In this period James developed as a keyboardist and burgeoning songwriter. He was also learning first-hand the business of music. He attended Michigan State University for two years, but the desire to write and perform was too strong, and he left to seek a career in music.
Musical career
Upon his return to Detroit, Moss signed with a small local Christian label Aviday Records[1] and released two albums to little fanfare. Yet, during this time he became acquainted with Paul Allen and Walter Kearney. The three began working together as PAJAM. Moss spent the mid-90s touring with The Clark Sisters and was signed, along with Karen Clark-Sheard, his cousin, to Island Records in 1996 to record a solo album.[1] While a proper release never materialized for Moss before Island Black Music shut its doors,[2] Clark's became a smash and introduced the Gospel world to the production powerhouse of PAJAM.
Over the next seven years, the PAJAM team became Gospel music's most prolific hitmakers. However, Moss' desire to perform never went away, and in 2003 he and Allen began writing songs for what would ultimately become The J. Moss Project, released in September 2004 on GospoCentric Records.
Though PAJAM's work has been seen as a revolutionary blend of gospel and hip-hop style, The J. Moss Project is a surprisingly traditional affair. The set largely relies on familiar arrangements, and keeps its focus on Moss's clear tenor voice and strong backing choir vocals. The album made a grand entry with the upbeat lead single "I Wanna Be".
The disc includes a number of upbeat gospel numbers such as "Don't Pray and Worry" and "Psalm 150". J. Moss' lithe falsetto at times draws comparison to the likes of Prince and Tonéx on "Livin' 4". There are also several gentle ballads such as "Give You More" and the album's anthemic single "We Must Praise" that display J. Moss' range as a vocalist and songwriter.
V2... The J Moss Project
Finally, on April 3, 2007, J Moss released his second album V2... The J Moss Project through GospoCentric Records. Appearances made by contemporary Gospel group 21:03, Moss's cousin Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, Kirk Franklin, his cousin Karen Clark-Sheard, Marvin Winans of the famed Winans family, Byron Cage, and American comedian Steve Harvey. Three bonus tracks were originally thought to be regular album tracks. The bonus tracks are "Florida", "73 Degress", and "Everybody Ain't Got a Word". Of the album tracks on this release, an instant standout is the track "Dance", featuring Kirk Franklin, which riffs off of an infectious sample of Morris Day & The Time's early 1980s smash "777-9311".
Sweet Jesus
J Moss Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I love to lift you up
We bless your name
Sweet Jesus
(Repeat)
I love to praise your name
I love to lift you up
Sweet Jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
(Repeat)
Demons tremble at the name when I call him
Mountains move at the same when I shout it
Thy name is above all names
Every knee shall bow
Tongue confess
Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus
I love to praise your name
I love to lift you up
We bless your name
Sweet Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus
(Repeat)
Sweet Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus
When I hit the lowest point, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
And I didn't have anyone else to talk to, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
When no-one else couldn't understand, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
When I was holding my face to a pole with tears, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus
It was you Jesus the redeemer, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
It was you Jesus the restor, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
It was you Jesus the reviver, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
It was you that came to my rescue, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
I didn't have nobody else, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
I was feeling lost and left in, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
Then I called your name, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
Then I called your name, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
For the name of the Lord is a strong tower, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
The righteous run in, run in and are safer, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
Thank you for my safety, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
Thank you for my sanity, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
Thank you for keeping me, sweet jesus, sweet, sweet, sweet
The lyrics to J Moss's Sweet Jesus capture the joy and comfort found in praising the name of Jesus. The repetitive and simple nature of the lyrics emphasizes the act of lifting Jesus up and praising His name. The phrase "Sweet Jesus" is repeated throughout the song, conveying a sense of intimacy and affection towards Jesus.
The second stanza highlights the power of Jesus' name, mentioning how demons tremble and mountains move at the mere mention of His name. This further emphasizes the idea that Jesus is above all else and worthy of praise. The bridge of the song takes a more personal turn, describing a time when the singer was at their lowest point and turned to Jesus for help. The repetition of "sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus" in this section shows the singer's reliance on Jesus and the overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude they feel towards him for providing them with safety and sanity.
Overall, the lyrics to Sweet Jesus embrace the idea that praising Jesus and calling upon His name can bring comfort, joy, and strength in times of hardship.
Line by Line Meaning
I love to praise your name
I take great pleasure in extolling your name and singing your praises
I love to lift you up
I have an immense desire to exalt and glorify you
We bless your name
We offer our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to you by speaking well of your name and character
Sweet Jesus
Endearingly affectionate expression of adoration to Jesus, who is cherished and valued
Demons tremble at the name when I call him
The mere mention of Jesus' name invokes fear and causes evil spirits to be agitated and to flee
Mountains move at the same when I shout it
The power and authority behind Jesus' name is so great that the most formidable obstacles can be overcome or removed when called upon
Thy name is above all names
Your name is unsurpassed and incomparable with anything else, for you are the highest and most sovereign entity
Every knee shall bow
One day, all people will acknowledge the supremacy of Jesus Christ and pay homage to him, as he is the great Lord and King of all
Tongue confess
All tongues will unanimously acknowledge and confess that Jesus is the Lord and Savior of the universe
Sweet Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus
The heartfelt repetition of Jesus' name is a genuine expression of admiration, praise and heartfelt gratitude to him
When I hit the lowest point, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
During my most difficult moment when all hope seems lost, Jesus is the one who provides comfort, hope, and salvation
And I didn't have anyone else to talk to, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
When no one else is available or seem to understand, Jesus is always there to listen and provide the much-needed attention, care, and support
When no-one else couldn't understand, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
Even when others fail to comprehend my situation or condition, Jesus is the one who always understands and empathizes with my plight
When I was holding my face to a pole with tears, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus
In moments of deep pain, sorrow or distress, Jesus is always there to wipe away the tears and heal the wounded heart
It was you Jesus the redeemer, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
Jesus is the one who rescues and restores, for he is the Savior and Redeemer who came to save and set free
It was you Jesus the restorer, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
Jesus is the one who returns things to their original or rightful state, for he is the one who brings healing, wholeness, and completeness
It was you Jesus the reviver, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
Jesus is the one who brings back to life, for he is the Resurrection and the Life, who has the power to resurrect even the dead
It was you that came to my rescue, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
Jesus is the one who comes to save and deliver, for he is the Mighty One who is able to rescue from any peril or danger
I didn't have nobody else, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
In moments of isolation or loneliness, Jesus is always there to provide fellowship, companionship and a sense of belonging
I was feeling lost and left in, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
In times of confusion, uncertainty or hopelessness, Jesus is the one who provides direction, clarity and hope
Then I called your name, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
In moments of dire need, calling upon the name of Jesus is the surest way to find relief, comfort, and assurance
For the name of the Lord is a strong tower, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
The name of Jesus is a place of refuge, strength, and security against all forms of adversity, for He is the Lord Almighty
The righteous run in, run in and are safer, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
Those who live righteously and trust in Jesus for salvation run to Him and find safety, protection, and deliverance from all harm and danger
Thank you for my safety, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
Gratitude expressed to Jesus for securing safety and protection from all forms of danger and calamity
Thank you for my sanity, sweet jesus jesus jesus jesus jesus
Gratitude expressed to Jesus for restoring mental clarity and fortitude during difficult and trying times
Thank you for keeping me, sweet jesus, sweet, sweet, sweet
Gratitude expressed to Jesus for keeping and preserving the life, health, and well-being of the person, with an expression of endearment and affection
Contributed by Liliana P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ozimede Feyikemi Ayodeji
on Good & Bad
Not completed