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.
Goin' Home
David Phelps Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Quiet like, some still day, I'm just goin′ home
It′s not far, just close by, through an open door
Work all done, care laid by
Going to fear no more
Mother's there, expecting me
Father′s waiting too
Lots of folks gathered there
Nothin's lost, all is gain
No more fret or pain
No more stumblin′ on the way
No more longin' for the day
Goin′ to roam no more
Morning star lights the way
Restless dream all done
Shadows gone, break of day
Real life just begun
There's no break, There's no end
I′ll be living on.
Wide awake with a smile, going on and on
Goin′ home, goin' home, I′m a goin' home
It′s not far, just close by, through an open door
I'll be goin′ home, I'll be goin' home
I′m goin′ home, I'm goin′ home
Lord I'm goin′ home
The lyrics of "Goin' Home" convey a sense of peacefulness and acceptance of one's eventual passing. The verses depict a journey towards a final resting place, where loved ones await, and all worries and suffering are left behind. The song opens with the repetition of the phrase "goin' home," establishing the theme and purpose of the singer's travel. The first stanza suggests that the journey is without urgency ("quiet like, some still day"), and the destination is not far away ("it's not far, just close by, through an open door"). The singer believes that their work is finished, and they can let go of their worries and fears, rejoicing in the anticipation of seeing loved ones once more ("mother's there, expecting me, father's waiting too, lots of folks gathered there, all the friends I knew").
The second stanza reinforces the idea that the singer's soul is at peace- "Nothin's lost, all is gain, no more fret or pain, no more stumblin’ on the way, no more longin' for the day, goin' to roam no more." The use of repetition underlines the finality of the singer's journey- there is no going back, no longing for what has been left behind. The third verse acknowledges a new beginning- "Morning star lights the way, restless dream all done, shadows gone, break of day, real life just begun." The final lines of the song repeat the opening theme, further emphasizing the sense of completion and the singer's acceptance of it.
Line by Line Meaning
Goin' home, goin' home, I'm a goin' home
I am finally going to my eternal home, free from all earthly worries and troubles.
Quiet like, some still day, I'm just goin' home
In peace and tranquility, I am heading to my heavenly home.
It's not far, just close by, through an open door
My heavenly home is not far away and easily accessible through a welcoming door.
Work all done, care laid by, Going to fear no more
All my earthly work and responsibilities are done and I am now free from fear and worry in my eternal home.
Mother's there, expecting me, Father's waiting too, Lots of folks gathered there, All the friends I knew
My loved ones who passed away earlier are expecting me in my eternal home, and many other friends and people I knew in life will be gathering there to welcome me.
Nothin's lost, all is gain, No more fret or pain, No more stumblin' on the way, No more longin' for the day, Goin' to roam no more
I will not suffer any loss or pain in my eternal home, as everything is gained; there will be no more struggles or longing for something as I will finally be at peace, no more wandering aimlessly.
Morning star lights the way, Restless dream all done, Shadows gone, break of day, Real life just begun
My journey towards my eternal home is not in darkness, the morning star lights my way, and all my restless dreams are over; darkness and shadows no longer persist, and true life is just beginning.
There's no break, there's no end, I'll be living on, Wide awake with a smile, going on and on
My life in my eternal home will never come to an end, and I will be living forever, always awake and smiling, continually progressing and moving forward.
It's not far, just close by, through an open door, I'll be goin' home, I'll be goin' home, I'm goin' home, I'm goin' home, Lord I'm goin' home
My eternal home is not far away, and I will soon be going there through the open door. Indeed, I'm going home, and I'm going home, praising the lord for the blessing.
Writer(s): Antonin Dvorak, William Arms Fisher
Contributed by Colton I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
steve billiter
@Ryan
Tell me, since you're not God, how do you read the Holy Spirit in someone else? Just because someone is an exceptionally talented Christian, CCM artist, does not mean he/she has the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is given to lead us into all truth, a Comforter, and helps direct the work of God which is really not spread by singers so much as by preaching the word, personal witnessing, friendship evangelism, and Bible study. It (CCM) can be a worldly diversion and entertainment by musicians professing Christ where the audience comes to be entertained and sends worship thru applause, whooping, whistling, etc.
David Phelps worked and studied in college for years to develop his talent--not saying he does not have the Holy Spirit--I just do not know, and neither do you or anyone else.
Applause which is a form of worship/praise can be a real problem for the receiver and also by the giver of praise. This is why I applaud no one ever (anymore). That way I cannot be assigned any guilt by God in His judgment for leading a performer astray by applauding that person.
