John Berry has one of the most powerful and distinctive voices in country music. It's a stunningly rich, majestic tenor that he uses to its full effect. With multiple gold and platinum albums and nominations from the Country Music Association, the Academy of Country Music, and the Grammy's, he has clearly forged an appreciation from the music industry and fans alike. One such fan includes former President George H. Bush and wife Barbara, who invited John to sing for Mr. Bush's birthday party.
Born in Aiken, South Carolina, and raised in the Atlanta, Georgia area, John grew up in an eclectic musical household. His father listened to concert pianist Van Clyburn, his mother had a strong taste for gospel, and his brother became an opera singer. John gravitated to both soul and country music and began recording his own albums at home in 1979. Two years later, John started performing solo acoustic shows in northeast Georgia, then expanded around the southeast, building a strong name and following. As his reputation grew, so did the demand for his self-styled recordings. He eventually made six self-produced albums, with the last one selling over 10,000 copies. He was finally signed to Capitol Records in 1992.
John had his first #1 single in 1994 with "Your Love Amazes Me," with "She's Taken a Shine" and "Standing on the Edge of Goodbye" following suit. Other Top 10 releases included "You and Only You" "I Think About It All The Time", "What's In It For Me", "If I Had Any Pride Left At All", and "Change My Mind." "Standing On The Edge", as well as his edgy top 10 hit "Kiss Me in the Car," showed off John's songwriting ability.
Making a difference is John's motivation, and he sees music as a profoundly important calling. He has conscientiously used his influence to improve both the global and local communities. He has contributed his time and talents for several children's charities, and lent his name to such causes as adult literacy and Cystic Fibrosis. John has been quoted as saying "If there are things we can do that may help make a difference in the lives of others, we should make the most of that opportunity".
John has been actively recording his own albums with his new independent label, Clear Sky Records. His album Songs and Stories was released in May 2002, and has sold over 25,000 copies at shows, online, and through his Fan Club. For the 2003 holiday season, he re-released his live Christmas CD, O Holy Night Live, formerly titled Christmas Live. That CD has been snapped up by fans also, creating the need for a fourth pressing.
During the summer of 2003, John hit the road with friends David Lee Murphy and Lee Roy Parnell on the "Paintin' the Town Tour". While on the tour, John and David Lee wrote the romantic single "Will You Marry Me?," which received high praise. On reviewing the single, music critic Robert K. Oermann says John has "still got the goods". Also, that "There's something special about saying something in a song for people who might not be able to express themselves in such a nakedly emotional way." Bill Lewis at WYTZ in Benton Harbor, MI, predicts "Will You Marry Me?" will make those single guys want to run out and get the ring for their lady and married couples will want to renew their vows." One fan did just that. He was inspired by hearing the song on the radio to "pop the question" to his girlfriend when he heard the song on the radio. This fan even called John's Fan Club to get the CD early, in order to use it for the special event.
The ambient/experimental/indie rock artist from Chicagoland, IL and the Upper Peninsula, MI has been in several bands since mid-high school around 2005, most recently Shipwreck Party during his time at the University of Northern Michigan, where he helped form Shipwreck Party. He released his solo debut, Big North on Thanksgiving, 2013, and is continuing to release EP's and other works. His music is freely available on johnberry.bandcamp.com, as well as Spotify, and is available for purchase on iTunes.
Sanctuary
John Berry Lyrics
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My heart has a burden I hope you will listen
Oh you're my sanctuary
Despite the road we've chosen to the wilderness I roamed
But there I found no shelter like a prodigal son I've come back home
To my sanctuary
Well I believe you're the faith when there's a shadow of doubt
You're the prayer that mother's whisper each night for their sons everywhere
You're my sanctuary
I'm standin' out here knockin' knockin' at your door
I miss our sweet communion loves mercy's brought me back for more
Oh you're such a mystery how you make my spirit soar you're my sanctuary
Well I believe you're the faith...
Well I believe you're the faith...
The song Sanctuary by John Berry is a heartfelt confession of a man who has been away for a long time and has returned home seeking forgiveness and shelter in his sanctuary. The opening lines of the song reveal that the singer has a confession to make, but he has been keeping it to himself for a long time. He then expresses his hope that his loved one will listen to him and offer him solace. The central refrain of the song, "Oh you're my sanctuary," underscores the importance of the relationship between the singer and his loved one, who serves as a source of comfort and refuge in his life.
The lyrics go on to describe the singer's journey to the wilderness, where he found no shelter. He then compares himself to the prodigal son in the Bible who has come back home to his father, seeking forgiveness and acceptance. The singer believes his loved one is the embodiment of faith, hope, and love. He believes she has the power to banish his doubts and fears, and she is a constant presence in his life, like a mother's prayer for her son. The song ends with him expressing his admiration for his loved one, whom he sees as a mystery that makes his spirit soar.
Line by Line Meaning
It's been way too long since I spoke my confession
I haven't spoken my deepest thoughts and feelings in a long time, but I hope you will hear me out.
My heart has a burden I hope you will listen
There is something heavy weighing on my heart that I need to share with you, and I hope you will hear me out.
Oh, you're my sanctuary
You are my place of refuge and comfort, where I feel safe and at peace.
Despite the road we've chosen to the wilderness I roamed
Even though we have taken a difficult path, I have wandered far from home searching for something, but I didn't find it.
But there I found no shelter like a prodigal son I've come back home
I realized that I couldn't find what I was looking for outside of you, and I have returned to you like the prodigal son in the Bible.
To my sanctuary
I have come back to where I feel safe and at peace, with you as my sanctuary.
Well I believe you're the faith when there's a shadow of doubt
When I am unsure and full of doubt, I have faith in you and your love.
You're the prayer that mother's whisper each night for their sons everywhere
You are like a mother's prayer for her children, offering guidance, protection, and love to everyone who needs it.
And your love is the gift that you give when you let me in
You show your love and compassion when you let me in and allow me to share my deepest thoughts and feelings with you without fear of judgment or rejection.
You're my sanctuary
You are the place where I feel safe and at peace, where I can share my deepest thoughts and feelings without fear.
I'm standin' out here knockin' knockin' at your door
I may feel alone and lost at times, but I will always come back to you and knock on your door for help and guidance.
I miss our sweet communion loves mercy's brought me back for more
I miss the way we used to connect and be close, and your mercy and love bring me back to you time and time again.
Oh you're such a mystery how you make my spirit soar you're my sanctuary
I don't fully understand how you have such a profound impact on my life, but I know that being with you makes my spirit feel free and lifted, and that you are my sanctuary.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DARRELL R BROWN, JOHN BERRY, DARRELL BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind