Outstanding talent always speaks for itself. It stands out from crowds of g… Read Full Bio ↴Outstanding talent always speaks for itself. It stands out from crowds of gimmicks, flashy clothes and pretty faces, and rises above odds, obstacles and any lesser contenders. Great talent cannot be learned or created—it is simply given to a special few. And when that talent is dedicated to a higher purpose, there's no telling where it may take the one who possesses it.
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.
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.
When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
David Phelps Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride
See from His head, His hands, His feet
So much sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich, so rich a crown
Were this whole realm of nature mine
That were a present far too small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all
My life, my soul, my all
On which the Prince of glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride
See from His head, His hands, His feet
So much sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet
Were this whole realm of nature mine
That were a present far too small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all
My life, my soul, my all
When David Phelps sings "When I survey the wondrous cross," he is expressing his deep and abiding reverence for the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. The song is a reflection on the paradoxical nature of the cross, which represents both horror and beauty, death and life, sorrow and love. As Phelps sings about the "Prince of glory" dying on the cross, he is acknowledging the profound mystery of Christ's sacrifice, a mystery that defies easy explanation or comprehension.
Phelps goes on to describe the visceral impact of seeing the wounds of Christ, which are a powerful symbol of the depth of his suffering and the power of his love. The line "so much sorrow and love flow mingled down" encapsulates the overwhelming emotional weight of this image. And yet, despite the pain and the horror of the cross, the song ends on a note of triumph and surrender: the "love so amazing, so divine" demands everything Phelps has to give.
Overall, "When I survey the wondrous cross" is a song that expresses awe and gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus, while also acknowledging the depth of his suffering and the complexity of his message.
Line by Line Meaning
When I survey the wondrous cross
As I look upon this remarkable wooden structure
On which the Prince of glory died
The same one on which the sovereign of all creation passed away
My richest gain I count but loss
The things that I treasure most I consider worthless now
And pour contempt on all my pride
I have nothing but disdain for my previous arrogance
See from His head, His hands, His feet
Observe the wounds on his head, hands, and feet
So much sorrow and love flow mingled down
A great surge of suffering and affection are commingled
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet
Has there ever been a time when love and suffering intersected like this?
Or thorns compose so rich, so rich a crown
And have thorns ever created such a splendid crown?
Were this whole realm of nature mine
Even if I owned the entire world
That were a present far too small
It couldn't begin to compare to the gift of salvation
Love so amazing, so divine
This astonishing, heavenly love
Demands my soul, my life, my all
Warrants my complete devotion, my essence, my totality
My life, my soul, my all
My life, my spirit, and everything I have
Contributed by Sebastian A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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@thinchcommunications7151
The Minnesota institution who is named Garrison Keillor did a beautiful beautiful poem set to this tune which is called Hamburg.
Whose hands are these so rough and worn, nails all torn with toil and care? Who kept the chickens and the yard, touched my cheeks and smoothed my hair?
Blessed be the aunt of peace, blessed their voices the songs they have sung period blessed be their hands, and their arms, and their knees... All Who Loved us, when We were Young.
The Lord's my shepherd ,I'll not want period buy still Waters I walk with my aunt. Watersso pure and a pastor so green, goodness and mercy following me.
Vocalise
Jesu, lover of my soul---let me to that bosom fly... While the mirror Waters roll, while the tempest still is nigh.
Until I happened to hear this hymn son on Good Friday with this text, I did not know what the tune was for that performance on Valentine's day, 2008. It was from the prairie home companion period at the end of the show.
The last verse fits metrically into the tune, but despite the meter being the same, those words are generally not set to the tune "Hamburg".
thank you for your appreciation of this lovely tune in him, and the opportunity for me to share. If you look in YouTube for when I survey the wonders cross hamburg, you'll find various recordings. One of which was made at the Westminster choir college in princeton, New jersey, in the 1950s. The picture is of the Westminster choir college building.
@eileenmiller7522
💕Thank You, Jesus!!!
1. When I survey the wond'rous Cross
On which the Prince of Glory dy'd,
My richest Gain I count but Loss,
And pour Contempt on all my Pride.
2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the Death of Christ my God:
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his Blood.
3. See from His Head, His Hands, His Feet,
Sorrow and Love flow mingled down!
Did ever such Love and Sorrow meet?
Or Thorns compose so rich a Crown?
4. His dying Crimson, like a Robe,
Spreads o'er His Body on the Tree;
Then am I dead to all the Globe,
And all the Globe is dead to me.
5. Were the whole Realm of Nature mine,
That were a Present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my Soul, my Life, my All.
@vanessao1533
One of my favorites! It's such a beautiful song.
I wanted to tell anyone reading this something really important.
One day we are all going to stand before God. If you have ever lied, stolen, used God’s name in vain (omg) which is called blasphemy , hated someone (which God consideres murder) or done other things that are against His law ( the Ten Commandments), He sees you as a lying, thieving, blasphemous, murderer. He will judge us, and because we have all broken His law, we ALL deserve hell.
