In 1976, Peacock appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle in a jazz column written by Frank Kofsky, who helped to start Peacock's career. In his early days as a musician, Peacock nestled in with some of the Bay Area’s finest, keeping company with major artists like singer Eddie Henderson, trumpeter Mark Isham, and pianist Art Lande’s ECM-signed Rubisa Patrol. Later on Peacock established his own band named the Charlie Peacock Group, that were later signed to Bill Graham Productions. During the mid-80's the Charlie Peacock Group toured all over the US and Canada in support of other 80's bands as The Fixx, General Public, Let's Active and Missing Persons, and Charlie Peacock opened up for artists as diversed as The Hooters and Bob Marley as well. Charlie Peacock's first solo album, the self produced Lie Down in the Grass, was released in 1984 on the Sacramento label Exit Records under distribution by A&M Records. Two years later a self titled album, co-produced by Nigel Grey (The Police), was released on Exit Records, this time around under distribution by Island Records. His music recorded in the 90's and beyond is a mix of jazz, pop and rock in the vein of Sting and Peter Gabriel. In recent years his focus has moved more and more towards the jazz scene, with the 2005 album Love Press Ex-Curio featuring several luminaries of the US contemporary jazz scene like Ravi Coltrane, Ralph Alessi and Jeff Coffin of the Béla Fleck and the Flecktones.
Since his career began in the early 1980s, Peacock has received a number of awards. As of 2003, he had been nominated for five Grammys. He is the only person to have gained the Gospel Music Association's Dove Award for Producer of the Year three times. He has produced works by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Al Green, CeCe Winans, Out of the Grey, Cheri Keaggy, Steve Scott, Audio Adrenaline, The 77's, Sarah Masen, Switchfoot and Twila Paris, among others.
Amy Grant's huge hit "Every Heartbeat" that reached number 2 on Billboard, was co-written as well as produced by Peacock. dc Talk's hit song "In the Light" was also written (and originally performed) by Peacock.
With his wife, Andrea, he founded the Art House, a group where artists and non-artists consider how faith relates to art. His son, Sam Ashworth, is also a musician.
In 1995 he founded re:think, a Christian record label.[1] Though he sold the label to the EMI Christian Music Group in 1997, he retained control of the creative direction of the label.[1]
Dear Friend
Charlie Peacock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That says you're gonna be married soon
But you've been sayin' that for years
There can be no wedding without a groom
You said, he went away
To make a place for you and Him
Oh, you know He's gonna come back
Dear friends, He is not slow in keeping His promises
As some understand slowness to be
Keep a watch out, don't lose faith, He said, He would come for you
He's gonna come for you, you wait and see, just wait and see
Dear friend, people joke
They laugh and they make fun
When they hear talkin' all about
The groom who's gonna come
He's been gone a long, long time
Are there any doubts to confess?
Do you wonder if you will
Ever wear that wedding dress?
Dear friends, He is not slow in keeping His promises
As some understand slowness to be
Keep a watch out, don't lose faith, He said, He would come for you
He's gonna come for you, you wait and see
Dear friends, He is not slow in keeping His promises
As some understand slowness to be
Keep a watch out, don't lose faith, He said, He would come for you
He's gonna come for you, you wait and see
Dear friends, He is not slow in keeping His promises
As some understand slowness to be
Keep a watch out, don't lose faith, He said, He would come for you
He's gonna come for you, you wait and see, just wait and see
In "Dear Friend," Charlie Peacock addresses a friend who has been waiting for her bridegroom to return for a wedding. The song begins with talk of rumors about the friend's supposed nuptials, but no groom has shown up yet. The friend has faith that he will return, but she does not know when. People mock the idea of the groom's return because he has been gone for so long, and the friend may be starting to have doubts about ever getting married.
Peacock draws upon the biblical concept of Christ as the bridegroom and the church as the bride to convey his message. The song touches on the themes of faith and patience as essential qualities for believers. It encourages people to keep waiting and watching for Jesus to return as he promised, even if it seems like it's taking a long time. The lyrics also remind us that God is faithful to his promises, and we should not lose faith, even when circumstances may seem contrary to our expectations.
Overall, the song is a message of hope and perseverance, rooted in the Christian faith. It shows the importance of having a community of friends who can encourage and support us during difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
Dear friend, there's a story goin' 'round
I've heard rumors that you're getting married soon, but I want to know what's really going on with you.
That says you're gonna be married soon
The rumor I heard is that you're getting married soon.
But you've been sayin' that for years
You've been talking about getting married for years without any progress.
There can be no wedding without a groom
You need a groom for there to be a wedding, and I want to know where yours is.
You said, he went away
You've told me that your groom went away.
To make a place for you and Him
He left to prepare a place for you and himself.
Oh, you know He's gonna come back
You're confident that he will return.
But you just don't know when
You don't know when he will come back.
Dear friend, people joke
Some people make fun of your situation.
They laugh and they make fun
They laugh and mock the idea of a groom who has been gone for so long.
When they hear talkin' all about
When they hear about you talking about your groom.
The groom who's gonna come
They mock the idea of a groom who has been gone for so long coming back.
He's been gone a long, long time
Your groom has been gone for a long time.
Are there any doubts to confess?
Do you have any doubts about whether your groom will really come back?
Do you wonder if you will
Do you ever wonder if you will actually get married?
Ever wear that wedding dress?
Will you ever get to wear the wedding dress you've been dreaming of?
Dear friends, He is not slow in keeping His promises
God always keeps his promises, and he will come through for you.
As some understand slowness to be
Some people think that God is slow to act, but that's not true. He is always working behind the scenes.
Keep a watch out, don't lose faith, He said, He would come for you
You need to stay vigilant and keep your faith, because God promised he would come for you.
He's gonna come for you, you wait and see, just wait and see
God will keep his promise to you, and you will see that he will come through in his own time.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: CHARLIE PEACOCK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Penny F
I used to listen to this song years ago and it cuts to the heart. I used to cry especially when the children start to sing. So touching. I love that when you sing along you are singing scripture too. Just plain lovely song and sentiment.
David Sutherland
Jeff Mosey - there is something to this album that is very hopeful, isn't there? I get that feeling when listening. This album brought me through some tough times years ago.
I pray the fog that has you thinking something like "being Christ follower is evil" would be lifted. Great depression, great anger, great grief, all can be carried to the cross with great relief, but we have to find understanding, and be brave enough to embrace the truth that Christ is worthy and powerful enough.
ScrapperK
David Sutherland, beautifully said! 💕
NipkowDisk
Haven't heard this in many years, a very touching song.
Marketing Africa118
When I bumped this song on my Spotify playlist the LORD used it to keep my hope bubbling in HIM. Like fresh soup in the fire!! HE IS NOT SLOW IN KEEPING HIS PROMISES!!
SL Shaver
one night, 24 or more years ago, i was up with my newborn son and he would not nurse, and was crying and crying. i was at the end of my rope. i was listening to this on cassette and it immediately calmed me. it was a wonderful moment. this is a wonderful album that came out at a very singular time in my life. probably in the lives of many people, including Charlie. :)
Joe Rhodes
C. P. . what a class act, great album's, great life affirming lyrics. Anybody know the band Vector, Charlie was in that band.
Dion Richardson
The Scripture it's based on reminded me of this song! Absolutely a favorite and great reminder!
Jeffrey Coronel
God is not slow in helping us in time of needs
Brent Fleming
ill bet one thousand dollars that Lance Weeda, loves this, I just like it!