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.
Not 4 Sale
Carman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I said, oh my, I know that I have heard this voice before
He said, "You're quite a talent, the makings of a star
And with a little help from me you really can go far.
I'll tell you what I told the rest, the rules remain the same.
Don't glorify, support or even mention Jesus' name.
Now you can do something that's positive, but just don't misbehave.
Like use your notoriety and get somebody saved.
The Bible's bad for business, leave your faith at home.
I'll give you wealth and fame, far as the eye can see.
Live the way you want, but your career belongs to me."
The he smiled a crooked smile and winked and evil eye
And said, "Well, whatcha think, my man?" and this was my reply
I have been bought with a price when Jesus hung on a tree
My life is not my own, I'll never follow your lead
You build up all the pleasure of sin in people's eyes
But never tell the consequences of the compromise
You used to have my number, but this time you will fail
So get thee behind me, Satan, I'm not for sale
In Carman's song "Not 4 Sale," the lyrics describe a conversation between the artist and the Devil. The Devil approaches the artist and offers him fame and fortune in exchange for his restrictions on mentioning Jesus or expressing his faith in his music. The artist responds by stating that his life has been bought with a price and he will never follow the Devil's lead. The song deals with the internal struggle that many artists face as they attempt to navigate their faith and their art in a society that often separates the two.
The song is a statement of the artist's faith and his refusal to compromise it for the sake of success or fame. The lyrics make it clear that the artist understands that his talent is a gift from God and that he is accountable to Him for how he uses it. The song also shows the artist's willingness to stand firm in his faith, even when faced with temptation or pressure from the world.
Line by Line Meaning
The devil came to my house, knocked on my door
An allegorical representation of temptation showing up
I said, oh my, I know that I have heard this voice before
Knowing that the temptation is familiar and recognizing the voice of the one who represents it
He said, "You're quite a talent, the makings of a star
Offering an opportunity for success and offering flattery
And with a little help from me you really can go far.
Offering the implied condition that it would be with the devil's help alone
I'll tell you what I told the rest, the rules remain the same.
Implying that temptation comes with a set of rules/guidelines to follow
Don't glorify, support or even mention Jesus' name.
A key rule in the temptation, tempting to leave out religious beliefs or identity
Now you can do something that's positive, but just don't misbehave.
The devil suggesting that positive acts are okay, but only to a certain point
Like use your notoriety and get somebody saved.
The devil suggesting using influence for good, but without acknowledging faith
And don't you see so vocal about the Truth you know.
Implying that speaking out and being active on faith-related matters is discouraged
The Bible's bad for business, leave your faith at home.
Saying that faith does not have a place in the business, particularly music industry
I'll give you wealth and fame, far as the eye can see.
Offering temptations of wealth and fame in exchange for cooperation
Live the way you want, but your career belongs to me."
One of the core messages of the temptation - giving consent for the devil to take over control of the career
The he smiled a crooked smile and winked and evil eye
The devil portrayed as malevolent, manipulating and cunning in his mannerisms and expressions
And said, "Well, whatcha think, my man?" and this was my reply
Asking for a response from the person he is tempting
I have been bought with a price when Jesus hung on a tree
Alluding to the idea that Jesus' sacrifice was to save humanity, and thus one has a responsibility towards that end
My life is not my own, I'll never follow your lead
Choosing to resist temptation and stating that one owes their life to Christ, not the devil
You build up all the pleasure of sin in people's eyes
Pointing out that temptations appeal to the pleasure of indulgence in sin as opposed to true happiness and fulfillment
But never tell the consequences of the compromise
Highlighting that often the downside and negative outcomes of giving in to temptation are glossed over or ignored
You used to have my number, but this time you will fail
Referencing past instances where temptation may have won out, but now the person has learned from those instances and can resist
So get thee behind me, Satan, I'm not for sale
A powerful statement of resistance towards the devil and temptation
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
angela williams vanderford
I wish this could have been developed more... its wonderful to hear Carman
Avengingangel 631
It sure is. He is missed so much.
Karenia Stepp
He is truly missed! 💔
Laura Schaad
Love ❤️ love ❤️
Praise God
Andrew James
I loved his music and the message he was sending in the world.. He'll be missed, but his music will be told throughout the century and continuing to save souls for Christ
Avengingangel 631
Really miss this man more than words can express 😢💔
Emily Larimore
Me too 💔
AspieKing
Keep the faith, and you'll see him again in Glory.
Avengingangel 631
@AspieKing Thank you. Can't be soon enough. I am really tired of this world
Nicholas Sennyk
Love it!!