But because He loves us, He became a human about two thousand years ago, lived without sinning, and died a terrible death He didn’t deserve because of us. Three days later He rose from the dead and one day He is coming back.
We all deserve the ultimate punishment (hell). But God loves us so much that He took the punishment on Himself.
We broke Gods law, Jesus paid the fine.
If you repent from your sins ( sincerely apologize for breaking His law and turn away from doing it anymore) and trust in Him and Him only, your punishment will be paid for, you will get eternal life in heaven, and you will no longer go to hell.
I’m not telling you this to judge you. The thought of you going to hell terrifies me. I don’t want anyone to go without hearing this wonderful news.
Thank you whoever took the time to read this.
If you have a Bible, I suggest you read the book of John. You can find many Bible apps on devices.
I pray that you and everyone who reads this will think about this seriously. And I hope to see you in heaven.
Go to NeedGod.com for a video version of what I just talked about.
Check out livingwaters YouTube channel and livingwaters.com and also fullyfreefilms.com for a movie called Exit that deals with depression and suicide.
@TheJinJang
1 When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.
2 Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
save in the death of Christ, my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them through his blood.
3 See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?
4 Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.
@vlmuanpuia
When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.
2 Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
save in the death of Christ, my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them through his blood.
3 See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?
4 Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.
@hikersdiarysg4136
我每恩念十字寶架 -------WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcChJHCvf2I
我 每 思 念 十 字 寶 架，
wo mei si nian shi zi bao jia
並 主 如 何 在 上 懸 掛，
bing zhu ru he zai shang xuan gua
我 就 不 禁 渾 忘 身 家，
wo jiu bu jin hun wang shen jia
鄙 視 從 前 所 有 驕 傲。
bi shi cong qian suo you jiao ao
To despise my past pride
願 主 禁 我 別 有 所 誇，
yuan zhu jin wo bie you suo kua
除 了 基 督 的 十 字 架；
chu le ji du de shi zi jia
前 所 珍 愛 虛 空 榮 華，
qian suo zhen ai xu kong rong hua
今 為 祂 血 情 願 丟 下。
jin wei ta xue qing yuan diu xia
看 從 祂 頭，祂 腳，祂 手，
kan cong ta tou ta jiao ta shou
憂 情 慈 愛 和 血 而 流；
you qing ci ai he xue er liu
那有愛憂如此相遘，
荊棘編成如此冕旒？
假若宇宙都歸我有，
盡獻於主仍覺不夠；
愛既如此奇妙深厚，
當得我心，我命，所有。
#########################
When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
Lyrics:
1. When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.
2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Save in the death of Christ my God! All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood.
3. See from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down! Did ever such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
4. Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.
#####################
@rjhenderson1541
Ok but can we talk about how Sonya Isaacs sweet, lovely soprano can send the chills.
@hyacinththompson5096
Guy Penrod puts his heart into singing this hymn...love to hear him sing..he has a blessed voice by God
.stay blessed and continue with your God's work..keep ministering 🙏🙏🙏
@francescakray233
Tuesday 23rd January 2024.
09.24am.
May The Lord Jesus Christ Help His Holy People And May The Prophets Rejoice.
Thank you.
@welshchristian
I love this tune. We don't tend to use it in the UK. And then David Phelps' notes. Wow! A lovely hymn made even more special!
@thinchcommunications7151
The Minnesota institution who is named Garrison Keillor did a beautiful beautiful poem set to this tune which is called Hamburg.
Whose hands are these so rough and worn, nails all torn with toil and care? Who kept the chickens and the yard, touched my cheeks and smoothed my hair?
Blessed be the aunt of peace, blessed their voices the songs they have sung period blessed be their hands, and their arms, and their knees... All Who Loved us, when We were Young.
The Lord's my shepherd ,I'll not want period buy still Waters I walk with my aunt. Watersso pure and a pastor so green, goodness and mercy following me.
Vocalise
Jesu, lover of my soul---let me to that bosom fly... While the mirror Waters roll, while the tempest still is nigh.
Until I happened to hear this hymn son on Good Friday with this text, I did not know what the tune was for that performance on Valentine's day, 2008. It was from the prairie home companion period at the end of the show.
The last verse fits metrically into the tune, but despite the meter being the same, those words are generally not set to the tune "Hamburg".
thank you for your appreciation of this lovely tune in him, and the opportunity for me to share. If you look in YouTube for when I survey the wonders cross hamburg, you'll find various recordings. One of which was made at the Westminster choir college in princeton, New jersey, in the 1950s. The picture is of the Westminster choir college building.
@henrykjaronowski8023
Yeah in the UK you hear the tune "Rockingham" a lot more. This one is "Hamburg".
@NJKunene
David Phelp can siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing woooooo
@paws4me22
Such a beautiful song. David’s amazing voice always stands out but even more so when he comes in after others have sung. I love Guy Penrod’s voice but David just goes to another level every time he sings. It is so uplifting and amazing.
@linajurgensen4698
David has a different style in almost every video haha :)
@debbieforhim7800
David Phelps is just a god, that's all there is to it.