John Ondrasik was born in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles. He grew up there in a musical family, with his mother teaching him the piano from the age of two. As a teenager, he learned how to play the guitar as well and started to write music. While he also learned to sing opera briefly, he quickly decided that he would like to be a piano playing popular musician along the lines of Elton John and Billy Joel. Ondrasik adopted the name "Five for Fighting" which is an expression in ice hockey when a player is sent from the rink by the referee for a major penalty. The name was used for the reason that it would be more memorable than his real name.
In 1997, his first album, 'Message for Albert', was released by EMI. Although not quite breaking through commercially, fans of modern singer-songwriter music provided a warm audience for Ondrasik. After the success of 'America Town', Capitol Records re-released this debut album to give it a more mainstream audience.
In 2000, Ondrasik signed with the aforementioned Columbia Records and released 'America Town' on September 26, 2000. At first, it made little impact until track "Superman (It's Not Easy)" became an American anthem after the September 11 attacks. Ondrasik performed the song at 'The Concert for New York Cit'y in late 2001.
"Superman (It's Not Easy)" started climbing the charts reaching the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Billboard Adult Top 40. While 'America Town' itself failed to make the top 50 of the Billboard 200 album charts, its consistent sales led to it going platinum. "Superman (It's Not Easy)" was also an international hit reaching number one on a composite adult international chart (based on performance in the U.S., Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Australia). Ondrasik's second single, "Easy Tonight", would make the top 20 of the world adult chart as well as going top 20 in New Zealand.
His third album, 'The Battle for Everything', debuted at number 20 on the Billboard 200 in February 2004. Its first single, "100 Years", was another top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and again reached number one on the World Adult Top 40. It also was number one on a composite world airplay chart and top 10 on a composite world modern rock chart. (based on USA, Germany, United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden, Canada and Australia).
The Five for Fighting song "100 Years" was used in a ubiquitous JP Morgan Chase commercial, and more recently in an episode of Scrubs. The song was also used in the last scenes of the final episode of JAG.
Lately, Ondrasik's sixth album, 2013's 'Bookmarks', came out after a four year gap between his last release. The album has received critical praise from a variety of publications such as Allmusic, where the reviewer lauded how Five for Fighting produced " sturdy tunes wrapped up neatly in a shiny, appealing gloss". Released by the label Universal, his work also hit the #54 slot on the Billboard 200, with his fans happily looking forwards to his future endeavors.
See more at: http://www.fiveforfighting.com/
Christmas Where You Are
Five for Fighting Lyrics
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From sea to shining sea
Jingle bells a-ringing
In keys of liberty
Children celebrating
Santa and his sleigh
Of reindeer who found their way again
Across the home, home of the brave
In a season best to remember
That blessings and bows and mistletoes
Are not without tolls, guardian souls
A soldier has a soldier's duty
That takes no holiday
So because you're far from home this winter
There's one thing I'd like to say
Thank you for the gift of freedom
That lights these holy stars
Thank you for each and every Christmas tree
Across this sacred land of ours
May angels fly beside you
May Heaven steel your hearts
May God remind you in his grace
Though tonight I cannot touch your face
It doesn't matter if you're near or far
It's Christmas where you are
Your chair is empty at the table
Still I take your hand
As we pray for peace in this small world
On our knees we stand
Of this body of this nation
You are the heart and spine
So to each great generation
Of heroes down the line
Thank you for the gift of freedom
That lights these holy stars
Thank you for each and every Christmas tree
Across this sacred land of ours
May angels fly beside you
May Heaven steel your hearts
May God remind you in his grace
Though tonight I cannot touch your face
It doesn't matter if you're near or far
It's Christmas where you are
Everyday is memorial day
Every day the 4th of July
Let all religions celebrate
The freedom that you provide
For if we stand together
We will never fall
Merry Christmas to the one I love
Merry Christmas to one and all
Thank you for the gift of freedom
That lights these holy stars
Thank you for each and every Christmas tree
Across this sacred land of ours
May angels fly beside you
May Heaven steel your hearts
May God remind you in his grace
Though tonight I cannot touch your face
When home seems a hundred million miles away
Just close your eyes and you will see his sleigh
It's doesn't matter if you're near or far
It's Christmas where you are
The lyrics of "Christmas Where You Are" by Five for Fighting express gratitude and appreciation to the soldiers who are serving their country during the holiday season. The song starts by painting a festive picture of Christmas celebrations happening across the country, with stockings waiting to be filled and jingle bells ringing. It emphasizes the joy and excitement children feel during this time and how Santa Claus and his reindeer manage to find their way across a nation that prides itself on freedom and bravery.
The first verse also acknowledges that Christmas is not only a time of blessings and joy but also a time that comes with sacrifices. It mentions that being a soldier means having a duty that doesn't take holidays, and as the soldiers are away from home during winter, the singer wants to convey his gratitude.
In the chorus, the singer explicitly thanks the soldiers for the gift of freedom, which is symbolized by the lights decorating the stars and the Christmas trees across the country. The lyrics also invoke the presence of angels and God's grace to offer comfort and strength to the soldiers, even though they cannot be together physically during the holiday season.
The second verse continues the theme of missing loved ones who are serving, with an empty chair at the table. The singer acknowledges the soldiers as the heart and spine of the nation and expresses gratitude to each generation of heroes who have served before. It emphasizes the importance of standing together and praying for peace in a small world.
The final verse broadens the message to embrace the idea that every day is a time to remember and honor the soldiers who protect the freedom that allows various religions to celebrate. It closes with a heartfelt wish of a Merry Christmas to the one the singer loves and to everyone, reaffirming the appreciation and recognition for the soldiers' sacrifice.
Overall, "Christmas Where You Are" is a moving tribute to the soldiers who cannot be with their loved ones during the holiday season. It expresses gratitude for their service, acknowledging the sacrifices they make to ensure the freedom and peace that the nation enjoys. The lyrics convey the message that no matter where they are, their spirit and the meaning of Christmas remains with them.
Line by Line Meaning
There are stockings full and waiting
There are stockings filled with anticipation
From sea to shining sea
From coast to coast
Jingle bells a-ringing
The sound of joyful bells ringing
In keys of liberty
Symbolizing freedom and independence
Children celebrating
Children expressing their happiness
Santa and his sleigh
The iconic image of Santa Claus and his sleigh
Of reindeer who found their way again
Reindeer navigating and returning
Across the home, home of the brave
Across a nation known for its courageous spirit
Tis the 25th day of December
It is the celebrated day of December
In a season best to remember
In a memorable time of the year
That blessings and bows and mistletoes
That the blessings, decorations, and traditions
Are not without tolls, guardian souls
Are not without the sacrifices of protectors
A soldier has a soldier's duty
A soldier has responsibilities specific to their role
That takes no holiday
That does not take a break
So because you're far from home this winter
Since you are distant from your home during this winter time
There's one thing I'd like to say
I have one message to express
Thank you for the gift of freedom
Expressing gratitude for the precious gift of freedom
That lights these holy stars
That illuminates the sacred stars
Thank you for each and every Christmas tree
Appreciating every Christmas tree as a symbol
Across this sacred land of ours
Across our cherished and respected country
May angels fly beside you
May celestial beings accompany you
May Heaven steel your hearts
May Heaven fortify and strengthen your hearts
May God remind you in his grace
May God, in His benevolence, remind you
Though tonight I cannot touch your face
Although I am unable to physically touch you tonight
It doesn't matter if you're near or far
Distance does not diminish the importance
It's Christmas where you are
The spirit of Christmas resides wherever you are
Your chair is empty at the table
Your seat is vacant at the dining table
Still I take your hand
Nevertheless, I metaphorically hold your hand
As we pray for peace in this small world
As we fervently pray for peace in our humble world
On our knees we stand
We stand humbly and prayerfully
Of this body of this nation
Of this collective unit of our country
You are the heart and spine
You are the vital core and pillar
So to each great generation
To every admirable generation
Of heroes down the line
Of heroic individuals throughout time
Everyday is memorial day
Every day is a day to remember and honor
Every day the 4th of July
Every day represents a sense of freedom and pride
Let all religions celebrate
Let every faith tradition rejoice
The freedom that you provide
The liberty that you safeguard
For if we stand together
Because unity is our strength
We will never fall
We will never be defeated
Merry Christmas to the one I love
Wishing a joyful Christmas to the significant other
Merry Christmas to one and all
Wishing a joyful Christmas to everyone
When home seems a hundred million miles away
During times when home feels impossibly distant
Just close your eyes and you will see his sleigh
Simply shut your eyes and envision Santa's sleigh
It's doesn't matter if you're near or far
The proximity does not affect the sentiment
It's Christmas where you are
The spirit of Christmas exists wherever you are
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: James Merrill Brickman, John Ondrasik
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@colleenoldham1245
In a time where we are focused on what is going on in this country , things like the corona virus and the election , we have a real tendency to forget that there are those who are fighting overseas to give us the freedoms we have . Thank a soldier for the gift of freedom and remember them and their families your prayers. God bless our country and those who serve !
@Caydens-em2sb
Very well said and very true.
@peggycrabtree7535
Love this song for all our servicemen and women to tell them Thank you everyday 🙏 ❤️
@patriciaboyd192
Such an awesome tribute to our military! Thank you!
@yamahamer72
Thank you for this song. God bless our troops: from an old Navy Veteran!
@jimbrickman
Thank you for your service! - Team Brickman
@ROBERT10129
this is I believe the first time I have heard this. I must say it brought the tears. And that's good each tear is a blessing. This needs to be posted everywhere. May God bless all our troops and their families this Christmas and always. Thank you for posting.
@jimbrickman
Thanks so much, so glad you found the song. There wasn't a dry eye when we all watched the final video either. So thankful for all the troops that serve, hopefully this song helps bring a little Christmas to them and their families! - Team Brickman
@tanjavogt8535
@@jimbrickman🥹🫶❤️👍🙏
@dollyreinholt5618
This is a great song. Brought many tears to my eyes. I heard it playing on the radio today but they played it with voices of soldiers saying their names and telling their families Merry Christmas like they usually do at Christmas time.