The Next Mountain Lyrics 

What I’ve Learned     Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing BMI) Rick Lang (Haley Anna Music BMI) 

 

Seems I’ve forgotten more than I recall, As the years pass by 

So many questions left unanswered still, Can’t help but wonder why 

My daddy sat me down upon his knee, like grandad did for him, he did for me 

Things they learned along the way, through the Great Depression and the wartime days 

 

What I’ve learned just leads me on, to another point of view 

Another book, another song, another person can lead me true 

To find a better way to be, to learn what fate has in store for me 

What I’ve learned through it all is I know nothing at all 

 

A heart felt lyric and a warm guitar, melts the world away 

Something about music whispers to your soul and keeps the wolves at bay 

Words wrapped around a melody, impart the wisdom that they have for me 

A Hungry mind will heed the call, but there’s so much to learn no one can know it all 

 

Greater men than I live on in words, within my favorite books 

And we’d all have a thing or two to learn, if we just take a look 

inside a book or just inside ourselves, an open heart and mind will do you well 

Every word and every line, they transport you to a different place and time 

 

Deep River     Mark “Brink” Brinkman (Mark Brinkman Songs BMI) and Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing BMI) 

 

I grew up skipping rocks on deep river 

It’s rapid and it’s mighty, carrying everything on down 

I hear the steamboat whistle and I shiver 

I never thought I’d want to leave this little river town 

 

So take me far away, deep river 

And take the pain away, deep River 

Lord knows how big a fool I’ve been 

I’ve been thinking on jumping in 

Deep river 

 

My true love was like the ole deep river          

Wild and untamed in her beauty I did drown 

Floating on hope we’d always be together 

But now they’ve gone and left me here and both are headed South      

 

Tell me what to do now deep river 

You’ve seen a lot of broken folks along your muddy shores 

This town has got too many memories of her 

So take me far away and let your “Mighty” river roar 

 

Laurel of the Mountains     Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing BMI) 

 

A misty mountain morning in a range so far from here 

Where I recall the dances and your flowing auburn hair 

In your eyes I saw that you were trusting of your heart 

So I shall return to marry you, Never more to part 

 

‘Cause you’re my laurel of the mountains 

With love as pure as falling snow 

‘Til that day I’ll keep on counting 

Nevermore to let you go 

 

We March upon the ‘morrow but I vow this heart be true 

I pray that I be worthy of the hand of such as you 

For war is hell and I have seen more death than one can stand 

And words fall short in every way just how scared I really am 

 

Imagining the day, we meet and never bid goodbye 

You are the flower of my heart, my love will never die 

We’ve been told we held the line, our duty we have done 

So I’ll proudly draw my pay and then to the mountains I will run 

 

I’m Asking You Today     Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing BMI) 

 

I ain’t got time to second guess 

I know that you ain’t, like the rest 

To test the love that I love best 

I’m Askin’ you today 
 

You’ve been one to end my worries 

All caught up in lovesick flurries 

Never again to quash loves furies 

I’m askin’ you today 

 

Would you be my one and only 

Only one to call me honey 

Bare the love that you have shown me 

Would you be my one and only 

Sharing in, your joys and sorrows 

Where you lead I’ll surely follow 

Together we will make tomorrow 

I’m asking you today 

 

I’m higher than the Eiffel tower 

Nothing in the world could ever sour 

You’re the sun and I’m your flower 

I asked you today 

 

I’m just a man in love with you 

Anything you want I’ll surely do 

As I stand here in front of you 

Please say I do today 

 

Friends and family gathered round 

Later we’ll tear up the town 

Your mothers frown turned upside down 

Cause I’m asking you today 

 

Hoot Owl Call     Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing BMI) Rick Lang (Haley Anna Music BMI) 

              

High in the cedar trees I hear a friendly call 

I long to be upon some trail or hear a waterfall 

They’re calling to my empty ways, and my troubled mind 

They’re longing for a better way, my peace of mind to find 

 

Hoot owl, old hoot owl up in the cedar trees 

Hoot owl, wise old hoot owl, two eyes staring back at me 

This longing for the wilderness, I wonder what it means  

It keeps me up half the night, I just can’t get no sleep  

 

Fly fishing at the rivers bend, I find myself alone 

I hear a hoot upon the wind and find that I have grown 

This peace inside the water’s edge, is waiting there for me 

The bugle of an elk is heard, he’s telling me he's free 

 

I think I’ve finally found my way, I know where I am bound 

I've finally escaped the fray, my freedom I have found 

I’m off to build a cabin where, the mountains touch the sky 

Yeah I can see the eagle fly, and hear the hoot owl cry 

 

Hoot owl, old hoot owl up in the cedar trees 

Hoot owl, wise old hoot owl, I know now what it means 

It’s a longing for the wilderness and comfort that it brings 

While staring at the stars at night as I drift off to sleep 

 

Time To Move On     Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing) 

 

Mamma, didn’t raise no fool 

I shall not abide, you walking over me 

How could a heart be so cruel? 