Applause is like a drug making the performer feel a "high" so that if ever he/she doesn't get it, it could lead to depression. One of my favorite Christian writers says it well:
" Many receive applause for virtues which they do not possess. The Searcher of hearts weighs the motives, and often deeds highly applauded by men are recorded by Him as springing from selfishness and base hypocrisy. Every act of our lives, whether excellent and praiseworthy, or deserving of censure, is judged by the Searcher of hearts according to the motives which prompted it." {GW 275.3}
"The applause of men is the food that is relished by the perverted appetite of the Christless soul. Infatuated by a Satanic ambition to have the supremacy, professed followers of Christ are led on from one delusion to another until eternity is lost out of their reckoning. But he who lives godly in Christ Jesus will have no relish for the forbidden praise of men" (RH Dec 4, 1894).
She says those who live godly in Christ Jesus will have no relish for the forbidden praise of men...makes me really think.
steve billiter
kueagle-Not yet she's still resting unconscious in the grave until Jesus comes.
Ecc 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
Ecc 9:6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.
Ecc 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, where you go.
The above vss. address what happens at death, and they do not speak of any resurrection. The idea that we don't really die comes from Satan as he told the lie to Eve:
Gen 3:4 And the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die:
Adam and Eve did die, and they are still dead until Jesus returns:
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
We really need to base our theology on what the Bible says, and not on what people say who are confused.
steve billiter
@Patricia Boedeker No one goes anywhere at death--they stay in the grave until a resurrection, either the first one if they were faithful to Jesus, or the 2nd one if they were not.
Ecc 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
Ecc 9:6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.
Ecc 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, where you go.
The above vss. address what happens at death, and they do not speak of any resurrection. The idea that we don't really die comes from Satan as he told the lie to Eve:
Gen 3:4 And the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die:
Adam and Eve did die, and they are still dead until Jesus returns:
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
We really need to base our theology on what the Bible says, and not on what people say who are confused.
Tracy A
I'm a 49 year old father of three...not a religious man...but I know music. I think David is the best singer in my lifetime, no matter if you're talking gospel, pop, soul, whatever. His live performances put everyone else to shame. Every time I think I've seen his best, I find another unbelievable, emotion-eliciting performance like this one. It's hard to believe he's that good. Thanks David!
Matty
Whitney Houston is the best singer of your lifetime. Period. She could sing circles around this Saltine. Double Period..
Maryanne Rasmussen
Father of three 7 years later, I pray the song of this good man has led you to the Lord for the beauty you feel in the singing is only of him. Also, you have three children to witness to. God bless you as you make the most important decision of your life when you say the Jesus Christ, I believe.
Joyce Stephens
Jon Lannertone is
steve billiter
@Ryan
Tell me, since you're not God, how do you read the Holy Spirit in someone else? Just because someone is an exceptionally talented Christian, CCM artist, does not mean he/she has the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is given to lead us into all truth, a Comforter, and helps direct the work of God which is really not spread by singers so much as by preaching the word, personal witnessing, friendship evangelism, and Bible study. It (CCM) can be a worldly diversion and entertainment by musicians professing Christ where the audience comes to be entertained and sends worship thru applause, whooping, whistling, etc.
David Phelps worked and studied in college for years to develop his talent--not saying he does not have the Holy Spirit--I just do not know, and neither do you or anyone else.
Applause which is a form of worship/praise can be a real problem for the receiver and also by the giver of praise. This is why I applaud no one ever (anymore). That way I cannot be assigned any guilt by God in His judgment for leading a performer astray by applauding that person.
Applause is like a drug making the performer feel a "high" so that if ever he/she doesn't get it, it could lead to depression. One of my favorite Christian writers says it well:
" Many receive applause for virtues which they do not possess. The Searcher of hearts weighs the motives, and often deeds highly applauded by men are recorded by Him as springing from selfishness and base hypocrisy. Every act of our lives, whether excellent and praiseworthy, or deserving of censure, is judged by the Searcher of hearts according to the motives which prompted it." {GW 275.3}
"The applause of men is the food that is relished by the perverted appetite of the Christless soul. Infatuated by a Satanic ambition to have the supremacy, professed followers of Christ are led on from one delusion to another until eternity is lost out of their reckoning. But he who lives godly in Christ Jesus will have no relish for the forbidden praise of men" (RH Dec 4, 1894).
She says those who live godly in Christ Jesus will have no relish for the forbidden praise of men...makes me really think.
steve billiter
@Karen Bennett War is hell--thank God even though the first war was in heaven (Rev 12:7) there will be no more war and no more pain, suffering and death anymore ever!
Nancy Aiken
David doesn't just sing, he communicates the song better than anyone else I have ever heard. In my book he is the best there is!
Alan Siljenberg
@Patricia Boedeker m
I LO VE THIS SOMS SOMEDAY I WSNT IT SANG AT MY HOME GOING. ALAN SAID HES GOING TO SING IT FOR MY SERVICE.
Rooney Barker
I completely agree with you, Nancy! He’s the finest singer I’ve ever listened to in my 66 years!!
Patricia Boedeker
I love singing with him. He sings in my key. But his tones are deeper and sweeter esp at the end.oh his crescendos!!!!