The band was formed by Marc Martel and Jason Germain who were roommates at Briercrest Bible College in Caronport, Saskatchewan. Martel and Germain added fellow Canadians Jeremy Thiessen and Tyson Manning, along with American Corey Doak in 1999, and released an eponymous debut album independently on Slyngshot Records. Tyson and Doak left the band, and later on Downhere signed with Word Records. In February 2001, they moved to Nashville, Tennessee. The band soon added bassist Glenn Lavender, whom they had met two years earlier, after his band broke up. Downhere's independent album was reissued with the inclusion of bassist Lavender, and released in 2001 as their international debut, downhere.
Their second album, also released through Word Records was entitled So Much For Substitutes. In 2006 they were signed to Centricity Records and released Wide-Eyed and Mystified which led to the 2007 Juno Award for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year, and Covenant Awards for Rock Album of the Year and Recorded Song of the Year ("A Better Way").
In 2007, the band released two additional CDs that were unique. In early 2007, they released Wide-Eyed and Simplified, which contained new versions of 8 songs from Wide-Eyed and Mystified, in addition to three popular songs from earlier releases. Later in 2007, the band released Thunder After Lightning (The Uncut Demos). This album contained 15 previously unreleased demos which were considered for use on Wide-Eyed and Mystified but were not used. The CD also contained demo versions of two songs which were used on Wide-Eyed and Mystified. In April 2007, Downhere released Thank You for Coming (The Live Bootlegs), a six-song collection of live songs recorded in 2007 while on tour with Jason Gray & Lanae Hale.
Their next album, Ending Is Beginning, was released on September 23, 2008. The band released the songs for a few days and gave fans the chance to give input on which songs they should put on the album, and as a pre-release to Ending Is Beginning in June 2008 they gave away the whole album Wide-Eyed and Mystified as a free download.
In October 2009, they released How Many Kings: Songs for Christmas, a collection of Christmas songs. This included "How Many Kings", which was a bonus track on Ending Is Beginning. Between the release of Ending Is Beginning and On the Altar of Love, Downhere released Two at a Time: Sneak Peeks & B-Sides, a collection of older songs compiled over their career, as well as two new songs: "You're Not Alone" and "The Song You Sing". "You're Not Alone" was released as a single in May 2010.
In May 2011, the first single,"Let Me Rediscover You", from their upcoming album On the Altar of Love was released. The album itself was released August 23, 2011.
Someone
Downhere Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How we respond to the needs we see,
Depth of words leaves a legacy,
A history
What's on our minds, is evident in what we buy,
If we feel entitled to our blue sky, we come easily to justify,
Turning a blind eye.
And the question posed needs answering.
Is someone willing to leave the world behind,
Is someone willing to take a stand, take a stand,
Is someone willing to lay it on the line,
Is someone willing it's time fore someone who will.
We all say "It's not me, not my calling it's not my dream,"
I'm not comfortable with what I believe,
There is risk that faith is asking for impossibilities.
A world in the void, hasn't heard the news,
Which now now make me bored,
Jesus died to save my soul, but my response is my reward.
But The world has an eye for inconsistancy.
And the question posed needs answering.
Is someone willing to leave the world behind,
Is someone willing to take a stand, take a stand,
Is someone willing to lay it on the line,
Is someone willing it's time fore someone who will
The lyrics of Downhere's "Someone" speak to the contrast between what people say they believe or value and how they actually live out those beliefs. The first verse describes how our actions and responses to the world around us reveal what we truly believe. The second verse highlights the idea that our material possessions and entitlement can cloud our judgment and lead us to justify turning a blind eye to those in need. The chorus poses the question of who is willing to truly live out their beliefs, to leave behind the world's values and take a stand for what is right. The bridge acknowledges the risk and discomfort that can come with following our faith, but ultimately reflects on the reward that comes with living a life consistent with our beliefs.
Overall, "Someone" encourages listeners to examine their own lives and consider how they are living out their values and beliefs. It is a call to action for those who are willing to take a stand and make a difference in the world around them, even when it may not be comfortable or easy.
Line by Line Meaning
What we believe, is evident in how we live,
Our actions reflect our beliefs and values. Our behavior is a testimony to what is important to us.
How we respond to the needs we see,
Our reactions to the problems and suffering of others display our compassion and sense of responsibility.
Depth of words leaves a legacy,
The quality and impact of the things we say can have a lasting impression on people and contribute to our reputation.
A history
Our past experiences and actions shape who we are and influence how we are perceived by others.
What's on our minds, is evident in what we buy,
Our interests, values, and priorities are reflected in the choices we make when spending money.
If we feel entitled to our blue sky, we come easily to justify,
When we are comfortable and content with our lives, it is easy to disregard the needs and struggles of others and justify our lack of action or involvement.
Turning a blind eye.
Ignoring or neglecting the problems around us can have severe consequences for ourselves and others in the long run.
We all say "It's not me, not my calling it's not my dream,"
We often shy away from taking risks or assuming responsibility for something that seems out of our control or beyond our capabilities.
I'm not comfortable with what I believe,
Sometimes our doubts, fears, or lack of confidence prevent us from fully embracing our beliefs and living them out in action.
There is risk that faith is asking for impossibilities.
Believing in something bigger than ourselves can entail uncertainty, sacrifice, and challenges that may seem insurmountable from a human perspective.
A world in the void, hasn't heard the news,
Many people are unaware or indifferent to the message of hope, love, and salvation offered by Jesus Christ.
Which now now make me bored,
The repetition or lack of engagement with spiritual matters can lead to apathy, indifference, or discontent.
Jesus died to save my soul, but my response is my reward.
Although salvation is a free gift from God, our response to it determines the quality and impact of our life on earth and in eternity.
Is someone willing to leave the world behind,
Are we willing to detach ourselves from worldly pursuits and comfort to pursue a higher purpose and make a difference in the lives of others?
Is someone willing to take a stand, take a stand,
Are we willing to stand up for what we believe in and face opposition, criticism, or persecution if necessary?
Is someone willing to lay it on the line,
Are we willing to risk everything - our reputation, safety, possessions, or even our life - to follow our convictions and make a lasting impact?
Is someone willing it's time fore someone who will.
The world needs people who are willing to act, serve, and lead with courage, wisdom, and compassion. Will we be that someone?
Contributed by Maya T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.