Maybe this ole lonesome life is best thing for me 

 

Half past lonesome, knowing that it’s time for this free man to move along 

Half past lonesome don’t you have somebody to heap indignities upon 

Half past lonesome, way past time to move on 

 

We know time waits for no man  

but I know it’ll come around to my time again 

So hand me the wheel to my own life 

Cause I will never march to your fiddle or fife 

 

I seek the great unknown 

I’ve always been the one to blaze my trail  

 ‘Cause for freedom I’m cut out to be alone 

Show me my next mountain and I know I will prevail 

 

Tall Fall     Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing BMI) 

 

Walking downtown with you on my mind 

Wondering why love went to hell from divine 

The colors you’ve show turned faster than fall 

And leaves me more bitter than winter recalls 

 

A tall fall from you left a brand on my heart 

From fires of love came the chilling depart 

You can’t build a bridge from what was to what is 

I wish that love wouldn’t take more than it gives 

Tall fall, you were a tall fall 

 

You know love is the maker of children and life 

Something held sacred and helpful to guide 

I thought we made plans to hang hope on strife 

But fallen love’s words, cut me deeper than knife 

 

Bridge: 

Faith heals the heart burnt, by fires of love 

Faith in the future, to fly like a dove 

Falling is best, when lovers have wings 

But by far the worst is not feeling a thing 

Tall fall, you were a tall fall 

 

See You On the Other Side     Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing BMI) Rick Lang (Haley Anna Music BMI) 

 

Are you living just to die my friend?  

Buried with your earthly woes 

In dying you can live again 

Up yonder where the faithful go 

                                                                

I’ll see you on the other side  

rolling on Jordan’s tide 

If I die tomorrow, lay away your sorrow 

I’ll see you on the other side 

 

The Lord’s sermon on the mountain side 

A promise for one and all 

He’s a comfort for those who mourn and cry 

I’ll be ready when the savior calls 

 

Death is not the end my friend  

It’s the beginning of the never end 

 

Can’t Build A Bridge To Glory     Becky Buller (Goodnight Sparky Music - BMI) and Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing BMI) 

 

Are you in bondage, a slave to sin?                                      

do what you don’t want to, without and within 

Ashamed and conflicted, riddled with doubt 

Crippled by your wretchedness and so you’re crying out 

But there’s someone who loves you and what you will become 

The carpenter from Nazareth, gives the tools to overcome 

 

You can’t build a bridge to glory, Till you’re down on bended knee 

You can’t walk the streets of gold, ‘til your savior you have seen 

See him there upon the cross dying for the sinners lost 

Sing and shout his praise throughout the man from Galilee 

 

Recall your sins, walk to his side 

Give them to Christ for he took them when he died 

Oh what a burden but Grace has won the day 

And now O’ man stand up and count thyself as one who’s saved 

Peace is for sale but at a price you can’t attain 

Christ is your key, and he’ll unlock your earthly chains  

 

Chant behind CH 

Can’t build a bridge to glory land  

Christ built your bridge while your down on bended knee, 

the key to glory land the humble man in glory land 

Can’t walk a them streets that’s paved with gold,  

‘Til Christ your man and savior you have seen  

See him there upon the cross dying for the sinners lost 

Sing and shout his praise throughout the man from galilee 

 

Evil Hearted You     Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing BMI) Rick Lang (Haley Anna Music BMI) 

 

I’ve been around this great big world and thought I’d seen it all 

You push until you get your way my back’s against the wall 

Your making me a head case you played me for a fool                          

Between a rock and a hard place with evil hearted you 

              

There’s evil lurking in your heart and venom in your eyes 

Your love’s a master stroke of art, the kind the devil buys 

Evil Hearted you, Evil hearted you 

 

I can’t keep count of all the things and hell you’ve put me through 

And lying with your lovers friend you know ain’t the thing to do 

And spending every dime I’ve earned when my back is turned 

You’re setting fire to my self-worth and laughing as it burns 

 

Moonshine Song     Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing BMI) Rick Lang (Haley Anna Music BMI) 

 

I was just fourteen at the sawyer’s mill 

When his ‘40 black Ford raced down the hill 

He said young man I hear you got some skills 

There’s a quicker way to pay your mamma’s bills 

 

Two times the risk for ten times the bills 

Out-foxin’ the law like I always will 

A hideaway cabin with a moonshine still 

It still standing up on hickory hill 

 

Went for the sugar and the yeast at dawn 

The sun went down now the game is on 

We cooked all day, now it’s stout and taught 

Don’t need a license if you don’t get caught 

 

Eighty-eight miles ‘til the Macon line 

I met a few coppers that were making time 

The headlights were off but the moon did shine 

Foot to the floor the engine screaming redline 

 

No revenuer ever took me down 

I knew every back road in every town 

I got caught once but friends I’ve found 

Them lawyers are thirst down in Jackson town

 

 

Breaking In Lonesome Album

If The Kansas River Can    Music and Lyrics by Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing BMI) 

Lonesome's laid a hold on me, that just won't see 

It's dragging me down to keep me standin' here 

But I won't let these tears I've cried go to waste until I've tried 

To get on down the river far from here 

Ch.  

