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.
Satisfaction
David Phelps Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or the power
Or the fame
It's not about a great position
It's not religion
It's not a game
Was not a guarantee
That the road would not be rough
So you ask me, what's the big attraction
Peace, love, hope, satisfaction
It's a complete chain reaction
Peace, love, hope, satisfaction
I've heard the stories of the narrow road
Some say it's a heavy load
And the way is steep
I've been there, I can testify
The vows of sacrifice
Are hard to keep
But still I chose to turn the other cheek
And to wash my brother's feet
And to give myself away
So you ask me, what's the big attraction
Peace, love, hope, satisfaction
It's a complete chain reaction
Peace, love, hope, satisfaction
When I'm trapped inside His freedom and I'm lying on the altar
And the last part of myself has been crucified
When I'm wearing all His riches in the ashes of my will
I am clean, I am whole, I am satisfied
You ask me, what's the big attraction
Peace, love, hope, satisfaction
It's a complete chain reaction
Peace, love, hope, satisfaction
You ask me, what's the big attraction
Peace, love, hope, satisfaction
It's a complete chain reaction
Peace, love, hope, satisfaction
The song "Satisfaction" by David Phelps is about the true source of satisfaction in life. The lyrics explain that satisfaction is not found in money, power, fame, position, religion or even in playing games. Rather, true satisfaction comes from living a life of sacrifice, following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ who taught us to take up our cross and follow him.
The lyrics mention that living according to His teachings can be a difficult road and requires sacrifice, including turning the other cheek and washing our brother's feet. But despite the challenges, the satisfaction that comes from living this way is unparalleled. The chorus emphasizes that the ultimate result of living a life of sacrifice is a combination of peace, love, hope, and satisfaction, which create a complete chain reaction in our lives.
The lyrics also touch on the idea that it is only when we fully surrender ourselves and our will to God that we can experience true satisfaction. When we lay down our own desires and fully embrace His will, we become clean and whole, we find true freedom, and we become satisfied in ways that material possessions could never provide.
Overall, "Satisfaction" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that encourages listeners to consider their priorities and seek satisfaction in something deeper than what the world has to offer.
Line by Line Meaning
You know it ain't about the money
The main goal isn't to get rich
Or the power
It's not about having authority over others
Or the fame
The purpose isn't seeking popularity
It's not about a great position
It's not important to hold a high rank
It's not religion
The answer isn't found solely through religious practices
It's not a game
This is real and not a trivial matter
Take up your cross and follow me
Jesus did not promise an easy life to his followers
Was not a guarantee
This does not ensure a trouble-free path
That the road would not be rough
This does not mean hardships won't be encountered
So you ask me, what's the big attraction
People question what makes Christianity desirable
Peace, love, hope, satisfaction
These are what Christianity offers that can make people content
It's a complete chain reaction
These feelings manifest to other people and inspire them
I've heard the stories of the narrow road
I have listened to recounts of the difficulties of the Christian path
Some say it's a heavy load
Some people believe it's a burden to be a Christian
And the way is steep
The path isn't easy to traverse
I've been there, I can testify
I have gone through these difficulties and I can give my account of it
The vows of sacrifice
Committing to a life of selflessness
Are hard to keep
It is a challenge to maintain this kind of lifestyle
But still I chose to turn the other cheek
Despite this difficulty, I still follow Jesus's teachings
And to wash my brother's feet
I serve others humbly
And to give myself away
I prioritize others before myself
When I'm trapped inside His freedom and I'm lying on the altar
When I have submitted myself entirely to Jesus and become free
And the last part of myself has been crucified
When I have put to death my own desires and live for Jesus instead
When I'm wearing all His riches in the ashes of my will
When I have given everything to Jesus, I am rich in Him
I am clean, I am whole, I am satisfied
I am pure, complete, and content with this way of life
You ask me, what's the big attraction
People still don't understand why Christianity is appealing
It's a complete chain reaction
Just like a domino effect, it inspires others to find this peace too
Peace, love, hope, satisfaction
These are still what Christianity offers resulting in contentment
You ask me, what's the big attraction
People still question why Christians are content despite the challenges
It's a complete chain reaction
The peace and satisfaction felt by Christians lead to positive change
Peace, love, hope, satisfaction
Christianity offers all of these and that's what makes it attractive
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DAVID PHELPS, DAVID N. PHELPS, REGIE HAMM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind