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.
I Will Go
Crystal Lewis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A fisherman to fish for those who're drowning in a scowling sea
A sea of loneliness and pain; confusion, hurt, worry, shame
I'm holding out my hand and yet they don't hear me call their names
I want you to be the one to tell them that the kingdom's come
And give them all the truth and joy that you've been given by the son
Will you go wherever I lead
Be light in the dark
Be salt in the street
Will you go no matter the cost
Will you live for the lost
So they'll know of the cross
Will you go
I said oh, no, lord not me. I'm not good enough to go you see
I mean, what if they laugh or worst. start throwing things and I get hurt
Besides that, what would I say. I think there's been a big mistake
Lord, please ask this of someone else. I can't go I'm too afraid
I want you to be the one to tell them that the kingdom's come
And give them all the truth and joy that you've been given by the son
Will you go wherever I lead
Be light in the dark
Be salt in the street
Will you go no matter the cost
Will you live for the lost
So they'll know of the cross
Will you go
And he said yes, some will cover their ears and they will not want to hear
You must stand and say it still, be brave my child and do not fear
For it is my words you'll speak and a promise I will keep
You safe and sound within my will I'm your strength when you're weak
I will go wherever you lead
Be the light in the dark
And be salt in the street
I will go no matter the cost
I will live for the lost
So they'll know of the cross
I will go
The song "I Will Go" by Crystal Lewis is a powerful call to action for Christians to step out in faith and share the message of the gospel. The opening verse sets the scene of Jesus calling his followers to be fishers of men, to reach out to those who are lost and drowning in their sins. The lyrics describe the struggles and doubts that many people may face when they hear this call, such as feeling unworthy, afraid of rejection or uncertain of what to say. The chorus repeats the question, "Will you go?", challenging listeners to put aside their fears and follow Jesus' lead, no matter the cost.
The song's theme is inspired by the Great Commission, the last speech of Jesus Christ to his disciples before his ascension into heaven, where he commands them to go and make disciples of all nations. The lyrics emphasize that all followers of Christ have a responsibility to share the message of salvation and love, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities. The song also echoes the biblical passage of Matthew 5:13-16, where Jesus encourages his followers to be "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world," shining in the darkness and preserving goodness and truth in the world.
The song's verses contrast the loneliness, pain, confusion, and hurt of those who are lost in their sins, with the truth and joy that can be found in the gospel message. The bridge describes how, even when facing opposition or rejection, Christians can find strength and courage in God's promises and in the knowledge that they are doing His will. Overall, the song is a powerful reminder of the call to evangelize and love one's neighbor as oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
And he said come and follow me. I'm calling out, I want you to be
Jesus called out to me, asking me to follow Him and become a fisherman to rescue those trapped in a sea of suffering.
A fisherman to fish for those who're drowning in a scowling sea
I am tasked with saving those submerged in the overwhelming, negative emotions of loneliness, pain, confusion, hurt, worry, and shame.
I'm holding out my hand and yet they don't hear me call their names
Although Jesus and His message are available to everyone, many people ignore His call and fail to heed His message.
I want you to be the one to tell them that the kingdom's come
Jesus desires me to spread the news that His kingdom has arrived and that everyone is welcome to come aboard.
And give them all the truth and joy that you've been given by the son
I am entrusted with the responsibility of providing others with the happiness and truth bestowed upon me by Jesus the Son.
Will you go wherever I lead
Jesus asks if I'm willing to go anywhere He needs me to.
Be light in the dark
I am being asked to be a beacon of hope and positivity in the presence of negativity and darkness.
Be salt in the street
Jesus wants me to be a preservative in corrupt and desolate areas of the community.
Will you go no matter the cost
Jesus inquires whether I'm willing to accept any sacrifices and sufferings that come with spreading His message.
Will you live for the lost
Jesus longs for me to dedicate my life to finding those who have lost their way and showing them the path back to Him.
So they'll know of the cross
The ultimate goal is to make sure people understand the significance and redemptive power of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.
And he said yes, some will cover their ears and they will not want to hear
Jesus recognizes that some individuals won't be receptive to the message or will even actively reject it.
You must stand and say it still, be brave my child and do not fear
Despite rejection or opposition, Jesus wants me to stand firm in spreading His message and not be afraid or discouraged.
