Early life
After the separation of his parents, Lee grew up in Sacramento on the poultry farm of his grandparents. At the age of seven, he began playing the saxophone, and at the age of nine became a member of a dance ensemble. In 1969, he joined the Chester Smith Band and had his first television appearance. A short time later, he worked with the country musician Del Reeves.
He founded his first band, Apollo, in 1962. He briefly battled a cocaine addiction and moved to Iceland to go to rehab. The band, which changed its name later to Lee Greenwood Affair, played mostly pop music and appeared mostly in casinos in Las Vegas. A few records were recorded in Los Angeles with the Paramount label. After the band broke up in the 1970s, Greenwood moved back to Las Vegas, where he worked as a black jack dealer during the day, and as a singer at night.
Career
In 1979, he was discovered in Reno, Nev., by Larry McFaden, the bandleader and bassist of Mel Tillis. After making some demo tapes, Greenwood was signed in 1981 by the Nashville-based MCA label, and McFaden became his manager.
The first single, "It Turns Me Inside Out", made it to a spot in the top 20 of the country charts. Greenwood had written this song for Kenny Rogers, but Rogers turned it down due to the sheer volume of songs he had been offered at the time. "Ring On Her Finger and Time on her Hands" landed him in the country top 10.
He is best known for writing and recording the patriotic song "God Bless the USA" in the early 1980s. "God Bless the USA" gained renewed popularity following the launch of Operation: Desert Storm in 1991, and again, ten years later, following the September 11, 2001 attacks; in fact, the song even re-entered the Top 20 of the country charts in late 2001. Since then, Greenwood has played at many public events and commemorations of the attacks. He supports the United States Republican Party.
Theater
In 1995, Greenwood took a break from his touring schedule to spend time with his wife and newborn son. In his time off, he elected to build a theater in Sevierville, Tenn., and in April 1996, the "Lee Greenwood Theater" opened its doors. This gave Greenwood the opportunity to still perform daily shows, in addition to being with his family. The theater operated for five seasons, and closed for Greenwood to continue touring. The theater was not located in the heavily entertainment and tourist oriented areas of Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and Gatlinburg, Tenn., which contributed to the theater closing. The former theater building is now host to a church.
Rock Of Ages
Lee Greenwood Lyrics
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Let the water and the blood from Thy wounded side which fload
Thee of sin the double cure save from raft and make me pure
[ strings ]
(Save from raft and make me pure)
Could my tears forever flow could my zeal no languor know
These for sin could not atone Thou must save and Thou alone
In my hand no price I bring simply to Thy cross I cling
(Simply to Thy cross I cling)
While I draw this pleading breath when my eyes shall close in death
When I rise the world unknown and behold the own Thy throne
Rock of ages cleft for me let me hime myself in Thee
(Rock of ages)
The lyrics of Lee Greenwood's "Rock of Ages" are a powerful reflection on salvation and redemption through faith in Christ. The song begins with an invocation of the "Rock of ages cleft for me", which refers to the symbolic image of a rock that has been split open to provide a safe hiding place. The singer is seeking refuge in God, asking to be protected and sheltered from harm.
The second verse speaks of the power of Christ's blood and water, which flowed from his wounded side, to save the singer from sin. It emphasizes that only Christ can provide the cure for the "double sin," that which comes from both the guilt and the power of sin.
The final verse is a statement of faith and surrender, as the singer acknowledges that all they bring to God's presence is their need for salvation. The plea for salvation is one that continues even in death, as the singer looks forward to rising to a new world and seeing God on His throne.
Overall, "Rock of Ages" is a moving reminder of the power of faith and redemption, and serves as a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of Christian hymnody.
Line by Line Meaning
Rock of ages cleft for me let me hide myself in Thee
Dear God, You are the unchanging foundation of my life. Please allow me to find safety in You and find solace from the world's chaos within Your protection.
Let the water and the blood from Thy wounded side which fload
Allow me to feel the warmth and cleansing power of the blood and water that flowed from Your wounded side on the cross.
Thee of sin the double cure save from raft and make me pure
You alone, God, have the power to save me from the consequences of sin, and it is only through Your healing power that I can become pure in Your eyes.
(Save from raft and make me pure) Could my tears forever flow could my zeal no languor know
Even if I were to shed tears over sin for eternity or maintain unending zeal for You, it would not be enough to atone for the wrongdoings I have committed. Only Your grace can truly save me.
These for sin could not atone Thou must save and Thou alone
Despite my efforts, I cannot atone for my own sins. Only You, God, possess the power to forgive and save me.
In my hand no price I bring simply to Thy cross I cling
I have nothing to offer You, God, but my faith and trust. I will hold onto the hope and forgiveness that Your cross represents.
(Simply to Thy cross I cling) While I draw this pleading breath when my eyes shall close in death
As long as I live, I will continue to plead for Your mercy and forgiveness. Even in death, I will turn to You for guidance and salvation.
When I rise the world unknown and behold the own Thy throne
When I enter the afterlife and gaze upon Your throne, I know that I will be filled with awe and amazement at the sight of Your divine power.
Rock of ages cleft for me let me hime myself in Thee (Rock of ages)
Please be my rock and steadfast support, God. I will look to You for guidance and wisdom, and will hide myself in Your love and grace.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TRADITIONAL, T BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tylernelson2024@gmail.com
on Ring On Her Finger, Time On Her Hands
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