It's Time, Hewett's debut release for Caliber Records, is, according to the singer, "the first project molded out of my own mind. I'm in charge of the sound and comfortable with the feelings. Those feelings are all about romance. This is the first record that's completely me."
Hewett first burst on the scene as lead singer of Shalamar, the successful post - disco group which topped the charts in both the U.S. and U. K. "Second Time Around," featuring Howard, was a near two - million seller. "For the Lover in You," co-written by Hewett and reinterpreted in It's Time, was another major hit. "Dancing in the Sheets," "A Night to Remember" are just a few more of the Hewett - led smash hits that Shalamar enjoyed as a group.
In the mid-eighties, Howard's solo career rocketed. The first single released on his own, I'm For Real," zoomed to number one. A series of hits followed, such as "Stay," "I Commit to Love," "Strange Relationship," "Once, Twice, Three Times," and "Show Me."
What's more, his original "Say Amen" earned the status of a modern gospel classic, enjoying across the board airplay. And his recorded duets with Anita Baker, Dionne Warwick, Brenda Russell and Stacy Lattisaw won critical accolades.
"Of all the fine singers working today," artist/songwriter Babyface has said, "Howard Hewett is among the finest."
Born in Akron, Ohio, he led his older sisters in the Hewett Singers, a group who played the big-time gospel circuit while Howard was still a pre-teen.
"Spirituality," he says, "is at the heart of my music. Real romance is always spiritual."
The majority of songs on It's Time are Hewett originals. "How Do I Know I Love You?" co-written with long-time collaborator/producer Monty Seward, has the feeling of a time proven standard. And in the one instance when he interprets a motif made famous by another, Marvin Gaye's "Just To Keep You Satisfied," Howard proves himself more than capable of meeting the challenge.
"Just as I believe that I can't compromise romance," says Hewett "I can't compromise my music. I want songs like 'This Love's Forever,' 'On and On' and 'Your Body Needs Healing' to disclose secrets about myself and expose my heart.
"I want to be clear -- 'Crystal Clear' is the name of the song -- about how I need love. Ballads seem to express that need best. That's why I'm thrilled that It's Time is about ballads, ballads and more ballads."
Given the resurgence of romantic pop, It's Time is right on time, certain to gain Howard Hewett new affection and appreciation from an ever-widening audience hungry for great songs from a great singer.
-COURTESY OF HOWARDHEWETT.COM
Say Amen
Howard Hewett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We'll have our second time around
But before we go
There's something I'd like to say
Every thing's not what it seems
There's a stronger force behind the scenes
He's in our lives every day
In Him is where our strength lies
I'll lift my eyes beyond the skies
Only He can save my life
And only He can hear my cry
I wanna thank You, God
For giving me one more chance
To raise my voice and to sing Your praise
I sing it out loud, I sing it all day
This song in my prayer
I give to only You
It can't compare to the gift from You
He gave us His love, He gave us His Son
Oh yeah, Jesus
I know there's some who don't believe
Some times it's very hard to see
Oh, we live this old life every day
Some things don't go your way
But to be without is not His will, no
There's cattle on a thousand hills
And they're all yours to claim
Claim them in His holy name
See, we don't have to beg or crawl, no
He'll see you standing proud and tall
He'll give His everlasting love
Come to Him as you are
I wanna thank You, God
For giving me one more chance
To raise my voice and sing Your praise
I sing it out loud, hey, I sing it all day
This song is my prayer
I give to only You
It can't compare to the gift from You, oh
See, He gave us His love, He gave us His Son
I wanna thank You, God
For giving me one more chance
To raise my voice and to sing Your praise
I sing it out loud, oh, I sing it all day
Said, it's my prayer
I give to only You, yeah
It can't compare to the gift from You, yeah yeah
You gave us Your love, You gave us Your son
Now I say Amen
God, our Father, Father
I say Amen, I say Amen
The core message of the song Say Amen by Howard Hewett is about the power of faith in God. The song opens with the realization that life is not always what it seems and that there is a strong force behind the scenes. The force that the singer refers to is God, the Almighty who is always present and responsive when called upon. The song's chorus is centered on the singer's thankfulness to God for giving him another chance to raise his voice and sing God's praises. Hewett is grateful for God's love and grace in granting humans the gift of eternal life through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through the chorus, he encourages believers to give the Lord all their troubles and praises because He is a caring and loving Father.
Moreover, the song reminds believers to have faith and focus on God's power to provide, heal, and save lives. The singer also enlightens listeners that God never intended any of us to crawl, beg or struggle in life. He shares that God's plans for our lives are prosperous, and we have access to all the material and spiritual blessings through Him. The song ends with an affirmative declaration of faith and love for God - "Now I say Amen, God, our Father, Father, I say Amen, I say Amen."
In summary, Say Amen is a song of hope, gratitude, and spiritual affirmation, reminding us to trust God always, even when life seems uncertain.
Line by Line Meaning
It's time to say goodbye for now
The singer is acknowledging that their time is up for the moment.
We'll have our second time around
The singer is optimistic that they will get another opportunity in the future.
But before we go, there's something I'd like to say
The singer wants to make sure they express their thoughts before leaving.
Every thing's not what it seems
Things are not always what they appear to be.
There's a stronger force behind the scenes
There is a powerful force at work that is not immediately evident.
