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."
Love Wide Open
Manafest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
5 steps from queens
With my hat out
Begging oh I′m begging please
Climbed the mezzanine
The edge of broken dreams
Before I jumped
Saw your hand reach down for me
Pulling on my strings
Falling on my knees
Nothing left to speak
I'm at your mercy
Heart of a lion
Gave it all I can
If I′m calm as a riot
Why stay and keep trying
I'm holding on
Holding my tongue
Cause I was wrong
Love broke my heart wide open
Love broke my heart wide open
I'm holding on
Holding my tongue
Cause I was wrong
This is my song
Love broke my heart wide open
Love broke my heart wide open
Love broke my heart wide open
Love broke my heart wide open
Love broke my heart wide open
Love broke my heart wide open
When I feel defeat
That′s when I hear you speak
One touch of your hand
And it gives me peace
Now that I can sing
The sun ray of spring
Like a warm coat
Arms stretched over me
Pulling on my strings
Falling on my knees
Nothing left to speak
I′m at your mercy
Heart of a lion
Gave it all I can
If I'm calm as a riot
Why stay and keep trying
I′m holding on
Holding my tongue
Cause I was wrong
Love broke my heart wide open
Love broke my heart wide open
I'm holding on
Holding my tongue
Cause I was wrong
This is my song
Love broke my heart wide open
Love broke my heart wide open
Love broke my heart wide open
Love broke my heart wide open
Love broke my heart wide open
Love broke my heart wide open
Cold but I love how your arms they hold me
Cold but I love how your arms they hold me
Love wide open, love wide open
Oh how ye love broke my heart wide open
Cold but I love how your arms they hold me
Cold but I love how your arms they hold me
Love wide open, love wide open
Oh how you love broke my heart wide open
I′m holding on
Holding my tongue
Cause I was wrong
Love broke my heart wide open
Love broke my heart wide open
I'm holding on
Holding my tongue
Cause I was wrong
This is my song
Love broke my heart wide open
Love broke my heart wide open
I′m holding on
Holding my tongue
Cause I was wrong
Love broke my heart wide open
Love broke my heart wide open
I'm holding on
Holding my tongue
Cause I was wrong
This is my song
Love broke my heart wide open
Love broke my heart wide open
The lyrics of Manafest's song "Love Wide Open" tell the story of someone who was lost and broken, living on the streets and begging for help. They had reached the edge of their dreams, feeling hopeless and ready to give up. However, just as they were about to jump, they saw a hand reaching down to rescue them. This hand represents love, which pulled them out of their despair and gave them a new lease on life.
The singer acknowledges their past mistakes and the pain that love has caused them. They describe their heart as being broken wide open by love's power, which can be interpreted as both the vulnerability and transformative nature of love. Despite the challenges, they choose to hold on and keep trying, finding solace and peace in love's touch.
The lyrics also speak to the resilience and strength of the singer, comparing their heart to that of a lion. They have given their all to love, embracing both the calm and riotous aspects of their emotions. Through this song, they express their gratitude for being saved from their darkest moments, acknowledging that love has the power to heal and bring warmth to their life.
Overall, "Love Wide Open" is a song about redemption, finding hope in the midst of despair, and the transformative power of love.
Line by Line Meaning
You found me on the streets
I was lost and alone, but then you came into my life.
5 steps from queens
I was so close to success, but still so far away.
With my hat out
I was desperate and begging for help.
Begging oh I'm begging please
I pleaded with all my heart for someone to save me.
Climbed the mezzanine
I reached a point of potential, but it felt unstable.
The edge of broken dreams
I was on the verge of giving up on my aspirations.
Before I jumped
Right before I took a drastic and negative action.
Saw your hand reach down for me
You extended your help and pulled me out of my despair.
Pulling on my strings
You have control over my emotions and actions.
Falling on my knees
I am humbled and surrendering to your presence.
Nothing left to speak
Words cannot express the depth of my gratitude.
I'm at your mercy
I am completely reliant on your kindness and compassion.
Heart of a lion
I have a strong and courageous spirit within me.
Gave it all I can
I put forth all my effort and energy.
If I'm calm as a riot
Even in the midst of chaos, I remain composed.
Why stay and keep trying
Why should I stay and continue to strive for something when love has caused me pain?
I'm holding on
I am determined to persevere and not give up.
Holding my tongue
I choose not to speak out of fear of making things worse.
Cause I was wrong
I admit my mistakes and take responsibility for the heartbreak.
This is my song
This is my expression of the pain and lessons learned.
Love broke my heart wide open
Love shattered my heart and exposed its vulnerability.
When I feel defeat
In moments of failure and despair.
That's when I hear you speak
Your words of encouragement and support uplift me.
One touch of your hand
A single interaction with you brings me comfort and peace.
And it gives me peace
It brings tranquility and calmness to my troubled heart.
Now that I can sing
Now that I have found hope and healing, I can express my joy through music.
The sun ray of spring
Your presence brings warmth and renewal like a ray of sunshine in spring.
Like a warm coat
Your love wraps around me, providing comfort and protection.
Arms stretched over me
You embrace me with open arms, offering support and affection.
Cold but I love how your arms they hold me
Although your touch may be cold, I appreciate the warmth and security it brings.
Love wide open, love wide open
Love has opened my heart fully and unconditionally.
Oh how you love broke my heart wide open
The intensity of your love shattered my heart, but it also allowed me to experience profound emotions.
Writer(s): Inconnu Compositeur Auteur, Chris Greenwood
Contributed by Chase R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
T4jesusnow
One of his best! Love you Manafest!
Denise Hersh
Never heard before this moment, I LOVE this <3 I agree with your lyrics, and what a charming vocalist....I love with MY HEART WIDE OPEN, IF I WAS WRONG, I WILL HOLD MY TONGUE!!! <3
Chris Ethan
Hi hope you are having a nice day ?
Panda Cupcake
Awesome song Chris ^_^ ! you are purely talented this song is beautiful , it really touches my heart <3
Panda Cupcake
***** Oh I've been a fan for 5 or so years now lol :) and my real name is Trista , God does definitely use you to inspire me dude :3
musical gleek
I love this song so much so inspiring, I love your voice 😱 your awesome!!
Manafest
Thanks for visiting!
Victoria
Man the more I hear his songs, along with his new ones the all more I like it all.
Jared Graybill
Nice man!
Keep up the good work!
Ralph Molyneux
Great song!