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.
Mary Did You Know?
David Phelps Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod?
When you kissed your little baby
You've kissed the face of God
Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know?
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
And the dead will live again
The dead will live
The deaf will speak
Praises of the Lamb
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy
Is Lord of creation
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy
Is Heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding
Is the great 'I Am'
Mary did you know?
David Phelps's song "Mary Did You Know?" is a touching, reflective song that explores the deep emotions and thoughts that may have been going through Mary's mind as she bore and raised Jesus. The lyrics are a series of questions directed towards Mary, the Mother of Jesus, asking her if she knew the profound significance of her baby boy. The singer asks Mary if she knew that her baby boy would one day walk on water, healed the sick, and raised the dead. He also asks her if she knew that the child she bore is the Lord of creation, and one day would rule the nations. The lyrics are evocative and poignant, and they provide an insight into the wonder and amazement that must have been felt by Mary as she saw her baby boy grow up to be the Savior of the world.
In summary, the song speaks to the deep theological beliefs surrounding Jesus' life and ministry. It explores some of the most significant events in the Bible and asks Mary if she knew of the impact her son's life would have on the world. The lyrics also provide a sense of emotion and wonder that Christians often feel when they think of Jesus and His saving grace.
Line by Line Meaning
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will perform miracles that will defy human understanding, including walking on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will save our sons and daughters?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will save mankind from its sins?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
Were you aware that your baby boy will bring about spiritual rebirth in you?
This child that you've delivered
Will soon deliver you
This child that you have delivered will eventually become the means of your salvation.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will heal the sick, even restoring sight to the blind?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will calm a storm with His hand?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will have the power to control even the forces of nature?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod?
Did you know that your baby boy has existed in the spiritual realm even before his birth on earth?
When you kissed your little baby
You've kissed the face of God
In kissing your newborn child, you have in turn embraced the physical embodiment of the divine.
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
And the dead will live again
As a result of your baby boy's divine intervention, the physically and spiritually impaired will receive healing and restoration.
The dead will live
The deaf will speak
Praises of the Lamb
The miraculous works of your baby boy will inspire those who are healed to offer prayers and thanksgiving to God.
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy
Is Lord of creation
Mary, did you know that your baby boy is the master and sustainer of the entire universe?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will one day rule the nations?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will be recognized as the king and ruler of all the nations of the earth?
Did you know that your baby boy
Is Heaven's perfect Lamb?
Were you aware that your baby boy is the ideal and spotless sacrifice required by God to make atonement for humanity's sins?
This sleeping child you're holding
Is the great 'I Am'
The peaceful and innocent babe which now rests in your arms possesses the fullness of God's divine power and nature.
Mary did you know?
Mary, did you fully comprehend the incredible magnitude and significance of your baby boy's life and ministry?
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, TuneCore Inc., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Integrity Music, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Buddy Greene, Mark Lowry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PraiseWorshipMusic
To anybody reading this, I pray that whatever is hurting you or whatever you are constantly stressing about gets better. May the dark thoughts, the overthinking, and the doubt exit your mind may clarity replace confusion. And may peace and calmness fill your life.😊
@beloveiaenglish4974
Thank you because that’s what I need - clarity and peace, concerning every single aspect of my life. Please put me in your prayers. Thank you so much!! BeLoveia English watching David Phelps singing Mary Did You Know. One thing is for sure, there will never be another David Phelps with that voice . I dreamed we were in Heaven and he was the choir leader for all the other Angels….and he probably will be. I’m so thankful this man is a Christian and is such a great influence in this world!
@shirleysharp
AMEN and AMEN
@connieotero3890
Thank you Jesus for being there for us! Connie in rural Pa.
@cheryl4569
This leaves me breathless! Every time I think David can’t beat the last song, he proves me wrong and knocks it clear out if the stratosphere! Outstanding Mr Phelps! Bravo!
@MonicaWasser
David, I never get tired of hearing your version of songs. I can tell you have a great talent to invent new ways of singing them. Your creativity and emotional additions are breathtakingly beautiful! Anyone can sing a song, but you show how you feel about the words you sing and how you believe in the message, and that takes it to another level of amazement! Thank you for all your hard work at bringing us hope thru your wonderful voice! ❤
@dandelong737
I agree with you 100% .
David is the best singer in the planet and all the believers in the world should pray for him that God use his voice to bring many people to His kingdom .
I pray for him every time I listen to his song any time of the day .
From California
@janiejohnson3703
David, thank you. You
give your heart totally to God
@janiejohnson3703
Amen.
@pamelamiller3749
Just wonderful! I agree completely!