"When I Get to Heaven," A GOSPEL SONG, dedicated to Mattie J.T. Stepanek, author of LOVING THROUGH HEARTSONGS

CHORUS:

When I get to heaven, 

I’ll grow wings and fly.

I’ll be alive for the very first time.

When I get to heaven,

I’ll stand up and sing.

I’ll be everything I never was,

Everything I long to be,

When I get to heaven.

 

VERSE:

I’ll hit the home run that I missed as a kid.

Then, I’ll dance with the girl of my dreams.

I’ll be the first one to say: “I love you,”

And live off of Cookies ‘N’ Cream

 

PRE-CHORUS:

If I live another day on planet earth,

I’ll be glad for the time I have left.

As I plan my days away,

I know my time is almost spent.

 

CHORUS:

When I get to heaven, 

I’ll grow wings and fly.

I’ll be alive for the very first time.

When I get to heaven,

I’ll stand up and sing.

I’ll be everything I never was,

Everything I long to be,

When I get to heaven.

 

VERSE:

I’ll run through the fields with the wind at my back,

And I’ll climb the old Sycamore tree.

I’ll be a good dad with five great kids,

And each one of them looks just like me.

 

PRE-CHORUS:

I’ll be waiting for you to finally come home,

And we’ll catch up right where we left off.

Then, I’ll show you all around,

And I’ll stand with you in awe.

 

CHORUS:

When I get to heaven, 

I’ll grow wings and fly.

I’ll be alive for the very first time.

When I get to heaven,

I’ll stand up and sing.

I’ll be everything I never was,

Everything I long to be,

When I get to heaven.

 

BRIDGE:

I always knew eternity existed.

It’s all that I’ve been missing.

 

CHORUS:

When I get to heaven, 

I’ll grow wings and fly.

I’ll be alive for the very first time.

When I get to heaven,

I’ll stand up and sing,

I’ll be everything I never was,

And everything I long to be,

When I get to heaven.

 

Copyright 2015 Jennifer Waters

 

Dedicated to Mattie J.T. Stepanek, author of "Loving Through Heartsongs."

He went to heaven on June 22, 2004, and told me he was going to fly, not walk, when he got there. 

"The Angel That Troubled the Waters," A GOSPEL SONG

VERSE:                                     

I had been waiting, 

For healing to come.

Anticipating that,  

One day I'd know love.

Then you stirred my soul,

Like currents in the ocean.

CHORUS:                                  

You're the angel, 

That troubled the waters.

You're the angel, 

That troubled the waters.

You're the angel, 

That troubled the waters, 

For me, for me.

VERSE:                                     

You became the balm,

On the wounds of my life.

You redeemed my scars,

And restored my sight.

You were the remedy,

For my ailing heartbeat.

CHORUS:                                  

You're the angel, 

That troubled the waters.

You're the angel, 

That troubled the waters.

You're the angel, 

That troubled the waters, 

For me, for me.

BRIDGE:                                   

Once I thought your existence,

Was a childlike wish.

Now I know salvation, 

Is more than a myth.

CHORUS:                                  

You're the angel, 

That troubled the waters.

You're the angel, 

That troubled the waters.

You're the angel, 

That troubled the waters, 

For me, for me.

REPEAT CHORUS

 

VAMP:                                      

I had been waiting for healing to come,

For healing to come, for healing to come.

Ooo.

Copyright 2006 Jennifer Waters

 

(Inspired by the play THE ANGEL THAT TROUBLED THE WATERS by Thornton Wilder) 

"The Eight Ball," A COUNTRY SONG

VERSE:                                     

If it’s a game we’re playing,

Then you better know the rules.

Oh, you can’t pull a fast one,

‘Cause I’ve got too many moves.

I’m coming at an angle,

That you cannot escape.

I have a firm position.

I’m thinking that it’s fate.

 

CHORUS:                                  

Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.

You’re cornered; you’re through.

Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.

I’ve got my eyes on you.

 

VERSE:                                     

Watch me put it in the pocket.

Don’t want to lose my turn.

I’ve lost my share of matches,

And I have finally learned,

That nobody and nothing,

Is standing in my way.

Forget the other players.

I’m chasing them away.

 

CHORUS:                                  

Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.

You’re cornered; you’re through.

Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.

I’ve got my eyes on you.

 

SECOND CHORUS:                    

Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.

You’re finished; it’s true.

Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.

You helped me find my groove.

 

BRIDGE:                                   

Don’t want you as a trophy.

I’ll take you as my prize.

The honor of a lifetime,

To win your love as mine.

 

CHORUS:                                  

Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.

You’re cornered; you’re through.

Baby’ you’re behind the eight ball.

I’ve got my eyes on you.

 

SECOND CHORUS:                    

Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.

You’re finished; it’s true.

Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.

I'm so in love with you.

 

TAG:                                         

Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na.

Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na.

Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.

 

Copyright 2009 Jennifer Waters

THE BACKSTROKE synopsis

LOGLINE

In a rain-drenched pool watched over by unseen Water Spirits, twelve-year-old Abigail Apple battles fear, discipline, and self-doubt—until a single shimmering race reveals her destiny: to rise from the water as the Butterfly.

 

PITCH

When twelve-year-old Abigail Apple joins the swim team, she’s convinced the pool is alive—enchanted by ancient Water Spirits who test young swimmers for bravery. While her tough coach drills her relentlessly in The Backstroke, Abigail secretly teaches herself The Butterfly, the stroke that makes her feel like she could grow wings. At her first swim meet, her determination, imagination, and heart merge in one breathtaking race—and the water itself rewards her courage.

 

SYNOPSIS

Twelve-year-old Abigail Apple joins her local swim team on her birthday, certain the outdoor pool holds a secret. While others see only water, Abigail senses enchantment—a sacred place watched over by ancient Water Spirits who test swimmers for courage and heart. She believes the ripples and reflections respond to her emotions: the water storms when she’s discouraged, and glows when she’s focused.

 

Her tough coach, Stacey Smoothers, pushes the team like a drill sergeant. Abigail finds the cold pool intimidating and the coach’s commands harsh, but she tries to stay positive, believing these challenges are part of her test from the Water Spirits. When Coach Smoothers assigns her to perfect The Backstroke—a stroke she struggles with—Abigail obeys, though she secretly dreams of mastering The Butterfly, her favorite. During practice, Abigail battles exhaustion, collisions, and self-doubt. She performs endless pushups for mistakes and endures hitting her head on the pool wall during turns. Still, she imagines unseen eyes beneath the water urging her onward: left, right, left, right. Each night, she trains in secret, teaching herself The Butterfly with fierce determination. In the rhythm of the strokes, she feels her spirit lift—as if wings might one day unfurl from her back.

 

At the end of the month, the team competes in its first swim meet. Abigail is assigned to The Backstroke but convinces Coach Smoothers to let her swim The Butterfly as well. Nervous but determined, she finishes last in The Backstroke, then steps onto the starting block for The Butterfly like an underdog with something to prove. When the gun fires, she dives and soars through the water, finding her rhythm and power.

 

Neck and neck with her competitor, Abigail pushes harder than ever. As she touches the wall, the scoreboard flashes a new record: 24.00 seconds—Women’s 50 Meter Butterfly. Her teammates and coach cheer wildly. As she catches her breath, the water around her begins to shimmer. Tiny silver bubbles swirl like fireflies, and wings of light unfold from her back. Before the stunned crowd, Abigail rises into the air—transformed into a radiant butterfly.

 

In that moment, Abigail realizes the Water Spirits have rewarded her perseverance and courage. She is no longer just a swimmer chasing ribbons; she has become what she always believed she could be—the Butterfly.    

Copyright 2025 Jennifer Waters

"I'll Be Your Cowboy," A COUNTRY SONG

VERSE:             

When the sun drops low on the horizon,

And the tumbleweed rolls by slow, 

If you’re alone and tears start fallin’,

I’ll be your cowboy.

 

VERSE:             

I’ll lasso your broken heart to my buckle.

Sing you songs by the campfire glow.

I’ll ride through dust just to find you.

