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.
Joy Joy
David Phelps Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
An audience of angels was holding its breath
A census, a manger, two travel worn strangers
The stage was finally set.
Angels folded their wings at the throne, worshipping
As God whispered, “I love you, my Son.”
Jesus took off His crown and laying it down
The time had now come for God’s only Son
To be born as a light in a dark, lonely place.
So He stepped from Heaven’s hall to Bethlehem’s stall
Where a star lit His newborn face.
Then God called to Gabriel with gladness and tears,
“Play the trumpet, the horns, and the strings.
Tell the shepherds, and the wise men and all who will hear.
Command all the angels to sing
Fill the sky with your voices and sing!”
Chorus
Joy, joy to the world
Praise to the King
Oh, let it ring.
Joy, joy to the world
Worship and sing
Jesus has come to bring…
Repeat Chorus
The song Joy Joy by David Phelps tells the Gospel story of the birth of Jesus Christ from the perspective of heaven, where the angels are eagerly awaiting the arrival of God's Son. The opening lines describe the anticipation felt by the angels as the curtain of heaven is drawn back and they witness the beginning of the greatest story in human history. The setting is a humble manger in Bethlehem, where Mary and Joseph have traveled to for the census. The birth of Jesus is a significant event, as the Son of God has come down from heaven to bring hope and light into a dark world. The lyrics also acknowledge the sacrifice that God makes by sending His only Son to be born as a vulnerable baby.
As the angels bow down on their knees in worship, God affirms His love for His Son and Jesus, in turn, pledges to fulfill His Father's will. The arrival of Jesus is announced to the shepherds and the wise men by the heavenly host, who sings praises to the newborn King. The chorus of the song celebrates the joy that Jesus brings to the world, and invites all to join in worship and adoration.
The lyrics of Joy Joy beautifully convey the message of hope and redemption at the core of the Christmas story. Through the lens of heavenly perspective, the song brings to life the sights and sounds of that holy night, and reminds us of the true meaning of the season.
Line by Line Meaning
Like a drama unfolding, the curtain was opening
The scene was being set and the story was beginning.
An audience of angels was holding its breath
The angels were waiting in anticipation for what was to come.
A census, a manger, two travel worn strangers
The setting was a stable with a young couple and their newborn son, taking shelter on a journey.
The stage was finally set.
Everything was in place for the miracle of Jesus' birth to take place.
Angels folded their wings at the throne, worshipping
The angels humbly bowed down before God, showing worship and reverence.
As God whispered, “I love you, my Son.”
God expressed his love to his only son, Jesus.
Jesus took off His crown and laying it down
Jesus gave up His heavenly throne to become a human.
Said, “Father, Thy will be done.”
Jesus submitted to God's plan and purpose for His life.
The time had now come for God’s only Son
The moment had arrived for Jesus to be born into the world.
To be born as a light in a dark, lonely place.
Jesus entered a world filled with darkness and sadness, but His birth would bring hope and light.
So He stepped from Heaven’s hall to Bethlehem’s stall
Jesus left Heaven and came to an earthly stable to be born as a human.
Where a star lit His newborn face.
The star shined on Jesus' face, marking His birthplace and bringing light to the world.
Then God called to Gabriel with gladness and tears,
God called on the angel Gabriel with both joy and sadness in His heart.
“Play the trumpet, the horns, and the strings.
God called on the angels to make music and rejoice.
Tell the shepherds, and the wise men and all who will hear.
God wanted everyone to know about the birth of Jesus, from the lowest shepherds to the wisest men.
Command all the angels to sing
God commanded all the angels to join in the celebration and sing praises to Him.
Fill the sky with your voices and sing!”
God wanted the angels to sing loudly and joyfully to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Joy, joy to the world
There is great joy in the world because of Jesus' birth.
Praise to the King
We should give praise and honor to Jesus, the King of Kings.
Oh, let it ring.
Let the joy be heard throughout the world.
Worship and sing
We should worship and sing praises to Jesus.
Jesus has come to bring…
Jesus came into the world to bring us salvation and new life.
Repeat Chorus
The joyful message of Jesus' birth should be repeated and celebrated often.
Contributed by Kylie N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Myredeemerlives Amen
Like a drama unfolding, the curtain was opening
while an audience of angels was holding its breath
A census, a manger, two travel worn strangers
The stage was finally set
Angels folded their wings at the throne, worshipping
As God whispered, “I love you, my Son.”
Jesus took off His crown and laying it down
Said, “Father, Thy will be done.”
The time had now come for God's only Son
To be born as a light in a dark, lonely place
So He stepped from Heaven's hall to Bethlehem's stall
Where a star lit His newborn face.
Then God called to Gabriel with gladness and tears
“Play the trumpet, the horns, and the strings
Tell the shepherds, and the wise men and all who will hear
Command all the angels to sing
Fill the sky with your voices and sing!”
Joy, joy to the world
Praise to the King
Oh, let it ring
Joy, joy to the world
Worship and sing
Jesus has come to bring…
Joy, joy to the world
Praise to the King
Oh, let it ring
Joy, joy to the world
Worship and sing
Jesus has come to bring…
Elizabeth Kautzmann
…0:44 “Angels folded their wings at the throne, worshipping
As God whispered, “I ❤️ love you, my Son.”
🕎Jesus✝️ took off His crown and laying it down
Said, “Father, Thy will be done.”
The time had now come for God's only Son
To be born as a light in a dark, lonely place
So He stepped from Heaven's hall to Bethlehem's stall
Where a star lit His newborn face.
Then God called to Gabriel with gladness and tears
“Play the trumpet, the horns, and the strings
Tell the shepherds, and the wise men and all who will hear
Command all the angels to sing
Fill the sky with your voices and sing!…
…& THEY SANG:
Joy! JOY TO THE 🌍 WORLD!
Praise to the KING!
….”
Lyrics from:
Joy, Joy
Performed by
David Phelps
Fueled by The Holy Ghost
Inspired & gifted by The Triune; Father, Son, Holy Ghost, GOD of WONDERS
David Phelps - Joy, Joy from Christmas with David Phelps (Official Music...
https://youtu.be/A5Ka5YlK6wc
Marketta Nokelainen
Thank you, David and friends ❤️🎶🎵 Merry Christmas to you 🎄🎁
JESUS IS LORD
Glory!!! 🙌☮️💖🙏🇺🇸🇮🇱✝️
April Burch
Joy to the world our Lord and Savior has been born!
Purple Rain
🔴🔴DAVID, YOU ARE ONE OF THE TOP 5 SINGERS I HAVE “EVER” HEARD.🔴🔴👏🏽
ThyMasterToo
WOW! David never disappoints, gave me chills throughout this song. What an incredibly gifted voice, and so thankful he uses it to praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Joyce Skelton
AMEN,AMEN!
Joyce Mitchell-Moore
Thank you Mr. David Phelps for this beautiful 💞❤️ story that you performed so eloquently. He is the Reason for the Season. May you have a very blessed 🙏 Holiday Season, and ease stay safe.
Pat Jobe
So beautiful, what a blessing you are David..Thank you for all you do...You are truly a witness for Jesus Chirst....What joy you bring to all of us...
Islas Oliveira
Jesus has come to bring us joy!! Merry Christmas!
Jean Stewart
I love this song so much. You can just imagine what was taking place in Heaven that night…all the angels, and the beautiful music they were filling the skies with!! I think David kind of sounds like that! I love it!!