He's in our lives every day
The singer believes that this force is present in their everyday life.
He's right there when we call
The force can be called upon and will answer.
In Him is where our strength lies
The artist believes that their strength comes from this force.
I'll lift my eyes beyond the skies
The artist is looking up to this force for guidance.
Only He can save my life
The artist feels that only this force can truly save them.
And only He can hear my cry
The singer feels that only this force can truly listen to their pleas.
I wanna thank You, God
The artist is expressing gratitude to this higher power.
For giving me one more chance
The singer feels that they have been given another opportunity.
To raise my voice and to sing Your praise
The singer wants to publicly express their appreciation for this force.
I sing it out loud, I sing it all day
The singer is constantly singing the praises of this higher power.
This song in my prayer
The artist is dedicating this song to their prayers.
I give to only You
The artist is directing their offering solely to this force.
It can't compare to the gift from You
The singer believes that their offering could never match what this force has given them.
He gave us His love, He gave us His Son
The singer is referring to the Christian belief that God gave humans Jesus as a gift of love.
Oh yeah, Jesus
The artist is emphasizing Jesus as the gift from God.
I know there's some who don't believe
The artist is aware that not everyone shares their belief.
Sometimes it's very hard to see
The artist acknowledges that faith can be difficult when things aren't clear.
Oh, we live this old life every day
The singer is recognizing the struggles of daily life.
Some things don't go your way
The artist is acknowledging that life doesn't always work out as planned.
But to be without is not His will, no
The singer believes that living without faith is not what this higher power would want.
There's cattle on a thousand hills
The singer is using a metaphor to convey that there are countless resources available through this higher power.
And they're all yours to claim
The singer feels that these resources are accessible to anyone who has faith.
Claim them in His holy name
The artist is suggesting that these resources can be claimed through faith and prayer.
See, we don't have to beg or crawl, no
The artist is emphasizing that faith doesn't require groveling or begging.
He'll see you standing proud and tall
The singer is expressing the belief that faith is empowering and can give a sense of dignity.
He'll give His everlasting love
The singer believes that this higher power's love is without end.
Come to Him as you are
The artist is asserting that anyone can come to this higher power regardless of their current state.
Said, it's my prayer
The artist is reiterating that this song is a part of their prayer.
Now I say Amen, God, our Father, Father
The artist is concluding their prayer with the word 'Amen' while addressing God as their father.
I say Amen, I say Amen
The singer is ending their prayer with the word 'Amen' again as a sign of agreement.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Howard Hewett, Monty Seward
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@l.angellove1079
THANK YOU HOWARD HEWITT FOR SHARING YOUR EXTRAORDINARY
GOD-GIVEN TALENT WITH THIS
AMAZING TRUE MASTERPIECE
WORK OF ART WITH THOSE
POWERFUL LYRICS AND A GREAT
MESSAGE AND PRECIOUS GIFT
FROM OUR HEAVENLY
FATHER AND GRAND MASTER
CREATOR OF THIS UNIVERSE
THROUGH HIS VERY GENEROUS LOVING YES GRACIOUS SON
THE ANOINTED ONE
AND YES GOD'S LOVE IS VERY
GENUINE AND WORTHWHILE
TO ENDURE
@Mocaq
Please take heed. If you are listening to this and not sure where you’ll spend eternity, please fall down on your knees and pray to receive the son Howard Hewitt is singing of. Say Amen and receive Jesus Christ today!
@tiffanybrown1644
I saw him last week and he sing this song, my cousin and my self love it, he still sounds good
@msme7674
On this my Mum's birthday, I wish her Happy Birthday. Hope you're enjoying Heaven, Mum. I know you are! Praise Jesus!!
@kimross9065
I had a really bad accident about 12 years ago and one day driving to physical therapy I heard this song on the radio and tear’s just started falling, I was given one more chance to get it right… And now I am walking covered in the blood of Jesus Christ never to return to who I was.. Thank God for using Howard to deliver this message to all of us and more.. Have a blessed evening everyone 🙏
@MsKimkat123
God Bless u Sis! What an inspiring story!❤😍 God blessed me to read this message today because what you said is Soooo True! God BLESS YOU FOREVER DEAR HEART🥰😍🥰😘😍!!!
@courtney112894
Look at God. Blessings
@berkleyfinley8873
God is so glad he give you a full recovery. Bless the lord
@latashalewis3690
When I was a little 👧. This song would be played every Sunday morning on the radio on my way to church. One day we was riding to church the Holy spirit felt on me and I start to cry. I wipe my eyes so no one could see me cry. I was around the age of 7. I am a adult now I realized I was just touch by God.😄😄
@theresechurch6697
I can only raise my voice and give God praise that my youngest daughter found this song and shared it with me. Knowing what I did to her during my pregnancy, I thank The Lord for giving me a second chance to present her to Jesus as a living sacrifice. She is now covered under The Blood of The Lamb and is a recipient of The Lord Jesus Christ love and Anointing. 2 God Be All the Glory!!
@soniapeets7798
I’m Going to Raise My Foot the Way he handled a Situation QueenStephenMill who he absolutely 💯 agreed that he Hit Her Like 👍 🥊 Bag Winner Here He Lost 😡 Myself Worthy To Love a ❤❤❤Turn Around And Hit Her 2:40