1 - The band ma… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least three bands using the name "Glad"
1 - The band making the most longstanding use of the name is a contemporary Christian band (and often, a cappella ensemble) formed in 1972 on the campus of West Chester State University of Pennsylvania when singer Ed Nalle auditioned for a new Christian band. Nalle would write and produce much of GLAD's early material in addition to his role as lead vocalist. The other members (from Temple University in Philadelphia) were Bob Kauflin (keyboards, vocals), T. Coble (bass, vocals), John Bolles (guitar, vocals), and Brad Curry (drums). The group's name was chosen from a poll taken at a shopping mall. Playing over 200 dates annually at college campuses, churches and concert halls throughout the United States, GLAD released their first two albums on Myrrh Records in 1978 and 1980.
"The Reason" (on Beyond a Star) was their first a cappella song, which they subsequently re-recorded for their 1988 watershed album, The Acapella Project. That album was released with some trepidation because there was no track record in the genre for the Christian market, but it proved tremendously popular (selling over 400,000 copies), and received a Dove Award nomination and a Billboard Critic's Choice Award. Since that time, GLAD has alternated band and a cappella recordings and increased their admirers, evidenced by new groups that are obviously influenced by the group's elaborate, multilayered sound.
GLAD ventured into the mainstream with their 1995 release, A Cappella Gershwin (featuring some arrangements by the legendary Gene Puerling), which set the a cappella world buzzing and helped introduce their music to a wider audience.
GLAD's current lineup includes Nalle and longtime members Chris Davis (a musician with a strong background in classical and electric guitar, plus session work in the Northwest) and John Gates (an experienced studio percussionist who backed Gladys Knight & the Pips, Frankie and the Knockouts, and others), plus alternating keyboardists Paul Langford and Don Pardoe. Kauflin and Don Hart are the group's primary a cappella arrangers. Recently, the group has released recordings inspired by the writings of John Piper and the worship music of Sovereign Grace Ministries (formerly PDI).
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2 - The second band calling itself Glad is Timothy B. Schmit's band, who made one album in 1968 before he left to join Poco and become a leading figure in the development and evolution of Country Rock.
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3 - Third, Glad is also the name of a little-known UK indie band. Formed in Oxford in 1988, the band that was to become Glad changed their name more often than their underwear. Settling on Smitty’s Chopper for their first gig, the band’s original line-up was Mark Jordan (bass & vocals), Tony Greenham (guitar), Jon Williams (guitar), Will Crerar (drums) and John Tabinor (vocals). Jordan soon took over as main vocalist with Tabinor opting to leave rather than become an embarrassing appendage. The band’s name gradually morphed into Paisley Nightmare and Angus-Boyd Heron was recruited on bass, leaving Jordan free to focus on his frontman persona. After a final, Madchester-inspired name change to Glad and a personnel change in the drumming department, the band split in 1992.
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Be Thou My Vision
Glad Lyrics
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Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
///High King of Heaven///, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heav'n's Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whate'er befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
The song "Be Thou My Vision" is a hymn that was originally written in Old Irish as a poem in the 8th century. It was translated into English in the early 20th century by Mary E. Byrne and then again by Eleanor H. Hull. The hymn is a beautiful and moving expression of faith, as it explores the deep relationship between the singer and God.
The opening lines, "Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart, Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art," reveal the singer's desire for God to be the center of their life. They want nothing else but God, and they acknowledge that he is the best thought in their mind, day or night.
The second stanza, "Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word, I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord, Thou my great Father, I Thy true son, Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one," expands on the singer's relationship with God. They see God as their source of wisdom, and they want to be in constant communion with him. The singer identifies as God's child, and they recognize that God dwells in them and they in him.
The third stanza, "Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise, Thou mine Inheritance, now and always, Thou and Thou only, first in my heart, High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art," expresses the singer's detachment from earthly possessions and desires. They see God as their only inheritance, their true treasure, and they want him to be first and foremost in their heart.
The final stanza, "High King of Heaven, my victory won, May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heav'n's Sun, Heart of my own heart, whate'er befall, Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all," is a prayer for help and guidance. The singer acknowledges God as the king of heaven and prays that they may reach heaven's joys. They want God to always be their vision, no matter what happens.
Overall, "Be Thou My Vision" is a powerful hymn that explores the singer's deep faith, trust, and love for God.
Line by Line Meaning
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Lord, please be the guiding light of my life
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
I need nothing else in my life except for You
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
You are always in my thoughts regardless of the time
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Your presence is the source of light for me all the time, no matter if I'm awake or asleep
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
Give me wisdom, and let Your word guide me in every aspect of my life
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
May I always remain with You and You with me
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
I am Your son, and You are my loving father
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Let us be united as one, with You dwelling inside me
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
I don't care about material wealth or meaningless admiration from others
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
You are my inheritance, both now and forever
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
You are the only one who holds the first place in my heart
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
You are the King of Heaven and my most precious treasure
High King of Heaven, my victory won,
With You as my King, I have already won the victory
May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heav'n's Sun!
I pray that I can reach the joy of Heaven through Your bright light
Heart of my own heart, whate'er befall,
You are the center of my heart, and I will always rely on You no matter what happens
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
May You always be my guiding Vision, O ruler of everything
Writer(s): ORTEGA JUAN FERNANDO, TRADITIONAL, SCHREINER JOHN ANDREW
Contributed by Cooper T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
John-Marylou Wells
on There Is Hope
2nd stanza, 2nd line should read " And lives shared for years fall apart"
Dan Roman
on The Reason
Wrong lyrics!