TO BE / TO WHAT’S AHEAD OF ME / IT FEELS GOOD TO BE FREE

The weight is gone that held me back / It’s grace that keeps my life on track / I’ve set my course my steps are planned / My future’s sure by God’s hand

# 5 You Are – By Frances Drost

This song has been waiting for a long time to have a place. It’s an expression of worship for all that God has been in my life, especially these past ten years. He’s had to break down old thinking patterns and replace them with new ones, including what I think about Him.

You’re my drink of water / You’re my bread of life / You’re the one I turn to / You are / You’re my great Redeemer / You’re the King of kings / You’re the holy Lamb of glory / You Are

YOU’RE THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE / YOU ARE EVERYTHING I NEED / I CAN COME TO YOU JUST THE WAY I AM / EVEN THOUGH I AM JUST ME / ‘CAUSE YOU ARE

You’re my loving Father / You’re Almighty God / You’re the one I count on / You are

You’re the King of heaven / You’re my Prince of Peace / You’re the Alpha and Omega / You Are / You’re the future God / You are present here / You were long before the past

# 6 Who Do You Think You Are – By Frances Drost

Originally inspired by the story of David and Goliath, this song lets you know what it’s like to dream. If you ever decide to step out on to the edge, be prepared to face the giant of intimidation. It will question you and torment you. When you overcome it, you will have won a great inner battle.

I woke up early on a sunny day / Full of ideas in a cheerful way / Grabbed my keys, headed out the door / Then I heard a voice / That I’ve heard before (it said)

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? / YOU’LL FALL FAST AND HARD / THINK YOU’RE TOUGH? / YOU’RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH! / WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? / WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!

I sat in silence then I called my Dad and said / I need help am I going mad / Every time I get back on my feet / Doubt and fear say you can’t compete

Good old Dad, he was wise and quick he said / Don’t let fear play that age old trick / Remember that words can work both ways / Give it right back looking fear in the face / And say who do you think you are / Who do you think you are / Remember that words can work both ways

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? / WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE! / TURN IT AROUND / STAND YOUR GROUND AND SAY / WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? / WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!

# 7 Sing Anyway – By Frances Drost and Babbie Mason

Another song inspired by the life of King David. Can you tell he’s one of my heroes? I’m always impressed with David’s ebb and flow between hardship and gratefulness, negative and positive. In the midst of tough times, he usually inserted an admonition: SING! We borrowed the idea from him.

When the way is dark and you lose your song / Sing anyway / When the faith you have is almost gone / Sing anyway / Light will come and the pain will ease / Hope will rise with a melody / With a joyful heart even if off-key / Sing anyway, sing anyway

SING, SING OUT LOUD / FIND YOUR VOICE / THOUGH YOU DON’T KNOW HOW / YOU’LL BE ALRIGHT / TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH / SING ANYWAY, SING ANYWAY

When you’re in the fire and you feel it burn / Sing anyway / When you hit a wall at every turn / Sing anyway / Lift your voice let the courage flow / Mercy comes in the afterglow / And grace will make your weak heart grow / Sing anyway, sing anyway

When you feel afraid of what lies ahead / Sing anyway / And you start to doubt what God has said / Sing anyway / Faith will grow when you start to sing / Praise will conquer anything / Let the heavens hear your music ring / Sing anyway, sing anyway

# 8 Out of My Box (Instrumental song) – By Frances Drost

We approached this project differently than others in the past. I wanted to try things “outside” of my normal box – like figure skating! Normally, I would write the piano part first, but this time we started out with just a beat. I love what the band did with this.

# 9 Just Like You – By Frances Drost

No project of mine is complete without some kind of quirky song on it. After posting something very transparent on Facebook one day, a friend was shocked to know that I struggled with something. It reminded me that when you live a life in front of the public, such as musicians do, people tend to think you are above imperfection and struggle. It’s just not true. I’m just like you!

I’ve got doubts and questions too / Unanswered prayers, yeah, quite a few / Somedays I wonder why I ever pray / Seems like God does what He wants anyway

DON’T LET ANYBODY TELL YOU / THAT YOU’RE FIGHTING THIS BATTLE ALONE / WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER / HOLD ON KID / YOU’RE NOT ON YOUR OWN / I’M JUST LIKE YOU / I’M JUST LIKE YOU

I’ve got dreams and nightmares too / All mixed up like gumbo stew / Somedays I’d rather stay in bed / Me and the dog playing dead

I’ve got days that start out wrong / List of worries four feet long / Things get worse as the day goes by / Troubles keep coming and multiply

# 10 Don’t Quit – By Frances Drost

Any strong relationship will usually encounter some kind of rough patch. I wrote this song after one of those rough patches.

You don’t quit gardening over one small weed / You don’t quit farming over one bad seed / I’m not perfect, wish I could be / So don’t quit loving me because of me

You don’t quit wishing over one lost wish / You don’t quit fishing over one lost fish / I’m not perfect, wish I could be / So don’t quit loving me because of me

I GET IN MY OWN WAY / SEEMS I DO IT EVERY DAY / BUT I CAN BE MUCH MORE THAN YOU CAN SEE / SO DON’T QUIT LOVING ME

You don’t quit spending over one bounced check / You don’t quit driving over one bad wreck / I’m not perfect, wish I could be / So don’t quit loving me because of me

You don’t quit sleeping over one rough night / You don’t quit loving after one tough fight / I’m not perfect, wish I could be / So don’t quit loving me because of me

# 11 Nobody Sees – By Frances Drost and Darwin Moody

Another song inspired by the life of King David. We know that God already sees everything about us, but giving Him permission to look inside takes our relationship with Him much deeper.

