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If You Believe
by J.A.Stewart

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Guest views: 2469
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Song comments: 78
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Plays: 597
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Downloads: 84
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Submitted on: Sep 09, 2007 - 04:45:41 PM
Last Updated: Dec 16 2007 - 07:29:48 PM
Keywords Choir (28)strings (257)horns (39)faith (40)believe (12)vocal (152)guitar (944)inspiration (7)
Description We are all born with limitations. But it is most often the limitations we place on ourselves that keep us from realizing our full potential.

Religious faith is a personal matter, but faith often finds fertile soil in our efforts at personal achievement.

Imagine the possibilities... If You Believe.

All parts played or sung, except drums.

The cover art is a scene from SecondLife, with my dear friend, Silky Underall, as the beautiful emerging soul of the cosmos.
Lyrics If You Believe
Music & Lyrics © 2007
By J.A. Stewart
--- ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ---


I sometimes see this life – as the fiction of a fool,
Parts of it pure comedy – other parts just cruel...
Tantalizing ironies, strung out for all to see –
Haunting us and taunting us, always wanting us to be –

More than what we are – and all that we... could be –
Real instruments of change – who shape our destinies
To really make a difference and to build a better world,
You must Believe --------------------

That what lies deep inside us – is much more than we show
The power of the universe – in each and every soul
All we need is faith to realize what we can be...
If we Believe --------------------

(Guitar solo)

C’mon Believe – then there is nothing you can’t do —
You see it’s really up to you, my friend...
If only you’ll Believe --------------------
Believe --------------------
Hardware MOTU 828mkII (FW interface); AT4050/CM5 mic; Yamaha PSR-530 MIDI keyboard; '66 Gibson Les Paul DeLuxe goldtop guitar.
Software: GB '08
Fan List

Mcboy

gail60

TobinMueller

blaky smith

Moviz

EdensEve

futzpucker

paddler

thoddi

jiguma

Cori Ander

Leon

timothy devine

damiengh

dajama

NorthPoint

Aaron David

dreadmon

Roxylee

craighalkett

dirigent

8piscean8

selters

Rosita
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Mcboy said 487 days ago
hey man
these are some uplifting lyrics.......sung in true lounge singer style.....nice little guitar spot.......well crafted song......i'm going to download this and play it for myself and others when i feel that obstacles are in the way.....it will inspire me to overcome or work around whatever is in the way...thanks for sharing...!!!!!

J.A.Stewart said 487 days ago
Re: hey man...
Thx for the props, McBoy. I'm pleased you liked this tune and found inspiration in it. I just winged the guitar part in one take... I guess I was inspired! ;)

I've encountered and overcome many difficult obstacles during my life, including this last one with a severe pinched nerve that threatened to end my guitar-playing days.

It was faith, along with determination and hard work that got me through what was a very painful and disheartening period. I... Believe!

--- Joe

---
Imagine The Possibilities... IF YOU BELIEVE

said 487 days ago
Nice Song !
Very nice Inspirational song, the music is very nice and the guitar sound really clear, the vocal rich with the feelings. Enjoyed this piece my friend

Take Care
==============
Yeman Auf Al-Rawi

"Sound of Nature" : http://www.macjams.com/song/35145

J.A.Stewart said 487 days ago
Re: Nice Song!...
Thank you, Yeman. I am glad you liked it. Judging from your life experiences and your music, I Believe you already know a great deal about the subject. ;)

--- Joe

---
Imagine The Possibilities... <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/35180">IF YOU BELIEVE</a>

gail60 said 487 days ago
I do believe!
I believe that you have a very nice song here. Nice voice and very inspirational for those of us that need a nudge to hang in there from time to time. You did a great job and I really enjoyed it. Thanks for the nudge!


J.A.Stewart said 486 days ago
Re: I Do Believe!...
Thank you for your kind comments, Gail. We all need a reminder every now and then of how much more we can actually do if we put our mind to it.

--- Joe

---
Imagine The Possibilities... <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/35180">IF YOU BELIEVE</a>

TobinMueller said 487 days ago
Silver linings
I dig the Tinker Bell addition to the song art. Silky Underall, the silver lining of the cosmos. Very sweet tune. i can imagine Engelbert Humperdinck making this a hit 30 years ago. We need songs like this for every era. Thanks for sharing it.

