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
Salvation Song
By The Tree Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There is so much more to this life, there's a higher plan
So loosen up your voices and hear the church bells ring
There is a melody that can make the heavens sing
[Chorus:]
I'll sing along
The heavens open up it's the salvation song
Everytime I turn around
There seems to be a frown upon your face
So open up your heart and let the light of joy come in
You can make a decision, it is yours to be made
[Chorus]
Joy to the world, every boy and girl
Joy to the world, every boy and girl
If you're thinking there is a brighter day to come
You are right my friend, there is everyday and then some
The song starts by addressing the fact that at some point in our lives, we all have to make a decision about what we stand for. There is a higher plan and a deeper meaning to life that we need to understand. The lyrics urge us to listen to the church bells ringing and to hear the melody that can make the heavens sing. This could be interpreted as a call to connect with our spiritual side and to find peace and solace in religion. The chorus talks about the salvation song - a song that opens up the heavens and connects us with something greater than ourselves. The idea is that by singing along, we can tap into the power of this song and find salvation.
The second verse encourages us to open our hearts and let joy in. It suggests that we need to make a decision about how we choose to live our lives - we have the power to choose joy and happiness. The final line reaffirms the message of the song, that there is always hope for a brighter day. This could be interpreted either as a message of faith or as a reminder that life is cyclical and that nothing lasts forever.
Overall, the message of the song is one of hope and faith. It encourages us to connect with something greater than ourselves and to find joy and meaning in our lives. The lyrics are simple but powerful, and the melody is uplifting and catchy.
Line by Line Meaning
There comes a time for everyone, when you've got to take a stand
There will always be a moment in your life where you need to make a decision and stand up for what you believe.
There is so much more to this life, there's a higher plan
Life has a bigger purpose and meaning that goes beyond our everyday interactions and experiences.
So loosen up your voices and hear the church bells ring
Listen to the sounds around you, and let yourself be open to the world and its possibilities.
There is a melody that can make the heavens sing
There is a harmony and beauty that can uplift and inspire our souls.
I'll sing along The heavens open up it's the salvation song (repeat)
I will join others in singing this song of hope and salvation because it opens up the heavens and brings us closer to something greater.
Everytime I turn around There seems to be a frown upon your face
It feels like negativity and sadness surrounds us, bringing us down and making us lose sight of the good in life.
So open up your heart and let the light of joy come in
We need to allow ourselves to feel and experience joy, love, and positivity in our lives, and to let it fill us up and heal us from within.
You can make a decision, it is yours to be made
We have the power to decide how we want to feel and live our lives, and the choice is ultimately ours to make.
Joy to the world, every boy and girl Joy to the world, every boy and girl
This is a message of hope and happiness for everyone, regardless of who they are, where they come from, or what they believe in. We can all experience and share in joy together.
If you're thinking there is a brighter day to come You are right my friend, there is everyday and then some
If you have hope and believe that better things are ahead, you are correct because every day is an opportunity for growth, change, and new beginnings.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHARLES DENNIE, CHUCK DENNIE, JIM COOPER, TOMMY COLLIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind