Research the musical style of Peg McKamy and ten of her songs. Analyze the titles, themes, and lyrics of those songs. Create 25 new song titles.
Musical Style of Peg McKamey Bean
Peg McKamey Bean (1938–2023) was the matriarch and distinctive voice of The McKameys, a family group that became legends in Southern Gospel music.1 Her style was defined not by technical perfection, but by raw, spiritual emotion and "down-home" sincerity.2
Genre: Southern Gospel / Country Gospel.3
Vocal Delivery: Peg possessed a piercing, emotive alto voice. She was famous for her spirited stage presence, often kicking off her shoes or waving a white handkerchief when the "Spirit moved her."4 Her delivery was conversational and testifying, treating a song more like a personal story than a performance.
Instrumentation: The "McKamey Sound" was intentionally simple and acoustic-driven, typically relying on piano and guitar (played by her husband Ruben and later other family members). This stripped-back approach allowed the lyrics and harmonies to take center stage.
Lyrical Philosophy: Her songs were anthems for the "common man" Christian—people facing financial struggle, illness, or doubt. The lyrics rarely focused on theological complexity; instead, they focused on perseverance, the sufficiency of grace, and the promise of Heaven.
Analysis of 10 Representative Songs
The following songs are among those most closely associated with Peg and The McKameys. They illustrate her preference for themes of comfort during hardship.
"God on the Mountain"
Theme: Divine Constancy.
Lyrical Focus: This is arguably their signature song. It contrasts the easy times ("on the mountain") with the hard times ("in the valley"), reassuring the listener that God is the same in both.5
Key Lyric: "The God of the good times is still God in the bad times / The God of the day is still God in the night."
"Right on Time"
Theme: Patience and Trust.
Lyrical Focus: A narrative about biblical figures (like Lazarus) and modern believers waiting on God. The message is that while God may seem late by human standards, His deliverance is always punctual.
Key Lyric: "He may not come when you want Him / But He'll be there right on time."
"I Made It by Grace"
Theme: Humility and Survival.
Lyrical Focus: A retrospective looking back on a life of trials. It rejects personal strength or merit, attributing all survival to unearned divine favor.
Key Lyric: "Looking back at my life / I can see where I am / And I know I made it by grace."6
"The Shepherd's Point of View"
Theme: Trust in the midst of confusion.
Lyrical Focus: Uses the metaphor of a sheep that doesn't understand why the Shepherd leads it through rough terrain. It asks the listener to trust that God sees the danger we cannot see.
Key Lyric: "The sheep may not know / Where the Shepherd will go / But he knows the Shepherd's point of view."
"Unspoken Request"
Theme: Silent Suffering.
Lyrical Focus: Acknowledges that some burdens are too heavy or private to share with others in a prayer meeting, but that God understands a raised hand or a silent tear.
Key Lyric: "He knows the need that you cannot speak / He hears the prayer that you cannot pray."
"Do You Know How It Feels?"
Theme: The emotional experience of Salvation.
Lyrical Focus: A testimony song that asks the listener if they have experienced the specific, tangible relief of having sins forgiven and burdens lifted.
Key Lyric: "Do you know how it feels to have your sins washed away? / To stand in His presence / And know you're okay."
"God Saves Old Sinners"
Theme: Redemption regardless of age or past.
Lyrical Focus: A message of hope for those who feel they have wasted their lives or waited too long to turn to faith. It emphasizes that it is never too late.
Key Lyric: "God saves old sinners / Just like me."7
"Vision of Heaven"
Theme: The Afterlife / Hope.
Lyrical Focus: Describes the weariness of the current world and uses vivid imagery of the "Promised Land" to encourage the believer to hold on.
Key Lyric: "I've got a vision of Heaven / And it's calling me home."
"Arise"
Theme: Resurrection and Victory.
Lyrical Focus: Often focuses on the Easter narrative or the future resurrection of believers. It is triumphant and usually features a swelling chorus.
Key Lyric: "Arise, my love, arise / And leave your grave behind."