J.A.Stewart said 486 days ago
Re: Silver Linings...
Thanks, Tobin. Given the times, we may need some inspiration more than we ever have. ;)

--- Joe

---
Imagine The Possibilities... <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/35180">IF YOU BELIEVE</a>

Moviz said 485 days ago
Love this...
a nice easy sounding song with a nice sentiment, so relaxing and I do like your style. As always a great arrangement and vocals, Nice!, cheers M

J.A.Stewart said 484 days ago
Re: Love This...
Thanks for the listen and the props, Maurice. I am pleased you enjoyed it.


--- Joe

---
Imagine The Possibilities... <a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/35180">IF YOU BELIEVE</a>

paddler said 450 days ago
Huge
I can imagine this rocking a whole football stadium - tobin mentioned Englebert Humperdinck,yes its a big song - it could have been sung by any of the great crooners also Freddie Mercury or it could be done by some rock bands too.

Of course - it sounds best by Joe Stewart - great voice,nice vibrato - you sing with conviction.Catchy and clever melody too

Enjoyment at 6 am (uk) - regards Richard

Ibstrat said 450 days ago
Somehow
I missed this song.What a voice you have.Did you do that vocal in 1 take?Great lyrics and killer Gilmore-type guitar solo.Wonderful song!

J.A.Stewart said 449 days ago
Re: Somehow...
Thanks, Mark.

One-take vocals? Sort of. The hardest part of the vocals were the somewhat *conversational* sing-song introductory verses. Infusing them with proper inflections and what Richard (Paddler) noted as conviction, took me a few run-throughs, but led to one complete acceptable take.

The vocals after the guitar solo were a spontaneous afterthought and recorded separately in one take and enabled me to cover one botched note in the guitar solo... which was also improvised in one take, something I'm doing more frequently, as of late. When it works... it works. ;)

--- Joe

J.A.Stewart said 449 days ago
Re: Huge...
Thanks for the props, Richard.

Singing with conviction... in front of a microphone in an empty room... was probably the most challenging aspect of this recording. Hmm... a stadium song. Now there's an interesting thought.;)

--- Joe

thoddi said 446 days ago
classic
Many inspirational sources comes to mind listening to this song Joe. The magnificent start got me thinking of the song Albatross from Fleetwood mac, but then it changes into some tune from Monty Phytons, The meaning of life, the galaxy song, and then I hear some Peter Skellern (you're a Lady) in here. This is the description of the moods I feel and how the music you have made sounds and reflects in my ears. But it stands out n its own as a well crafted song.

And then there is the words... So true and vital... in my opinion.

thoddi said 446 days ago
and...
...then there is the guitars, the singing and the production. Very well done! You made an extremely well produced song here Joe.

Just beautiful!

J.A.Stewart said 446 days ago
Re: Classic... and...
Thanks for listening and for your kind comments, Thor.

This is not my usual musical fare, but it was the message... which I have found true through long experience... that really drove this song. The music seemed to follow, almost effortlessly. ;)

--- Joe

Cori Ander said 444 days ago
Ah, this is great
Ah, this is great. Nice emotion, and it has an evergreenish quality. Thank you for pointing it out.

J.A.Stewart said 444 days ago
Re: Ah, this is great
Thank you for listening, my magic-fingered friend. I am glad you liked it. ;)

--- Joe

timothy devine said 439 days ago
what a cool tune
The lyric and vocal performance is well delivered, with just the right guitar solo.
Nice arrangement and mixing.
Inspirational!


J.A.Stewart said 439 days ago
Re: What a cool tune...
Thanks, Timothy. I'm glad you enjoyed this one.

Just the right guitar solo? It was improvised... inspired, you might say. ;)

--- Joe

Leon said 437 days ago
Sentimental...
This is a beautiful song... It really tugs at the heart.. and your vocals on this is full of emotion.. reminds me a bit of Neil Diamond, heartfelt and sincere. I think this is one of your best vocal performances. The background musical arrangement really complements the romantic theme and seems to highlight your vocals.

Leon said 437 days ago
Er..
Reading through the lyrics, I meant inspirational, rather than romantic... although if you did change the lyrics to one of love and longing, this will make a really romantic song, too.

J.A.Stewart said 437 days ago
Thanks, Leon
Your point is well-taken about how easy it would be to convert this song to a romantic ballad. But the message is what propelled it to be what it is.

Thanks for listening... and for the props. I am pleased you liked it. ;)

--- Joe

Dennis James said 427 days ago
Smooth....
....very smooth, not enough of this approach these days in contemporary music. Very well done, neighbour.

J.A.Stewart said 426 days ago
Re: Smooth...
Thanks, Dennis. I guess it's up to us old-timers to *keep the fire burning* on smooth. LOL ;)

--- Joe

davisamerica said 426 days ago
yep
pretty huge song here and very nicely done....agree with dennis...not enough of these beauties nowdays..much enjoyed ja!

J.A.Stewart said 426 days ago
Re: yep...
Thanks, d.a. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I appreciate the listen and the comment.

--- Joe

damiengh said 420 days ago
Inspirational
Wise and uplifting lyrics. I'm thinking uplifting like looking at life through the eyes and mind of someone like Marianne Williamson.

Possibilities, it's all out there.

Nice tune.



J.A.Stewart said 420 days ago
Re: Inspirational
Thank you for listening and for your comments, Damien.

It's been said wisdom comes through pain. That being the case, I guess I am officially a... wiseguy. lol

But the lyric reflects how I see Life through my eyes and my brain, after long years of broad experience.

Perhaps Marianne Williamson is channeling me? ;)

--- Joe

timothy devine said 420 days ago
10's
I'm back.
I wanted to hear the dynamic saga production, and hear that heart felt vocal delivery again.

Great guitar solo

J.A.Stewart said 419 days ago
Re: 10's
Wow! Thanks, again Tim. Gee, I feel like... Bo Derek now. LOL

--- Joe

timothy devine said 419 days ago
well
in your photo you kinda look like Bo Derek


J.A.Stewart said 419 days ago
Dear Tim...
I think you've been out in the desert too long! LMAO ;)

--- Joe

said 418 days ago
I believe
That this song is great! Your singing is so clear . I love the lead guitar in this. Enjoyed

J.A.Stewart said 418 days ago
Re: I believe...
Thanks for listening and for the compliments, ego. I am glad you enjoyed the song. :)

--- Joe

said 413 days ago
I simply love it
I love this song it's wherry touching.Kudos

Peace Love & Respect
----
Kenta

J.A.Stewart said 413 days ago
Re: Kenta
Thanks for listening and your comments, Kenta.

You keep believing and everything is going to work out for you, my friend. ;)

--- Joe

kristyjo said 410 days ago
Nicely produced
I love your unabashed big sound. Perfectly paired with the lyrics. I don't know how I've missed this one for the past two months, but I'm glad I finally arrived.

J.A.Stewart said 410 days ago
Re: Nicely Produced...
Thanks, Kristy.

You probably missed it because it's not on the main Nature trails... you can only find it here, off the beaten track, in what we refer to as the... *deep woods* of Inspirational (contemporary) music. ;)

--- Joe

said 409 days ago
Hey Joe!
Very nice inspirational! The lyrics are outstanding. . . and I love the guitar solo.

Nice work!

J.A.Stewart said 409 days ago
Re: Hey Joe...
Thanks for listening and commenting, Marcus. I'm glad you liked it.

I'm not usually so reflective when I write lyrics, but I felt the need for this one.

The guitar solo was improvised... perhaps *inspired* by the message. ;)

--- Joe

haroldsteele said 395 days ago
Burt Bacharach-ish
Hey Joe,

Love this song...sounds a little like Burt Bacharach ran right into a Les Paul!

Peace,
HS

J.A.Stewart said 395 days ago
Re: Burt Bacharach-ish...
Thanks for listening and your comments, Harold. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Burt has contributed some great music to our culture, so I take it as a real compliment.

Thanks,

Joe

dajama said 394 days ago
Nice lyrics
great arrangement and lovely singing. You present the song in a low-key, restrained way that suits the track perfectly. I love the guitar work (nice sound btw) and the sound of the whole track. Very nice. Glad i stopped by to check this out. Peace.

J.A.Stewart said 394 days ago
Re: Nice Lyrics...
Thanks for your comments and for listening, David.

I'm pleased you enjoyed the song. ;)

John Stebbe said 389 days ago
Cool
Cool song, J. A. The guitar solo reminds me of the electric solo from the Carpenter's song -- what was it? It was groundbreaking, especially for the Carpenters, to have this psychedelic guitar solo in one of their tunes. Your guitar work is excellent, and makes me think you've paid a lot of dues with a variety of bands. Well-mixed and EQ'd, and a pleasure to hear.

