As with most aspiring musical groups, By the Tree got their start playing a series of small venues — predominantly churches — throughout the southern and southwestern United States. Their near-constant touring cultivated a sizeable fan base.
In 1999 they released two independent, self-produced CDs, which they sold at their concerts. By 2001, these two CDs had sold a combined 30,000 units, which more than recouped their production costs, and additionally brought them to the attention of the Gospel music industry.
The band eventually signed with Fervent Records, part of the BMG music publishing company. Their first national U.S. commercial recording was Invade My Soul. The album charted in the Billboard Top 40 in the Contemporary Christian and Independent categories. The album eventually went on to win two Dove Awards: The album itself won Best Modern Rock/Alternative Album, and the album's title track won Best Recorded Song.
The band has gone through numerous lineup changes since signing with Fervent. Drummer Aaron Blanton joined the group prior to the recording of Invade My Soul, and bassist Ben Davis joined in 2002 for the recording of These Days. Original member Kevin Rhoads left the band shortly after the release of These Days and was replaced by Charlie Goddard, who left the band in 2003 to join the Jeff Deyo Band.
By the Tree has released four albums under the Fervent label, and they remain one of the more popular acts in Contemporary Christian music.
Chuck Dennie now lives in Franklin, TN with his wife Joanne.
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/bythetree
Everything
By The Tree Lyrics
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What would we say with all those silly things inside our head?
Well I don't mean to cause a scene
But we've forgotten all the important things
I want each word I speak to be the truth
And make a difference with the things I say and do
Every hour of every day
(Everywhere I go)
And every step along the way
(Yeah)
I want the world to see
Jesus is my everything
I feel all this pressure caving in
Well maybe I should try to write a hit song just like you did
So that I can move off to Hollywood
And be a big big star just like you said I should
I want each word I speak to be the truth
And make a difference with the things I say and do
In "Everything" by By the Tree, the lyrics are a plea for authenticity and sincerity in a world that seems to have lost its way. The song begins by asking the question "What would we do if love were dead?", hinting at the idea that our society has become so focused on material success and self-promotion that we have forgotten the most important things in life. The song then goes on to express a desire to live a life of truth and impact, with the singer stating "I want each word I speak to be the truth and make a difference with the things I say and do". This sentiment is echoed in the catchy and upbeat chorus, which proclaims "Every hour of every day, and every step along the way, I want the world to see, Jesus is my everything".
The second verse takes a more cynical turn, with the singer expressing a sense of pressure to conform to the expectations of the music industry and society at large. They mention the idea of "writing a hit song just like you did" and moving to Hollywood to become a famous star, but ultimately conclude that this path is not for them. Instead, they reaffirm their commitment to living an authentic and meaningful life, saying "I want each word I speak to be the truth and make a difference with the things I say and do".
Overall, "Everything" is a powerful reminder of the importance of sincerity and authenticity in a world that often values fame and fortune over genuine connection and purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
What would we do if love were dead?
What would happen if the world lost its ability to love?
What would we say with all those silly things inside our head?
How would we express ourselves if we couldn't share our silly thoughts?
Well I don't mean to cause a scene
I don't mean to draw attention to myself
But we've forgotten all the important things
We've lost sight of what is truly important
I want each word I speak to be the truth
I desire to only speak honestly
And make a difference with the things I say and do
I want my words and actions to have a positive impact on those around me
Every hour of every day
At all times
(Everywhere I go)
Wherever I am
And every step along the way
Throughout my journey
(Yeah)
Yes
I want the world to see
I want others to know
Jesus is my everything
That Jesus is the most important and integral part of my life
I feel all this pressure caving in
I feel overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed
Well maybe I should try to write a hit song just like you did
Maybe if I emulate someone else's success I can achieve the same
So that I can move off to Hollywood
So I can pursue fame and fortune in Hollywood
And be a big big star just like you said I should
And become as famous as you told me I could be
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: DANIEL THOMPSON, SHELDON CAMPBELL, KEMAR MCGREGOR, CARLINGTON DANE MORRISON, HERMAN DAVIS, CHUCK DENNIE, SCOTT KRIPPAYNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind