Best of (2004​-​2016)

by Andrew Thomas

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1.
Shooting stars 04:27
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Shooting stars always did catch your eye I've been waiting for one that doesn't burn out or die It's so clear tonight you can see the Milky Way We'll sing and shout and dance around and play Praise him, all the world won't might it right I got chills in my spine, got chills in my spine, got chills in my spine, got chills in my spine tonight Her face is radiant as she's serving me I am blessed to be in her company His mouth is speaking words straight from his heart We are one body and everyone plays its part Praise him, all the world won't might it right I got chills in my spine, got chills in my spine, got chills in my spine, got chills in my spine tonight And I know that you're always here And your perfect love, well it drives out fear And I know that you'e always here And your perfect love, well it drives out fear Falling over ourselves to reach the finish line You reach one peak and find there's more to climb But we won't grumble that the journey's far Together we'll shine brighter than any star Praise him, all the world won't might it right I got chills in my spine, got chills in my spine, got chills in my spine, got chills in my spine tonight And I know that you're always here And your perfect love, well it drives out fear And I know that you'e always here And your perfect love, well it drives out fear Praise him, all the world won't might it right I got chills in my spine, got chills in my spine, got chills in my spine, got chills in my spine tonight
2.
Love and trust 05:00
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My father once said to me 'this life is about paying bills' Well I hate to disagree, but this always gives me the chills And I'd say life was more about living, about living, don't you agree? And he'd say oh my child, one day you'll see So have you seen the vending machine woman, she looks at me awful strange She gives her goods and takes the money and she can't ever change And have you seen the medicine man, the medicine man of our times He sells us pills to fight our ills and says you're gonna be just fine Did you notice the way she moves, the elegance and the grace? Did you notice the lines on her lips, the freckles on her face? Did you feel your spirits merging as one as you flew out of your skin? Did you realise, underneath the 'guise we are a part of everything? Yes it happened to me once before, she came to me in a dream And i'd seen your face in a place that I had never been And the shivers all over, the shivers all over, the shivers all down my spine If I were a believer in that sort of thing I would say it was fate, are you that way inclined? And she travelled away around the world looking for something new and when you returned, you had learned it had always been in-front of you Well the sands of time make us feel detached make us feel estranged But you're still the same child you ever were, it's only your body that changed. For whatever the cost the truth got lost, no it can't be bought or sold And the value of money turned funny and morality began to fold This may be a poor life I lead, but this is the life that I choose I only own what was given to me, tell me, what have I to lose? So if I were to try to describe life's joy and pains I could write ten thousand words and they'd all be in vain For the greatest gift we ever received comes from heaven above us And there's no price tag you can conceive to put on love and trust.
3.
Small fry 05:45
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In the autumn light I would be alright If I knew where I was going to The pull was oh so strong Now that love is gone I don’t know what to do The road is oh so steep I find it hard to keep On pushing through The weight is in your back All the things you lack Are conquering you I’m looking for the heart of the lie Looking for the reasons why Looking for the one who got away I’m looking for the man in the sky Looking for the small fry Looking for the place that I should stay All the way back home Feeling all alone Not knowing why or when Look out to the sea I thought that it would be Better than this to be born again Expected far too much A moment of your touch Was all I needed Nights upon my knees Begging oh Lord please Was how I pleaded I’m looking for the heart of the lie Looking for the reasons why Looking for the one who got away I’m looking for the man in the sky Looking for the small fry Looking for the place that I should stay Placed in the hearts of men Placed in the hands of men Over and over again Placed in the hands of men Over, over Placed in the hands of men Over and over again I’m looking for the heart of the lie Looking for the reasons why Looking for the one who got away I’m looking for the man in the sky Looking for the small fry Looking for the place that I should stay I’m looking for the heart of the lie Looking for the reasons why Looking for the one who got away I’m looking for the man in the sky Looking for the small fry Looking for the place that I should stay
4.
