The original members of First Call were Melodie (or Mel) Tunney, Marty McCa… Read Full Bio ↴The original members of First Call were Melodie (or Mel) Tunney, Marty McCall, and Bonnie Keen. In the 1970's, Marty was the front man for a band called Fireworks. Bonnie had been trained in musical theatre. They met as studio singers in Nashville. Their jobs individually were to sing backup for other singers and to record jingles for commercials. The three struck up a friendship, and also saw the benefit in marketing themselves as a ready-made trio for back-up vocals and other studio recordings. They were considered the "first call" by music producers -- first choice for studio work. But the term also fit with their belief in making God first in their lives.

Wanna Be
First Call Lyrics

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When the ways of the world
Are too much on my shoulders
I gotta pray "no, no, no"
I've been seekin' salvation
Workin' it out with fear
And tremblin' in my soul
Father, my Father
His strength is like the mornin' sun

I keep on try, try
Tryin' to overcome

I just wanna be
I just wanna be
I just wanna be all that I can
I don't wanna be
I don't wanna be
I don't wanna be out of His plan
Shine Your light on me
There's so much
That I don't understand
Oh-oh, oh-oh

In the middle of my tribulation
He gives me a promise that I employ
I remember He said that to die is to live
Once again, I'm surprised by joy
I just gotta shout out to the Holy One
There's no stop, stop
Stoppin' what He's begun

I just wanna be
I just wanna be
I just wanna be all that I can
I don't wanna be
I don't wanna be
I don't wanna be out of His plan
Shine Your light on me
There's so much
That I don't understand
Oh-oh, oh-oh

He's the only way
He's the only way
He's the only way
He is my Lord
He was yesterday
And He is today
And forever an opening door
He's the One I kneel before, yeah!

It's Your faith I seek
When my heart is weak
So shine Your light on me
Shine Your light on me

I just wanna be
I just wanna be all that I can
I don't wanna be
I don't wanna be out of His plan
Shine Your light on me
There's so much
That I don't understand
Oh-oh, oh-oh

He's the only way
He's the only way
He's the only way
He is my Lord
He was yesterday
And He is today
And forever an opening door
He's the One I kneel before, yeah!

I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be
I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be

I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be
I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be

Overall Meaning

The song "Wanna Be" by First Call is a gospel-inspired track that explores the desire to live up to one's potential while leaning on God for guidance and strength. The singer acknowledges the difficulties of navigating the ways of the world and seeking salvation, but also recognizes the power of prayer in overcoming these challenges. They mention that the strength of God is like the morning sun and that they will continue to try to overcome their struggles.

The lyrics also speak to the idea of being in God's plan and not wanting to stray from it. The singer asks for God's light to shine on them because there is still much they do not understand about their faith and their place in the world. They refer to a promise that God has given them, which brings them feelings of joy despite their tribulations. Ultimately, the song emphasizes the belief that God is the only way and that he is always there, yesterday, today, and tomorrow, to guide and support those who turn to him.

Line by Line Meaning

When the ways of the world Are too much on my shoulders I gotta pray "no, no, no"
When I feel overwhelmed by the challenges of the world, I turn to God in prayer for guidance and strength.

I've been seekin' salvation Workin' it out with fear And tremblin' in my soul
I am searching for salvation and trying to overcome my fears with God's help, but it is a difficult and uncertain journey.

Father, my Father His strength is like the mornin' sun I keep on try, try Tryin' to overcome
God is my Father who provides me with strength and support, and I am continuing to try my best to overcome my struggles.

I just wanna be I just wanna be I just wanna be all that I can I don't wanna be I don't wanna be I don't wanna be out of His plan Shine Your light on me There's so much That I don't understand Oh-oh, oh-oh
I want to fulfill my potential and be in alignment with God's plan for me. I am asking for His guidance and enlightenment, as there is still much I don't know or understand.

In the middle of my tribulation He gives me a promise that I employ I remember He said that to die is to live Once again, I'm surprised by joy
Even in times of hardship, God gives me hope and a promise that I can hold onto. I remember His words that death brings new life, and I am joyfully surprised by this realization.

I just gotta shout out to the Holy One There's no stop, stop Stoppin' what He's begun
I am proclaiming my faith in God and acknowledging that nothing can hinder the work that He has started in me.

He's the only way He's the only way He's the only way He is my Lord He was yesterday And He is today And forever an opening door He's the One I kneel before, yeah!
God is the only way for me, my Lord who has always existed and will continue to be there for me as an open door. I kneel before Him with reverence and praise.

It's Your faith I seek When my heart is weak So shine Your light on me Shine Your light on me
When I am feeling vulnerable or weak, I look to God's faith and grace to guide me through. I ask for His light to shine upon me and provide me with strength.

I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be
I am repeating my desire to be all that I can be in accordance with God's plan, emphasizing my commitment and dedication to this pursuit.

Contributed by Grace I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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