For it is my words you'll speak and a promise I will keep
When I am sharing the message of Jesus's love, I am speaking His words, and He promises to be with me through thick and thin.
You safe and sound within my will I'm your strength when you're weak
Jesus is saying that His protection will be my shield and His strength will support me if I continue to spread His message.
I will go wherever you lead
I affirm that I will follow Jesus wherever He wants me to go.
Be the light in the dark
I am committed to being a shining light of hope and joy in the midst of darkness.
And be salt in the street
I pledge to act as a preservative and an influence for good in the degenerated areas of society.
I will go no matter the cost
I am resolved to accept any sacrifices or difficulties that come with preaching the good news of Jesus.
I will live for the lost
I promise to dedicate my life to the finding and returning to faith of those who have lost their way.
So they'll know of the cross
The ultimate goal is to make sure people understand the significance and redemptive power of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jericho Aldave
Sis Carla:
...And he said "Come, and follow me
I'm calling you I want you to be
A fisherman to fish for those
Who are drowning in a scowling sea
Sis. Joy Dayo:
A sea of loneliness and pain
Confusion, hurt, worry, shame
I'm holding out my hand
And yet they don't hear me call their name
Sis. CJ
I want you to be the one
To tell them that the Kingdom's come
And give them all the truth and joy
You've been given by the Son
ALL PASTORAL YOUTH:
Will you go
Wherever I lead
Be light in the dark
And be salt in the street
Will you go
No matter the cost
Will you live for the lost
So they'll know of the cross
Will you go
BRO. IAN:
I said Oh no, Lord not me
I'm not good enough to go you see
I mean what if they laugh or worse
Start throwing things and I get hurt
BRO. EJ:
Besides that, what would I say
I think there's been a big mistake
Lord, please ask this of someone else
I can't go I'm too afraid
BRO. PAUL:
I want you to be the one
To tell them that the Kingdom's come
And give them all the truth and joy
You've been given by the Son
ALL PASTORAL YOUTH
Will you go
Wherever I lead
Be light in the dark
And be salt in the street
Will you go
No matter the cost
Will you live for the lost
So they'll know of the cross
Will you go
SIS. CELINA:
He said yes, some will cover their ears
And they will not want to hear
You must stand and say it still
Be brave my child and do not fear
SIS. JESSA:
For it is my words you'll speak
And I promise I will keep
You safe and sound within my will
I'm your strength when you're weak
BRO. JERICHO
I want you to be the one
To tell then that the Kingdom's come
And give them all the truth and joy
You've been given by the Son
ALL PASTORAL YOUTH
I will go
Wherever You lead
Be light inthe dark
And be salt in the street
I will go
No matter the cost
I will live for the lost
So they'll know of the cross
I will go
Wherever you lead
Be light in the dark
And be salt in the street
I will go
No matter the cost
I will live for the lost
So they'll know of the cross
I will go
I will go
Here I am
Send me
Oh yeah
Ethereal Imperfection
This song makes me cry. May God be forever exalted! Amen!
murahomesa -CHANNEL OF BLESSINGS
Why does this song make you cry? Blessings.
Keri D F
Everytime I hear this song, I'm reminded of the prophet Jeremiah...I love this song!
Sad Girl
God forgive me for running away please save me don't let the devil destroy me please lord make me strong enough to do what you want me to do
Erica H
Hey, Happy girl, beautiful girl, worthy girl, anointed girl... You're everything but sad! Words have power beloved. So change your name. -Erica 🤗
Inverted Earth
I pray you are ok
Janet Russo
HE Loves you. He’ll ALWAYS Help! 🥰 He’s got you!!!
Oliver Llaban
I`ve been listening to this song a several times and in everytime I listen to it. It makes me more inspirable and i applied it in every single day of my life., It means a LOT! Amen! Praise the Lord
Doreen Pinkerton
I love this song, so moving! It sends out the message that we must spread the good news of Christ's love for all people, and the message of hope to a lost and dying world that needs him. Thankyou for showing us obedience matters, and a willing heart.
Starapple Henry
God is awesome, there is no denying that. I went down by the sea and stood there for a few minutes and watch the waves going to and fro and during that moment, I just started worshipping the Lord because not one of us have such power! God is definetly in control!