Carman (Carmelo Domenic Licciardello) was born in New Jersey where he grew … Read Full Bio ↴Carman (Carmelo Domenic Licciardello) was born in New Jersey where he grew up in an Italian home full of music and laughter. As a boy, Carman played the drums and the guitar, and he began singing in his teenage years. As his career developed, Carman played clubs then went on to Las Vegas. It was after seeing an Andrae Crouch concert that Carman gave his life to Jesus Christ and embraced his new found faith in the living Savior. After five years of ministerial preparation, he moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he began to develop his ministry headquarters for a worldwide outreach.

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.

Overcoming Child
Carman Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

All my friends been wondering
Where my future lies
Since I took my stand for Christ
And gave Him my life
You see they're wondering just what's in store
Since I've quote, you know, found the way
That's when the Lord stirs up my soul
And I quite clearly say. . .

I'm growing up to be born again, blood washed, spirit filled
Testifying child of the King
I'm going to praise Him in the morning, through the afternoon, 'til night.
And then I'll dream about witnessing.
I'm gonna walk and talk and act like Jesus
Though I may get feathered and tarred
The world may try and stop my mission, but I'll grow with opposition
Cause I'm an overcomin' Child of God.

The expressions on their faces change
Every single time
You know the looks they give are priceless
But so's this Holy Ghost look on mine.
You see now God wants us to share the Lord, right?
Isn't that our Christian task?

So when someone says,
"Hey what's happening, man?"
I say, "Brother, I Never thought you'd ask."
Well I'm proud to be living for Jesus
Proud to be a Bible thumpin', pew jumpin',

Jesus lovin', devil shovin',
Blood bought, red hot, soul redeemin', shoutin', screamin' and . . .

Overall Meaning

Carman's song "Overcoming Child" is a declaration of faith and conviction in the face of uncertainty and opposition. The opening lines suggest that the singer's friends are questioning their decision to follow Christ, doubting where their future lies. However, the singer confidently asserts that they are growing up to be "born again, blood washed, spirit filled, testifying child of the King." This echoes the biblical concept of being born again in spirit and the idea that believers are washed clean of sin through Christ's sacrifice.

The second verse reflects on the reactions of those around the singer, who may not understand or accept their faith. The singer acknowledges that the looks they receive may be "priceless," but they remain steadfast in their beliefs. The verse also highlights the importance of evangelism and sharing the faith with others. The singer sees it as their "Christian task" to spread the word of God and welcomes any opportunity to do so.

The chorus repeats the proclaiming message of the song: to walk, talk, and act like Jesus despite any opposition or ridicule. The singer declares their pride in being a "Bible thumpin'," "Jesus lovin'" believer who will not be deterred from their mission. The final line "shoutin', screamin'" suggests that the singer's faith is a joyful and exuberant experience.

Line by Line Meaning

All my friends been wondering
My friends are curious about my future

Where my future lies
They want to know what will happen to me

Since I took my stand for Christ
Since I became a Christian

And gave Him my life
And dedicated my life to Him

You see they're wondering just what's in store
They are curious about what will happen to me now

Since I've quote, you know, found the way
Since I have found my faith

That's when the Lord stirs up my soul
That's when I feel inspired by God

And I quite clearly say. . .
And I say this with certainty. . .

I'm growing up to be born again, blood washed, spirit filled
I am being reborn, cleansed by the blood of Christ, and filled with the Holy Spirit

Testifying child of the King
I am a witness to the greatness of God

I'm going to praise Him in the morning, through the afternoon, 'til night.
I will praise God all day long

And then I'll dream about witnessing.
Even my dreams are focused on spreading the word of God

I'm gonna walk and talk and act like Jesus
I will emulate the behavior of Jesus

Though I may get feathered and tarred
Even if people ridicule me

The world may try and stop my mission, but I'll grow with opposition
The world may try to hinder my efforts, but I will persevere

Cause I'm an overcomin' Child of God.
Because I have the strength and support of God behind me

The expressions on their faces change
My friends react differently

Every single time
Every time I talk about my faith

You know the looks they give are priceless
Their expressions are humorous

But so's this Holy Ghost look on mine.
But my own expression is full of joy and faith

You see now God wants us to share the Lord, right?
God wants us to spread His message

Isn't that our Christian task?
Isn't that our duty as Christians?

So when someone says,
So when someone asks

"Hey what's happening, man?"
"What's going on?"

I say, "Brother, I Never thought you'd ask."
I respond enthusiastically

Well I'm proud to be living for Jesus
I am proud to live for Jesus

Proud to be a Bible thumpin', pew jumpin',
Proud to be an enthusiastic follower of Christ

Jesus lovin', devil shovin',
Someone who loves Jesus and resists Satan

Blood bought, red hot, soul redeemin', shoutin', screamin' and . . .
Saved by the blood of Christ, passionate, and redeemed, full of excitement and energy.

Contributed by Elijah V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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