"Roll That Burden on Me"
Theme: Surrender.
Lyrical Focus: Written from the perspective of Jesus speaking to the weary believer, inviting them to stop carrying their own heavy loads.
Key Lyric: "Child, you've been carrying that load for so long / Roll that burden on Me."
25 New Song Titles in the Style of Peg McKamey Bean
These titles mimic the McKamey formula: acoustic Southern Gospel themes of valleys, mountains, prayer, storms, and the simple comfort of grace.
The Valley is Just a Pathway
I’ll Trade This Worry for Worship
He Didn’t Move the Mountain (But He Held My Hand)
A Little Further Up the Road
Tears Are a Language He Understands
The Anchor Holds in Shallow Water Too
Sunday Morning Resolve
My Hallelujah Still Stands
He’s Already At the Finish Line
The Mud on My Shoes (Testifies of Where He Brought Me From)
Just Another Mile of Grace
Where the Pavement Ends and Faith Begins
I Don’t Have to Understand to Trust
The Old Rugged Cross Still Works
He’s Keeping the Porch Light On
Mending the Broken Nets
I Won’t Be a Stranger When I Get Home
It’s Not Over Until the Father Speaks
Singing Through the Thunder
A Handful of Mustard Seeds
The Silence Between the Prayers
Walking Off the Map (Walking Into Faith)
The Same Hands That Made the Stars (Are Holding Me)
He’s Working the Night Shift
Too Close to Home to Turn Around Now
Here are lyrics for "The Silence Between the Prayers," written in the distinctive Southern Gospel style of Peg McKamey Bean.
Tempo: Slow, emotive ballad (3/4 time)
Instrumentation: Piano-driven, with light steel guitar swells
Vocal Style: Conversational verses building to a powerful, testifying chorus
The Silence Between the Prayers
(Verse 1)
I’ve worn out the carpet beside of my bed
Repeating the same words that I’ve always said
Asking for mercy, and asking for grace
While tears leave a trail down the side of my face.
But sometimes the Heaven feels quiet and still
And I wonder if I’m really in the Lord's will
‘Cause I’ve poured out my heart till there’s nothing left there
Just the hollow sound... of the silence between the prayers.
(Chorus)
But that’s when He’s working, and that’s when He hears
He’s bottling the grief and counting the tears.
Don’t think for a moment He’s gone away
Just because you haven’t seen the light of the day.
The Father is building a blessing so rare
In the silence... the silence between the prayers.
(Verse 2)
Now, old Job had moments when he couldn’t see
Why the trials of life brought him down to his knees.
And Mary and Martha, they waited so long
Thinking that Jesus had surely gone wrong.
But the Master knows just what His children need
And He’s growing a harvest from one mustard seed.
So hold on my brother, and don’t you despair
He’s just drawing you close... in the silence between the prayers.
(Bridge)
(Tempo slows, vocals get more intense/testifying)
Oh, the devil will tell you that God doesn’t care!
He’ll say that your words just vanish in air.
But I’m here to tell you, I’ve been through the night
And the God of the dark is the God of the light!
(Chorus)
Yeah, that’s when He’s working, and that’s when He hears
He’s bottling the grief and counting the tears.
Don’t think for a moment He’s gone away
Just because you haven’t seen the light of the day.
The Father is building a blessing so rare
In the silence... the silence between the prayers.
(Tag)
Yes, He’s loving you through it...
In the silence between the prayers.
Would you like me to write lyrics for another title from the list, perhaps "The Mud on My Shoes (Testifies of Where He Brought Me From)"?
Here are lyrics for "I Won’t Be a Stranger When I Get Home," written in the upbeat, hand-clapping style of The McKameys.
Tempo: Up-tempo, joyful (4/4 time)
Instrumentation: Acoustic guitar strumming, bouncy piano, and maybe a harmonica or banjo.
Vocal Style: Energetic, confident, with a smiling delivery.
