The Extra Mile

 

CANOPY 101

 In 1995 when Canopy was just “the twins”, we recorded our first project, The Extra Mile. It was the exciting culmination of several providential encounters guiding us in following our heavenly calling. Five years earlier, God surprised Alicia one day by clearly saying, “You will be Christian singers.” But even before that unforgettable moment He had already given us a passion for music, which foreshadowed the prophecy. I can remember many happy childhood days spent writing songs in the back yard and harmonizing in the school bus. Back then, all of our songs were a cappella, but during our high-school years we were blessed to meet Jeff Nelson, a talented Christian arranger and composer. One by one we began taking our raw songs to Jeff to have them sequenced on his keyboard. Although we were inexperienced and not yet mature in our musicianship, Jeff treated us as if we were his peers and mentored us in our professional journey. When Jeff was preparing to move to Nashville he introduced us to Charles Powell, an industry-savvy man of faith who taught us the commercial side of music ministry. Charles counseled us to make a studio recording and recommended Nick Gonzales who would become our producer for The Extra Mile. Nick was a perfect fit. He was skilled as a recording technician and also had the ability to put us at ease in the studio. I always felt that our music was safe in his hands.
It is evident in reviewing all that led up to this recording that God has paved the way for our music ministry from the very beginning. And we are still seeing evidence of His leadership as we continue to follow this calling.




The Extra Mile


Canopy’s first EP “The Extra Mile” was released in 1995.

“Only You” lyrics
“Are You Ready” lyrics
“Light In The Dark” lyrics
“Big Answers” lyrics
“Near To You” lyrics
“Thats Why” lyrics

 

Only You

Chorus:
Only you, Jesus;
Only you will be my God because you love me.
Only you, Jesus;
And Lord, I want to praise you for eternity.
Verse 1:
You left your rightful throne,
And lived upon the earth,
And died to take our sins away.
Now I will not worship
Any other god.
No other god deserves my praise.

Chorus

Verse 2:
There will come a day
When all will know your power;
A day when every knee will bow.
But I don’t want to wait
For life to pass me by.
My focus is on you right now.

Chorus

Bridge:
Deep in my soul there is a joy
Deep in my soul there is a joy
Deep in the soul of all my being,
There is a joy that keeps me singing.
When I am down, you’re what I turn to.
You are my strength and Lord I love you.

Chorus

Words and Music by: Alicia and Cynthia Vlahakos
1993 – Vocals by Alicia and Cynthia Vlahakos
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Are You Ready?

Verse 1:
In the Past I haven’t done my part;
I had a halfway heart.
But now I’m leaving that life behind;
God has changed my mind.
I could gain the whole world, but yet lose my soul,
But what would I really gain?
So I’ll work for my Lord, Jesus Christ,
I know my work in Him is not in Vain.

Chorus:
Are you ready to go the extra mile?
God is searching for one committed child.
Are you ready to go the extra mile?
God is searching for one committed child.

Verse 2:
When you heard the word and first believed
You were a drifting seed.
How can you grow if you don’t plant your roots?
You’ve got to live God’s truth.
The word Christian is more than a name;
It’s a whole new life to live.
We’re on a mission; we’re His chosen ones.
Have you really given you whole life to Him?

Chorus

Bridge:
What God plans for your life you know will be the best.
And when trials come your way
It’s just your chance to put your love for Him to the test.

Chorus
Are you, are you ready? Are you, are you ready?
Are you, are you ready? Are you, are you ready?
Now’s your chance to be what you were created to be

Words and Music by: Alicia and Cynthia Vlahakos
1994 – Vocals by Alicia and Cynthia Vlahakos
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Light In The Dark

You are uncompromised.
You are the truth in the midst of all lies.
And though I am far from your righteousness,
You are the light in my darkness.
You are the light in the dark.

You restore my soul.
You give me peace when life is out of control.
And when I feel depressed,
You are the light in my darkness.
You are the light in the dark.

I have found that time is fleeting,
And I don’t know where my life is leading.
The world has a plan, but I know who I’m seeking;
I yearn to reach for you; let me learn to cling to you.

You guide me night and day.
You’re the good shepherd helping me find my way.
And when I am in distress,
You are the light in my darkness.
You are the light in the dark.

Words and Music by: Alicia and Cynthia Vlahakos and Kevin Butler
1995- Vocals by Alicia and Cynthia Vlahakos and Kevin Butler
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Big Answers

Verse 1:
We were sailing in a boat that my dad made with his dad when he was sixteen.
But there was barely a breeze, and the sails were empty and we were drifting.
But with a little prayer and a little faith, the winds, they came
So strong that the boat was tipping.

Chorus:
He gives big answers to our small prayers.
That helps strengthen my faith and reminds me He’s there.
It doesn’t matter how small your prayers may be,
‘Cause each one is small compared to his strength.

Bridge:
I used to wonder why He even wanted us to pray.
Wouldn’t he always have His will no matter what we say?
But did you know He answers each and every plea;
Not always what’s expected, but what’s best for you and me.

He gives big answers, big answers, yeah.

Verse 2:
We all have our dreams; things that we wish for, sometimes lust for.
But when we pray for them, it seems to set our eyes a little higher.
So go ahead make your request, and pray that God will perfect
Your heart’s desire.

Chorus

Words and Music by: Alicia and Cynthia Vlahakos
1995 – Vocals by Alicia and Cynthia Vlahakos
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Near To You

Verse 1:
Let the raindrops fall to earth.
Let the thunder roar its roar.
Let the lightning strike its light.
Let the waves crash on shore.
‘Cause I know a place where I can go;
Here, near to you, Jesus.
Here, near to you.
Chorus:
Like the rain- the rain that fell outside,
Were the tears- the tears that I cried;
But you came and wiped my eyes.
Oh, you came and wiped my eyes.

Verse 2:
Before I found you,
I was tossed about on the wind.
I was drowning in the rain-
The pain that would not end.
But I found a place where I can go,
Here, near to you, Jesus.
Here near to you.

Chorus

Bridge:
Far more wild were the storms you were in
When you rid all men of their sins.
Oh, Near to you.
Near to you, Oh Lord, near to you.

Words and Music by: Alicia and Cynthia Vlahakos
1994 – Vocals by Alicia and Cynthia Vlahakos
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