Jonny Diaz is an artist whose mission in life is to serve the Body of Chris… Read Full Bio ↴Jonny Diaz is an artist whose mission in life is to serve the Body of Christ. From the beginning of his music career, Diaz’s desire has been to write songs that entertain, encourage and challenge fellow believers. His latest album, simply titled Jonny Diaz, is a collection of songs that accomplish his mission. “I attempted to break free from some of the traditional confines of Christian music, but I couldn’t get away from the fact that most of my songs revolve around my relationship with Christ. He is the focus of my life and I find it impossible to honestly record my emotions and my journey without including Him. The people who truly understand my music share this same kind of relationship with God,” he explains.

Songs on the new album, produced by Ed Cash (Dave Barnes, Chris Tomlin), Chris Stevens (Toby Mac, Sanctus Real), Jeff Pardo (Josh Wilson, Denver and the Mile High Orchestra), and Steve Wilson (Josh Wilson, Leeland), encompass a full range of human emotions – from the buoyant heights of love to the immense depths of grief; from praising God for His greatness to a cry for those whose lives are broken. It is Diaz’s ability to express the human condition in song that connects him with fellow believers. Through his music the Church receives challenging and encouraging reminders that every broken human life can find redemption in God’s love.

Jonny Diaz released three independent projects before signing with INO Records. His first release as a signed artist was titled More Beautiful You (2009). This album produced the No. 1 radio single “More Beautiful You,” as well as Top 10 “Waiting Room,” and led to a 2010 Dove Award nomination for New Artist of the Year.

In his latest project, Diaz found himself revisiting topics from previous songwriting efforts and collaborating with Audrey Assad, Mia Fieldes, Kate York (co-writer on “More Beautiful You”) and Chris Stevens. “It can be challenging coming up with new ways to express themes that are important to believers. Co-writing encourages and inspires me,” says Diaz. “My own personal growth and new insights gave me fresh perspectives on old material, and co-writing added exciting and alternative ways to express what I was learning.”

One such song is “How Can It Be,” a celebration reveling in the greatness of God. “Years ago I wrote a song called ‘Small Enough’ that posed the question, Can the great God Who created the Universe and the billions of people on this planet also be small enough to know and care about me? I no longer question that aspect of God’s character. Instead, I find myself marveling in the fact that God really is that big and rejoicing in the knowledge that He is genuinely concerned about me.” This new perspective of celebrating life’s difficult questions is also heard in the graceful melodies of “God Is Watching” and the comforting lyrics of “Here and Someday,” a song that takes an honest look at grief.

Do not be mistaken, though. Diaz does not sit back and simply write songs of comfort and encouragement – he confronts timely issues in the Church, such as with the challenge to Christians to not settle for a Sunday routine through the pop-jazz fusion of “Figured Out.” He also takes on a personal search for God’s heart for the poor in the cry of “Break My Heart.” “These days we can become immune, and we need to be brokenhearted for the poor, to feel their pain the way that Christ feels it. We simply cannot sit by and listen to another children’s appeal at concerts or on television.”

The inclusion of the debut radio single “Beauty of the Cross” on the album was especially important to Diaz. “This is the first song I’ve recorded that I haven’t written. The first time I heard it, I was drawn straight to God’s throne in worship. I am not a ‘worship artist’ but there is something special about this song and I wanted to be a part of it,” he explains. “The great irony and beauty here is that we’re singing about one of the most awful torture devices ever conceived by man, and yet we are calling it ‘beautiful.’ Those of us whose lives have been changed by the sacrifice Jesus made for us at Calvary know exactly why the cross is so beautiful.”

Diaz explores another paradox in “What Water Can Do,” written after record floodwaters hit his hometown Nashville. Uncertain how to approach the topic, he considered how the water destroyed houses, took lives and swept away possessions, and started to think about how God uses water in some amazing ways. The song tells the story of one man, who loses everything in the flood, watch his neighbors heed a call to serve, mimicking the response of the Nashville community after the flood. It tells how the people’s service impacted this man as he steps into the baptistry and accepts Christ as Savior. Says Diaz, “Initially water brought tragedy, but God uses water to revive a community and change a man’s life.”