If the Kansas river can, so can I 

If I let the blues rain on me I know I'll surely die 

I'll jump my banks and drown these blues 

I'll flood 'til I can't think of you 

Any chance to kiss these plains goodbye 

If the Kansas river can, so can I 

Well I'm headed to Missouri, and away from misery 

Water's flowing freely to the sea 

Arkansas, Mississippi and then to Louisianne 

Every mile I float is a mile between you and me 

 

 

Hate's Decree    Music and Lyrics by Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing BMI) 

Why do we do the things we do?  

We push on those who need help too  

Only to gain an upper strand  

On the rope we’ll hang by our own hand  

 Ch. 

'Cause we love to hate and hate to love  

Afraid to find we’re not enough  

You never know to what degree  

That man will follow hate's decree  

This world we’re in is not enough  

And it never will be without love  

'Cause evil hides in things of worth  

But cries your friend with convincing mirth  

If only we could find the way  

To pass the pain of yesterday  

And forgive ourselves for giving in  

To every little whim of sin  

Bridge  

So listen now to Christ’s commands  

He’ll lead you to the promised land  

Accept you’re not enough and then  

Above the fate of man transcend  

 

 

Mississippi Steamboat Blues    Music and Lyrics by Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing BMI) and Dan Eubanks (Sons of the Middle Class ASCAP) 

This river’s got a hold on me, that just won’t let me be  

Since I was a knee high lad along the ole Mississippi  

I’d watch the paddles roll their loads on down, as I was standing there alone  

Just little feller, not a cent to my name, wishing I could come along  

Ch.  

If river boats were a nickel to ride, I’d shout what a deal what a deal  

As I ran down the river bank side, wishing I could get my fill  

They say good things come to those who wait, but Lordy my soul’s been bore  

Taken down the river on the Natchez eight, while I’m on the Mississippi shore  

Oh the Mississippi steamboat blues  

Finally things was a goin' right, I had a little cash to spend  

When a Queen of the Delta was'a swingin’ bank side, as she puffed around the bend  

She flashed them eyes, her smile was rye, my heart was giving in  

She docked up beside me and then she denied me, when I was'a broke again  

There just so much that a man can stand, and buddy I’ll tell ya true  

Women or boats‘ll wreck a man, and send you drowning down a fool  

Rides ain’t cheap and the boat can’t wait, so listen to my song  

I’d still trade my pride for a ticket to ride, if I could only come along 

 

 

Wrong Done Right    Music and Lyrics by Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing BMI) 

My legs are unsteady from the bar across town 

But it makes things alright when I'm feeling lowdown  

'Cause a sober found memory I just can bear  

When the way that you're gone now it seems so unfair  

Ch. 

When a cold glass is the only thing that you can hold dear  

And the burn of the whiskey is all you can feel  

The barstool is the only one lifting you up  

When cry and say uncle but love don't let up  

The pain of her memory speaks softly all night  

You can do no more wrong when you've done wrong so right  

As I lay in our bed I still feel you there  

It seems there's just so much the drink can impair  

And the weight of love lost is more than lust gained  

With the scales so one sided, I know who’s to blame  

So listen her friends and do the right thing  

'Cause nothing but pain and hell is to gain  

When you’ve scorned her heart and her wrath you’ve incurred  

Your soul finds no rest and you’re branded a curr 

 

 

Breaking In Lonesome    Music and Lyrics by Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing BMI) 

I’m breaking in lonesome, I’m leaving you today  

Don’t even try and stop me, I ain’t a living this a way  

You drive at night into the town, you’d rather have the bars than me  

I’m breaking in lonesome, or else it’s shame on me  

Ch  

I’m Breaking in lonesome gotta move and ramble round   

Maybe take the long road to know where I am bound  

Your heart has got me down, it’s wore out and gone astray  

I’d rather be lonesome, and try to find a love that stays 

I’ll surely go on living I know there’s one for me  

Someone who knows the pain I’ve felt and gives their love for free  

I know she’s out there waitin’, and hopin' just for me  

It leaves me wondering why, I ever courted misery 

 

 

The Wedding Couple    Music and Lyrics by Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing BMI) 

