During the next two decades Carman changed the face of Christian music and evolved contemporary evangelism into what it is today. Carman established "Carman World Outreach," a non-profit organization that helps touch the lives of literally millions of people worldwide. Billboard Magazine recognized Carman's influence in Christian music by first naming him "Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year" in 1990. He has received numerous gold and platinum albums and videos. Even with all this success, the heartbeat of this Champion for Christ continues to beat strong for the souls of people who need Jesus. As an outflow of this passion, Carman had more than 50,000 people attend his "Music for Peace" crusade in Johannesburg, South Africa. These numbers topped the charts as his largest concert crusade ever, until more than 70,000 people packed the legendary Texas Stadium, making it the largest Christian concert in history.
For over 26 years, Carman has entertained, encouraged and preached the Gospel to millions-crossing denominational, cultural and ethnic lines. During this time, he has never compromised the call to take the Gospel to every person.
Carman died on February 16, 2021 (28 days after his 65th birthday) in a Las Vegas hospital, after a series of complications resulting from surgery to repair a hiatal hernia. He was survived by his ex-wife, five stepchildren and ten step-grandchildren.
Holdin' On
Carman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They said I would not last a day
They said when things got heated up
I would get blown away
But I'm still here Lord
Still strong, and I'm still
Holdin' on (every minute), Holdin' on (I'm still in it)
I got strength to stand
I'm holdin' on to God's unchangin' hand
They said I was too fragile
That livin' right was just a dream
They said I didn't have the stuff
To try and swim up stream
But I'm still here Lord
Still strong, and I'm still
Holdin' on (through the fire), holdin' on (I'm goin' higher)
Holdin' on (through the flood), Holdin' on (through the blood)
I got strength to stand
I'm holdin' on to God's unchangin' hand
Through the darkness, and through the night
I walk by faith and not by sight
Because I'm hangin' on to God's Word
Holdin' on for what I've heard
Thinkin' through the mind of Christ
Walkin' in the way that's right
His promises are true, His love is everlasting
His power is available only for the asking
When you sow the Word, faith is what you reap
You can be rough, tough, hard to bluff, if you keep
Holdin' on (every day), holdin' on (everyway)
Holdin' on (every minute), Holdin' on (I'm still in it)
I got strength to stand
I'm holdin' on to God's unchangin' hand
I got strength to stand
I'm holdin' on to God's unchangin' hand
The lyrics to Carman's song "Holdin' On" convey a message of perseverance and faith. Despite the obstacles and discouragement that the singer faces, they are still holding on to their faith and trust in God to guide them through difficult times. The opening lines "They said I'd never make it, they said I would not last a day" suggest that the singer has faced criticism and doubt from others, but that they have not let that define or discourage them. Instead, they continue to hold on to their faith and trust in God's plan for their life.
The chorus emphasizes this message of perseverance, with lines like "Holdin' on (every day), holdin' on (every way)" and "I got strength to stand, I'm holdin' on to God's unchanging hand." The repetition of these lines reinforces the singer's commitment to holding on to their faith and trusting in God to guide them through life's challenges. The final verse also references the importance of scripture and faith in helping the singer persevere, with lines like "Thinkin' through the mind of Christ, walkin' in the way that's right."
Line by Line Meaning
They said I'd never make it
People doubted my ability to succeed
They said I would not last a day
People thought I would fail quickly
They said when things got heated up I would get blown away
People believed that I would crumble under pressure
But I'm still here Lord Still strong, and I'm still
Despite the doubts and criticisms, I am still standing and thriving
Holdin' on (every day), holdin' on (everyway) Holdin' on (every minute), Holdin' on (I'm still in it)
I am persevering and staying committed at all times
I got strength to stand I'm holdin' on to God's unchangin' hand
My faith in God is giving me the strength to persevere
They said I was too fragile That livin' right was just a dream
People believed that I was too weak-willed to live a moral life
They said I didn't have the stuff To try and swim up stream
People thought that I lacked the ability to go against the grain and succeed
Through the darkness, and through the night I walk by faith and not by sight
My faith guides me even in the most difficult times
Because I'm hangin' on to God's Word Holdin' on for what I've heard Thinkin' through the mind of Christ Walkin' in the way that's right
I am following the teachings of God and living a righteous life
His promises are true, His love is everlasting His power is available only for the asking When you sow the Word, faith is what you reap You can be rough, tough, hard to bluff, if you keep
God's love and power are always available to those who seek it and live according to His Word
I got strength to stand I'm holdin' on to God's unchangin' hand
My faith and trust in God is giving me the strength to overcome any obstacle
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DANIELE DELANCE STOKES, ERNEST DARNELL CHAVIS, EUNIQUE MACK, JAMES HARRIS III, JAMES SAMUEL III HARRIS, TERRY LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BROTHERJONATHANBURG
REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED EVERYONE OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST!!!!!
