Tears May Flow A Day

Someone recently observed that many of my songs include healthy doses of reality and even lament, while still offering hope. I guess “Tears May Flow A Day” is a prime example of a hopeful song of lament. It was written during a particularly challenging time that gave birth to a very joyful circumstance. Notice that it is an unidentified “voice” that triggers the hopeful turning point in each verse. 

Tears May Flow A Day

Tears may flow a day or many years
We may wonder whether God has ears
Then a voice breaks through and calms our fears
Suddenly the darkness disappears
Something changes. Someone sings.
Joy returns

Violence and dark calamities
Evil seems to drive us to our knees
Then a voice responds to all our pleas
Holding back the harm with clear eyed ease.
Something changes. Someone smiles.
Joy returns

Someone sing, take the darkness on
Someone smile, let the dark be gone
Someone laugh, life get back on track
Someone dance, joy be welcomed back

Spirit sagging, almost comatose
Someone somewhere takes an overdose
Then a voice speaks up and overthrows
Every hurtful thing, all hellish foes
Something changes. Someone laughs.
Joy returns

Someone sing, take the darkness on
Someone smile, let the dark be gone
Someone laugh, life get back on track
Someone dance, joy be welcomed back

Someone sing, take the darkness on
Someone smile, let the dark be gone
Someone laugh, life get back on track
Someone dance, joy be welcomed back

© Peter Slofstra • 1998 • Grand Rapids, Michigan