Diamond on the shore 04:04
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Well I know you feel you ain't got nothing to give And I know that you're searching for a reason to live People walk all over you just like a paving stone And you're living in a city, but you're still alone Folks cackle and a laughing as you walk on by Complete stranger out avoiding your eye And they're saying one thing, but you know what they're thinking I think I've stumbled onto quicksand, I feel myself sinking But he won't leave a needy man dying, he won't leave a broken man crying, he won't leave a diamond on the shore And the rich get richer and the poor get screwed Everybody need love, everybody need food But wherever you may be you find a ravenous hunger Craving for the gift of a lightmonger Cause the soul's in a dungeon, kept under a spell And we're feeding it coins like a wishing well When it's moaning and a groaning for a busom to feed on And the bread of life is what we needed all along But he won't leave a needy man dying, he won't leave a broken man crying, he won't leave a diamond on the shore No he won't leave a needy man dying, he won't leave a broken man crying, he won't leave a poor man sighing, he won't leave a helpless man trying, he won't leave a diamond, a diamond on the shore
5.
Wanting more 03:19
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Now honey I've got this feeling and it's sweeter than before I didn't ever think I could feel like this with you And you got me wanting more I convinced myself when I met you affection and little more But now you soual is tugging at my heartstrings and you've got me wanting more If I told you that I love you what would you do I'm waiting now babe until I know it's true You've got to be certain, I feel the same as you do Cause I could never stand to be hurt by you So honey would you be there for me, oh darling would you be my girl I'm praying you feel the same as I do, cause I want you in my world So honey would you be there for me, oh darling would you be my girl I'm praying you feel the same as I do, cause I want you in my world If I told you that I love you what would you do I'm waiting now babe until I know it's true You've got to be certain, I feel the same as you do Cause I could never stand to be hurt by you If I told you that I love you what would you do I'm waiting now babe until I know it's true You've got to be certain, I feel the same as you do Cause I could never stand Oh I could never stand Oh I could never stand To be hurt by you.
6.
Tree of life 04:31
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I am but a breath, That flows out and in Of the body and mind My spirit is entwined within Take away the breath and I’m gone The fruit is inside Consciousness, awareness The ocean is far and wide The kindest of Men dig deep Into a well of trust And give without Sparing more Than what needs must My growth is in being content And complete within The illusion of morality There is a battle to win Listen to the words of the wise And meditate My improvement is being made By the will to create The kindest of Men dig deep Into a well of trust And give without Sparing more Than what needs must The tongue that brings healing Is a tree of life The tongue that brings healing Is a tree of life Deep, deep down With all these thoughts Spinning around and around So many should’s and ought’s Unclutch from their power And still the soul See your desires clearly And let them come and go The kindest of Men dig deep Into a well of trust And give without Sparing more Than what needs must The tongue that brings healing Is a tree of life The tongue that brings healing Is a tree of life The tongue that brings healing Is a tree of life The tongue that brings healing Is a tree of life Life, life, life.
7.
Welcome to winter 03:12
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Yearning hours, deciduous showers, Strolling through an abandoned ticker tape parade of leaves. Earth is turning, a cold front looming, Dig out the hats, scarves and long sleeves. Clocks gone back, dark at the crack of dawn getting up for work. Hibernate in your bed, pull the sheets over your head, Long shadows creeping out to lurk. All a sudden you start to frown, Two months of glorious gold turns to rust on autumns crown. From his slumber Jack Frost begins to stir, He says welcome to winter. Muscles aching, forehead palpitating, Throat sweets in your pocket just in case. Nose streaming like a reservoir, scrape the ice off the car, Christmas crooning every shop face. A squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt, A spoonful of honey and your favourite malt, Stir into hot water for a fine home brew. Poke a poppy through your sweater, write a long overdue letter, It was June since last time I saw you. All a sudden you begin to frown, Two months of glorious gold turns to rust on autumns crown. From his slumber Jack Frost begins to stir, And he says welcome, welcome, welcome to winter.
8.