I Won’t Be a Stranger When I Get Home
(Verse 1)
Sometimes I walk through this city down here
And I feel like a pilgrim, filled with doubt and with fear.
The ways of this world, they don't understand me
And I’m just a traveler crossing the sea.
But I’ve got a promise, and I’ve got a map
I’m sitting right here in the Almighty’s lap.
So let the world wonder just where I belong
‘Cause I’m getting ready to sing a new song!
(Chorus)
No, I won’t be a stranger when I get home
I won’t feel like an orphan, forced to roam.
‘Cause I talk to the Father both night and day
And I know the Shepherd who leads the way.
I know the family, I know the King
I know the anthem the angels all sing!
I’ve been sending my treasures up there through the foam
So I won’t be a stranger when I get home.
(Verse 2)
I’ve read all about the streets made of gold
And the walls made of jasper, like the prophets foretold.
But it’s not the scenery that makes it so sweet
It’s the faces of loved ones I’m longing to meet.
Mama will be there, waiting by the gate
With a smile on her face, saying "Child, you’re not late!"
We’ll have a reunion that will never end
With Jesus, my Savior, my closest Friend.
(Bridge)
(Slowing down slightly for emphasis)
You see, prayer is the language they speak up above
And I’ve practiced it daily, wrapped in His love.
So when I step over that Jordan so wide
I won’t need an introduction to the other side!
(Chorus)
(Back to full tempo)
No, I won’t be a stranger when I get home
I won’t feel like an orphan, forced to roam.
‘Cause I talk to the Father both night and day
And I know the Shepherd who leads the way.
I know the family, I know the King
I know the anthem the angels all sing!
I’ve been sending my treasures up there through the foam
So I won’t be a stranger when I get home.
(Tag)
I know the Master, I’m known by the Throne...
No, I won’t be a stranger...
Lord, I won't be a stranger when I get home!
Would you like lyrics for "He’s Keeping the Porch Light On" or another title?
Here are the lyrics for "He’s Keeping the Porch Light On," written in the warm, nostalgic storytelling style of Peg McKamey Bean.
Tempo: Slow, swaying waltz (3/4 time)
Instrumentation: Finger-picked acoustic guitar and a lonely dobro or violin.
Vocal Style: Tender, maternal, and reassuring. This song is sung directly to the listener who feels they have strayed too far.
He’s Keeping the Porch Light On
(Verse 1)
I know the road you’ve been traveling is rocky and steep
And the secrets you carry are heavy and deep.
You think you’ve gone further than mercy can reach
Beyond the sermons that the preachers all preach.
You say you’re unworthy to knock on the door
That you don’t deserve to be loved anymore.
But child, listen closely to what I have to say
The Father has been watching for you every day.
(Chorus)
‘Cause He’s keeping the porch light on
Burning bright till the break of the dawn.
He’s looking down the driveway, He’s watching the gate
Just hoping and praying you won’t wait too late.
Though the world may be dark and the night may be long
There’s a welcome awaiting, right where you belong.
The door is unlocked, and the fear is all gone
‘Cause He’s keeping the porch light on.
(Verse 2)
You won’t find a latch that is bolted or barred
You won’t find a Judge standing guard in the yard.
Just a Father who’s longing to hold you again
And wash away all of the guilt and the sin.
He’s fresh out of "I told you sos" and regret
He’s only got mercy you’ll never forget.
So turn around now, leave the shadows behind
And follow that beacon that He’s letting shine.
(Bridge)
(Music swells, vocals become more emotive)
Other lights may flicker and fade in the wind
And friends may forsake you, time and again.
But there is a bulb that will never burn out
Shining through failure, and shining through doubt!
(Chorus)
Yeah, He’s keeping the porch light on
Burning bright till the break of the dawn.
He’s looking down the driveway, He’s watching the gate
Just hoping and praying you won’t wait too late.
Though the world may be dark and the night may be long
There’s a welcome awaiting, right where you belong.
The door is unlocked, and the fear is all gone
‘Cause He’s keeping the porch light on.