Diaz looks forward to sharing these new songs on the road. Though he has toured with well-known acts like MercyMe and Matthew West, Diaz feels that he finds those opportunities to truly connect with people in smaller venues. “As an artist, I believe God gifted me with an ability to relate through the songs and stories I share. I like looking out at the crowd and seeing the smiles on faces or tears in the eyes and knowing straightaway that these songs are connecting.”

Back when Diaz started playing music in college, he told himself he would continue as long as people were interested – and he feels that it is clearer now more than ever that this is what God has for him. “I love making music; it’s challenging and fun,” he says, “but my prayer is always: Whatever God wants me to do, that is where I want to be. It a prayer of abandon to be used by God wherever and whenever.” And today that is sharing music that entertains, encourages and, above all, challenges the body of Christ.

*From jonnydiaz.com

Cross The Line
Jonny Diaz Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

How's the view from where you're standing?
Stranded on the edge of beautiful
And you can't see what you've been missing and your wishing
You could find the love that you've been looking for

This could be your moment
This could be your time
This could be the first day

Of the rest of your life

You know love wants to find you
So why do you wanna hide?
A better life is waiting out there on the other side
So come on cross the line, come on cross the line

Oh, from where I sit, I see forgiveness
And it covers everything I've ever done
I just want you to feel the mercy and the mystery
And the freedom when your sins are finally gone
And you're moving on

This could be your moment
This could be your time
This could be the first day
Of the rest of your life

You know love wants to find you
So why do you wanna hide?
This could be the first day
You cross the line

From the darkness, into the light
From the shadows, into a new life
He is all you need
Why don't you cross the line and you'll find

This could be your moment
This could be your time
This could be the first day
Of the rest of your life

You know love wants to find you
So why do you wanna hide?
A better life is waiting,
Waiting on the other side

This could be your moment
This could be your time

You know love wants to find you
So why do you wanna hide?
A better life is waiting out there on the other side

So come on cross the line, come on cross the line
So come on cross the line, come on cross the line

Overall Meaning

The song "Cross The Line" by Jonny Diaz is an uplifting and encouraging song about taking a chance and crossing the line to find a better life. The opening lyrics speak to the listener about feeling trapped, stranded and unable to see the beauty and love that surrounds them. The song encourages listeners to not be afraid to take a step forward in order to find love and happiness.

The chorus of the song repeats the notion of "this could be your moment" and "this could be the first day of the rest of your life." The lyrics inspire listeners to take a chance and find love, forgiveness, mercy, mystery, and freedom that are waiting for them on the other side of the line. The song also touches on faith, and encourages the listener to trust in God and to find the light in the darkness.

The powerful message conveyed through this song is one of hope and empowerment. It reminds us that it is okay to take risks and to step out of our comfort zones in order to find true happiness and fulfillment. The lyrics encourage us to not be afraid to cross the line and to embrace the new opportunities waiting for us.

Line by Line Meaning

How's the view from where you're standing?
Can you see the possibilities from your current situation?

Stranded on the edge of beautiful
Feeling stuck in a desirable but unreachable place

And you can't see what you've been missing and your wishing
You don't realize what happiness and love you haven't experienced yet and you want it badly

You know love wants to find you
Love is searching for you

So why do you wanna hide?
Why do you resist love?

A better life is waiting out there on the other side
Happiness and love are waiting for you if you take a chance

Oh, from where I sit, I see forgiveness
From my perspective, forgiveness is available

And it covers everything I've ever done
And it erases all of my past mistakes and regrets

And you're moving on
And you can finally let go of your burdens and move forward

From the darkness, into the light
From a bad place to a good place

From the shadows, into a new life
From obscurity to a promising future

He is all you need
God is the only thing necessary for a satisfying life

This could be your moment
Opportunity is knocking on your door

The first day of the rest of your life
The beginning of a new chapter in your life

Waiting on the other side
Success and happiness are waiting for you on the other side of your fears