Tommy Emmanuel Concert

Earlier this week we attended a Tommy Emmanuel concert. If you know who he is, you probably are an acoustical guitar fan. He has world class talent from Australia and has played with world renown artists across all continents. He had a special on OETA last month that was outstanding. He does things with the guitar that even after seeing him in person left us wondering if our eyes were deceiving us.

I loved hearing all the applause, whistling, yells, and the "yeahs" of the fans. The guitarists in the audience knew how hard some of the arrangements and fingering that this guy can pull off without a hitch--almost effortless. He was on the stage, standing, from 7:30 until 10:15 with only a 15 minute intermission. Now that is a concert! I hope I get a chance to see this guy again.

In the last set, Tommy sang "Today is Mine" without a lick on the guitar - totally acapella. I had never heard this song, but looked it up once we got home. The lyrics are so touching. I wanted to share them with you. The Internet says this was sung by Glen Campbell and several other artists. Jerry Reed Hubbard, aka Jerry Reed, wrote the lyrics.

Today Is Mine
When the sun came up this morning I took the time to watch it rise.
As its beauty struck the darkness from the skies.
I thought how small and unimportant all my troubles seem to be,
and how lucky another day belongs to me.
And as the sleepy world around me woke up to greet the day,
and all its silent beauty seemed to say:
So what, my friend, if all your dreams you haven't realized.
Look around, you got a whole new day to try.
Today is mine, today is mine, to do with what I will.
Today is mine. My own special cup to fill.
To die a little that I might learn to live.
And take from life that I might learn to give.
Today is mine.
With all men I curse the present that seems void of peace of mind,
and race my thoughts beyond tomorrow and vision there more peace of mind.
But when I view the day around me I can see the fool I've been.
For today is the only garden we can tend.
Today is mine, today is mine, to do with what I will.
Today is mine. My own special cup to fill.
To die a little that I might learn to live.
And take from life that I might learn to give.
Today is mine.