Lyrics are very interesting. Yes, there is certainly more within us than we will ever know, and each of us has talents which will never be tapped fully in this life. But we remain sinners, and as such we have need of a Savior, who is the true Power of the universe.

J.A.Stewart said 389 days ago
Re: Cool...
Thanks, John. I'm glad you enjoyed the song.

I believe the Carpenters' tune you're thinking of was *Goodbye to Love*. It was a very powerful solo and unique to the Carpenters' catalog.

Yes, I paid my share of musical dues back in the day, but no longer. Now it's just for personal satisfaction. ;)

The lyrical content is purposefully philosophical, yet *spiritual*... as opposed to religious. Still, it is open to interpretation in that context, as well.

--- Joe

said 385 days ago
Hmmm
Weird I never checked your music out until now and ME LIKES!
You do have that lounge quality with exceptional lyrics and fantatstic singing!

J.A.Stewart said 385 days ago
Re: Hmm...
WOW! I've been discovered! lol

Thanks, Tom. I'm glad you liked and thanks for the props. I did all sorts of material during my musical career... lounge music included.

Hopefully, I'll be posting a wide variety of music that will showcase more than just that aspect of my experience. ;)

--- Joe

NorthPoint said 380 days ago
I Believe
Joe I can see why this is such a well respected song on MJ. Great song-writing, powerful delivery. This is a favorite for me, and I'm looking forward to listening to the rest of your songs.
Nice to meet you and happy holidays,
Alan

J.A.Stewart said 380 days ago
Re: I Believe...
Thanks, Alan and welcome to MacJams.

I'm looking forward to hearing more from you, as well. ;)

--- Joe

BossHook said 378 days ago
Great Anthem
Nice inspirational anthem. This builds so well and the production and performance are right on. Perfect spot for the guitar lead to take it higher too.

J.A.Stewart said 378 days ago
Re: Great Anthem...
Thanks, John. I'm glad you liked it.

--- Joe

Aaron David said 374 days ago
Wow...
I guess there isn't much more to say. I've seen you around for a while but haven't had a chance to listen to any of your stuff... I'm glad I did now. Well produced, heart felt, inspiring... great job....

J.A.Stewart said 374 days ago
Re: Wow...
Thanks, Aaron. I'm glad you stopped by and gave it a listen and happy you liked it.

--- Joe

thetiler said 357 days ago
What terrific words
Enjoyed your high reaching vocal sounds and the backround really fits in. I think I needed to hear this tune. Very uplift and again, very powerful words.

Enjoyed this tune from start to finish.

A great addition to MJ for sure and a much needed one of inspiration to us all !

J.A.Stewart said 357 days ago
Re: What terrific words...
Thank you, Bill. I'm pleased it worked for you.

The lyric was inspired by my own life experiences and observations. Life is full of obstacles, frustrations and disappointments. But we are given all the tools and resources needed to overcome them, if only we recognize them... and *give in* to them.

Our own (self-imposed) fears and doubts are our earthly fetters. They only have as much strength and power over us as we give them. Thus, most of the limitations and obstacles that exist are the ones we create in our own minds.

Get beyond those... and the *true* obstacles that remain are not all that formidable. ;)

--- Joe

Roxylee said 356 days ago
Very cool song
Full of hope! You sing with real emotion and everything sounds
great! :-)

J.A.Stewart said 356 days ago
Re: Very cool song
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Roxylee.

Thank you for stopping by and commenting. ;)

--- Joe

said 350 days ago
nicely done
wonderful Full, Big Sound, joe.
your vocal does the job just right - i like the emotion you've poured into your delivery - especially on those high Wo Wo's.
quite a nice guitar solo at the break.
i like your message, too - it's not dogmatic, just aimed at the best part of each of us. thanks for a lovely song -anne



J.A.Stewart said 350 days ago
Re: nicely done...
Thanks for listening and commenting, Anne.

I'm not big on dogmas... or catmas, for that matter. ;)


--- Joe

said 338 days ago
a little part
of the things that keep some of us here trying to make songs... well said sung, Joe

. - Harold

J.A.Stewart said 338 days ago
Re: a little part...
Thanks, Harold.

