Pop vocalist and songwriter David Phelps has been given such a talent. Credited by many as having one of today's most spectacular voices, David has seen countless thousands rise to their feet for his inspiring, powerhouse performances. His audiences have included George W. Bush, massive crowds at Billy Graham Crusades, and millions of "ABC News" viewers, and his voice has brought him multiple Grammy and Dove awards. And with the release of his new solo debut for Word Records, Revelation, Phelps is poised to reach an even greater audience of fans around the globe. Yet amid all the acclaim, David has a special person in his life who reminds him to always honor the One who gave that talent to him.
His wife of eleven years, Lori, helps David balance his dual roles as acclaimed vocalist and down-to-earth husband and father of three (soon to be four). "Most of us don't get the chance to have even one standing ovation or round of applause in our lives, so working on a stage of any kind can give you a really unrealistic view of life if you're not careful," David reveals. "In her own loving way, Lori won't let me live in that place of applause, and I'm very thankful for that."
Though not a musician herself, Lori has walked with David all along the long, challenging road as he has pursued his calling to music. Hailing originally from the Houston area, the couple met at Texas' Baylor University over a decade ago, where Phelps earned a degree in line with his passion—music.
Recognized from an early age for his unusual talent, David knew from the beginning that he wanted to perform music for the glory of God. Not everyone understood his commitment to faith, however. "I had several teachers who felt that I should be singing opera, or performing somewhere on Broadway," he recalls. "In college particularly, I had a teacher who kept pushing me strongly toward classical music, but when she finally accepted that Christian music was what God was calling me to do, that became the turning point for me."
From there, as a teenager, David went on become the winner of the 1988 Seminar In the Rockies held in Estes Park, Colorado, the youngest winner of the contest at that time. He then continued his career after graduation with a stint as Artist In Residence for First Baptist Church in Hurst, Texas. Though for a time it appeared that family commitments might prevent David from realizing his dream, he and Lori packed their bags for Nashville, Tennessee, in 1996 with the hope of landing a record deal for David.
Once again, however, he faced a challenge. After six heartbreaking months, David had not found an opportunity, and since he had given up his job back in Texas, the young couple was running out of funds. While visiting his family one weekend back in Texas, David told them, "We really feel like God was calling us to Nashville, but it's just not happening." Instantly, his family gathered around David and Lori and began to pray for a miracle.
A miracle is what God had in mind. The very next day, back in Nashville, David met with executives from Word Records and found out about an opportunity with best-selling vocal foursome Gaither Vocal Band. Two weeks later, he officially joined the group that has brought him four Dove Awards, two Grammy Awards, and over 13 gold and 15 platinum-selling projects.
Throughout the phenomenal success he has experienced with Gaither Vocal Band, David has cherished the dream of releasing a solo album expressing his own style and songcrafting. With the release of Revelation, David has finally fully realized the calling he first felt so many years before.
Featuring songs primarily written or co-written by Phelps, Revelation is a showcase for the impressive vocal and musical training that have shaped Phelps as a performer, swirled into a beautiful sonic blend that reflects the best of 21st century pop. From dramatic ballads to R&B-influenced groove and rock-tinged, energetic pop, Revelation reveals the musical passion and substantive message behind this exceptional singer/songwriter.
"The foundation of this album lies in knowing who Christ really is," explains David. "There's a line at the beginning of the song 'Break Free' that sums it up well—'Forget what you've heard about Jesus, if it doesn't begin and end with love.'
"As a culture, both churched and unchurched, we carry around so many ideas of who Jesus is that are not true," David continues. "We relate Christ to the idea of being judged or compared against an impossible standard. I want people to hear about a God who isn't standing there with His finger in their faces, but is simply there with His arms open wide saying, 'I just want to know you. Come to me, and I'll help you through this journey.'"
Every song on Revelation reveals God's mercy and compassion for His people. "Just As I Am," penned by David and award-winning songwriter Cindy Morgan, expresses Christ's loving acceptance of the broken, while "Arms Open Wide," a cut written by Rita Baloche [wife of Paul Baloche ("Above All," "Open the Eyes of My Heart")], praises the Savior for coming to redeem us. From the story of God's loving care as He shapes our lives and the universe in "Virtuoso" to the promise that "God Will Take Care Of You" and the tender ballad "Love Goes On," Revelation paints a portrait of who God really is, all superbly communicated through the expressive artistry of one of Christian music's finest vocalists.