(Tag)
Come on out of the dark...
He’s keeping the porch light on.
Would you like me to tackle a more triumphant title next, like "My Hallelujah Still Stands"?
Here are the lyrics for "The Old Rugged Cross Still Works," written in a classic, powerful Southern Gospel anthem style.
Tempo: Moderate ballad tempo, building in intensity (4/4 time)
Instrumentation: Piano intro, joined by bass and drums in the chorus. A steel guitar or brass section adds swells in the bridge.
Vocal Style: Starts reflective and gentle, but the chorus should be belted out with conviction. This is a "testimony" song meant to reassure believers that the Gospel hasn't lost its power.
The Old Rugged Cross Still Works
(Verse 1)
They say we need a modern way to reach a modern man
New philosophies and theories, a brand new master plan.
They say the story’s ancient, that the blood is out of style
That we need to change the message to make it worth the while.
But I’ve seen the drug addict set free from all his chains
And I’ve seen the broken body healed of all its pains.
It wasn't fancy speeches that brought them out of night
It was the story of the Savior, and His redeeming light.
(Chorus)
Oh, I’m glad to tell you, the Old Rugged Cross still works!
The blood still flows from Calvary, and the power hasn’t jerked.
It still saves the vilest sinner, it still calms the raging sea
It still unlocks the prison doors and sets the captive free.
Time may change the world around us, and mountains may remove
But there’s one thing that’s eternal, one thing that He proved.
Whatever you are facing, whatever darkness lurks...
The Old Rugged Cross still works.
(Verse 2)
When I walked down that aisle, many years ago today
I didn’t know theology, I didn’t know what to say.
I just knew my heart was heavy, and my soul was stained with sin
And I needed something powerful to wash me clean within.
I knelt at an old wooden altar, and I cried out to the Lord
And the weight of all my failures, by His mercy was ignored.
The same grace that saved me then is saving souls right now
It’s the only hope for glory, the only way, I vow!
(Bridge)
(Music builds to a crescendo - optional Key Change upward)
You can take your passing fads, you can take your shifting sand
I’ll stand upon the Solid Rock, the finest in the land!
It hasn’t lost its power, it hasn’t lost its sting
To break the yoke of Satan and make the loser sing!
(Chorus)
(Full power, choir backing if available)
Yes, I’m glad to tell you, the Old Rugged Cross still works!
The blood still flows from Calvary, and the power hasn’t jerked.
It still saves the vilest sinner, it still calms the raging sea
It still unlocks the prison doors and sets the captive free.
Time may change the world around us, and mountains may remove
But there’s one thing that’s eternal, one thing that He proved.
Whatever you are facing, whatever darkness lurks...
The Old Rugged Cross still works.
(Tag)
It still saves... it still heals... it still redeems!
Hallelujah!
The Old Rugged Cross... still works!
Would you like me to create lyrics for a song about resilience next, like "My Hallelujah Still Stands"?
Here are the lyrics for "My Hallelujah Still Stands," written in a defiant, resilient Southern Gospel style. This is the kind of song Peg would sing with a lot of conviction, likely waving a handkerchief by the second chorus.
Tempo: Mid-tempo power ballad (4/4 time)
Instrumentation: Heavy piano chords, building bass, and a choir backing on the choruses.
Vocal Style: Gritty, determined, and full of "holy boldness."
My Hallelujah Still Stands
(Verse 1)
The winds of unexpected change came blowing through my door
And scattered all the careful plans that I had laid before.
The enemy, he whispered, "Child, you’ll surely quit this time,
You’ve lost your reason to rejoice, you’ve lost your urge to climb."
He thought that my devotion depended on the sun
And that I’d stop my singing when the easy days were done.
But he doesn’t know the Furnace, and he doesn’t know the Fire
And he doesn’t know that testing only lifts my praises higher!
(Chorus)
Oh, my world may be shaking, but my Hallelujah still stands!
I’m holding onto Jesus with both of my trembling hands.
