If I Have To

This song was written by Rev. Darwin Hawkins in 2005 for a graduation service at a church he was attending while involved in their music ministry.  Even though he didn’t have kids of his own, he thought, what if he did have a child graduating, what would he say?  He thought back to his own childhood and statements his own mother made to him.  He has mentored three children throughout the years.  Two now are married with their own families, and one is currently still with him.   He loves them like his very own. 
 

Rev. Darwin Hawkins was born on December 30, 1956, and grew up in Port Neches, Texas. Graduated from Port Neches-Groves High in 1975 and attended college at Lamar University.  At the age of two he began playing the piano and is a self-taught pianist.  He began writing songs by the age of seven, and has now written around two hundred songs or more.  One of his songs titled I Just Can’t Imagine sung by Safely Anchored made it to the top ten charts.   Several of his songs has hit the top forty of the Singing News charts and the Gospel News charts.  He has songs that has been recorded by 52 different artist.  He Chose This Valley for Me won the Texas District Music Conference song writing first place award.  In his own words he stated, “I love my music ministry, but my heart and soul is in my church.  It is all in vain if you are not preaching truth and reaching people who need God.” 

He currently pastors a church in Port Arthur, Texas which is mostly made up of people coming out of drug addictions, prostitution, and the homeless.  People who are broken and unloved by society.  Rev. Hawkins knows God has a bigger and better plan for their lives. 

He is currently looking into creating a new album project to lead the way for his congregation’s new building fund.  More details to come about this project.  

Lyric's:

I

I brought you into the world
I sheltered you from harm
When you were a baby girl
I'd rock you in my arms
I walked with you on your first day of school
Cause you were so afraid
And now this world is reaching for you
To lead you astray

Chorus

But I'll stay on my knees if I have to
I'd fight to the bitter end
I will no be defeated
Cause I put all my trust in Him
So say what you please
I'll stay on my knees
Praying for you
If I have to


II

Now as the years have gone by
I've loved to watch you grow
Sometimes you'd make me cry
And I'm sure you didn't know
That I only wanted what's best for you
Although you couldn't see
Now satan's trying his very best
To steal you away from me

III 
(from child's perspective)

Stay on your knees
Cause you have to
Fight to the bitter end
Please don't be defeated
And put all your trust in Him
I know I say what I please
But stay on your knees
Praying for me

 

If I Have To

Sis Madonna Massey's new project Sing
www.madonnamassey.net

Two other songs written by Bro. Hawkins is also on her Sing CD.

 

Other songs by Rev. Darwin Hawkins:

 

These Hands

 

Following Jesus

 

 

I Remember Mama

 

 

 

 

He Chose This Valley

Called Out Quartet (2007 Can't Make It By Myself; 2009 Live in Nashville)


I Just Can't Imagine

 Safely Anchored Quartet Just Can't Imagine  cd 

 

I came across an article written by Deon Unthank back on March 31, 2004 about this song as well as the whole cd itself.  In his review he stated, "The title cut of the album, Just Can't Imagine is a nice ballad sang with lots of feeling.  Listening to this song will no doubt give you a slight glimpse of just what heaven may be like."

Quote taken from the Absolute Gospel Music website:

http://absolutelygospel.com/index.php?/content/articles/485

 

Bro. Hawkins has a video of this song and other like one listed below on his 

Darwin Hawkins Music Facebook page. 

See link below.

 

It Looks Like The King

The Bethels I Still Believe cd 

 

 

Sources:

 

It has been a privilege to put this together with Bro. Darwin Hawkins personally.  When I first started this blog I never even imagined of getting to personally converse with the actual writers.  What an honor.    

 

If you are interested in more of his songs and music look him up on Facebook:

Darwin Hawkins Music :  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Darwin-Hawkins-Music/631154640259962?fref=ts