Walking blues 04:20
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The train left the station rolling down the tracks Once you get on board you never go back Naught in this world worth a thing All that really matters is the love you bring You can polish up your plaques, shine up your shoes But the dust is gonna settle and you've still got walking blues There was only ever one road that lead to heavens door I've circled the others ten times or more Everywhere I travel from place to place Everybody's digging fools gold and saving face You can polish up your plaques, shine up your shoes But the dust is gonna settle and you've still got walking blues Now every word of truth swims against a sea of threats Drowning in the deep under a wave of regrets To find a precious pearl you're gonna need some diving gear You won't find it on the surface or where the water's clear You can polish up your plaques, shine up your shoes But the dust is gonna settle and you've still got walking blues All the boundary lines are blurred into a virtual place Everthing is permissible and time is an infinite space Til temptation is translucent, placed in the palm of your hands And quality is compressed into a commodity island You can polish up your plaques, shine up your shoes But the dust is gonna settle and you've still got walking blues You can polish up your plaques, shine up your shoes Dust is gonna settle and you've still got walking blues Only ever one road that lead to heavens door And I've circled the others ten times or more
9.
All the games we play 03:56
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All the games we play to get things our own way Often we just act out of spite For a hurt from the past, cripples a man fast When we won't allow him no restbite As a babe I came, didn't feel any shame But how I've grown to fear my shadow Sick with secrets, never ending debts So who will wipe my slate clean Lovers in the sharing of burdens Lovers in the paths that we tread Lovers in the shoulder you cry on Lovers in the books you read. And then a rainbow appears Like a heavens gate And ooh now honey It's never too late To turn, your life around For all I've done or ever will do What does it mean If I can't spend it with you Lovers in the sharing of burdens Lovers in the paths that we tread Lovers in the shoulder you cry on Lovers in the books you read. Lovers in accepting of weakness Love is in lending an ear Love is abundant creation Love is a father who longs to draw near.
10.
Wearing the worlds sins 05:48
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When you close your eyes how far can you see? If you chose your life who would you be? Only shadows of dreams make up reality, All that you know comes out as lies, the truth you must be. I hope you find your way. Sun breaks the clouds that hung in your mind, Takes you to a place you thought that you had left behind. But you can never shut the space between your ears, no matter how hard you try, It's always so eager to hear a laugh or a cry. I hope you find your way, To the stars. And the mind wages a war of wrong and right. It won't cease cause you wade in its whims. You want peace so bad you start up a fight, Then you see you're wearing the worlds sins. I hope you find your way To the stars. I hope they light up the way So you can see just what you are. And the mind wages a war of wrong and right. It won't cease cause you wade in its whims. You want peace so bad you start up a fight, Then you see you're wearing the worlds sins, Then you see you're wearing the worlds sins, Then you see you're wearing the worlds sins.
11.
Sons 05:48
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Have faith in what you cannot see His grace is pouring out on me The sun never refuses to shine As one we reach out for the divine I’ve grown so diffident to roses I’m not that different We rose as sons I’m inside and outside and all things in-between The places you come from are melded in a memory And soul you travelled in the west You know you gave it your best I’m not so diffident to roses I’ve grown so different We rose as sons Many places I have gone in earnest Does really anyone deserve this? Oh my child of pain Oh my child of pain Oh my child of pain The mask that you used to wear is broken in two There’s no way I’m counting on you You said that you would take me to a higher place There’s no way were going to make it by the look upon your face I’ve grown so diffident to roses I’m not that different We rose as sons
12.
Re-arranging the facts 03:10
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Are you sick of the worlds disease? Has all good taken flight? If your souls a candle deception is the breeze that blew out all your light And we do as we all please, whether it's wrong or right Traversing the trails that tease, turning towards temptations twilight No it ain't a lie, we merely re-arrange the facts It's not that we don't try, but we cover our backs And the world's a contradiction, so young but so frail Always moving forward, always chasing its tail Someone theorised we came from monkeys, but I ain't ever swang from tree to tree And inscribed on the inside of every human heart is the word eternity No it ain't a lie, we merely re-arrange the facts It's not that we don't try, but we cover our backs No it ain't a lie, we merely re-arrange the facts It's not that we don't try, but we cover our backs We want what's best for everybody we surely do Only trouble is...we have to pick a pocket or two
13.
