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.
What a Wonderful World
David Phelps Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I watch them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
I see skies of blue, clouds of white
The bright blessed day and the dark sacred night
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
Are also on the faces of the people passing by
I see friends shaking hands, saying, how do you do?"
What they're really saying is "I love you."
I hear babies cry, I watch them grow
They'll know much more than I'll ever know
And I think to myself: What a Wonderful World
Yes I think to myself: What a Wonderful World
The song "What a Wonderful World" by David Phelps is a Christmas carol that celebrates the birth of Jesus and his significance to the world. The chorus proclaims Jesus as a wonderful child who brings new life, hope, and joy to the world. The lyrics focus on the miraculous events surrounding Jesus' birth, including his arrival to earth through an angel, being born in a lowly manger to Mary and Joseph, the visitation of wise men guided by a shining star, and the announcement of his birth by angels. This song expresses gratitude and reverence for Jesus Christ as the newborn King.
The chorus repeats multiple times throughout the song, emphasizing the importance of Jesus as a wonderful child who offers new life and hope to all who listen to the angels' singing. The lyrics of this song not only celebrate the birth of Jesus but also acknowledge his role as God's only son.
In conclusion, this song celebrates the wonder and beauty of the Christmas story and reminds listeners of the significance of Jesus' birth. It reminds us to pause and reflect on the hope and joy that Jesus brings to the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Jesus, Jesus, Oh what a wonderful Child
The birth of Jesus is a miraculous and wonderful event
Jesus, Jesus, so lowly meek and mild
Jesus was a humble and gentle being
New life, new hope, new joy He brings
Jesus brings a sense of renewal and hope to people's lives
Won't you listen to the angels sing!
The angels are proclaiming the arrival of a savior, and it is a moment worthy of attention and praise
Glory, glory, glory to the newborn King!
The birth of Jesus is a glorious and significant event worthy of great praise
He was herald by an angel
The announcement of Jesus's birth was made by an angel
Born in a lowly manger
Jesus was born in humble circumstances
The virgin Mary was His mother
Mary, Jesus's mother, was a virgin at the time of his birth
And Joseph was His earthly father
Joseph, Mary's husband, acted as Jesus's earthly father
Oh three wise men came from afar
Three wise men traveled from far away to visit Jesus
And they were guided by a shining star
The wise men followed a star to find Jesus
To see King Jesus where He lay
The wise men came to see Jesus where he was resting
In a manger filled with hay
Jesus was placed in a manger filled with hay after his birth
Jesus, Jesus, Mary's Baby
Jesus is the son of Mary and the chosen savior of the world
Jesus, God's only Son
Jesus is the only son of God, sent to earth to save humanity
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George David Weiss, Robert Thiele
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Joshy Washy
Everyone will always give credit to David’s amazing voice, but these arrangements with the orchestra and piano are what really set the tone for David’s performance. Really beautiful work from all around, including the pianist’s harmonization with David at 1:36 and 1:45.
Jacqueline Garrett
Joshy Washy, David writes and arranges the accompaniment, too.
Jacqueline Garrett
Joshy Washy, the pianist is Jack Daniels, a cousin to David’s wife Lori.
YearningSoul
Thank you Mr. Phelps for making the world more beautiful!
Jacqueline Garrett
I love this peaceful, appreciative song and the way David sings it! I love the accompaniment, too! I thank God for David! I pray for him and his precious family!
Anne Haeverans
You live your lifespurpose so well mr.Phelps!you make this world a better place with your beautiful voice!you uplift humanity!
MahiligsaMusica
You almost don't want the song to end ever!!! 💕👍🏼
South Auckland 275
I was thinking the damn same...absolutely magical
Jacqueline Garrett
Amen!
ida miska
Me too :-)