Producers Regie Hamm (Bob Carlisle, Jaci Velasquez, Clay Crosse) and Chris Harris (Avalon, Anointed, Allen Asbury) had the task of guiding David's musical vision and wide tastes into the cohesive and compelling Revelation. The album's title cut is a dramatic, rock opera-styled song that provides a centerpiece, both musically and vocally, for David's talent. "I'm thrilled about this song, because it's a piece that I've spent a lot of time and effort to write," David says of "Revelation." "It represents so much of what I love about music." The song, which tells the story of a man much like David on the morning of Christ's return, reveals David's imaginative story-telling ability, and combines a myriad of his favorite influences, from rock to classical to "Bohemian Rhapsody."
David is making sure that his kids have the same musical opportunities he had by taking them on the road with him and Lori to his concerts. Lori homeschools their two daughters—eight-year-old Callie and six-year-old Maggie Beth—both at home and on tour in order to let them and three-year-old Grant spend more time with Dad. The couple are preparing for the arrival of a fourth little one, due to arrive just in time for the release of Revelation.
For an artist who makes nearly 150 concert appearances every year, the decision to educate their kids themselves was the only right one for them. "I'm gone pretty much every weekend, so I would never get to see my children!" says David. "Homeschooling allows us to pick up and go when we need to, and as a result, our kids have been able to see some wonderful things around the country."
And though one of the things his kids often see are the thousands of people who flock to hear him sing, David is careful to remind them that the walk of Christian faith, even when it's lived out before a national audience, is one of humble obedience. In the regal ballad "Live Like a King," written by Bob Halligan, Jr. (Kathy Mattea, Michael Bolton, Rebecca St. James), David beautifully conveys the paradox that marked Christ's reign here on earth, and that he hopes will always prove to be the example for his own life:
My thirst for the things of this earth, isn't quenched by diamonds or pearls/One man lived the life I want—He's the One they said ruled the world/Though He only wore a crown of thorns, and He never owned a thing…I want to live like a King!
Those words also reveal the purpose behind the tremendous talent God has placed in David's own life. Despite being given such great ability and opportunity, David Phelps is a man who will forever invest that gift in honor of its Giver.
Fly Again
David Phelps Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
His trembling hands held the
Church pew that day, stuggling
To stand when they asked him to
Pray. With wisdom and strength
His words were spoken. but his
Body grew weary for his wings
But he will fly once again. He
Will soar with his wings unfolded.
Hear the angels applaud as he
Rides on the wind to the arms of
God. And he will fly. He will fly
Again.
And on that day when he left for
The sky I saw him smile as he
Told me goodbye. No more
Would he weep for missed
Tomorrows. No more would he
Suffer in this land of sorrows.
But he will fly once again. He
Will soar with his wings unfolded.
Hear the angels applaud as he
Rides on the wind to the arms of
God. And he will fly. He will fly
Again.
I know that he's in a better
Place. I still dream of the day
When I'll see his face. Then we'll
Embrace, and...
We will fly once again. We will
Soar with our wings unfolded.
Hear the angels applaud as we
Ride on the wind to the arms of
God, and we will fly. We will fly
Again.
The lyrics of David Phelps's song Fly Again depict the story of someone who is physically broken and struggling to stand, yet spiritually strong with his words. The imagery of wings is used to represent the person's inner strength and potential for soaring. Despite being broken, the person's spirit remains unbroken and he will once again 'fly' with his wings fully unfolded. The song talks of his passage from worldly burdens with his leaving for the sky, and it seems that his broken body is now set free from the pain of this world. The singer's tone is both sorrowful and hopeful, alternating between mourning their loss but also looking forward to being reunited in the sky where they will fly together once more.
The song is a powerful expression of grief, comfort, and hope, offering solace to those who are experiencing the loss of a loved one. It speaks of the inevitability of death and serves as a reminder that death is only a transition to a better place. It is also a message of resilience and the importance of keeping hope alive, even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
His trembling hands held the Church pew that day, stuggling To stand when they asked him to Pray.
He was in a difficult situation where he found it hard to stand and pray.
With wisdom and strength His words were spoken. but his Body grew weary for his wings Were broken.
Despite his mental strength, his body was frail and weak due to his broken wings.
But he will fly once again. He Will soar with his wings unfolded. Hear the angels applaud as he Rides on the wind to the arms of God. And he will fly. He will fly Again.
Despite his weak physical condition, he will fly again with his wings free and enter heaven, where angels will welcome him and he will remain there forever.
