“Chris embodies all the great qualities that I love about great singers. His talents seem limitless and I hope we will continue to work together in the future.” –David Foster
“There is nothing that Chris Mann cannot sing. From the smoothest notes to the hardest runs, he can do it effortlessly. One of my favorite male singers today. A producer’s dream to work with.”
-Walter Afanasieff
With a powerful voice and dynamic live performance, Chris Mann has emerged on the scene as an artist to watch. His blend of classically-trained tenor and contemporary pop vocals is a sound that is rare in the world of music today.
Growing up in Wichita, Kansas, Chris began playing the piano and performing at a young age. He realized music was more than a hobby when he discovered that singing was in his blood; an unearthed stack of old records he believed to be Frank Sinatra recordings were actually sung by his grandfather. This sparked a fire within him—while his friends were listening to rock and country, Chris immersed himself in Pavarotti, Robbie Williams and vintage Sinatra, forever influencing his style and persona.
Chris has worked with A-list producers including Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds (Whitney Houston), Walter Afanasieff (Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion), Greg Wells (Adele, Jamie Cullum), Mark Hammond (Josh Groban), and Keith Thomas (Charlotte Church, Vanessa Williams) with whom he recorded a duet with Heather Headley. He has toured with Grammy Award-winner India.Arie and Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel, has performed at high profile events including the Sundance Film Festival, the Academy Awards Young Hollywood Party, the American Film Institute Awards, the Bel-Air Film Festival, and is a six-time headliner at national “Mom Blog” conventions. Recently, Chris was featured in “David Foster and Friends” at special events in Los Angeles and Washington D.C, performing “The Prayer” with Katharine McPhee and David Foster.
Chris’ voice has been featured in numerous films and television shows including Avatar, Glee 3D, Letters to Juliet, Tangled, Sex and the City 2, The Smurfs, 2012 and The Philanthropist, among others. At its inception, Fox’s hit show Glee called to feature Chris’ vocals on both the series and the accompanying soundtracks, which have sold millions of copies.
Chris’ original music has been licensed in film and television programs including Drop Dead Diva, When in Romance, and Honey 2; Office Max also licensed his music for their national “back to school” television campaign. Additionally, Lifetime selected Chris’ song “Beautiful Life” as the television promo soundtrack for Coming Home, a reality series documenting soldiers as they return home from war.
His talents run deeper than just music: Chris has acted on-screen as a member of the Dalton Academy Warblers on Fox’s Glee, has been featured on Howie Mandel’s Mobbed and has starred in numerous musicals on-stage. His credits as a writer and producer are growing as well. He is one half of the production team, Church+State, who recently produced the debut single “Sweet Vendetta” for Melody Thornton of The Pussycat Dolls.
Chris Mann has built his global fan base by embracing social media platforms such as Twitter, and his humorous yet thoughtful weekly ‘MANNblogMonday’ at ChrisMannMusic.com is a fan favorite; these efforts, and more, build the Chris Mann brand and allow unrivaled accessibility to his fans.
Chris has currently auditioned for season 2 of The Voice on NBC premiering February 5, 2012 after the Super Bowl.
Contacts: Music: Susan Markheim, Susan.Markheim [at] Azoffmusic.com
Acting: Abe Hoch, Abe [at] amgmtco.com
When The Lights Fade
Chris Mann Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It?s such a pretty view
On the last take all I see is you
In the fast lane the city rushes by
I just can?t wait ?cause we only have tonight
Feels like I?m slipping
I?m losing my way
Everyone's pushing and pulling
So I?m holding on
You?re my life line and I fall right into you
Holding on, and you?re the only way
Slow me down, I stay on the ground
Holding on is all I can do until the lights fade
In the doorway of a perfect little house I see you waiting
And my heart is the only sound
You?re the one thing I can?t get enough
I keep on wishing and hoping
I don?t know how long I can wait so I?m?
I?m holding on
You?re my life line and I?m fall right into you
Holding on, and you?re the only way
Slow me down, I stay on the ground
Holding on is all I can do until the lights fade
Take me higher than I?ve ever been
Where you are is where I?m home
I?ll be your shelter, I?ll watch over you
I?ll hold my hand out and together we?ll be
I?m holding on, you?re my life line and I?ll fall right into you.
