This song, like Lost Soldier which I posted a few days ago, was also a part of the 9/11 commemorative project. The gentleman singing it, Stan Farlow, evidently makes a living off of sounding like Johnny Cash.

This song is a collaboration; lyric by me and the music by Brian Crabb and Stan Farlow. I think it came out pretty good but there are a few parts of the lyric I wish I'd written differently. Anyway, not much can be done about it now so I'm sharing this so you can just enjoy it for what it is.

When I was initially asked to write a song that Johnny Cash aka Stan Farlow could sing, I hesitated wondering if I could pull it off successfully. I recall driving in my car taking down notes to see what I could come up with. In hindsight, I'm glad I said, 'Yes'!

As I read over it again today, it does bring me a chuckle or two. I hope it does the same for you!

Yours,

Renee

For a listen to the Man in Black, revived ===> https://soundcloud.com/reneelachapelle/wake-up-america

WAKE UP, AMERICA

[Verse 1]

Friday, I woke up in Heaven; my faith has brought me here

There was no whisky on my breath, no drugs an’ no more tears

Then suddenly, I saw an angel and there stood my ‘June’

She took me by the hand and we slowly danced around the moon

[Verse 2]

Then, God put His arm around me said, “My son, you understand

The pain and sufferin’ in this world is part of a bigger plan

If there’s anyone who can get to the Believers on this earth

It’s the Man in Black and I won’t even ask you to wear your white shirt”

[Chorus]

Wake up, America

America, wake up

The Man in Black is coming back to fill your coffee cup

Wake up, America

America, wake up

It’s getting late America, wake up

[Verse 3]

Then, suddenly there appeared a glorious clock tower

And I heard a bell that God was ringin’ for the eleventh hour

And I said, “Oh, God now I understand your grief and your sorrow

The Second-Coming will bring back a better tomorrow”

[Chorus]

Wake up, America

America, wake up

‘Cuz the Man in Black is coming back to fill your coffee cup

Wake up, America

America, wake up

It’s getting late America, wake up

[Verse 4]

Then strummin’ on my guitar, a tune as lovely as June

We sang and we danced and then we laid beside the moon

Then June says, “My husband, I understand your sorrow

The Second-Coming of the Lord is gonna bring a better tomorrow”

[Chorus/Tag]

Wake up, America

America, wake up

The Man in Black is coming back to fill your coffee cup

Wake up, America

America, wake up

It’s getting late, you’d better wake up

Wake up, America

America, wake up

It’s getting late America, wake up

It’s getting late America…wake up.

© 2011, Renee La Chapelle, Brian Crabb, Stan Farlow – All Rights Reserved