And on that day when he left for The sky I saw him smile as he Told me goodbye. No more Would he weep for missed Tomorrows. No more would he Suffer in this land of sorrows.
When he left for heaven, he left happily without any concern of future suffering or sadness.
I know that he's in a better Place. I still dream of the day When I'll see his face. Then we'll Embrace, and...
He is in a better place and the artist eagerly looks forward to meeting him again and embracing him.
We will fly once again. We will Soar with our wings unfolded. Hear the angels applaud as we Ride on the wind to the arms of God, and we will fly. We will fly Again.
Together, they will reunite in heaven and fly, with angels cheering them on, to join God in his arms, where they will remain forever.
Contributed by Brooklyn B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@oogabooga_1
His trembling hands held the
church pew that day, stuggling
to stand when they asked him to
Pray. With wisdom and strength
his words were spoken. but his
body grew weary for his wings
were broken.
But he will fly once again. He
will soar with his wings unfolded.
Hear the angels applaud as he
rides on the wind to the arms of
God. And he will fly. He will fly
again.
And on that day when he left for
the sky I saw him smile as he
told me goodbye. No more
would he weep for missed
tomorrows. No more would he
suffer in this land of sorrows.
But he will fly once again. He
will soar with his wings unfolded.
Hear the angels applaud as he
rides on the wind to the arms of
God. And he will fly. He will fly
again.
I know that he's in a better
place. I still dream of the day
when I'll see his face. Then we'll
embrace, and...
We will fly once again. We will
soar with our wings unfolded.
Hear the angels applaud as we
ride on the wind to the arms of
God, and we will fly. We will fly
again.
@lindyjohnson2908
A few months ago I had a stroke. I knew I was dying. The peace of God that passes all understanding was in me. It was more REAL than REAL. Things of this world passed away and nothing was left but love. I knew without a doubt that I was in God's hands. It was beautiful beyond words. l heard some of my children telling me they love me through their tears. In prayer, I asked my Lord if I could live longer for my children. Everything turned around at that moment. God is not done with me yet. I am fully recovered and it is all because of Him! To God by the glory forever and ever! This song ......I understand. I will never be afraid to die again. Someday all who believe in Jesus will fly again! Praise Him!
@godislove8038
Yes and Amen!
@godislove8038
Yes and Amen!
@user-ct2zy9iq4d
A God given talent ordained to give us God’s messages.
@stevenervin9822
My niece is 51 years old and dying with cancer taking her fast. I know that she is saved and so thankful that I will see her in heaven. PTL. Thank you for this song!
@derikmccarty1210
Sir, I just discovered you & your channel yesterday. I’m 40, grew up in the church, left the church for years & came back home to Christ a little over 3 years ago. Your talents are beyond anything I ever heard in my life. When I left the church, I left music behind me & finding your channel has reignited my love for music. Wow man!!!!! Just wow, everything you do is wow. Thankful to God for just being able to hear you sing.
@bretteldredge5891
❤❤
@zoegirl2948
My darling sister was released from her pain and suffering on 9 June 2015. There will be no more nights.. no more pain... which he also sings si beautifully. Truly it's like medicine for an aching heart. Praise God. Was almost like it was yesterday!! But.. I like David believe that we too will fly again. Hallelujah
@commonsense4991
What a powerful and Beautiful song and what a great testimony and what a great God we serve my mom and sister both died of cancer at Young ages my mama was 64 and my sister was 49 but I know I will see them in heaven again one day but most of all I want to see Jesus the one who died for me so that we all may come to Jesus when we mess up and we can ask him to forgive us the grace of Jesus is so wonderful and I cannot make it in this world without Jesus he is my rock and my salvation and when my mama died I cried a little bit but it was so peaceful I felt the holy spirit of God in the living room where she passed away and I was once told that is the closest you will get to God on this Earth is when he comes down to get one of his Saints and my sister was in and out of consciousness before she died and when she was out of consciousness my sister who was there with her sad that she had a smile on her face and when my sister said why are you smiling she said Mama is here to take me to heaven my sister told her to go and she did not live long after that and when you are a child of Jesus death is a beautiful thing scripture says precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of one of his Saints❤❤
@lindarojas7931
I want to thank you for what you have done in my life my daughter died I turned from YGod utthen I head up sing we are the reason unopened my heart I hated everuone I couldn’t listen to music thank you for using what god gave u for God