While Stephen Barker Liles and Eric Gunderson are proud of their successful first effort, they are excited to have teamed with producer Josh Leo (Alabama, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) on their RCA effort. "We love performing" says Stephen. "The way we are recording now is the way our influences made records: live with a band. It's a lot more organic.".”
Eric’s earthy voice is the perfect complement to Stephen’s high-altitude tenor. The guys happily share lead vocals, harmonize like a church choir, and bolster their band with their own guitar work. “Stephen and I have always been on the same page as far as the vision for Love and Theft and what we want it to be,” says Eric. “We feel like we have made the record we’ve always wanted to make.”
The result is a nod to the duo’s varied influences. “She’s Amazing” evokes the brilliant harmonies of the Eagles. The seductive “Amen” channels all the yearning of Roy Orbison. And the rollicking first single “Angel Eyes” brings to mind Elvis Presley’s “(You’re the) Devil in Disguise.”
While Johnny Cash and Orbison are both enormous influences, it might surprise fans to learn who the duo’s favorite artist is. “Hands-down, Elvis,” says Stephen. “My dad was really into him, so I got into him. I was all over Elvis growing up.”
Coincidentally, both Stephen and Eric—who didn’t meet until they were in their early 20s—were raised as pastors’ kids, and their respective fathers fed them a steady diet of gospel, oldies and country. “Our parents didn’t want us listening to secular music that much. But they’d let us listen to Elvis, Roy, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band…,” says Eric. “It was cool to grow up that way, and that’s still my favorite kind of music.”
It isn’t lost on the guys that they’re now recording for the very label that released some of their hero’s biggest hits. “We’re excited to be on RCA, the same label Elvis was on,” Stephen says with a smile.
Perhaps it was some divine intervention that led the friends to this point in their career. Eric and Stephen, after all, will be the first to tell you that their shared spirituality is a cornerstone of Love and Theft. In fact, both used to lead worship at their churches.
“That’s how we got our start playing music. Our faith is a huge part of our lives,” says Eric, pondering the fate of it all. “I feel like it was meant to be this way from the beginning. Our journey over the past four years was preparing us for where we’re at now.”
Which is squarely at the doorstop of a prosperous career in country music. With a young, vibrant sound, a captivating live show, and a passionate fan base, Love and Theft are poised to become the genre’s next great duo.
http://www.loveandtheft.com/
Amen
Love and Theft Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But one Sunday won't hurt
It's just one of those days besides
I don't think the man will mind
If I take in something spiritual
Right here right now
In your eyes
Can I get an amen?
I'm up for just laying in bed
Shuttin' it down for once instead
We've always gotta be somewhere
This feels like an answered prayer
So why don't we give that sweet red dress
You wear so well the day off
Can I get an amen
Every once in a while
Every now and then
Can I get an Amen?
Amen
Every once in a while
Every now and then
Can I get an amen?
Can I get an amen?
Yeah I know we shouldn't miss church
But one Sunday won't hurt
I need an amen
Amen
Amen
The lyrics to Love and Theft's song "Amen" express the desire to step away from the busyness of life and take a moment to appreciate and be with a loved one. The singer acknowledges that they "shouldn't miss church," but just this once, he wants to stay in bed with his partner and enjoy the moment. He finds something spiritual in being with this person, seeing the divine in their eyes, and asks for an "amen" in appreciation of the moment. He speaks about the need to take a break sometimes and just enjoy each other's company, like an "answered prayer."
What's interesting about this song is how it navigates the tension between religion and romance, and captures the spiritual experience of being in love. The word "amen" is often associated with church and religious sermons, but here it's used in a romantic context. The lyrics convey a sense of gratitude for love and the beauty of life, a sentiment that can be found in both religious and secular contexts. Ultimately, the song is about taking a break from the routines of life and finding transcendence in everyday moments of love and happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
I know we shouldn't miss church
I understand the importance of going to church regularly
But one Sunday won't hurt
Missing one Sunday won't hurt our religious commitment
It's just one of those days besides
Today doesn't feel like a typical church day
I don't think the man will mind
I don't think God will mind if we skip one day
If I take in something spiritual
Right here right now
I can find spiritual fulfillment outside of church, in this moment with you
In your eyes
Can I get an amen?
Looking into your eyes gives me a sense of peace and connection to a higher power, can you agree?
Amen
I affirm and agree
I'm up for just laying in bed
I'm open to spending a lazy day at home in bed
Shuttin' it down for once instead
Taking a break from our usual busy schedule
We've always gotta be somewhere
We're always on the go, never experiencing a moment of stillness
This feels like an answered prayer
This moment of rest feels like a prayer that has been answered
So why don't we give that sweet red dress
You wear so well the day off
Let's take a break from the expectations of looking good for other people and just be ourselves
Every once in a while
Every now and then
Can I get an Amen?
Sometimes we need to break from the routine and find spiritual fulfillment in new ways, can you agree?
Can I get an Amen?
Amen
Amen
Can you affirm and agree with me? I affirm and agree as well.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, AMPLIFIED ADMINISTRATION, Peermusic Publishing, ENDURANCE MUSIC GROUP
Written by: NEIL THRASHER, DEREK GEORGE, BRIAN WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind