Heaven's here on earth



I came across Tracy Chapman in 1990, when a street urchin sold me his Crossroad album, though it was the least popular album she made. During those days of punk rock when everyone was listening to the Smiths, U2 and the Housemartins, over NU 107, Tracy went unnoticed in the Philippines, not until her popular song Fast Car. I like Tracy Chapman a lot because she makes you think about life, the agony and joy of living and the reason why you are here. I remember listening to her tape over and over during those devastating times when I broke up with my girlfriend in 1990, and it helps! my favorite lines during those times goes something like,

I'm gonna love myself
More than anyone else
I'm gonna treat me right
I'm gonna make you say
That you love me first
And you'll be the one with the most to lose tonight
This time

This time
I won't let my emotions rule my life
This time
I'm gonna keep my heart looked safe inside
This time
I'm gonna be my own best friend
This time
I'm gonna be the one

After two years, I met my wife, Weng.

Though I have a fair collection of her songs, one song really stands out because it speaks true of what I believe. I think all the happiness we are looking for can be found here on earth and in our lifetime, if we will just try to find it.

Heaven's Here on Earth by Tracy Chapman You can look to the stars in search of the answers Look for God and life on distant planets Have your faith in the ever after While each of us holds inside the map to the labyrinth And heaven's here on earth We are the spirit the collective conscience We create the pain and the suffering and the beauty in this world Heaven's here on earth In our faith in humankind In our respect for what is earthly In our unfaltering belief in peace and love and understanding I've seen and met angels wearing the disguise Of ordinary people leading ordinary lives Filled with love, compassion, forgiveness and sacrifice Heaven's in our hearts In our faith in humankind In our respect for what is earthly In our unfaltering belief in peace and love and understanding Look around Believe in what you see The kingdom is at hand The promised land is at your feet We can and will become what we aspire to be If Heaven's here on earth If we have faith in humankind And respect for what is earthly And an unfaltering belief that truth is divinity And heaven's here on earth I've seen spirits I've met angels Touched creations beautiful and wondrous I've been places where I question all I think I know But I believe, I believe, I believe this could be heaven We are born inside the gates with the power to create life And to take it away The world is our temple The world is our church Heaven's here on earth If we have faith in human kind And respect for what is earthly And an unfaltering belief In peace and love and understanding This could be heaven here on earth

explore Tracy Chapman at: http://www.about-tracy-chapman.net