“I’ve got a lot of things to change
A whole man to rearrange
And if you show me how
I’ll begin right now”

Mike Scott was recently featured on this blog. I quoted a song from his first solo album called Bring ‘Em All In. Scott is a Scottish musician and a brilliant songwriter, the man responsible for the band The Waterboys. I didn’t actually own his first solo album, I was just aware of his music. After that post I thought I should go on Amazon and order that album. However, before I could even do that I was haunting my local Value Village this past weekend. As is my custom, I stopped to look at the used CD rack.

And what, to my surprise, should meet my eyes? Why Bring ‘Em All In, a bit beat up and worn but not enough for me to scorn!

I bought that CD and proceeded to listen to it and listen to it and listen to it again. A wonderful collection of songs – thoughtful, whimsical, wistful and real.

As was listening to it (again) on the car stereo on the way to work yesterday, the fourth track on the album struck me so close to where I live that it was almost scary. I have been going through some major personal changes in life recently, trying to sort things out and rearrange things. Mike Scott gave words and music to how I’m feeling.

So today I wanted to share those lyrics and that song with you.  It is a prayer, something I’ve had a hard time doing of late. Thankfully, Mike recorded a prayer for me.  And maybe for you, too.

What Do You Want Me to Do?

I’ve tried to do things my own way
And I’ve tried to do what people say
And I’m going nowhere fast
And I’m turning to you at last

What do you want me to do?
What do you want me to do?
What do you want me to do, Lord?

I can see the lights of home
But I can’t get there on my own
I can see the landing strip
But I need you to steer my ship

What do you want me to do?
What do you want me to do?
What do you want me to do, Lord?

I’ve been a fool and I’ve been a clown
I let the enemy turn me around
I’ve wasted love and I’ve wasted time
I’ve been proud and I’ve been blind

I’ve got a lot of things to change
A whole man to rearrange
And if you show me how
I’ll begin right now

What do you want me to do?
What do you want me to do?
What do you want me to do, Lord?
What do you want me to do, Lord?
What do you want me to do, Lord?

I’m listening
I’m listening
I’m listening
I’m listening
I’m listening