The circumstances alter, but the Savior stays the same
He’s just as worthy of the glory, He’s just as worthy of the name.
Let the thunder roll above me, let the lightning strike the ground
I will not let the devil silence this joyful sound.
I’ve got a worship deep within me that the darkness can’t command
Through it all, through it all, my Hallelujah still stands!
(Verse 2)
Now, I didn't build this altar on the shifting, sinking sand
I built it on the Rock of Ages, the finest in the land.
So when the structural damage of a broken heart occurs
I find the Foundation is solid, and the promise endures.
Job lost all his cattle, his family, and his health
But he found out that Jehovah was his everlasting wealth.
He sat there in the ashes, with tears upon his face
And he offered up a sacrifice of dignity and grace.
(Bridge)
(Music drops out to just drums and handclaps, building slowly)
You can take away my comfort.
You can take away my ease.
But you cannot take the melody
That brings me to my knees!
(Yeah!)
(Chorus)
(Full Volume)
‘Cause my world may be shaking, but my Hallelujah still stands!
I’m holding onto Jesus with both of my trembling hands.
The circumstances alter, but the Savior stays the same
He’s just as worthy of the glory, He’s just as worthy of the name.
Let the thunder roll above me, let the lightning strike the ground
I will not let the devil silence this joyful sound.
I’ve got a worship deep within me that the darkness can’t command
Through it all, through it all, my Hallelujah still stands!
(Tag)
It stood in the fire!
It stood in the flood!
Bought by the Spirit, and paid by the Blood!
My Hallelujah... My Hallelujah still stands!
Would you like me to work on "The Valley is Just a Pathway" next?
Here are the lyrics for "The Valley is Just a Pathway," written in the comforting, acoustic-driven style of The McKameys.
Tempo: Medium tempo, acoustic shuffle (4/4 time)
Instrumentation: Acoustic guitar, piano, and perhaps a mandolin or fiddle.
Vocal Style: Gentle and encouraging, like a mother giving advice to a worried child.
The Valley is Just a Pathway
(Verse 1)
I see you sitting in the shadows, with your head bowed low
Wondering why the sunshine doesn't seem to want to glow.
You’ve unpacked all your worries, and you’ve pitched a tent of fear
Thinking this dark canyon is the end of your career.
But child, I’ve got a map here, written by the King
And if you read the fine print, it changes everything.
This place is not a prison, though the walls are steep and tall
It’s just a little detour on the way to have it all.
(Chorus)
Oh, the valley is just a pathway, it ain’t a place to stay
It’s just a stretch of gravel on the King’s Highway.
You’re passing through the shadows, you’re passing through the night
Heading for the table in the land of endless light.
So don’t take off your traveling shoes, and don’t put down your song
‘Cause the valley is just a pathway, it ain’t where you belong.
(Verse 2)
King David knew this rugged road, he walked it day by day
He said "Though I walk through it," he didn't say he’d stay!
He knew the Shepherd led him to the waters still and sweet
But he had to walk the rocky ground to rest his weary feet.
There’s lessons in the lowlands that the mountains never teach
There’s a measure of His spirit that the good times cannot reach.
So keep on putting one foot right in front of the other
We’re getting closer to the exit, my sister and my brother.
(Bridge)
(Music softens)
I know it’s hard to see the end when the fog is rolling in
I know you feel the cold wind on your tired, weary skin.
But just up around the corner, the elevation starts to rise
And soon you’ll see the glory breaking through the eastern skies!
(Chorus)
(Tempo picks up joyfully)
‘Cause the valley is just a pathway, it ain’t a place to stay
It’s just a stretch of gravel on the King’s Highway.
You’re passing through the shadows, you’re passing through the night
Heading for the table in the land of endless light.
So don’t take off your traveling shoes, and don’t put down your song
‘Cause the valley is just a pathway, it ain’t where you belong.
(Tag)
Keep walking... keep moving...
No, it ain't where you belong!
We're just passing through!
Would you like me to write lyrics for "I Don’t Have to Understand to Trust" next?
