Focused was a hardcore punk band that w… Read Full Bio ↴Spirit-filled hardcore band.
Focused was a hardcore punk band that was based out of Long Beach, California in the United States. The band formed in 1990 with the lineup of Tim Mann on Vocals, John Schoettler on Guitars, Jeff Boetto on Guitars, Matt Archuleta on Bass and Al Christensen on Drums. Over the years, the lineup shifted several times, with Mann being the only constant.
Origins and Bow (1990-1993)
Focused began in 1990 with the lineup of Vocalist Tim Mann, Guitarists John Schoettler and Jeff Boetto, and Bassist Matt Archuleta. David Shoemaker filled in on Drums for the first show the band played before Al Christensen took over the position. Early on the band recorded two different demos, including Situation Within and Eternity's Gate.[1] In 1992, Boetto and Archuleta departed from the band, being replaced by Mike Merryman and Dirk Lemmenes respectively.
In 1993, Jason Parker joined the band as a fill-in Guitarist for Merryman, who was unable to make it to the show. Schoettler departed pretty soon afterward, with Parker joining alongside Merryman. The lineup consisting of Mann, Merryman, Parker, Lemmenes, and Christensen wrote and recorded their debut album, Bow, which came out through Tooth & Nail Records.
The Hope That Lies Within and breakup (1994-1996)
In 1994, the band again saw lineup changes, with Parker and Christensen both departing from the band. Andrew Reizuch joined the band as a Guitarist and Chris Bowden joined on Drums.[2] Now, in addition to Reizuch and Bowden, the band - along with Mann, Merryman, and Lemmenes - who had already grown to a high status in the scene, began to work on their sophomore release.
In 1995, the band recorded and released The Hope That Lies Within, which also came out through Tooth & Nail Records. In 1996, the band disbanded and went their separate ways.[2] Lemmenes went on to perform with a project called Stavesacre alongside former members of The Crucified, Chatterbox, Scaterd Few and The Blamed, while most of the others remained musically inactive.
Reunion EP, Second Reunion, and shows (2000-2009)
In 2000, Focused reunited with the best-known lineup of Mann, Merryman, Lemmenes, another former member as well as new Drummer Adam Valles. With the lineup, the band recorded an EP, which featured three tracks - "War", "Angels and Demons", and "Grace". The band broke up a year later in 2001. The EP was later released in 2008 through Indie Vision Music as a free MP3 download[3] and later again in 2016.[4] In 2009, the band reunited again with Mann, Merryman, Parker, Lemmenes, and former Project 86 Drummer Alex Albert to perform on a couple shows with Living Sacrifice and Demon Hunter.[5] Following the shows, there was a debate as to whether the band would play more shows or not, which were addressed in 2014. In 2019, Steadfast Records re-released Eternity's Gate as At Eternity's Gate, as well as a music video of old footage being released.
Perfect Will
Focused Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never will I forsake you
'Cause now I stand with confidence
Lord you are my healer, provider, redeemer
And I will not be afraid for what could a man do to me?
I will not conform any longer to the pattern of this world
But be transformed by the renewing of my mind
Then I will be able to test and approve what God's will is
Because the one who is in me is greater than the one in this world
Humility when I fall to my knees
For not my will but thy will be done
For I am not my own
I was bought with a price, the price of bloody sacrifice
And I will live for you
I can only see your light
You're the one to erase my pain
Oh God, take me from my minds fight, and I will not be afraid
For what can a man do to me?
Never will I leave you
And will I forsake you
And now I stand with confidence
Lord you are my healer, provider, redeemer
Humility as I fall to my knees for not my will but thy will be done
For I am not my own
I was bought with a price, the price of a merciful sacrifice
For I can only see your light
You're the one to erase this pain
Oh God, take me from my mind's fight, and I will not be afraid
The lyrics of Focused's song "Perfect Will" convey a strong sense of faith and trust in God's guidance and protection. The opening lines assert the unwavering commitment of God to never leave or forsake the singer. This assurance instills confidence in the singer, knowing that the Lord is their healer, provider, and redeemer. With this assurance, the singer proclaims that they will not fear what any man can do to them.
The lyrics also touch upon the theme of transformation and renewal. The singer declares their decision to no longer conform to the patterns and values of the world but instead be transformed by the renewing of their mind. By doing so, they believe they will be able to discern and embrace God's perfect will, which is described as good and pleasing. The confidence to live in God's will emanates from the belief that the power of God within them is greater than any opposing force in the world.
The second half of the lyrics emphasize humility and surrender to God's will. The singer acknowledges the need to fall to their knees and submit to the divine will, recognizing that they are not their own but have been purchased at the cost of a bloody sacrifice. Despite any personal struggles or battles within their mind, the singer resolves not to be afraid because God's light is present to erase their pain and provide solace. Ultimately, the singer's fearlessness and trust in God's perfect will shape the core message of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Never will I leave you
I will always be faithful and present in your life
Never will I forsake you
I will never abandon or desert you
'Cause now I stand with confidence
Because of my relationship with you, I am filled with assurance and boldness
Lord you are my healer, provider, redeemer
You are the one who heals, provides, and redeems me, O Lord
And I will not be afraid for what could a man do to me?
I will not fear any earthly harm or threat because of the greatness of God within me
I will not conform any longer to the pattern of this world
I will no longer follow the ways and values of this world
But be transformed by the renewing of my mind
Instead, I will change and grow by renewing my thoughts and perspectives
Then I will be able to test and approve what God's will is
Through this transformation, I will discern and accept God's will
His good, pleasing, and perfect will
His will is perfect, pleasing, and aligned with what is good
Because the one who is in me is greater than the one in this world
The power and presence of God within me is greater than any force or influence in this world
Humility when I fall to my knees
I approach you with humility and submission
For not my will but thy will be done
I surrender my desires and preferences to your will
For I am not my own
I belong to you, not to myself
I was bought with a price, the price of bloody sacrifice
You purchased me with the costly sacrifice of blood
And I will live for you
I will dedicate my life to serving and following you
I can only see your light
Your light is all I can see and focus on
You're the one to erase my pain
You are the source of comfort and healing, able to alleviate my suffering
Oh God, take me from my mind's fight, and I will not be afraid
Lord, free me from the battles and struggles within my mind, and I will have no fear
For what can a man do to me?
There is nothing a person can do to truly harm or defeat me
Lyrics Β© CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, DistroKid, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: AL CHRISTIANSEN, DIRK LEMMENES, JASON PARKER, MIKE MERRYMAN, TIM MANN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind