Description: A love song exploring my love for my wife Mallory, my love for my children, and my love for God.
Song Lyrics:
[Intro]
*Sound of Noble’s heartbeat*
Mallory: “Awww… so sweet…”
[Verse 1]
At the time, I wasn’t even looking for love,
All the times before left my heart feeling rough,
Each time I would self destruct,
But this time got a little help from above, hey
First time we met, you caught my eye,
But the spark didn’t catch, I won’t lie,
Just friends for a while,
Til that one night, you agreed to be my Valentine,
Started digging underneath the surface,
Our seed of love germinated in the soil of service,
Conversations started getting deeper,
Talking God, religion, and the spirit, I shoulda know you were a keeper,
But then I got cold feet,
Wasn’t ready to commit, so I started to retreat,
I was acting like a fool, staying busy trying to fight my fate,
You told my aunt that I was worth the wait, dang,
So I, pulled it together, got back on track,
I thank God that you took me back,
Then we walked the path,
Study circles pondering the Word of God,
Your heart was pure, embraced Baha’u’llah,
As you caught the flame, I was reignited,
‘til then, just a Baha’i in name,
You brought me back to my destiny,
And for that I owe you eternally,
We stayed serving, praying and meditating, sailing through the ups and downs,
Persevering through the tests, bending but never breaking,
Told me you were ready to tie the knot,
But I wasn’t and then I received a sign from God,
To give me the courage that I needed,
I finally heeded, got our parents blessings,
Got the ring, popped the question, you couldn’t believe it, I couldn’t believe it,
The search for my soul mate completed,
[Chorus]
You are the one for me, The only one I need, You are my everything,
This love was meant to be, Heaven sent for me, Hey, hey
[Verse 2]
I loved you before we even met,
I love you even though we never met,
Me and your mom were ready to take the next step,
After we agreed thought we’d be set,
But life doesn’t always work that way,
Sometimes God decides He’s gonna test your faith,
Month after month passed, waiting on the good news,
But it didn’t come, feeling bummed, you were still in queue,
What your mom was going through took a toll on my heart,
But I always knew you were gonna come from the start,
Then we took a trip to a special place, 7000 miles away,
Pilgrimage to the Qiblih,
Praying for direction at that Holy Spot,
As we bowed our heads and our spirits to Baha’u’llah,
Calling on Him, and The Bab, and Abdul Baha,
All the Holy Family to bless us with a family,
Couple months passed, still patiently waiting,
It’d been a year since we started trying, I could feel the hope fading,
And then one night your mom woke up in pain,
Took her to the ER, what were heard was insane,
The doctors said your mom was pregnant, you were still microscopic,
Then they told us you were also ectopic,
Went from joy to grief, your life on earth so brief,
Felt like fate stole you like a thief,
Had to learn contentment with God’s Will,
It was a tough pill, but I know you’re in a better place,
We had to separate, but I know I’ll see your face, one day,
And I know that you helped open the way,
For your baby brother, so I’m still feeling blessed,
Hope I’m up for the test, you know I love you both,
Two sons, one love, looking out for one in this world,
With an angel up in the next,
[Chorus]
You are the one for me, The only one I need, You are my everything,
This love was meant to be, Heaven sent for me, Hey, hey
[Verse 3]
I was created to know Thee, worship Thee, love Thee,
It’s a lovely vision, wasn’t always 20/20 I was lacking precision,
To the guidance that You had given, now I humbly listen,
I know I’m programmed to love, not a myth,
Didn’t always love the right things, I plead the fifth,
Going forth in my life, looking with my third eye, on a search,
Giving every second up to God to put Him first,
And let the rest just fall into place,
But it’s hard to make my deeds match my words, so many things to chase,
Even when I mess up, wholly deprived of Your grace,
And it’s hard to fess up, utterly powerless to praise,
Through your bounty my hope is restored,
You have never left my side, always there to be my Guide,
Give my heart to you forevermore,
The only reason that I have a chance to love Thee, is that You love me, U R,
[Chorus]
You are the one for me, The only one I need, You are my everything,
This love was meant to be, Heaven sent for me, Hey, hey
Description: A song that explores the struggle of living a noble life through the metaphor of basketball.
Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
When I was a little itty bitty boy, had a dream,
Make it to the NBA, Phoenix Suns, that’s my team,
But the sun I was meant to chase had a different beam,
Sun of Truth, still rising like a Phoenix, that’s my destiny,
Lowly passions of the world, feeling foul, that’s a hack,
When I’m tempted, call me John Stockton, I think I’ll pass,
Everybody’s bound to hit a wall, that’s a brick,
My soul’s safety net is God, go to Him, swish,
O Son of Spirit, He’s telling me,
O Son of Spirit, Noble have I created thee,
Let your spirit rise, no time to be abased,
Welcome to the NBA, Noble Being Always Ayyy!
[Chorus]
Noble Being Always Ayyy!
Noble Being Always Ayyy!
Made it to the NBA!
Noble Being Always Ayyy!
[Verse 2]
Let my soul guide the way, that’s my resolution,
Bad habits hit the bench, that’s a substitution,
When I need a break, call a timeout,
Meditate, pray to God to assist, dimes,
How can I be a warrior,
Mold me into purest form, like I’m Klay,
Shower confirmations on me, make it rain,
Steph Curry, just like him, learning from my Father’s ways,
Hit this 3 pointer, Noble Being Always Ayyy!
[Chorus]
Noble Being Always Ayyy!
Noble Being Always Ayyy!
Made it to the NBA!
Noble Being Always Ayyy!
[Verse 3]
You can call me Wilt, I keep it 100,
Walk this path of service like a Butler, Jimmy Buckets!
Pray to God everyday, that’s the baseline,
Keeps my soul from going out of bounds, this aint playtime,
Used to focus on myself, then I hit the crossover,
Found the Answer, it’s a Hardaway, but I power forward,
Like I’m Tim Duncan, this is fundamentals,
…Art is worship, when I’m rapping, I am in the temple!
I got hooked, just like Magic!
Let my ego Parish, flying like a Bird, Boston Celtics,
I praise God, when I’m in the booth,
Spittin’ Paul Pierce, that’s the Truth!
[Chorus]
Noble Being Always Ayyy!
Noble Being Always Ayyy!
Made it to the NBA!
Noble Being Always Ayyy!
Description: A song about the formula for living a spiritually happy life. Strive + Work + Pray.
Song Lyrics:
[Chorus]
Yeah! Strive, work, pray
Strive, work, pray
Strive, work, pray
All day, all day
[Verse 1]
Eyes open up see a ray a light, feeling rested look around see beauty to every side,
See my beautiful wife, see my beautiful son,
I reflect on my life, see it’s a beautiful one,
Then I turn to the One that gave it all to me,
Offer up a prayer that I can heed the Will of God, the way it’s supposed to be!
Then I speak my praise and gratitude, “Thank you Lord!”
Ask for joy and happiness, to master my moods, yeah,
Not dwelling on the unpleasant things of life,
Powers illumined, my spirit is gladdened, with God as the refuge, anxiety passing,
God never forsakes his servants who strive, work, pray, so I take courage, as I…
[Chorus]
Strive, work, pray
Strive, work, pray
Strive, work, pray
All day, all day, as I…yeah
[Verse 2]
Yeah, now I’m diving into the Word a boundless ocean,
Inexhaustible riches the more I’m devoted the more I’m benefiting,
But all these gems that I’m finding aint just for me,
I recite ‘em, memorize ‘em, then I put in work to translate ‘em into deeds,
See me striving when I’m out in the streets,
I pray to God to guide my spirit to a soul I could teach,
So I can build peace, make friends outta strangers that I meet NO ENEMIES!
Only looking for what’s worthy of praise,
That’s the way I’m making friends with the entire human race, yeah,
But I can’t just do one, can’t do some, I gotta do the sum,
Strive + work + pray soon as sun up, see me…
[Chorus]
Strive, work, pray
Strive, work, pray
Strive, work, pray
All day, all day, see me… yeah,
[Verse 3]
Yeah, nothing sweeter than the state of prayer,
When life has got me overwhelmed I throw my hands in the air,
And I let go, then you know, that I get that energy like glucose,
That inner peace cuz God and I, we grew close, as He shows,
That eternal flow to people when we conversate,
He will change a gnat into eagle when we strive, work, pray,
So we strive to be the light, and we seek always to do what’s right,
And we work, put our feet to the dirt, and the greatest effort we exert,
And we pray, to attain that heavenly state, burn away all the veils so no shade,
But just grace, we do it for your glory, that’s the Greatest name,
You see my action’s like a prayer when it’s service,
When you put in work for God, that’s the highest form of worship, amen,
That’s all I do…
[Chorus]
Strive, work, pray
Strive, work, pray
Strive, work, pray
All day, all day, yeah!
[Outro]
Ayo, this goes out to all the young ones in the community.