Sacrifice 06:03
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Tonight I go out adventuring, back like when I was a child To see the world again unobjectively, through eyes pure, undefiled I'm heading down to the great rivers of old Through the city streets at sunset, past the faces that have grown so cold. So these shoes, shuffle a step across the slated sepia sidewalk where so many other soles have been Out in the dark, away from these bright lights and the citys neon dream Soul, made to serve Is it true you always get what you deserve Soul, name your price Oh can you put a cost on our sacrifice So many people rushing all over the place they give themselves no time to recover Everything is how much, how fast nothing is made to last anymore you'll discover Seeking answers, leads to more questions to uncover and people do mighty strange things when they're scared of each other Soul, made to serve Is it true you always get what you deserve Soul, name your price Oh can you put a cost on our sacrifice On the outside you're an actor just playing your part But on the inside you're kept alive by the beating of your heart On the outside well you may look a fool But on the inside I know you are So beautiful.
14.
Shining the skin 03:22
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God made the earth, gave woman and man Dominion over all the land, A gift in each and every hand, But were building lives on quicksand. Do unto others as we would have them, Do unto ourselves and our children, The common law for the good of all men, But who follows these commands. The churches are empty and the prisons are full There's no room at the inn, How long will we try to cure our souls by shining the skin. So look at what were forking out On education, quite the amount, But it's not what you spend it's what you teach that counts, When you're building lives on quicksand. The whole world's hungry but it's not food we need, All the money on the earth won't end poverty and greed, It's not the body, but the mind we must feed, To rebuild a grace filled land. The churches are empty and the prisons are full There's no room at the inn, How long will we try to cure our soul by shining the skin. The churches are empty and the prisons are full There's no room at the inn, How long will we try to cure our soul by shining the skin. Oh Lord, how long will we try to cure our souls by shining the skin.
15.
Let your light shine 05:51
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Open fields and open skies, running over the horizon with me Up to the sun into the air, over the breeze carrying me Into the arms of innocence, feeling for the light the echo brings Shielded in the beauty of your presence and the shelter of your wings Let your light shine brightly Let your light shine Through the clouds up to the outer reaches of the atmosphere we fly The earth below recedes into a microcosmic dot from here on high Out into the furthest distance I look for but find no place to hide Continuing through the blackness of the universe with only stars to guide Let your light shine brightly Let your light shine. Let your light shine brightly Let your light shine Conform around the Son, come everyone Conform into the light, yeah it’s alright Conform around the Son, come everyone Conform into the light, yeah it’s alright Over the rooftops there we fly Over the city there we fly Over the country there we fly Over the planet there we x 4 Let your light shine brightly Let your light shine. Let your light shine brightly Let your light shine Soon the swirling thunderstorms are but a distant memory Replaced by moonlight far and beyond what the eye can see Still I hear the voice, it echo’s in the night Which onward carries me far out of sight
16.
Stars shine 04:04
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There's something in the air A feeling from I can't say where Of a noble maiden true Now I see you Festival on a summers eve Let down hair and short shirt sleeves Noble maiden true Now I see you And then you call out in a voice so soft and sweet Now I know I'm feeling incomplete That you won't make the stars shine Listen new love of mine Shimmering as we walk on by Hot air baloons in a colbolt sky Noble maiden true Now I'm with you And laying upon the fresh green grass Playing games to make the time pass Noble maiden true Now I'm with you And then you call out in a voice so soft and sweet Now I know I'm feeling incomplete That you won't make the stars shine Listen new love of mine You might discover a soul that leaves you blessed Blessed with happiness The stars shine down and illuminate the path I've found where true love waits Won't you listen, my love And then you call out in a voice so soft and sweet Now I know I'm feeling incomplete That you won't make the stars shine Listen new love of mine no you won't make the stars shine Listen new love of mine no you won't make the stars shine Listen new love of mine
17.
Cherry blossom 04:36
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Peace and calm, we're singing psalms, healing children's broken dreams Pray be still, your heart will fill, with long lost joy from Eden's crystal streams Risen Lamb, at Gods right hand, where his presence fills the universe. Cherry blossom at spring time, a taste of new wine, promises sealed with Christ's own blood. Idols will rust, bones buried in the dust, but his Word has never passed away. Risen Lamb, at Gods right hand, where his presence fills the universe. Sons and daughters you were captives, but the living Word is active, sharper than any double edged sword Joints and marrow, Gods incision with meticulous precision, pierces soul and spirit by his Word. Risen Lamb, at Gods right hand, where his presence fills the universe. Where his presence fills the universe Where his presence fills the universe.
18.
