This song came about through my friendship with Tim on the Christian Songwriters Group mailing list. Back in May 1998 he had written:
“The recent comments about lack of participation prompted me to reflect on my own limited time for doing more than just barely scanning the daily posts, and thence to ponder the general craziness of life, and finally to jot down the following semi-autobiographical ditty. This is 1 hour old. Think Hank Williams Jr., and hack away!”
Well the lyrics certainly struck a chord with me, and I was waiting for when Tim had time to come up with some music. However, he eventually wrote to me saying that he wouldn’t have time, and that I could have a go if I felt inclined. So I did, and this was the result.
Tim’s original lyrics were the two verses and the main body of the chorus, followed by the following bridge-coda:
I’ve gotta slow down enough to see
There has to be time for eternity...
I found that music for the verses and chorus came pretty quickly (not surprisingly, as it’s pretty simple). But I had real problems with the ending, so I started to write a longer final bridge-coda, trying to keep the same style. Then I remembered some comments on the list about the benefits of repeating titles, and that provided an answer and the reason for the song’s current structure.
I didn't spend long on the recording back then, and I'll try to do better when I've got time :) Also, I would like to have made it a bit faster. However, this is the fastest I could get the words out of my mouth back then!
The final lyrics are below, and an MP3 can be downloaded by clicking here
There is also an RA (465 Kb), which you can either download or listen to streaming.
Lyrics (by Tim Barber and Michael Lehr)I’m racin’ to the office, give my watch a second glance.
It’s breakfast in the car again, coffee on my pants.
I’m pushin’ pedal to the metal while I write a to-do list,
Daytimer balanced on my knee, donut in my fist.
Christian station turned up louder, a stoplight prayer squeezed in -
Sorry God, I gotta run, I’m late for work again!
CHORUS:
Well, if you’re plannin’ a service after my dying day,
Please gather in a country church to send me on my way.
But bring along a crossword puzzle, and come prepared to wait,
Cuz judgin’ by my history I’ll probably be late!
Runnin’ late
I’m runnin’ late,
Oh, so late!
I’m runnin’ late!I’m chasin’ out the door again, my shirttails all a-flying,
I’m fifteen minutes late for church, but not for lack of trying.
Couldn’t find the car keys, kids couldn’t find their coats.
Run back inside to catch the phone; someone wants my vote.
Gotta get there fast: I’m preaching! I hope the folks are blessed
When I share on how the love of God brings everlasting rest!
CHORUS
BRIDGE-CODA
I’m lyin’ in my bed at night with troubles on my mind;
I need to spend more time with God and let myself unwind.
Got a basketful of projects I need to put on hold -
Take on too much too easily, or so I’m often told.
I’ve got to slow down soon or, it occurs to me,
I could be runnin’ late for all eternity!
Runnin’ late,
Oh, so late!
I’m runnin’ late!
(Better slow down).© 1998 Lyrics Tim Barber & Michael Lehr