“Take courage! God never forsakes His children who strive and work and pray!” – Abdu’l Baha
Woo! Allah’u’Abha
Description: A love song for my son Noble.
Song Lyrics:
[Intro]
Noble have I created Thee,
Noble I made thee,
[Verse 1]
I’m in awe when I look at you,
This love is so strong, I’m so drawn to you,
When you cry I just wanna help,
When you smile, I can’t help myself,
But to smile right back,
When I look into your eyes, I see God,
You look back at me, and I see beyond,
The heavens and the earth, your pure soul deeper than the sea,
Oh how I love to squeeze your cheeks,
Kiss you on your head, your nose, and your feet,
Feel peace when I watch you sleep,
The day you came brought a new life, so much light to come,
You brighten up my life, you truly are my son,
[Chorus]
Noble have I created Thee,
Rise then unto that for which thou wast created,
Noble I made thee,
Out of the essence of knowledge I gave thee being,
Out of the clay of love I molded thee,
Turn thy sight unto thyself,
Find Me standing within thee,
Mighty, powerful and self-subsisting.
Mighty, powerful and self-subsisting.
[Verse 2]
When you arrived, you landed in my arms,
I gave you straight to mom, so you would feel no harm,
The most beautiful thing that I’ve ever seen,
This is my family, nothing will come between,
You’re so precious,
My love for you is endless,
Saw you take your first breath,
Your first laugh,
Changed your first diaper,
Gave you your first bath,
Watched you roll over,
You keep growing older,
Helped you stand up,
As the time goes on, I hope I help you man up,
To be strong,
Most importantly is my responsibility
To help you recognize that God made you with nobility
[Chorus]
Noble have I created Thee,
Rise then unto that for which thou wast created,
Noble I made thee,
Out of the essence of knowledge I gave thee being,
Out of the clay of love I molded thee,
Turn thy sight unto thyself,
Find Me standing within thee,
Mighty, powerful and self-subsisting.
Mighty, powerful and self-subsisting.
[Verse 3]
When I’m feeling down, one look at you,
And I’m feeling back up
God gave to you
The power of warming up my cold heart,
My little work of art,
What can I say, I love you,
I know I’ll make mistakes
I know I’ll let you down,
But for you, I want to be a better man,
Know I can’t do it by myself,
But with God’s help I know I can,
You were created noble, live up to your namesake,
If you can’t do it for me, do it for God’s sake,
Cuz for this life, you’re in my possession,
But your true Father’s up in heaven, don’t forget Him,
[Chorus]
Noble have I created Thee,
Rise then unto that for which thou wast created,
Noble I made thee,
Out of the essence of knowledge I gave thee being,
Out of the clay of love I molded thee,
Turn thy sight unto thyself,
Description: A song about leaving behind the ways of the old world and striving to build a new one.
Song Lyrics:
[Intro]
Need it…
Leave it…
Need it…
[Verse 1]
Do we need hate? (Leave it!)
Should we take time to meditate? (Need it!)
What about all the prejudice? (Leave it!)
Universal love, is it relevant? (Need it!)
People only thinking ‘bout themself? (Leave it!)
Taking time to help a brother out? (Need it!)
Every system built on white supremacy? (Leave it!)
Recognize our oneness as the remedy? (Need it!)
School to prison pipeline? (Leave it!)
School to educate bright minds? (Need it!)
I can’t do it (Leave it!)
Make a dream, then go and pursue it (Need it!)
Greedy chasing money everyday? (Leave it!)
Work hard, make a living wage? (Need it!)
Fresh beats, filthy lyrics? (Leave it!)
Music that is lifting up my spirit? (Need it!)
[Pre Chorus]
You know what they say, out with the old in with the new, (let’s go!)
It is a New Day, we’re breaking the mould, I thought that you knew, (let ‘em know!)
[Chorus]
Building that new world UP!
Leaving that old world, what?
Building that new world UP!
Leaving that old world, Yup!
New world new world (need it!)
Old world old world (leave it!)
New world new world (need it!)
Old world old world (leave it!)
[Verse 2]
Always trying to fight? (Leave it!)
Teaching kids to always do what’s right? (Need it!)
1 trillion dollar student loan debt? (Leave it!)
Take charge educate your own head? (Need it!)
Police brutality? (Leave it!)
Legal system guided by morality? (Need it!)
Hospital visit got you bankrupt? (Leave it!)
Plant based eating got your health up? (Need it!)
Isolated feeling all alone? Leave it!)
True friends I can lean on (Need it!)
Division? (Leave it!)
Unity, world-embracing vision? (Need it!)
I’m better than you (Leave it!)
How can I help you? (Need it!)
Forget God, no need to pray? (Leave it!)
Feed my soul, praying everyday (Need it!)
[Pre Chorus]
You know what they say, out with the old in with the new, (let’s go!)
It is a New Day, we’re breaking the mould, I thought that you knew, (let ‘em know!)
[Chorus]
Building that new world UP!
Leaving that old world, what?
Building that new world UP!
Leaving that old world, Yup!
New world new world (need it!)
Old world old world (leave it!)
New world new world (need it!)
Old world old world (leave it!)
Description: A song about humanity wandering in darkness searching for light.
Song Lyrics:
[Ayana – Chorus]
Fire’s burning all around, ashes falling to the ground,
Someone save me, set me free,
Smoke it settles on my skin, don’t play with fire you’ll never win,
Someone save me, help me breathe
[Verse 1]
S.o.S.,
Sight off set
Side-effect obscured sense,
Sensories outta step,
Shadows overthrowing sunshine,
Seeking out solutions,
Shattering old-world structures,
Substitutions outta sight,
Signifies our strayed,
Search of shelter,
Shade obstructing shine,
Save our soul, save our ship,
Send out succor,
Runnin outta time,
Eyes wide open, dark world got us feeling blind,
Pupils dilated, see a light,
off in the distance,
Hasten forward blurry vision,
Aching hearts at the wretched conditions,
Desperate for a haven, tortured by the system,
Moving closer start to feel the heat, attracted to the flame,
Anything to stop the pain, gain relief,
From these circumstances, marching on, taking action,
Eyes start to burn, foggy clouds
No slowing down, pacing to the blaze,
Hard to breathe, scent of smoke,
Choke as the ash floats through the air now we stare into the glow,
[Ayana – Chorus]
Fire’s burning all around, ashes falling to the ground,
Someone save me, set me free,
Smoke it settles on my skin, don’t play with fire you’ll never win,
Someone save me, help me breathe
[Verse 2]
Like a moth in the night, designed to follow the light,
Drawing nearer to the candle, lost sight of the moon above,
Beguiled by the flicker, befooled by the flame,
Bewildered by the darkness, betrayed,
Slowly burns, gave its life away, in vein,
Same story in the world,
Nightfall got the masses chasing after fires burning all around,
Headed for disaster,
Deceived toxic ideologies, debris charred smolder to ground,
Deceased soul of man, bound to these
Destructive doctrines, toxins, daily growing bold and brazen
Disintegration,
Collapse, optics outta whack,
Light brings life, fire burns everything in its path,
Sun rays illuminate the truth, hell fire annihilates, just a trail of soot, take a view,
Which one we running to,
[Ayana – Chorus]
Fire’s burning all around, ashes falling to the ground,
Someone save me, set me free,
Smoke it settles on my skin, don’t play with fire you’ll never win,
Someone save me, help me breathe
[Bridge]
“They drink of the tainted water, and know it not. The verses of God have been revealed, and yet they have turned away from them. His proof hath been manifested, and yet they are unaware of it… They hasten forward to Hell Fire and mistake it for light.” – Baha’u’llah
[Ayana – Chorus]
Fire’s burning all around, ashes falling to the ground,
Someone save me, set me free,
Smoke it settles on my skin, don’t play with fire you’ll never win,
Someone save me, help me breathe
Description: A song about the emotional experience of miscarriage.
Song Lyrics:
This is a tough topic to address, but I’m trying to open up about it. Talk about it. Life has its ups and downs, you know. I’m just trying to find the beauty, trying to find the meaning in life’s tests and difficulties. They say suffering minus meaning equals despair. So I’m searching. Sometimes it can be challenging though. But I’m striving, trying my best. I pray that God can give me the vision. Give me clarity. That’s why I’m writing this letter….
Dear Ms. Carrie…
I know your type,
we met once before, it
was a strange interaction, though I must admit,
Things didn’t quite feel right, your
Beautiful face passing, it was
almost invisible,
Why’d you have to leave so soon?
Won’t you stay? You
know you’re welcome here. We’ve got room,
What do you say? Is it
something that you seldom hear? I’ve
heard you travel quite a bit, around town, That you’re
met with mixed emotions by
those who host you, Some feel
sad and depressed when you
come and go, Others helpless and confused, they don’t
know what to make of you when you say you want to move in then you
up and leave,
Was it an empty promise?
You said your plans changed but you
Guarantee you’ll see them later, then your gone, This
is how it goes, Sometimes they don’t even know that you stopped by,
Stepped up to the porch, but
then you changed your mind,
You…
didn’t even knock,
I wonder why?