Need 05:42
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When the truth is lost No one can pay your cost I’d like to dance the night away But this voice keeps me here to stay Hope and glory fades Tell the story of a wicked age All is gone and will be forgot Everyone thinks I’m something that I’m not All the lies and greed Everywhere you turn there’s a being In need Open doors now closed The darkest vaults exposed I looked outside to find a key (to unlock this mystery) Couldn’t find it out there, so now I look within me All the lies and greed Everywhere you turn there’s a being In need Three men came indoors They couldn’t see the shining light They couldn’t see it shining bright Opened up their hearts And the sun was on the rise It reflected in their eyes All the things I know Is the world is oh so clear You confided without fear I build myself a raft I sail the ocean in this craft I come upon a blessed isle To work through all this guilt and denial All the lies and greed Everywhere you turn there’s a being In need All the lies and greed Everywhere you turn there’s a being In need
19.
Take you there 05:17
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There's a place I've been before Beneath the leaves the forest floor. Behind each door, never looked inside Hidden by our own minds. There's a sight I've seen before Of distant views to sandy shores. Above each tree we ever climbed Hidden by our own minds. Someday we'll find our way If you're willing to dare. When I do, hold me close And I'll take you there. I'll take you there I'll take you there I'll take you there. And there's a time that we all know Where we all met once before. Where our paths lay entwined They're hidden by our own minds. One day we'll find our way If you're willing to dare. When I do, hold me close I'll take you there. I'll take you there I'll take you there I'll take you there I'll take you there I'll take you there I'll take you there I'll take you there I'll take you there. Every song I've ever sung Every tree from which I've swung, Been there to I've taken you I'll take you back, I'll take you there. What if we lived our lives the way we want them to be. What if you lived your life the way you've always to. What if I open my heart And give it a try. What if we put an end to all these years of stalling, You can't stop the waves from falling, Listen out the sky is calling, To take you there. Lets put an end to all these years of stalling, You can't stop the waves from falling, The sky is calling, To take you there. I'll take you there I'll take you there I'll take you there I'll take you there I'll take you there I'll take you there I'll take you there I'll take you there.
20.
Worlds in view 08:18
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I believe in the kingdom But I can be a little hardened I can reach out for heaven But can’t always feel its pardon You can make a difference You won’t be forgotten You can be so fruitful You can have a garden And I will say unto you There are many worlds in view My ideas come like crystal I’m working in my mind You may not like the way I go about my business But it’s my own time Everybody needs forgiveness For something that they’ve done Nobody wants to be laden with guilt You’re not the only one And I will gaze into The many worlds in view We’re gonna roam Back to near the water’s edge Roam, I feel it in my fingertips Roam, Oh oh oh oh oh We’re gonna roam I read your intent With the first two words you say With that tone of voice You’re gonna drive me away I will share all my dreams With the ones who truly wish to know Life is a tender shoot, sprouting up from the earth So be gentle, nurture it to grow And I will say unto you There are many worlds in view I don’t want to be a soldier In someone else’s war Want to be at peace with everyone that I see That what I’ve been looking for But don’t mistake me for a coward I know what it is to be a man Gonna do what’s right and true Yet be free to express all I am And I will gaze into The many worlds in view Were gonna roam Back to near the water’s edge Roam, I feel it in my finger tips Roam, Oh oh oh oh oh This man he reads to Koran This man he reads the Bible This man reads the yoga sutras This man he is impartial This man looks to kneel and pray This man looks to meditation I’ve been looking for some insight Into the mysteries of creation Inducted with fear It encompassed all around When your family drew near You were too sick to make any sound The fright was overwhelming You lost control of all your thoughts You were scared of unseen evils Afraid that you might get caught And I will gaze into The many worlds in view We’re gonna roam Back to near the water’s edge Roam, I feel it in my fingertips Roam, Oh oh oh oh oh We’re going home

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Best songs from the last twelve years of recording

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released September 12, 2016

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Andrew Thomas Edinburgh, UK

Andrew Thomas is an English singer songwriter and lyricist who trained at ACM and Napier University. He's been writing songs for 20 years and has been recording for 15 years producing a whole host of home recorded albums. He has had a show at the Edinburgh Festival and has performed on the radio. ... more

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