 I see you’re happy, you’re in love  

Your smile’s a gift from God above  

The kind of love that you’ve been dreaming of... since our wedding day  

Ignore these eyes they’re happy for you  

Someday I hope I’ll get there too  

But today the stars aligned for you... on your wedding day  

Ch  

Tears are words the heart can’t express                            

A heart wrenched in anguish says more than the rest  

If it spoke when the pain was made  

It might have been love would have stayed  

Hurt turns to anger, and anger to grief  

Pining for love that’s left one bereaved  

A lone dove in a crowd on display... on your wedding day  

I see a face in the crowd With soft gentle lines  

And he wipes away tears, 'cause Love’s left him behind  

I vow that I’ll not be unkind... on my wedding day  

Ch  

‘Cause those Tears are the words the heart can’t express                            

your heart wrenched in anguish says more than the rest  

If it, talks to you now though the pain’s been made  

Love might remain 

 

 

Never Is A Long Time   Music and Lyrics by Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing BMI) 

 Forever is eternal, It’s consistent evermore  

A never-ending tally for time, who keeps the score  

Never is an absolute failing at the start  

And though I tried dear for a time, I failed to win you heart  

CH.  

Never live, never gain, never gonna change your name  

Now I know you never loved me, never gonna be the same  

Unrequited love was never worse, till it was mine  

Never will our fates align, never is a long time  

Seldom does it come to me, this thing called happiness  

Knowing that I could have held your touching sweet caress  

But favor of a hollow love won’t fill an empty heart  

Never knows the company of blatant disregard 

 

 

Honeybabe    Music and Lyrics by Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing BMI) 

My honey is a baker she makes cookies, cakes and pies  

She’s the peach I’m crazy for, the apple of my eye  

Her biscuits are to die for, no one out-measures her  

She’s got a way to warm my heart and set my soul a stir  

Ch.  

My recipe’s not whole and I can’t rise with sweet delight  

My batter’s bitter without her, It’s easy to see why  

She’s got it really going on, that girl can really bake  

She’s my sugar, honey babe no other takes the cake  

I love the chance to spoil her till we run outta dough  

One of a kind you know she breaks the cookie cutter mold  

She’s Icing and enticing on the cake of this man’s dream  

She makes the sweetest, cutest things this man has ever seen  

I have my cake and eat it too with her now by my side  

We’ve got a couple cutie pies they have their mother’s eyes  

She rolls me out with rolling pin I’m dough in the baker’s hands  

Yes my Royal icing queen makes me a better man 

 

 

Matthew and Mark's Wisdom    Music and Lyrics by Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing BMI) 

 I have struggled with the Devil and found him to be me  

Not just some shadowed fellow that I can’t even see  

I’ve found him in the darkest room of my human heart  

And found his hold so deep in me, I can’t tell us apart  

Ch. 

If you believe in God it’s easy to mistake  

Don’t think you're the precious lamb and be the lying snake  

The Pharisees forgot their love and kept a judging heart  

We are the only ones who keep the Lord and us apart  

Thinking me a righteous man it came to my surprise  

But knew at once for certain by the look within my eyes  

The mirror shown the thing I knew but not what I should do  

And I was running out of time and the Devil knew 

God is Love there in the Word, He sent his only son  

He paid for me the debt I owed and battle for me won  

I had to know this in my heart and open it to him  

Love thy neighbor as thyself to show your love for him 

 

 

How Long    Aaron Bibelhauser (Aaron Bibelhauser BMI), Milan Miller (Songs From The Stilhouse SESAC) and Thomm Jutz (Thomm Songs admin by Bluewater Music SESAC) 

Ch. 

How long will you be waiting 

For me to try and make things right 

How Long will you be waiting 

Another day, another night 

  

Passing signs out on the highway 

Running from the words I said 

Hoping you would be there wishing 

That I would turn around instead 

  

How many times will it take for me to learn 

All the bridges that I cross don't have to burn 

  

Letting go of old excuses 

As the miles go rolling bye 

I see the scars I feel the bruises 

one more time, I wonder why 

  

I've missed so many things along the way 

Holding on to dreams of yesterday 

 

 

Faith In Man    Music and Lyrics by Rick Faris (Rickyland Publishing BMI) 

I remember when, this world it first began  

We laid upon these shores the covenant of the lord, He brought to this wilderness  

Just a humble fisherman, called to follow then,  

I cast my nets aside, and tried to match his stride, to his new Jerusalem  

Ch.  

Can’t move mountains with faith in man alone  

Can’t keep going your own way  

Can’t ignore what the Lord has done for you  

With your hearts open you’ll hear him softly say, I am the truth and the way  

I tread the water to him, then lost faith and fell in  

An aimless ship at sea, till he laid his hands on me, upon this rock I build my church           

Bridge.  

But I denied him there, in his trial square  

he died upon that tree, Unworthy of his love for me, but then he rose and set me free  

So spread the gospel news, words of faith have been renewed  

Jesus rose today, travel now don’t delay, to gather in those precious lambs