He is also a skater, which led to his career in hip hop; after an accident in 1998, he took time to focus on rap and was noticed by Trevor McNevan of Ontario-based band Thousand Foot Krutch. This led to his signing to an internationally distributed label, BEC Recordings, and debut release Epiphany, which was made primarily of West Coast hip hop with several rapcore outings in the vein of Limp Bizkit.
He released two independent albums, Mislead Youth (2001) and My Own Thing (2003), prior to Epiphany in 2005. He has toured in Canada, the United States and Ireland to date.
His second album, Glory, emphasized rap-rock elements with more Linkin Park-esque nu metal, and included more authentic hip hop stylings.
Central themes of Manafest's music include nonconformity, hip hop culture, and walking with God.
Manafest says in regards to Glory that: "I wanted to allow all of my influences show on Glory. Musically, I wanted to blend the appeal of Linkin Park, Sum 41, and The Beastie Boys. Vocally, I wanted to merge that with popular hip hop à la Eminem and Kanye West. But beyond musical influence, I wanted to reflect on the issues around me in the most positive way possible. And whether I am talking about the loss of loved ones and abuse, or breakdancing and skate culture, it's all for the glory of heaven. In the end, my prayer is that people would not simply bob their heads to this, but feel a very real sense of healing from the words. However, this record is not all serious. Some of my favorite tracks are the most lighthearted ones."
Glory
Manafest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sometimes I don't even wanna leave my house
These fake fears wrestle me to the flipping ground
I'm not scared of dying maybe scared of failing
So I stop trying evil thoughts start prevailing
There's a devil out there seeking to take me out
I see him in my nightmares when I scream and shout
Even though it's a dream it sure feels real
In the midst of triumph seems there's a tragedy
I know I've won even though they want to battle me
Adamantly down on my knees pray fervently
White hot never stop till I'm in the heavenly'
Chorus
So beautiful so powerful, so wonderful
Undeniable you you you are, you you, you are, you are you are
So beautiful so powerful, omnipotent
Undeniable you you you are, you you, you are, you are you are
Verse II
There's something different, magnificent
About these Christians who talk and live in this
Lifestyle of putting pride down, it hasn't died out,
It's widely spread out and I
Can't deny its power, people getting healed every hour
How do we explain this, cure for aids and patients?
They said he wouldn't walk now he's racing, tell me what's changing
I'm pointing fingers at the sky,
Cause some things I can't deny no matter if I try
I'm a walk in faith
Cause I can see you even if it's not your face
You Are
Chorus
So beautiful so powerful, so wonderful
Undeniable you you you are, you you, you are, you are you are
So beautiful so powerful, omnipotent
Undeniable you you you are, you you are, you are you are
Bridge
Glory and honor the father we'll give him
The glory and honor the father rejoice in him
Verse III
I've read a lot of books, turned all sorts of pages
But only one where the letters all illuminated
It's like it's jumping out at me speaking right to me
You see right through me there's no fooling
I can't hide from you why do I hide under?
Lies come I stutter cry out I love ye
The greatest gift so many are oblivious
You sent your kid to die only so that I could live
They bringing me down you lifting me up
I'm living your word hearing your sound, feeling a rush
Just the way I am, come as you are
Don't change a thing, use a superstar
The lyrics to Manafest's song "Glory" explore themes of struggle, fear, faith, and the power of God. In the verses, the singer reflects on his own personal battles and insecurities, admitting that he sometimes feels trapped by his fears and the pressure to succeed. However, he also acknowledges the presence of both good and evil forces in his life, with the devil attempting to bring him down but an angel watching over him. Despite facing trials and tribulations, he remains steadfast in his faith and continues to pray, believing that his ultimate victory lies in reaching heaven.