But I thought what kept us here was the irresistible allure of Fame and Glory. ;)


--- Joe

dirigent said 328 days ago
Amazing song :-)
Most beautiful - this song is full of feeling. I like the wonderful lyrics. Excellent work!

J.A.Stewart said 327 days ago
Re: Amazing Song...
Thank you, Andreas... for listening and for your complimentary comments. ;)

--- Joe

8piscean8 said 304 days ago
Mix
This mix is superb. It sounds like every thing is glued together and in a very cohesive space. Great guitar playing. The drums get a little stale but there is enough going on that my ears can dance from sound to sound. Great job Joe!

J.A.Stewart said 304 days ago
Re: Mix...
Thanks, Adam.

I tried to keep this mix relatively simple and uncluttered, so that the message stood out.

Drums are probably the *weakest link* in my musical knowledge... probably because I had a terrific pro drummer in my last couple of bands. I never had to concern myself with what he was playing, because he was always perfect. This particular drum loop had few options for transitions, so I only used those which sounded *right* to my ears. They are very subtle, to be sure. ;)

--- Joe

droop said 302 days ago
Hey Joe,
I know I'm a little late commenting on your music.....there's just so much music and little time. Hey though, this is really a good song....we certainly need a lot of faith and hope in this crazy world we are living in. This is written very well. You have a great voice, plus the sound and production is very pro sounding.

Thanks
paul

J.A.Stewart said 302 days ago
Re: Hey, Joe...
Hey, Paul... it's never too late. Even though this, my *latest* post, has been around for six months here, it was brand new to you. That's the beauty of music.

Thanks for the listen and the comment, I'm enjoying your work, as well. ;)


--- Joe

said 278 days ago
I believe this is brilliant. And
That you are very nice and a brilliant singer and exceptional
artist and why it took me so long to get here I do not know.
Please also read my post in the forum Dowloading Songs. When you have a moment thanks/ Dowload for my ipod. fav 10 all the way. This is outstanding. Off to listen to the rest .
Thank you so much.
Peace Dee.


J.A.Stewart said 278 days ago
Re: I believe this is brilliant. And...
Thank you, Dee.

You are too kind. I am pleased you liked this song.

I tried searching for your Forum post, but no luck. However, if memory serves me, I believe you posted about running out of HD space, due to all your MJ downloads. Looking at your Faves list, I can see how that could happen. ;)


--- Joe

selters said 277 days ago
great!
Very uplifting lyrics. I try to live by that philosophy, but it is not always as easy as one might think! Listening to this tune gave me new motivation. You have a great singing voice. You sing in a very relaxe but yet pwerful way, I really want to listen to the words you sing.

J.A.Stewart said 277 days ago
Re: great!...
Thank you for listening and commenting, Magnus.

No, it isn't always easy to maintain your focus; Life is filled with obstacles, disappointments and setbacks. But as you work to overcome them, your spirit grows stronger and the obstacles less powerful.

I am glad the song's message helped jump-start your motivation. Keep at it, my friend. ;)


--- Joe

Bob6stringer said 269 days ago
Dang!
Something sincere... oh, how do I handle something so sincere? With thanks. As a guitar-head, I have to add that the guitar tone and your touch on it is just perfect.

J.A.Stewart said 269 days ago
Re: Dang!...
Thanks, Bob. My lightning-quick lick days are behind me now, so I have to concentrate more on things like touch, style and tone.

Not such a bad thing, really. ;)


--- Joe

massa said 231 days ago
Nice song!
Really liked the guitar backtracks! cool soloing!

J.A.Stewart said 231 days ago
Re: Nice song!
Thanks, Massa... I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)


--- Joe

Artist Profile
J.A.Stewart photo
J.A.Stewart

Artist Bio Played in a variety of Folk/Rock, Pop and Rock bands for more than a decade. After collaborating on a musical, I got hooked on songwriting and recording. After years of intense "lobbying," I'm due to enter The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. (Well i...[more]
Artist Music
Song For a Friend
OPEN SEASON (In God's Name)
Down The Road (MJCH)
Star-Bound (MJ Live Aid)
Songs Of Summer
CRAZY WORLD
If You Believe
She Can
Flim-Flamenco
Last Night
Lady-Killer
Dance, Dance, Dance
Song Of This World - Makeover
Banana Land
Modern-Day Romance