Whether standing on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry or entertaining the troops in Iraq, the southern country-rocker is indeed using his God-given gifts to deliver a message through his words and his music. His undeniable charisma and tremendous talent as a singer, songwriter and performer have firmly established him as one of country music's brightest new stars.
Keni's new album, Gunslinger, is a collection of insightful songs that live and breathe the stories of life. Gunslinger is the follow-up to Thomas's critically acclaimed debut album, "Flags of Our Fathers." The first single "Shreveport 2 LA," produced by Thomas and co-written by hit writers Billy Montana and Mike Plume, is an infectious rocker that spent 4 months in the Top 10 on GAC.
"This catchy single is a terrific introduction to his finely crafted sophomore album," commented Billboard Magazine. "Thomas is an engaging vocalist and insightful songwriter with tons of personality onstage and off."
A dynamic live performer, Keni and his band, Cornbread, tour steadily both nationally and abroad opening for top artists like Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Trace Atkins, Montgomery Gentry and Wynonna. They have traveled for years to the Middle East, volunteering their time as part of the USO's "Hope and Freedom" holiday show. Keni and Cornbread even made the jump to Hollywood as the featured band in the Disney/Touchstone blockbuster, "Sweet Home Alabama".
As a songwriter, Thomas is quickly gaining recognition nationwide for his talent. His southern fried scorcher, "Alabama Home" was chosen as the official theme song for Talladega Superspeedway and was used in all national TV spots for the 2007 season. And there's more in store. Like the haunting title track Keni wrote for the upcoming feature film "Circle on the Cross" premiering in 2009. Music Row will tell you that as a songwriter, "Thomas weaves a powerful spell with understated elegance".
Thomas wrote or co-wrote seven of the tracks on the new album including the infectious title track, Gunslinger, the inspirational ballad "In God's Hands," the feel-good summertime anthem, "Summertown," and the hauntingly beautiful, "Everything." In addition, the disc includes offerings by such hit songwriters as Kristen Hall, previously of country super group Sugarland ("Out of Nowhere"), Billy Montana ("Shreveport 2 LA," and "Not Ready for Love") and the immensely talented Bruce Robison ("Blame it on Me"), and others.
More than a gifted musician, Thomas possesses an exceptional personal story that is uniquely inspiring. He is a decorated combat veteran of the elite 75th Ranger Rgt special operations unit. As a military analyst, Thomas has made numerous appearances on ever major television network including a featured story on Good Morning America and specials on The History and Discovery channels. He is regularly booked as a keynote speaker for corporations and organizations around the nation sharing his motivating story of teamwork and leadership. As a country singer, his dedicated work on behalf of our veterans has been recognized by Congress and the National Defense Foundation. Thomas is the recipient of the American Patriot Award, The Carlton Sherwood Media Award and the bronze star for valor.
Thomas is very proud of his appointment as the national spokesman for the Hero Fund (www.HeroFund.com) and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides college educations to the children of our special ops personnel killed in combat or training. A portion of all proceeds from Gunslinger will benefit the Hero Fund. Since its inception, the Hero Fund has helped provide for the educational needs of over 700 children.
The title of Keni's new album is really a statement of his mission; "I'm not so much a Gunslinger in the Wild West sort of way; but rather I've come to town to do something good. Instead of an M-4 rifle, I get to carry a Gibson now. Music is a powerful weapon. And that's how I'm making a difference."
In God's Hands
Keni Thomas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From the crossroads to the grave
Choices we are given and choices we have made
I have so many questions I've tried the best I can
I may never know the reasons but I know that there's a plan
Chorus
It's in God's Hands now
But He ain't saying how
It's in Gods' hands now
(Repeat Chorus)
When my endless summer ended in a sad September song
I looked up to heaven for the strength to carry on
To everything's a season and in time it too shall pass
Pain is but a moment but His Love always lasts
Chorus
I'm standing at the crossroads, I know what I've got to do
Put the past behind me and give my heart to You.
It's in God's Hands now
He's got all the answers
But He ain't saying how
It's in Gods' hands now
If I can find the strength
to let it go. I know
I will be found
It's in God's Hands now.
Keni Thomas's song "In God's Hands" is a contemplative and introspective journey through life's choices and uncertainties, and ultimately, the surrender to a higher power. The song starts by acknowledging the fundamental journey of life from birth (the cradle) to death (the grave), and the many choices that one makes along the way. However, despite making the best efforts to understand life's reasons through these choices, the song acknowledges that ultimately it is beyond human understanding, and that one must trust in a divine plan.
The chorus brings this theme to the forefront, with a simple repetition of the phrase "It's in God's Hands now", emphasizing the idea of surrendering to a higher power. The second verse brings a personal perspective to this idea, describing the singer's struggle to find meaning and strength after a difficult period (the end of an "endless summer" in a "sad September song"). The verse acknowledges that pain is fleeting, but love lasts, and that ultimately, all seasons will pass.
The final verse serves as a resolution to the song's themes, with the singer standing at a crossroads and recognizing that they must "put the past behind" them and "give [their] heart to [God]". The song's final repetition of the chorus emphasizes the idea that surrendering to a higher power brings peace and a release from the worries and uncertainties of life.
Overall, "In God's Hands" is a thoughtful and introspective song that urges listeners to surrender their fears and worries to a higher power. It recognizes the struggles of life, but ultimately offers a message of peace.
Line by Line Meaning
From the cradle to the crossroads
From the moment of our birth to the point of making crucial choices in life
From the crossroads to the grave
From the point of making crucial choices in life to the point of death
Choices we are given and choices we have made
We are presented with choices in life and ultimately our decisions shape our fate
I have so many questions I've tried the best I can
There are many unanswered questions in life, and I have tried my best to understand them
I may never know the reasons but I know that there's a plan
I may not understand the reasons behind certain events, but I have faith that there is a larger plan at work
Chorus
The chorus reiterates that our fate is in God's hands, and while we may not understand everything, we can trust that He has all the answers
When my endless summer ended in a sad September song
When a happy time in my life came to an end, and I felt sad and alone
I looked up to heaven for the strength to carry on
I turned to God for the strength to continue moving forward despite my difficulties
To everything's a season and in time it too shall pass
Everything in life has its season, and eventually, everything comes to an end
Pain is but a moment but His Love always lasts
Difficulties and pain in life are temporary, but God's love is eternal
I'm standing at the crossroads, I know what I've got to do
I am at a crucial point of decision in my life, and I know what I need to do
Put the past behind me and give my heart to You
I need to let go of past regrets and mistakes and fully embrace God's love and guidance
If I can find the strength to let it go. I know I will be found
If I can find the strength to let go of my burdens and trust in God, I know that I will find peace and direction
It's in God's Hands now
The ultimate outcome of my life is in God's hands, and I trust that He will guide me in the right direction
Contributed by Riley M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jaelyn Rhys
on Crimson, White and Indigo
The video is NOT Crimson White & Indigo...