The three met while they were young men at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. They formed the band dc Talk (a reference to Washington D.C., but later marketed as 'decent Christian talk' by their label) and, as of the year 2000, spent twelve solid years together, performing all over the world, recording 6 albums, and earning many awards, including 4 Grammy awards.
Their music, aimed at a younger audience, combined hip-hop, rap, and R&B sensibilities and filled a gap in 1980s Christian Music and gave them a unique niche. Their first three albums, DC Talk, Nu Thang, and Free at Last started from their rap/hip-hop roots but increasingly included melodic vocal rock influences. Their 1995 studio album, Jesus Freak, continued this musical evolution by eshewing almost all rap elements and adopting a harder modern rock/grunge sound on many songs, especially the title track. Their most recent studio album, Supernatural, draws on their previous efforts while moving towards mainstream pop stylings.
Their signature sound in all albums is their use of the three members' different vocal skills separately and together. They are often lauded for their lyrical sophistication, addressing many themes in Christian theology, faith, and practice.
After more than ten years together as a group, they are taking a break in recording together to pursue their own activities outside of the band, and launch solo careers in recording music. Michael Tait formed his own band, Tait, and has most recently served as the frontman for Newsboys. Toby McKeehan has released music under the name Tobymac, and has been the most sucessful of the three. Kevin Max has released two solo albums of his own.
There Is A Treason At Sea
DC Talk Lyrics
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Only the tip of a sunrise visible
Like the morning light in a little girl's eyes
I crave this freedom
I find it only in this little ship
Just my soul and this bread and butter
I am comfortable
Is it me?
It is a wonder, supernatural cover of war
The dark ones who eternal in damnation grow
Set about me now
How they whine and crow
I am solo
In this world of wet
And bitter is my temperament
I close the door to sentiment
And I relish all my youth
I realize that I am doomed
Fear of love and fear of You
But You give me the keys to paradise
It is You who sympathize
You and Your perfection grow
I am cradled in Your oceans throw
I crave Your freedom in this little ship
For You alone can chart my trip
And like these waves I lose my grip
And I sink into Your arms
In DC Talk's song "There Is A Treason At Sea", the lyrics tell the story of someone who is alone in a world of water, finding freedom in the little ship they are traveling in. The imagery of the sunrise and a little girl's eyes evoke a sense of hopefulness and wonder. However, the lyrics reveal that there is a "treason at sea", causing the singer to question whether it is they who are the problem or if it is some supernatural force at work.
The dark forces mentioned in the lyrics seem to be crowding in on the singer, causing them to feel bitter and alone. They try to shut out any feelings of sentimentality, fearing both love and God. However, they eventually realize that it is only through God's love and guidance that they can find true freedom and paradise. They are comforted by the idea of being cradled in God's "ocean throw" and losing their grip on worldly concerns.
Overall, the lyrics in "There Is A Treason At Sea" convey a sense of struggle and uncertainty, but ultimately remain hopeful and trusting in God's guidance and protection.
Line by Line Meaning
I am solo in this world of water
I am alone and isolated in a vast ocean.
Only the tip of a sunrise visible
I can only see a small part of the beauty around me.
Like the morning light in a little girl's eyes
The beauty I see is innocent and pure.
I crave this freedom
I desire to be free from the constraints of society.
I find it only in this little ship
I feel free when I am in my boat and away from others.
Just my soul and this bread and butter
I have the bare minimum to survive and am content with it.
I am comfortable
I am at ease in my current situation.
But there is a treason at sea
However, there is a sense of danger and betrayal lurking in the water.
Is it me?
I question whether my own actions are causing the danger.
It is a wonder, supernatural cover of war
There is a mystical battle taking place in the ocean.
The dark ones who eternal in damnation grow
Evil forces are growing stronger and will remain forever condemned.
Set about me now
They are attacking me now.
How they whine and crow
The evil forces make annoying noises and are trying to distract me.
I am solo
I am all alone and must face the evil forces on my own.
In this world of wet
I am surrounded by water and all its dangers.
And bitter is my temperament
I am beginning to feel bitter and discouraged.
I close the door to sentiment
I am shutting out emotions to protect myself.
And I relish all my youth
I try to focus on the present and enjoy what little time I have left.
I realize that I am doomed
I come to terms with my mortality and the danger of my situation.
Fear of love and fear of You
I am afraid to love or to trust in a higher power.
But You give me the keys to paradise
However, I find hope and salvation in a higher power.
It is You who sympathize
This higher power understands my struggles and offers compassion.
You and Your perfection grow
This higher power represents perfection and is constantly growing.
I am cradled in Your oceans throw
I am comforted and protected by this higher power.
I crave Your freedom in this little ship
I seek the freedom that comes from relying on this higher power while in my boat.
For You alone can chart my trip
Only this higher power can guide me through the dangers of life.
And like these waves I lose my grip
I surrender control and let myself be carried by the waves of life and this higher power's guidance.
And I sink into Your arms
I find safety and shelter in this higher power's embrace.
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Capitol CMG Publishing
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