"Hearts of Saints really summarizes an evolution- both for all four of us as players and in our personal lives," notes Felker, who reveals the group was previously known as Special D during its indie days. "We're maturing in our musical pursuits, and we're growing more seasoned in life, which is naturally reflected in our songwriting."
Evidence of that collective growth is replete throughout the group's self-titled national debut, live shows and even its name. Hearts of Saints comes directly from the New Testament (Philemon 1:7), where Paul joyfully writes of a missionary experience: "For I have received considerable joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed, brother, through you" (International Standard Version).
"It's almost become a mission statement for us and is a verse that gives us purpose and something to strive for," Felker explains. "We're not saying we're ‘holier than thou' or ‘saintly' so to speak, but rather that were striving to live a life that reflects Jesus." Our hope is to refresh people with our musical passions and also to lend them some encouragement no matter how severe their situation may seem."
Thus far, Hearts of Saints has presented those very goals in multiple formats, most visibly, the concert circuit. Though the group's a touring staple throughout the Midwest and South, the guys are steadily expanding their national presence through the festival circuit. Besides sharing the spotlight with the likes of TobyMac (Forefront/EMI), Skillet (Atlantic), Family Force 5 (Tooth & Nail/EMI), Jars of Clay (Nettwerk), Third Day (Essential), and Jason Morant (Integrity/Epic), Hearts of Saints scored main stage slots at AtlantaFest, Rock the Light, Unity Festival, Hills Alive, Crossover Festival and even Rock the Universe at Universal Studios.
The group's also earned a steady presence on iTunes, selling albums in seven countries and fueling airplay for "Over and Over," the single which topped regional charts and reprises itself on the band's self-titled disc. The ten-track disc also boasts a series of surging rock anthems, ranging from the raucous "The Secret" to the explosive "Hello Grace," plus the poignantly reflective "Recapture Me" and the boundless "Beautiful Mystery." All the while, the band was joined in the studio by all-star producer Ainslie Grosser, best known for his work with Warner Brothers' breakout act Mute Math.
"It's going to consist of some songs our fans already know but will also include several brand new tunes they'll be hearing for the first time," promises Felker of a sound that lands somewhere in between Switchfoot, The Killers and U2 circa the 2000s. "Expect to hear our energetic rock/pop dynamic up another notch, and there will continue to be some dance/rock elements, along with the pop sensibility that my tone of voice typically gravitates toward."
That exact aura is what attracted Revolution Art to this burgeoning alternative act, along with the players' unbridled efforts at connecting with crowds outside of the studio and stage. "As a label, we strive to work with artists who are full of passion and creative potential, and we are delighted about our recent signing of Hearts of Saints," echoes Mo Henderson, president of Revolution Art. "As a music lover, I strive to find talent that is both relevant and inspiring, and I believe we've found the best of both worlds with Hearts of Saints. After my first meeting with the guys, it became evident that we were in for something special."
Even amidst all the changes, Felker is fast to reiterate that Hearts of Saints is the same four guys who've always poured tons of sweat and sacrifice into its craft. Outside of being a breakout year for the band that strives to chart a course of longevity, the foursome also hopes to break down those stereotypes associated with spiritually anchored acts.
"Our goal is to write great songs and put on a show with endless energy that has plenty of attitude, underscored by a hope-inspired presence," he adds. "We have two thoughts when we write and that's to move people either physically or internally, but if we can write a song that does both, then that's when it becomes more than just rock n' roll.
Flash
Hearts of Saints Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Guess I hoped it’d be the thing to fill this empty hole
And all the voices were shouting and calling my name
It was the strangest thing to see
How this place could look so full, yet feel so empty
This is just so temporary
And I hope my life means more than that
Oh, The flash burns but it won’t last long
Should I stay or leave
I’ve done my own thing for so long
Everything I thought was right has turned out wrong
And honestly it seems the moments I’m chasing won’t matter in the end
Surely there is more than now, with forever waiting
I’m not just temporary
The flash burns, so bright but it won’t last very long
And I hope my life means more than that
Oh, The flash burns but it won’t last long
No, I’m not blind anymore
It’s Your love that will not fade away
Oh, Let my life be truly Yours
Set my eyes on Your eternal way
The flash burns, so bright but it won’t last very long
And I hope my life means more than that
Oh, The flash burns but it won’t last long
"Heart of Saints" in their song "Flash" expresses their desire to have a fulfilling and meaningful life rather than the fleeting and temporary nature of fame and success. The lyrics state that the singer saw their name on the marquee as the main act of the show, and though fans were shouting and calling out their name, they felt an inexplicable sense of emptiness. Essentially, the song is about the futility of chasing fame and fleeting success while neglecting eternal values.
The song acknowledges the temporary nature of fame and worldly success as it "burns so bright but won't last very long," while also recognizing the importance of finding significance in something that endures beyond the fleeting fame. The singer questions whether they should stay or leave their current path and realizes that everything they thought was right has turned out wrong. They also acknowledge that the moments they are chasing won't ultimately matter in the end, and hope to find something that lasts.
In the end, the song advocates for setting one's eyes on the eternal way and seeking meaning in life that endures beyond the temporary nature of worldly success. The song ends on a hopeful note as the singer desires for their life to be truly the Lord's and for His love to never fade away.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw my name today on the marquee at the show
I saw my name in lights today at the event
Guess I hoped it’d be the thing to fill this empty hole
I thought it would fulfill me but it didn't
And all the voices were shouting and calling my name
People were cheering for me and saying my name
It was the strangest thing to see
It felt surreal
How this place could look so full, yet feel so empty
The event was packed but I still felt unfulfilled
This is just so temporary
The feeling won't last
The flash burns, so bright but it won’t last very long
The fleeting moment may be exciting but won't endure
And I hope my life means more than that
I want my life to have more significance than just temporary experiences
Should I stay or leave
Should I continue living for these temporary experiences or seek something lasting?
I’ve done my own thing for so long
I've been living for myself for a while
Everything I thought was right has turned out wrong
The things I believed in or pursued didn't bring me fulfillment
And honestly it seems the moments I’m chasing won’t matter in the end
The things I'm pursuing won't have long-lasting significance
Surely there is more than now, with forever waiting
There must be something greater than just temporary satisfaction, something eternal
I’m not just temporary
I'm not just a fleeting being, there's more to me
No, I’m not blind anymore
I'm not oblivious or ignorant anymore
It’s Your love that will not fade away
God's love is constant and everlasting
Oh, Let my life be truly Yours
May my life be genuinely and completely devoted to God
Set my eyes on Your eternal way
May my focus be on God's eternal path for me
The flash burns but it won’t last long
Temporary experiences come and go but God's love endures.
Contributed by Anna D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Carla Howe
I know I probably say this with every video, but this is one of my favorite songs on this album! ^_^ But then again, there isn't one song that I skip through... So they're all my favorites! ^_^ Oh and btw, I love seeing these videos and hearing the meaning/inspiration behind the songs! :) <3 Carla