Nobody sees in the depths of my soul / The mysteries of me that nobody knows / Others will look at the outside of me / But only my Father can see down deep / Won’t You touch me / Won’t You change me

SO LOOK INSIDE THE HIDDEN PARTS / REACH INTO THE DEPTHS OF MY HEART / I OPEN UP / I LET YOU SEE / EVERYTHING THERE IS TO ME / THAT NOBODY SEES

Nobody sees all those places I’ve been / All my mistakes and my secret sins / All of the tears when I fall on my face / All of the times I’m in need of Your grace / But You love me / You forgive me

Nobody sees the hope inside of my dreams / Nobody sees the plans You have for me

# 12 It’s All About The Ride – By Frances Drost and Wally Nason

One minute I was throwing hay bales out in the barn and the next minute I was wearing my mother’s fancy dresses and pretending to be a princess on our farm in Pennsylvania. We also rode motorcycles, so I now wear leather too. I started out on the back of my older brother’s bike and in my forties, I graduated to one of my own. My husband and I are now biker buddies – and we both ride our own. As a songwriter, I felt I needed a song about being a biker. This is that.

I was just a young girl holding tight to my brother / He’d lean to the left / I’d lean to the other / Riding leather and chrome we would steal away / Didn’t know back then where I’d be today

DOWN THE WINDING ROAD / MANY MILES TO GO / GOT THE WIND IN MY HAIR / NO TIME TO BE SCARED / GOTTA LOOK THROUGH THE CURVE / KEEP MY FAITH AND MY NERVE / LEARNING TO TRAVEL LIGHT / IT’S ALL ABOUT THE RIDE

I’m a little bit older / I want to go further / I don’t hold back / I lean a lot harder / Doesn’t matter to me what the make or model / Just hold on tight and roll that throttle

I’m a soul rider / Who never rides alone / I love the journey / Now I’m taking the long way home

# 13 That’s What Faith Is All About – By Matthew West and Keith Brown

I originally recorded this song as a single, but it’s always so well received by audiences, that I decided to make it a permanent fixture.

The whisper of a prayer / Is anybody there / You’re searching for a sign / A reason to believe / Surrounded by your fear / You watch your courage disappear / Somewhere in the night / When your well is running dry / These are the moments of truth in our lives / These are the times to hold on

IT’S BELIEVING THE IMPOSSIBLE / SEEING THE INVISIBLE / DREAMING BIGGER THAN YOU’VE EVER DREAMED / IT’S LISTENING TO HIS STILL SMALL VOICE / IT’S LETTING YOUR HEART MAKE THE CHOICE / IT’S STANDING AT THE EDGE OF WHAT COULD BE / IT’S REACHING THROUGH THE SHADOW OF A DOUBT / THAT’S WHAT FAITH IS ALL ABOUT

There’s a cry across the Nation / From the corners of creation / We all want something real / A meaning to this life / When the light of hope is fading / The love of God is waiting / And it’s love that we can find when we stop looking with our eyes / If we just follow with faith like a child / We can move mountains / Lord we will follow with faith like a child / And we will move mountains

WORD MUSIC PUBLISHING / Used by Permission

# 14 Blessing Song – By Frances Drost

Taken from Numbers 6:24-26

There was a season in my life when I decided to drive around to local churches and serenade the office workers (or whomever I could find) with this song written just for that purpose. Then my elderly mother fell and fractured her spine and everything changed in my life. I paused the serenading and focused on caring for her. However, after having such a positive response on social media after posting it one day, I am now including it as the benediction to this project.

May the Lord bless you and keep you / May the Lord make His face shine upon you / May the Lord lift His countenance and smile on you / And be gracious to you / And be gracious to you / And be gracious to you / And give you peace

Thank you….

Eric Copeland – Not only are you my music Producer, but you are my hero in the creative world. Your vision and persistence inspire and motivate me. Thanks for letting me try something different this time around.

Ronnie Brookshire – You challenge me to dig deeper in my writing. You make me laugh with your silly one-liners. You inspire me with music. I’m blessed to know you beyond the engineering.

Ed Kee – You started out as the Conductor of Portraits of White, but you became the sounding board for my songwriting for much of this project. Thanks for being so hard on me and yet believing in me. I still have so much to learn, but I’m growing, thanks to you.

Babbie Mason – Meeting you was such a God-thing in my life at just the right time. I would have never dreamed that coming together at the Speak Up Breakfast would lead to finishing a song. You are such a blessing!

Fans – You come to my concerts, you buy my music, you wear the T-shirts (whether you want to or not) and you send me encouragement just when I need it. I’m so grateful for you! Thanks so much for all the support.

Tom Drost – You’re like a couch that holds the ever-changing throw pillows. I don’t know what on earth I’d do without you, but I know that I adore you. Thanks for letting me rest in your love as I pursue this ever-changing world of making art.