FOR NEITHER IS THERE ANY OTHER NAME THAN THE
HOLY NAME OF.....
LORD JESUS CHRIST NAME ONLY IN BAPTISM BY IMMERSION IN WATER FOR ONLY IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS
ANY SOUL SAVED UNTO
HEAVEN'S HOLY SALVATION!!!!!
@BROTHERJONATHANBURG
REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED EVERYONE OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST!!!!!
FOR NEITHER IS THERE ANY OTHER NAME THAN THE
HOLY NAME OF.....
LORD JESUS CHRIST NAME ONLY IN BAPTISM BY IMMERSION IN WATER FOR ONLY IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS
ANY SOUL SAVED UNTO
HEAVEN'S HOLY SALVATION!!!!!
@BROTHERJONATHANBURG
REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED EVERYONE OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST!!!!!
FOR NEITHER IS THERE ANY OTHER NAME THAN THE
HOLY NAME OF.....
LORD JESUS CHRIST NAME ONLY IN BAPTISM BY IMMERSION IN WATER FOR ONLY IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS
ANY SOUL SAVED UNTO
HEAVEN'S HOLY SALVATION!!!!!
@BROTHERJONATHANBURG
REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED EVERYONE OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST!!!!!
FOR NEITHER IS THERE ANY OTHER NAME THAN THE
HOLY NAME OF.....
LORD JESUS CHRIST NAME ONLY IN BAPTISM BY IMMERSION IN WATER FOR ONLY IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS
ANY SOUL SAVED UNTO
HEAVEN'S HOLY SALVATION!!!!!
@BROTHERJONATHANBURG
REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED EVERYONE OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST!!!!!
FOR NEITHER IS THERE ANY OTHER NAME THAN THE
HOLY NAME OF.....
LORD JESUS CHRIST NAME ONLY IN BAPTISM BY IMMERSION IN WATER FOR ONLY IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS
ANY SOUL SAVED UNTO
HEAVEN'S HOLY SALVATION!!!!!
@BROTHERJONATHANBURG
REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED EVERYONE OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST!!!!!
FOR NEITHER IS THERE ANY OTHER NAME THAN THE
HOLY NAME OF.....
LORD JESUS CHRIST NAME ONLY IN BAPTISM BY IMMERSION IN WATER FOR ONLY IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS
ANY SOUL SAVED UNTO
HEAVEN'S HOLY SALVATION!!!!!
@tiffanymorgan6562
The woman singing the duet with him is Margaret Becker, she was a big hit in the contemporary Christian music industry back in the 80s and the 90s
@maryiamboc1216
Amen ❗ WATCH PASTORS PERSPECTIVE FEBRUARY 23, 2021❕ YOU WILL SMILE 😀❤️💜💙💗💓💖💛
@misspersnickety3674
She is a great talent and sings really meaningful songs.
@victormattison5110
I thought that might be her
@JerusalemRemembered28
Several of my friends (Pam, Kelly) and I got to be in this video. It was so much fun!
I remember we had such a hard time finding that barn, it was out in the middle of nowhere (days before GPS).
Lol!
Good times—Thanks Carman for the memories. 🕎🙏🏻✝️
@DavidJ1943
Wow. Lucky you. I wish I was there.
@AffordableEscapesShreveport
O Gosh how awesome! I would NOT have been able to breathe! Wouldn't be able to Tell if it was The Spirit or Carmen! I'm going with Carmen- Final Answer!
@miakiceh8069
@Beth Hill - this video made me laugh and give God praise all at the same time. LOL
@Tiffany Morgan - I didn't recognize Margaret Becker. I'm glad that you shared that information about her in the video. I love her voice!
Thanks for sharing your talent online. Blessings <3
@k.a.t.x3391
yeah made me laugh too
@gailwood4214
Was he as good looking in person?