In many ways, this award-winning singer/songwriter’s life has come full circle. From his first public performances as a 12-year old in a trio with his older brother and sister, all the way through his many prestigious awards, Bruce’s musical path has been fruitful, if not always straight. He began his career in secular music, inspired as a kid by the harmonies and convictions of Peter, Paul and Mary. He pursued his dream of being a professional folk musician through the bars and supper clubs across Texas and beyond.
Good Life
Bruce Carroll Lyrics
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Commanded quite a fortune
With one big deal
He was an overnight success
He had it all everything
That seemed important
Then one day it slipped away
And he felt the emptiness
Once again I learned that
The treasures of this world
Will all go up in smoke
so in God I place my hope
[Chorus]
I'm livin' the good life
I've got everything I need
Totally satisfied
With the faith He's given me
Life will overflow with joy
With real security
He's given me the good life
I'm gonna live it faithfully
I'm an average man
With average kinds of problems
The bills stack up
How am I gonna make it through
But I can't complain,
'Cause He's pulled me through so often
And I may go without a time or two
But I don't lack for what I need
'Cause I know that my reward
Is in the Hands of the Lord
And the worst of circumstances
Work out for the best
How did I become so blessed
[Chorus]
At times it seems this
Life could be much better
But I know it won't be long until forever
[Chorus: x2]
He's given me the good life
He's given me the good life
In Bruce Carroll's song "Good Life," the singer talks about a wealthy friend who seemed to have it all but lost everything in a single day. The singer then reflects on his own life, acknowledging that although he is an average man with his own set of problems, he has everything he needs and is grateful for the faith that sustains him through tough times. Life may not always be perfect, but he's learned that God is his ultimate source of hope, and true joy and security come from a life lived faithfully.
The song's lyrics serve as a reminder that earthly possessions and success are fleeting and can disappear in an instant. The message of placing hope in God is conveyed in a matter-of-fact, straightforward way. The repetition of the phrase "He's given me the good life" reinforces the idea that true happiness and contentment come from a spiritual connection to a higher power rather than material wealth.
Line by Line Meaning
Talked to a friend who
I spoke with a friend who
Commanded quite a fortune
Had a lot of wealth
With one big deal
Through a single business transaction
He was an overnight success
He became successful quickly and easily
He had it all everything
He possessed everything that seemed important
That seemed important
Those things that appeared to be valuable
Then one day it slipped away
He lost it all suddenly
And he felt the emptiness
He experienced an emotional void
And as I watched his bridges burn
I observed his destruction
Once again I learned that
Again I realized
The treasures of this world
The possessions of the earthly realm
Will all go up in smoke
Will eventually disappear or be destroyed
so in God I place my hope
Therefore, I trust in God
[Chorus]
The refrain of the song
I'm livin' the good life
I am living a life of goodness
I've got everything I need
I possess all that is necessary
Totally satisfied
Completely content
With the faith He's given me
Through the trust God has bestowed upon me
Life will overflow with joy
Life will have an abundance of happiness
With real security
With true protection
He's given me the good life
God has granted me a life of goodness
I'm gonna live it faithfully
I will live my life with dedication
I'm an average man
I am an ordinary person
With average kinds of problems
With normal situations that cause difficulties
The bills stack up
The expenses accumulate
How am I gonna make it through
How can I handle this situation
But I can't complain,
However, I cannot grumble
'Cause He's pulled me through so often
Because God has helped me so many times before
And I may go without a time or two
I may have times when I lack
But I don't lack for what I need
But I have all that I require
Cause I know that my reward
Because I am aware that my recompense
Is in the Hands of the Lord
Is within God's control
And the worst of circumstances
Even the most unfavorable situations
Work out for the best
Work together for good
How did I become so blessed
Why have I been so fortunate
At times it seems this
Occasionally, it may appear that this
Life could be much better
Life may have the potential to be considerably better
But I know it won't be long until forever
However, I know that this life will be brief compared to eternity
[Chorus: x2]
The refrain of the song repeated twice
He's given me the good life
God has granted me a life of goodness
He's given me the good life
God has granted me a life of goodness
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BRUCE CARROLL, LEONARD AHLSTROM, MORRIS A. KAYLOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Regina Saunders
on Shadow And Light
does anyone know where I can get the chords for this song?