I’ll be your cowboy.         

 

CHORUS:          

Coyotes howl in the darkness.

Lonely mesas go on for miles. 

Postcards from the trail are forgotten,

But my love for you still runs wild. 

 

VERSE:             

The barbed wire will not hurt you, 

Or the wind by night that blows.

My cracked boots will be stronger.

I’ll be your cowboy. 

 

VERSE:             

I’ve thrown out my whiskey bottles. 

I’ve survived like a black crow.      

I tip my hat against the twilight.  

I’ll be your cowboy.         

                        

CHORUS:          

Coyotes howl in the darkness.

Lonely mesas go on for miles. 

Postcards from the trail are forgotten,

But my love for you still runs wild. 

 

BRIDGE:           

There’s room for you on my saddle. 

Just let me hold the reins. 

You can wear my bandana. 

We’ll triumph through the plains. 

 

CHORUS:          

Coyotes howl in the darkness.

Lonely mesas go on for miles. 

Postcards from the trail are forgotten,

But my love for you still runs wild. 

 

VERSE:             

You’ll see our silhouette on horseback.

We’ll take the long road home. 

My hands may be rough, but I am gentle.

I’ll be your cowboy. 

 

VERSE:             

When the stars go dark in the desert, 

And the cattle try to kick and roam,

I’ll hold you close, oh my cowgirl.

I’ll be your cowboy. 

 

TAG:                 

Baby, I’ll be your cowboy.

I’ll be your cowboy. 

 

Copyright 2025 Jennifer Waters

"My Yuletide Lullaby," A MERRY CHRISTMAS CAROL

VERSE:                          

Tonight, I hold you in my arms,

Soft and tender.

I try to keep you from all harm,

Love you forever.

 

PRE-CHORUS:                

You are my son.

You are a savior.

You are my love.

You are a baby.

 

CHORUS:                      

So, I sing this cradle song.

Watch and guard you all night long.

I soothe you as you cry,

With my yuletide lullaby.

 

VERSE:                          

You are not mine; it’s understood.

Time has a purpose.

I give you back to God for good.

I must have courage.

 

PRE-CHORUS:                

Sleep in peace.

Peace be still.

Sleep and dream.

Dream God’s will,

For the world.

 

CHORUS:                      

So, I sing this cradle song.

Watch and guard you all night long.

I soothe you as you cry,

With my yuletide lullaby.
My yuletide lullaby.

 

BRIDGE:                        

I bless you with my silent tears.

My heart will not give way to fear, oh.

 

CHORUS:                      

So, I sing this cradle song.

Watch and guard you all night long.

I soothe you as you cry,

With my yuletide lullaby.
My yuletide lullaby, my yuletide lullaby.

Copyright 2019 Jennifer Waters 

"Hold Me 'Till I Let You Go," A LOVE SONG

VERSE:

Hold me ‘till I let you go.

Hold me ‘till I let you go.

I don’t want to be alone.

Hold me ‘till I let you go.

 

VERSE:

Hold me ‘till I feel no fear.

Hold me ‘till I feel no fear.

Say you'll never disappear.

Hold me ‘till I feel no fear.

CHORUS: 

You don’t know how much I need you.

You don’t know how scared I am. 

I don’t want to ever leave you.

You tell me you love me, and I believe you.

 

VERSE:

Hold me ‘till I’m strong again.

Hold me ‘till I’m strong again.

When I am weak, be my defense.

Hold me ‘till I’m strong again.

 

CHORUS:

You don’t know how much I need you.

You don’t know how scared I am.

I don’t want to ever leave you.

You tell me you love me, and I believe you.

BRIDGE:

One day, I hope that I can stand. 

Until then, I'll need your hand. 

I'll let go if I can. 

 

VERSE:

Hold me ‘till I let you go.

Hold me ‘till I let you go.

Walk with me this lonely road.

Hold me ‘till I let you go.

 

TAG:

Hold me ‘till I let you go.

Hold me ‘till I let you go.

'Cause I don't ever want to leave you . . . 

 

Copyright 2025 Jennifer Waters