The chorus celebrates the beauty, power, and undeniable presence of God. The singer recognizes the omnipotence of God and marvels at the miraculous works that Christians are able to witness, such as healing and divine intervention. He admits that there are certain things he cannot explain or deny, leading him to acknowledge and embrace the power of his faith. Through his lyrics, he wants to convey the message that despite the struggles and doubts one may face, God remains strong, glorious, and worthy of honor.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I don't even wanna leave my house
There are times when I feel overwhelmed and afraid to face the world
These fake fears wrestle me to the flipping ground
These unfounded fears bring me down and make me feel powerless
I'm not scared of dying maybe scared of failing
I'm not afraid of death, but I fear the possibility of failing in my endeavors
So I stop trying evil thoughts start prevailing
When I give up and stop trying, negative thoughts take over my mind
There's a devil out there seeking to take me out
There are temptations and challenges that try to lead me astray
I see him in my nightmares when I scream and shout
In my dreams, I confront my fears and struggle against them
Even though it's a dream it sure feels real
Although it's just a dream, the emotions and fears I experience in it feel genuine
I know I got an angel watching in the rear near
I believe there's a guardian angel protecting me from harm
In the midst of triumph seems there's a tragedy
Even in moments of success, there are often unexpected challenges or setbacks
I know I've won even though they want to battle me
I have confidence in my victory, despite those who oppose or challenge me
Adamantly down on my knees pray fervently
I humbly and passionately pray on my knees, seeking guidance and strength
White hot never stop till I'm in the heavenly'
I am determined and committed to pursuing righteousness and reaching heaven
So beautiful so powerful, so wonderful
You are incredibly beautiful, powerful, and awe-inspiring
Undeniable you you you are, you you, you are, you are you are
Your existence and greatness cannot be denied; you are undeniably magnificent
So beautiful so powerful, omnipotent
You possess unmatched beauty, power, and omnipotence
There's something different, magnificent
There's a remarkable and extraordinary quality
About these Christians who talk and live in this
There's something special about Christians who not only speak but also embody their faith
Lifestyle of putting pride down, it hasn't died out
Their way of life involves humility and rejecting pride, which remains relevant
It's widely spread out and I
This mindset is prevalent and widespread
Can't deny its power, people getting healed every hour
I cannot deny the remarkable power of their faith, witnessing people being healed continuously
How do we explain this, cure for aids and patients?
How can we rationalize the incredible healings, including the cure for AIDS and other diseases?
They said he wouldn't walk now he's racing, tell me what's changing
People who were once immobile are now running; what exceptional transformation is taking place?
I'm pointing fingers at the sky
I acknowledge and attribute these miracles to a higher power
Cause some things I can't deny no matter if I try
Despite any skepticism or attempts to disbelieve, certain things are undeniable
I'm a walk in faith
I choose to live my life with unwavering trust in God
Cause I can see you even if it's not your face
Even though I can't physically see you, I recognize your presence in my life
Glory and honor the father we'll give him
We will celebrate and express praise and respect to our Heavenly Father
I've read a lot of books, turned all sorts of pages
I have explored various texts, seeking knowledge and understanding
But only one where the letters all illuminated
Among all the books, there's one where the words shine brightly and come alive
It's like it's jumping out at me speaking right to me
It feels as if the words are leaping off the page, speaking directly to my soul
You see right through me there's no fooling
You see beyond my façade and understand my true self; there's no deceiving you
I can't hide from you why do I hide under?
I cannot escape your presence, so why do I try to hide my true self?
Lies come I stutter cry out I love ye
When faced with lies, I stumble and falter, but I cry out that I love you, God
The greatest gift so many are oblivious
Many people are unaware of the greatest gift we have received
You sent your kid to die only so that I could live
You sacrificed your own child's life so that I may have eternal life
They bringing me down you lifting me up
While others try to bring me down, you continue to uplift and support me
I'm living your word hearing your sound, feeling a rush
I am actively living according to your teachings, listening to your guidance, and experiencing a sense of excitement
Just the way I am, come as you are
I am accepted and loved for who I am, and you encourage others to come as they are
Don't change a thing, use a superstar
You don't expect me to change, but you can still use me as a vessel to do great things
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ADAM MESSINGER, CHRIS GREENWOOD, Adam David Messinger
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind