Volz showed great skills in singing from a very early age. Being a self-taught musician, when he was 13 years old, he started his own band called The Wombats. As he grew up, he went on to share the stage with the likes of Janis Joplin, Chicago and others. In 1970 he became a born-again Christian and started performing with several Christian bands. He formed a band called Gideon's Bible, and later toured with a group known simply as the e Band, which was a part of the Jesus Movement. They released an album titled Because I Am in 1973 but broke up shortly after. Volz then moved to Springfield, Missouri, where he worked with legendary guitarist Phil Keaggy. He also performed the lead role in a rock stage musical called Ezekiel.
In 1976, Volz received two of the most important calls of his life. First, he was offered the lead singer position of REO Speedwagon. Volz, being a recently converted Christian, declined. Six weeks later, he got the call to participate in Petra's second album, Come and Join Us. Although at that time he participated as a guest singer in just three songs, founder/guitarist Bob Hartman (who, at that time, was sharing the lead-singing duties with co-founder/guitarist Greg Hough) offered Volz the full-time position.
His first full-time album with the band, Washes Whiter Than, came in 1979 and therein came one of the most prolific periods of the legendary band. Volz remained the lead singer until 1985 when he left to pursue a solo career. Volz released his first solo effort, titled The River is Rising in 1986 under Myrrh Records. He followed it with three other moderately successful albums. During this time, he also toured with Joe English in a band called Pieces of Eight. Volz' tours drew in the 1,000 to 1,500 range during this time - a very respectable number for a Contemporary Christian artist, but no where near the level he experienced at the end of his tenure with Petra.
In the mid-90's, Volz decided to retire for some time. Apparently, during this time he was dealing with the divorce from his long-time wife, Becky. He resurfaced in 1998 with a string of new albums released from that year on.
In October 4, 2005 he re-joined Petra for the live recording of their last DVD, Petra Farewell. He joined the stage with current singer John Schlitt for a medley of ballads, and he followed it with a solo rendition of "Grave Robber", which was one of his hits with the band.
During his career, Volz has also lent his voice to numerous projects in the Christian music scene.
The Rock
Greg X. Volz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take me to the Rock that is higher than I
Take me to the well that will never run dry
Take me, take me, Lord
To the Rock that is higher than I
Take me to the Rock of my salvation
Take me to the Rock
There was a man who built his house upon the sinking sand
When the wind and rain came, it washed it all away
There was another man who learned to watch and pray
And he built his house upon a rock of Jesus and it still stands today
Everyone who hears the voice of Jesus and obeys
Is like the man who built his house upon the rock that stands
It was the Son of Man who gave us this command
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, your mind, your strength
The lyrics of Greg X. Volz's song The Rock are a plea to be taken to the Rock that is higher than the singer, the Rock of his salvation that never runs dry. The metaphorical Rock represents God or Jesus Christ, the source of ultimate comfort and protection for believers. By asking to be taken to the Rock, Volz is showing his trust and reliance on God for guidance and strength. The repetition of "take me" emphasizes the singer's desperation and eagerness to feel the presence of God in his life.
The second verse of the song refers to the biblical parable of the wise and foolish builders. One man built his house upon the sand, representing those who do not follow God's teachings and ultimately face destruction. The other man built his house upon the rock, representing those who trust in God's word and stand strong against life's challenges. Volz is emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience to God's commandment of loving Him with all our heart, mind, and strength. Overall, the song is a reminder to believers that their strength comes from their faith in God, and that they should rely on Him even in difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
Take me to the Rock that is higher than I
Bring me closer to the Almighty, who is more powerful than me
Take me to the well that will never run dry
Lead me towards a source of perpetual spiritual nourishment
Take me, take me, Lord
I implore you, Lord, to take me there to have a closer relationship with you
To the Rock that is higher than I
To the high and mighty Rock that is God
Take me to the Rock of my salvation
Guide me to the foundation, which is my Salvation through Jesus Christ
To the Rock for every nation
The solid rock where every person regardless of place of origin can find salvation
Take me to the Rock
Please take me there
There was a man who built his house upon the sinking sand
A man built his house on poor foundation and was swept away by external forces
When the wind and rain came, it washed it all away
When a difficult phase struck, it destroyed the shaky foundation
There was another man who learned to watch and pray
Another man learned to be careful and pray to God
And he built his house upon a rock of Jesus and it still stands today
He built his faith on Jesus Christ, and it still stands firm despite challenges
Everyone who hears the voice of Jesus and obeys
Anyone who listens to Jesus and follows his commands
Is like the man who built his house upon the rock that stands
One gets compared with the solid foundation of the man who built his faith on Jesus
It was the Son of Man who gave us this command
The authoritative commands were given by Jesus Christ
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, your mind, your strength
The foremost commandment from Christ is to love God intensely with your heart, mind, and soul
Contributed by Sophie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
moises PETRA
I love it so much, are you coming to Brazil?