So I?m holding on
You?re my life line and I?m fall right into you
Holding on, and you?re the only way
Slow me down, I stay on the ground
Holding on is all I can do until the lights fade
The lyrics of Chris Mann's "When The Lights Fade" express a sense of urgency and longing to hold onto what matters most, amidst the chaos and stresses of life. Mann describes a scene of rushing through the city, chasing after something elusive, while feeling like he's slipping and losing his way. In the midst of this, he finds solace in the idea of holding onto someone who acts as his "lifeline" and grounds him. This person makes him feel safe and at home, offering him a reprieve from the bustling world around him.
The song is a reminder to prioritize what really matters and to hold onto it tightly, especially in moments of uncertainty and stress. The lyrics suggest that it's important to slow down and ease into the safety of those around us, especially when we feel like we're slipping. This idea of clinging onto someone for dear life can be interpreted both literally and figuratively: one might find comfort in a romantic partner or a close friend or family member who offers consistency and stability.
Line by Line Meaning
When the lights fade
As the lights dim and darkness takes over, a serene view emerges.
It?s such a pretty view
The view is extremely beautiful and mesmerizing.
On the last take all I see is you
During this moment of blissful viewing, the only thing the artist can see is his beloved.
In the fast lane the city rushes by
The city is moving at a frenetic pace in the fast lane.
I just can?t wait?cause we only have tonight
The artist is too excited because he is aware that they only have tonight to spend with each other.
Feels like I?m slipping
The artist feels as though he is losing grip control.
I?m losing my way
The artist feels lost and unsure of his direction.
Everyone's pushing and pulling
There are so many competing forces that it is becoming hard to keep up.
I don?t know how much I can take
The artist is unsure about having what it takes to push through the obstacles.
So I?m holding on
The artist holds on to his partner for support and to steady himself.
You?re my life line and I fall right into you
The partner is the artist's support and gives him the strength and centeredness he needs to be strong.
Holding on, and you?re the only way
The partner is the only way for the artist to stabilize himself and remain centered while everything else is shifting.
Slow me down, I stay on the ground
The artist wants to slow down and stay grounded with his partner to find peace and solace.
Holding on is all I can do until the lights fade
The only thing that the artist can do to remain whole is holding on tightly until the darkness envelops them.
In the doorway of a perfect little house I see you waiting
In the artist's mind's eye, he sees his love waiting in the perfect little house's doorway.
And my heart is the only sound
The artist's heart is pounding with excitement and anticipation and is the only thing he can hear.
You?re the one thing I can?t get enough
The artist is unable to get enough of his beloved and longs for more.
I keep on wishing and hoping
The artist is full of hope and wishes for a better future with his partner by his side.
I don?t know how long I can wait so I?m?
The artist is unsure of how much longer he can wait to be with his partner so he holds on tighter.
Take me higher than I?ve ever been
The artist wants his partner to take him to newer, greater heights of love and passion.
Where you are is where I?m home
The artist feels that his true home is wherever his partner is.
I?ll be your shelter, I?ll watch over you
The artist vows to protect and cherish his partner always.
I?ll hold my hand out and together we?ll be
The artist is willing to be there for his partner no matter what and they will face their life together as a team.
You?re my life line and I?m fall right into you.
The partner is the source of the artist's strength and encourages him to fall into their embrace.
Holding on, and you?re the only way
The partner is the only support that the artist has and it is impossible for him to survive without them.
Slow me down, I stay on the ground
The artist wants to slow down and be grounded so that he can find peace and happiness with his partner.
Holding on is all I can do until the lights fade
The only way for the artist to survive the ups and downs of life is by holding on with his partner until the end when the lights eventually fade to black.
Contributed by Nora N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Nick Foster
Chris you are my Idol! When I first heard your voice I got goosebumps, as a fellow singer I give you props for your talents and abilities. You sir deserve the title of The Voice.
Chance McGee
This is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. Thank you.
gary adams
When the lights fade, I will still be holding on. Beautiful message and song.
lucas garza
i love this song, my new favorite all time artist ever
Auntie Lyn
great job on the Voice tonight... I'm so excited for the rest of the world to see and hear what I have been enjoying the past year. So proud of you Chris... always be yourself and that will be more than enough for the world.
murtwins
voted 20x for you tonight for the season finale. Thanks for sharing your breathtaking voice with us, I'm a new fan for sure! Will surely buy your album!
Rachel Burridge
Chris you may not have won the voice, but to me you're the true winner. I love your music, it's amazing and you are going to go far 3
Ashanti Williams
One of my favorites on this EP!
Dawn Marie
Amazed again by you, your lyrics, your voice...I close my eyes and listen...think of my husband...beautiful song and singer 💙
Davin and Ana
my heart gets squeezed tight every time you utter a note....beauty....pure BEAUTY....