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."
Where Are You
Manafest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pulling up the past
Trying to learn about this father that I never had
So young, so wrong, and ye gone
It's only, me, mom Virginia & God
Were all alone, and are leader is not home
The crossroads took you or these demons below
I'm feeling the cold, you were not here, not there
When I had my first kiss I could not share
I was lost and the school they did not care
Why'd you leave me, hanging from the ceiling?
Angels stopped singing and mom's not sleeping
I'm not bitter or mad, I'm just missing a dad
Sitting here thinking, praying wishing you back
These feeling are wack, almost too much to bare
I know your souls alive I just want to know where
Are you
Why did you leave me
Where are you
Were you thinking of me dad
Are you
Do you love me
Where are you
Than where are you if you do
Well I'm all grown up now moved out a P-Town
Married this girl, mom said you'd be so proud
I even slimmed down I'm hanging with a new crowd
If only you're around, you'd see what I can do now
I travel the globe, singing bringing a hope
Through hip hop rocking roll lifting the soul
They say I look like you, your smile & eyes too
I got moms hair thank God I was frightful
I know you can't come back from the past
But the fact that you left and the damage is bad
I don't know if mom fears or if she ever got healed
Or if she blames you and God over the years
You were my dad, and I was your son
If only you new what it was like growing up
When I look at the sky I get this thought in my mind
And wonder what it be like if your still alive
I'm still trying figure out what when on in the house
What voice was talking loud what made you kill yourself?
Was it something I did, I said, as little kid?
Something like a fib that you can't forgive?
My life was so hard lost my only body guard
Slowly God healed the scars let's say you left a mark
I've had the same thoughts that talked to you, Talk to me,
I had to see a shrink but now I'm back on my feet
I battle thoughts with words, using psalms & verbs
A new rebirth no longer Am I insecure
I heard a voice say I'll never leave ye
But I didn't see ye I've forgotten you like amnesia
I believe I'll see you some where in heaven
Where we can talk and I can ask you a question
But for now, I'm a move on be strong
And make sure I'm there for my own son
The lyrics to Manafest's song "Where Are You" tell the story of a son who is trying to come to terms with the absence of his father. He starts by looking at a picture of his dad and trying to learn about him, but realizes that he is not there to answer his questions. The son feels the impact of his father's absence in all areas of his life, as he navigates through childhood and into adulthood. He wonders where his father is and why he left, and hopes to one day find answers to his questions.
The lyrics convey a mix of emotions, including sadness, confusion, and longing. The son is not bitter or angry about his father's absence, but he is left with a void that cannot be filled. However, he has also found ways to cope with the pain, through music and writing. He has found success in his life and is proud of his accomplishments, but still wishes his father were there to witness them. The song ends on a hopeful note, as the son looks forward to a future where he can be a better father to his own son.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm staring at your picture dad
Looking at a photo of you, Father.
Pulling up the past
Reliving old memories.
Trying to learn about this father that I never had
Attempting to understand the parent I never really knew.
So young, so wrong, and ye gone
You were young, made mistakes, and now you're gone.
It's only, me, mom Virginia & God
It's just the three of us - me, Mom, Virginia, and God.
Were all alone, and are leader is not home
We are alone without our leader, who is not here.
The crossroads took you or these demons below
The crossroads or some inner demons led you away from us.
I'm feeling the cold, you were not here, not there
I feel isolated and abandoned by your absence.
When I had my first fight I was so scared
I was scared and didn't have you to turn to when I got into my first fight.
Why'd you leave me, hanging from the ceiling?
Why did you leave me to suffer and struggle without you?
I'm not bitter or mad, I'm just missing a dad
I don't harbor anger or resentment, I just miss having a father figure.
Sitting here thinking, praying wishing you back
I spend time alone, hoping and praying for your return.
Well I'm all grown up now moved out a P-Town
I'm a grown adult living in a different town now.
Married this girl, mom said you'd be so proud
I got married, and my mother said you'd be proud of me.
I travel the globe, singing bringing a hope
I travel around the world, performing music that gives hope to others.
They say I look like you, your smile & eyes too
People say I resemble you, with your smile and eyes.
You were my dad, and I was your son
You were my father, and I was your child.
I've had the same thoughts that talked to you, Talk to me,
I've experienced the same kind of thoughts you had, which now haunt me too.
A new rebirth no longer Am I insecure
I've experienced a personal transformation and feel more confident than before.
I believe I'll see you some where in heaven
I hope to reunite with you someday in the afterlife.
And make sure I'm there for my own son
I will strive to be there for my own child, as you were not for me.
Contributed by Bella I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
dweldon762
One of the most powerful songs ever
johnlwiebe
This is probably my favorite song off the Glory album. Hit's home with me as my dad left when I was little and never came back, I'm almost 18 and he decided to come back around which made me mad and confused at the same time..First time I heard this song I was very emotional, crying in the bathroom with this song on repeat..Love your music Chris, can't wait until Reborn drops! You did incredible at YC this year!
Aaron Thistle
Heard you live once, years ago at the fairgrounds in barrie and got the honor of being brought on the stage as a volunteer for droppin' hammers. Talked to you after the show to the side of the stage, and was actually in a really dark time. I still remember barely being able to hold back tears until i got away from the crowd. Thanks for everything and keep bringing joy and love.
JayNine1209
Heard you perform it 9 years ago in Texas, bought your CD and ever since then, I've loved this song and every time I listen to it, it brings chills to my skin, goosebumps, cause it's so emotional and also one can hear your pain through it.
Keep it up bro and I hope to hear more from you in the "Glory" style, although I also love the rest! :-) Be blessed!!
Johnny Schronk
Just found out my birth dad passed Friday 2/15/19. I hadn't seen him since I was maybe 2, he's been in and out of prison since. Thanks Manafest. This song helps! ✌
Chelsea Mercer
One of my most favourite songs of all time! I love manifest and the way he pours his heart out into all his music. I bought this CD after listening to him in concert in 2006. ❤️
Grigoriy Vorobyov
I love this song!
Manafest
It's a fav of mine!
William Reed
This is powerful!!!
Franklin Eternal
One of the best. Definitely deserves more love