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.
The Well
Carman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Eatin' lasagna that he cooked with a torch
He was halfway through a meatball when the Lord spoke
He said "boy, you gonna be busy for a while, buildin' an ark from a huge wood pile"
Ol' Noah's eyes got big as baseballs and he almost...choked
Well he told his family what was goin' down
And they listened intently to him
'Cause nobody knew how to swim....yet
Well the rain's came, they was all safe inside
They didn't get wet or nothin'
Noah obeyed 'cause when God speaks,
Everybody listens, even E.F. Hutton
(CHORUS)
God don't care, what the circumstance
Or even if the future's lookin' dim
God don't want, some big ol' song and dance
He just wants your faith and trust in Him
Little David must have just been in his teens
When he faced Goliath of the Philistines
He was armed with just a slingshot and some stones
Well Goliath was a giant and strong as a tank
And when he looked at men, their stomachs sank
And there stood little David all alone
With faith in God he slung his sling
And much to their surprise
He killed that monster with a stone
That nailed him 'tween the eyes
Then decapitated his fallen foe
And made sure he was dead
And showed everyone there he was someone
Who really knew how to get "a head"
(CHORUS)
King David was smitten down to his socks
When his eyes caught that Bathsheba fox
His resistance was so shook that he backslid
He went and had her husband killed
Thinkin' his dreams would be fulfilled
But God would make him wish, that he never did
The Lord punished him severe
For bein' stupid as an ape
But David's faith was strong
And God soon pulled him back in shape
Now there's a lesson to be learned here
About dealing with temptation
You keep your eyes on the Creator, men
And not on His creation
(CHORUS)
The song "The Well" by Carman presents three different stories of people who experienced God's provision and protection in various difficult situations. The first story is about Noah who received a message from God to build an ark to save himself, his family, and the animals from a flood. Despite the enormity of the task, Noah obeyed God and built the ark, and when the rain came, they were safe inside. The chorus of the song emphasizes the idea that God doesn't require any grand gesture or performance from us, but only faith and trust in Him, even in difficult circumstances.
The second story tells of David, who as a young boy, defeated the giant Goliath with only a sling and a stone, and with his unwavering trust in God. The third story is about King David, who was tempted by Bathsheba, committed adultery with her, and then had her husband killed. The song emphasizes the idea that even when we fall and make mistakes, we can still turn back to God and find forgiveness and restoration, as David did.
Overall, the message of the song is that no matter what we face in life, God is always with us, and if we trust in Him, He will provide for us and protect us. The song emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience, even when things seem impossible, and highlights the power of God's grace and forgiveness.
Line by Line Meaning
Think about ol' Noah sittin' on his front porch
Imagine Noah relaxing on his porch and enjoying his food.
Eatin' lasagna that he cooked with a torch
Noah is cooking his food using a flamethrower to enjoy his Italian dish.
He was halfway through a meatball when the Lord spoke
The Lord spoke to Noah while he was eating a meatball meal.
He said 'boy, you gonna be busy for a while, buildin' an ark from a huge wood pile'
God told Noah to prepare to build a large ark out of abundant wood.
Ol' Noah's eyes got big as baseballs and he almost...choked
Noah was amazed and almost choked from the shock of God's command.
Well he told his family what was goin' down
Noah informed his family about the flood that was coming.
And they listened intently to him
His family paid close attention to his instructions and warnings.
And nobody fought, or fussed, or frowned
No one argued or complained about Noah's plan.
'Cause nobody knew how to swim....yet
They knew they had no other choice since they didn't know how to swim.
Well the rain's came, they was all safe inside
When the rain started to pour, Noah and his family were already inside the ark.
They didn't get wet or nothin'
Because they were already in the ark, they were protected from the flood and didn't get wet.
Noah obeyed 'cause when God speaks,
Noah followed God's commands because he knew God's words were true.
Everybody listens, even E.F. Hutton
Everyone obeys because they know that God's word is the authority.
(CHORUS)
The chorus repeats that God values faith and trust, regardless of circumstance or situation.
Little David must have just been in his teens
David was still young when he faced Goliath.
When he faced Goliath of the Philistines
David took on the enemy, Goliath, who was from the Philistine tribe.
He was armed with just a slingshot and some stones
David carried only a slingshot and some stones to use as his weapon.
Well Goliath was a giant and strong as a tank
Goliath was a massive and powerful opponent.
And when he looked at men, their stomachs sank
Goliath's appearance intimidated and discouraged his opponents.
And there stood little David all alone
David courageously faced Goliath despite being outnumbered and outmatched.
With faith in God he slung his sling
David trusted in God and used his slingshot with confidence.
And much to their surprise
David's success surprised his opponents.
He killed that monster with a stone
David defeated Goliath by hitting him with a rock.
That nailed him 'tween the eyes
The stone hit Goliath in the forehead and knocked him down.
Then decapitated his fallen foe
David cut off the head of the dead Goliath.
And made sure he was dead
David confirmed that Goliath was dead by killing him again.
And showed everyone there he was someone
David proved that he was capable and fearless to everyone present.
Who really knew how to get 'a head'
The pun implies David not only got Goliath's head, but also emerged victorious and gained respect.
(CHORUS)
The chorus repeats that God values faith and trust, regardless of circumstance or situation.
King David was smitten down to his socks
King David was deeply affected by his temptation.
When his eyes caught that Bathsheba fox
David was attracted to Bathsheba and lusted after her.
His resistance was so shook that he backslid
David's moral strength weakened, and he committed adultery.
He went and had her husband killed
David arranged for Bathsheba's husband to be killed in battle.
Thinkin' his dreams would be fulfilled
David thought that fulfilling his desires by committing sin would make him happy.
But God would make him wish, that he never did
God punished David for his sins and made him regret his actions.
The Lord punished him severe
God punished David harshly for his sinful behavior.
For bein' stupid as an ape
David's foolish and sinful behavior led to his punishment.
But David's faith was strong
Despite David's mistakes, his faith in God remained strong.
And God soon pulled him back in shape
God restored David's spiritual health and saved him from his sins.
Now there's a lesson to be learned here
The song reminds listeners that there is a lesson to be learned from David's story.
About dealing with temptation
The lesson of David's story is how to handle temptation and avoid sin.
You keep your eyes on the Creator, men
To resist temptation, one must focus on God rather than worldly desires.
And not on His creation
Humans must not be distracted by material possessions or earthly pleasures.
Contributed by Jackson K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@lindamorton9212
I introduced, Carmen to 2 grand children at the ages of 3 & 4 at concerts in Roanoke, Virginia.1990's.
@Paul-ih8zd
And it’s still alive and well today flowing through my veins ❤ I’ve been drinking from the well
@billieblack1893
I love this music
@johnkoester4181
Saved in 1983 and this was my first Christian music cassette. Thank you.
@Tmhjr_Baskar
Aha, found it at last. Haven't heard this in YEARS. I think I heard it at the old 4 Square Gospel church back in the day.
@sarahjo7899
The Well is still one of my favorite songs for real
@laurasmith4783
Amen
@theresamischeski71
Absolutely love this :)
@erickahay2838
carman my favorite
@davidreynolds4684
I saw this concert in houston with amy grant phill driskol and a couple others michael w smith? I may be wrong on the last name. This was a powerful album . still is for that matter. I have to play it when life starts suckin. So far it hasnt helped much this go round. I cant seem to find a way to rise above the forces dragging me down. Im out of energy and dont hsve much fight left in me.