In 1984, at the age of 15, Lewis auditioned for a children's musical called Hi Tops, written and produced by Ernie and Debbie Retino, creators of Psalty, the Singing Song Book. Lewis passed the audition and was able to go into the studio and participate in the Soundtrack recording with the rest of the cast members. While working with the musical, Lewis met a member of the Rockabilly band, The Lifters. After becoming friends with the members of that band, Lewis was asked to join. Soon after, the band changed its name to Wild Blue Yonder. Lewis also met her current husband, Brian Ray, through her association with the band.
Wild Blue Yonder was together for two years and recorded a single full length album, produced by Daniel Amos frontman Terry Scott Taylor, for Frontline Records in 1986. She would also sing on D.A.'s album Fearful Symmetry in 1986, and Taylor's solo album A Briefing for the Ascent in 1987. After Wild Blue Yonder disbanded, Frontline offered Lewis a solo recording contract at the age of 17. Beyond the Charade, her first solo project, was released in 1987. Lewis went on to record two more albums for Frontline, Joy in 1988, and Let Love In in 1990, before starting her own record label, Metro One Music in 1992 with a distribution deal through Diamante Music Group.
For a brief time, Lewis starred in a Nickelodeon Television series called Roundhouse. Lewis left the show after one year.
Her next solo project, Remember, was recorded and released on Metro One label in 1992, followed by The Bride in 1993, and Hymns: My Life in 1995. The Bride was listed at # 97 in the 2001 book, CCM Presents: The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music. A greatest hits collection released that year landed Lewis in the # 1 spot on the Pop/Dance charts with her rendition of "Shine Jesus Shine." Beauty For Ashes was released in 1996, the first album from Metro One to be distributed through a new arrangement with Myrrh Records. Ashes was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, and the song "People Get Ready...Jesus Is Comin' " was the # 1 song of the year (1996) in Christian Radio. The album also won an ASCAP award for "Beauty For Ashes" as the most played song (1997). The album contained four # 1 radio singles: "People get ready...Jesus is Comin' ", "Beauty of the Cross", "God's been good to me", and "Beauty for Ashes."
Gold was released in 1998 and gave Lewis two # 1 hits, "Lord, I Believe in You" and "Not the Same". Gold was later re-issued that same year with a new recording of "Lean On Me" (lead vocals by Crystal Lewis), which originally appeared on Kirk Franklin's album The Nu Nation Project that included "Lean on Me" featuring Mary J. Blige, R.Kelly, Bono, Crystal Lewis and The Family. That same year, Crystal won Dove Awards for "Female Vocalist of the Year" and "Spanish Language Album of the Year" for La Belleza de la Cruz. Lewis also joined Franklin along with Gerald Levert, Mary J. Blige, and Bono on stage at the 1999 Grammy Awards for a performance of "Lean on Me."
Lewis returned to her Rockabilly roots briefly in 1999 with The Attack of the Screamin' Rays. The live project Live @ The Woodlands, recorded live in Houston, Texas on November 6, 1998, was also released that year. Crystal picked up two more Dove awards in 1999 for "Special Event Album" for her contribution to the project Exodus, and "Spanish Language Album" for Oro. In 2000, Lewis released Fearless, which was nominated for "Best Christian Pop Album of the Year" at the 2000 Grammy Awards. The song "Only Fools" from that album was voted song of the year by ASCAP. Her first Christmas album, Holiday! A Collection of Christmas Classics, went on to be voted the 5th Best Christmas album of all-time by CCM Magazine.
Crystal released her second greatest hits project More in 2001. A second live project, More Live, recorded at the Sun Theater in Anaheim, California on November 17, 2001, was released in 2002, along with another collection of hymns and gospel standards, Holy, Holy, Holy. See was released in 2005, and, the children's project, Joyful Noise was released in 2006.
Fearless
Crystal Lewis Lyrics
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I was so fragile
By myself not worth that much
Not worth that much at all
I was scared
I was so cold
Was afraid to take a step
yet amidst my fear of dying
I found faith enough for flying
And an endless source of freedom
For my wings
fearless in the face of danger
Fearless though sometimes a stranger
I'm not afraid to tell you what I found
I'm fearless all around
I am not ashamed
I am satisfied
For to me to die is gain
And to live is Christ
I am not afraid
I am not alone
For my hope is held in this
My God is in control
though the wind is cold and biting
I can see the sun is shining
Though the clouds bring rain for ruin
I see clear sky
yet amidst my fear of dying
I've found faith enough of flying
And an endless source of freedom
For my wings
so I fan to flame a fire
The gift of God now my desire
And I watch the word inspire
You to fly...!
The song "Fearless" by Crystal Lewis is an inspiring and uplifting composition about conquering fear and finding faith and freedom. The opening verses describe the singer's initial vulnerabilities, feeling weak, fragile, and insignificant. She was afraid to take a step forward, fearing failure and falling down. But amidst her fear, she found strength in her faith and realized her potential to soar. The lyrics reflect a sense of empowerment and encourage listeners to face their fears, take risks, and pursue their dreams.
The chorus speaks of being fearless in the face of danger, even when feeling like a stranger to others. The singer has found the courage to share her story and her faith, unafraid of rejection or judgment. She declares herself to be fully satisfied and unashamed, finding meaning and purpose in her belief in Christ. The final verses reinforce the message of hope and resilience, even when facing adversity. The singer sees through the rain and clouds to the clear skies beyond, and she encourages others to find their own wings and fly.
Overall, "Fearless" is a powerful and inspiring song that encourages listeners to overcome fear and find faith in themselves and their beliefs. It is a message of hope and empowerment that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Line by Line Meaning
I was weak
I lacked strength
I was so fragile
I was vulnerable and delicate
By myself not worth that much
I felt unworthy and insignificant alone
Not worth that much at all
I felt unimportant and worthless
I was scared
I was afraid and frightened
I was so cold
I felt isolated and alone
Was afraid to take a step
I was hesitant to move forward
A step lest I should fall
I feared failure and the consequences of taking a risk
yet amidst my fear of dying
Despite my fear of failure and loss
I found faith enough for flying
I discovered the strength and courage to soar
And an endless source of freedom
I discovered infinite liberation and liberation
For my wings
To empower me to achieve my true potential
fearless in the face of danger
I am unafraid and resolute when confronting perilous situations
Fearless though sometimes a stranger
I am bold even in unfamiliar territories
I'm not afraid to tell you what I found
I am confident in sharing my discoveries
I'm fearless all around
I am brave in any circumstance
I am not ashamed
I am proud and unembarrassed
I am satisfied
I am content and fulfilled
For to me to die is gain
I believe that death is a reward
And to live is Christ
I live for faith and devotion to God
I am not afraid
I do not fear any obstacle
I am not alone
I am supported and guided by a higher power
For my hope is held in this
I trust in my faith and its teachings
My God is in control
I believe that God is guiding me
though the wind is cold and biting
Despite facing harsh and difficult conditions
I can see the sun is shining
I can see the good and positive amidst the tough times
Though the clouds bring rain for ruin
Despite challenging and harmful situations
I see clear sky
I see hope and a bright future ahead
so I fan to flame a fire
I ignite and fuel my passion and drive
The gift of God now my desire
I aspire to follow and cherish the teachings of God
And I watch the word inspire
I am motivated and driven by my faith and its teachings
You to fly...!
To encourage and inspire others to find their courage and soar
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DANE ANTHONY DEVILLER, SEAN SYED HOSEIN, MICHELLE LEWIS, JESSICA ANN SIMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind