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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When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
Glad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride
See from His head, His hands, His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet
Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were a present far too small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all
The hymn "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" by Isaac Watts has been a significant part of Christian musical tradition for centuries. It is a powerful expression of humility, gratitude, and devotion to Christ, and focuses on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. In the first verse, the singer reflects on the significance of the cross and how it brings perspective to the things of this world. The second verse takes a closer look at the physical suffering of Christ and the paradox of love mingled with sorrow. The final verse expresses the ultimate response to Christ's love - complete submission and surrender.
The first verse of the hymn expresses the idea that the cross of Christ puts everything else in life into perspective. The singer realizes that all the things he has worked for and valued in life are insignificant compared to the sacrifice of Christ. In fact, he considers them worthless in light of the glory of the cross. The line "pour contempt on all my pride" is a statement of humility, recognizing that the singer's own accomplishments and ego are nothing in the face of the love exhibited on the cross.
The second verse focuses on the physical suffering of Jesus and the paradox of love mingled with sorrow. The line "see from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down" poetically describes the way in which Jesus' love for humanity is demonstrated by his willingness to suffer on their behalf. The image of thorns composing a rich crown is a tribute to the way in which Jesus' suffering was turned into ultimate glory and the crown he won through that sacrifice.
Finally, the third verse is a call to action for believers. The singer recognizes that no gift or expression of gratitude could ever be enough to repay the love of Christ. However, the only reasonable response is complete surrender of one's life and soul to the service of Jesus. This verse encapsulates the core message of the hymn - that Christ's love is overwhelming and demands a complete response.
Line by Line Meaning
When I survey the wondrous cross
As I focus on the amazing symbol of the cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
At the place where the King of Kings gave His life
My richest gain I count but loss
All my worldly possessions and accomplishments are meaningless compared to this gift
And pour contempt on all my pride
I humbly acknowledge that my own pride and ego are insignificant in the grand scheme of things
See from His head, His hands, His feet
Gazing upon the wounds inflicted on His head, hands, and feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
A combination of both intense sorrow and pure love were poured out during this sacrifice
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet
Has there ever been a time where love and sorrow have intersected in such a profound way?
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Has there ever been such juxtaposition between painful thorns and a majestic crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine
Even if I possessed complete control of all of nature
That were a present far too small
It would still pale in comparison to the magnitude of this love
Love so amazing, so divine
The love that was demonstrated is awe-inspiring and of divine origin
Demands my soul, my life, my all
This love is so powerful that it requires my full devotion and surrender
Writer(s): Isaac Watts, Norman J. Clayton
Contributed by London H. 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!