Then there’s times that you
weren’t even invited, but you
showed up anyways, Some
try to get used to you, others just… wish you would leave, And
when you do, they
feel a sense of relief,
The longer you stay the
stronger the attachment gets, I
guess that’s why the abandonment brings some so much… pain and anger,
The two times you came to visit me went so fast, You
still feel like a stranger,
Even though your family,
Ms. Carrie…
Are you a tragedy?
Are you a blessing?
Are you both?
Is this
message even worth addressing?
Most people act like you don’t exist, like you’re
just pretend,
Like the tooth fairy or the
Boogieman,
Maybe I won’t feel the pain and sorrow if I
just forget,
It’s probably for the best right?
And… yet, I still
feel the regret buried deep inside, When
someone looks me in the eye and asks,
“How many kids do you have?
Is this your only one?”
As they look down at my son,
eyes beaming, big smile…
in the flesh,
Cuz he was the lucky one,
Or is he?
I mean,
he’ll have to suffer from all the tribulations, And
Ms. Carrie,
you get to escape them,
So
maybe it’s you who lucked out?
Honestly,
I don’t know,I just know I
can’t be mad or upset, You said that leaving wasn’t a choice, That
staying here in town just wasn’t meant to be,
You had another place to see,
A place more beautiful than I can imagine,
I just wish it could’ve waited,
it all just happened so fast and, The truth is that
no one’s ever seen where you go when you leave, And
even though I believe you when you say you’ll wait for me, you’ll
pray for me, I
still find it hard to stay connected,
The last letter I sent you said “I love you” and I meant it,
But I have to confess it feels like empty words,
Love is shown in deeds, But
when I asked you what you need, you said nothing,
That you’re free as a bird out of the cage,
But there must be something I can do,
Ms. Carrie,
I don’t mean to be a bother, But
even though you’re gone I’m
still your father.
A human being gets their soul at conception,
And your blessed the very moment you’re connected,
You’re a father or a mother to that child,
Even if their stay was just a few weeks, or days, or
just a blink,
It doesn’t matter how young
A miscarriage is still a birth, just with a different outcome…
Description: A song about spiritual freedom and inner to global peace.
Song Lyrics:
[Intro]
When I say Be, You say Free, Be/Free, Be/Free
When I say think, you say peace, Think/Peace, Think/Peace
[Verse 1]
F to the R to the double E
There’s a ton of these
Troubles that we got hovering like a cloud, u cirrus?
Nope! Cumulonimbus, so
Hand me my umbrella please
That’s a clear mind clear soul to cover me,
From the rain and the thundering,
Shut all these bad energies, train my brain,
That’s my shuttle to peace,
Look down at the puddle and see,
The subtle reflection of the sun
Funneling one ray of light up to my eyes,
That’s hope, as I float, as I fly over what is bugging me,
took a sting from the bumbles, and they humble me, so I flee, then I’m humbly praying like a mantis, stand with strength through the suffering…
overcome all the struggles under me And I’m FREE
[Chorus]
So when I say Be, You say Free, Be/Free, Be/Free
When I say think, you say peace, Think/Peace, Think/Peace
[Verse 2]
P to the EA to the CE,
If I want it for the world, gotta feel it inside of me,
Positive energy activates constant elevation,
Of individuals all the way nations,
Purifying every action completely of ego,
Practice empathy, acceptance, compassion that’s the ethos,
Purposefully engage all the community entirely,
Produce expressions of art that cause enlightenment,
Protect the environment actively conserve the Earth
People everywhere are created equal across the world,
With peace, there’s prosperity,
Peace needs solidarity,
Peace, it’s the dream,
It’s the end and the means
Yeah, Peace, you can teach it, you can make it, you can build it,
Peace, you can learn it, you can add it to your skillset
Peace, from the West to the East,
All the war can just cease,
Spiritual powers released,
Now that’s PEACE,
[Chorus]
So when I say Be, You say Free, Be/Free, Be/Free
When I say think, you say peace, Think/Peace, Think/Peace
[Bridge]
When I remember who I was created to be,
Break loose from the chains, that’s free,
Released from the prison of self I become,
A pure channel of the Divine, that’s freedom,
One day these ruinous wars shall cease,
To make way for the Most Great Peace
When the whole world all becomes one,
The Most Great Peace shall come,
[Chorus]
Now when I say Be, You say Free, Be/Free, Be/Free
When I say think, you say peace, Think/Peace, Think/Peace