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.
Your Time Will Come
David Phelps Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Brilliant plans can melt beneath an unforgiving sun
When the flame consumes it all but ashes and debris
Hope can blaze from embers of a dream
Can you hear, the beating of the drum
Lift your head my child, your time will come
But a single grain of faith will hold like solid rock
Son I pray you'll know when to let go and when to fight
And that God will guide you with his light.
Can you hear, the beating of the drum
Lift your head my child, your time will come
When the dogs of sorrow bite and fail your stark like walls at night
Rest in the fathers plans for your tomorrow
Can you hear, the beating of the drum
Lift your head my child, your time has come
Your time has come
The lyrics of David Phelps's song "Your Time Will Come" convey a message of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. The song starts by acknowledging the transient nature of life, comparing it to a vapor that disappears quickly. It highlights the vulnerability of our well-thought-out plans, which can be shattered like melting under the unforgiving sun. However, amidst the destruction and disappointment, the lyrics suggest that there is still hope to be found. Like embers of a dream, hope can still burn brightly, offering a glimmer of possibility.
The chorus emphasizes this message of hope, urging the listener to lift their head and trust that their time will come. It speaks to the individual's ability to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. The lyrics use vivid imagery, comparing the fleeting nature of life to sand slipping through fingers, but also emphasizing the strength that can be found in even a single grain of faith. The song goes on to express a prayer for wisdom and guidance, that the individual will know when to let go and when to fight, trusting in God's divine light.
The final verse recognizes the difficulties and struggles one may face, depicting them as the biting dogs of sorrow. Yet, it encourages the listener to rest in the Father's plans for the future. The lyrics suggest that despite the challenging circumstances, there is still a purpose and a time for the fulfillment of one's dreams and goals. Ultimately, the song's message is one of resilience, encouraging the listener to have faith, persevere, and believe that their time will come.
Line by Line Meaning
Life is but a vapor and before we know it′s done
Life passes by quickly, like a fleeting vapor, before we realize it's over
Brilliant plans can melt beneath an unforgiving sun
Even the most carefully crafted plans can crumble under difficult circumstances
When the flame consumes it all but ashes and debris
When everything is destroyed and only ashes and rubble remain
Hope can blaze from embers of a dream
Hope can arise from the remnants of a dream
Can you hear, the beating of the drum
Are you aware of the persistent rhythm and call to action
Lift your head my child, your time will come
Raise your spirits, my child, for your moment of success will arrive
Like sand through your fingers it can seem that all is lost
It may appear that everything is slipping away like sand through your fingers
But a single grain of faith will hold like solid rock
However, even a small amount of faith can provide steadfast support
Son I pray you'll know when to let go and when to fight
My son, I hope you will discern when to release and when to persist in battle
And that God will guide you with his light.
And God will illuminate your path with his divine guidance
When the dogs of sorrow bite and fail your stark like walls at night
When overwhelming sadness attacks you and breaks down your defenses in the darkness
Rest in the fathers plans for your tomorrow
Find solace in the plans your heavenly Father has for your future
Your time has come
The right moment for you has arrived
Writer(s): David Phelps
Contributed by Liam A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@MarthalieThurstonSachemPiper
Wonderful composition. Young Daniel's boy did an amazing performance. Stirring and powerful message. Thank you for your ministry of music 🎶.
@rickkenyon6275
David Phelps is an authentic music artist. He continually delivers perfection in his projects and we are blessed beyond expectations!
@SchoeneTante
David wrote and sang this at his daughter Callie's high school graduation. The little boy is Jack Daniels' son Jimmy. The backing group is the Gaither Vocal Band, of course.
@dawnhutchins11
Any day is a great day when Phelps releases a song. Absolutely believe he’s the best tenor!!!
@NaiconRichard7
Sim
@juliescraftingbodyshoppers
This is amazing and love the little boy at the beginning. Love when you hear a song which David has written
@SchoeneTante
That's Jimmy Daniels, Jack's son.
@susanodell4538
This is an amazing song! I have the Freedom DVD but will listen to this and any other song anytime! The more the better. Thank you for sharing! ❤️
@dianebayne9011
Beautiful song. Thank you for sharing with me. Always love to hear David Phelps and the Gaither Vocal Band
@tanyafavazza2711
This voice this voice … spectacular 😶🙏💪💞🎶