"I grew up in Saginaw, Michigan, the youngest of five children. We had a family group. Singing in church became a release for me," Cole says. "Community Temple Church for God and Christ. I sang in the choir and our family sang as a group in church."
When he was fourteen, the family moved to Danville, Illinois. After school, Cole returned to Flint, Michigan, to work in the music business. One day he saw a girl whom he had not only grown up with but who had lived on the other end of his block.
"I knew who she was right away. I couldn't forget that face," says Cole. "It wasn't until we were dating that I told her I was the guy who used to throw rocks at her to get her attention." That girl, Anissa, became his wife.
Honing his skills as a Gospel and R&B singer, Marcus Cole moved with Anissa to Atlanta for a short time. His big break, though, came once again in Michigan. Singing in a showcase for Jive/Verity Records, he struck up a conversation with Mitchell Jones of the legendary Gospel group 'Commissioned'. "We were just talking about music," Cole explains. "He didn't mention joining the group then."
"A few months later, they called me and asked me to come to Grand Rapids to audition. So I did and then the next thing I know I'm singing with them in a New Year's Eve concert at Radio City Music Hall. That was my first time with Commissioned and Marvin Sapp's last."
That was 1998 and Cole stayed with the group through its breakup, recording a Christmas album, "Time and Seasons," and the famous Reunion album in 2004. "It wasn't really a breakup as much as a dissolve," he says. "With the Reunion album, which I was flattered to be a part of, it was the culmination of the group - for both old members and new members -- and it was time to move on."
Like other members of 'Commissioned', Cole doesn't just sing the Gospel, he preaches it, too. At the invitation of Sheryl Brady and Bishop Joby Brady of The River church in Durham, North Carolina, Cole, Anissa, and their four kids, ages six through sixteen, moved to North Carolina five months ago.
Marcus Cole is a Worship Minister in the nondenominational church. Besides his duties in services, he also joins the Bradys at conferences and in other worship opportunities. He is starting an album next month with The River Church choirs.
He also does concerts around the country as well as joining nine-time Grammy winner CeCe Winans in concert. Winans is head of PureSprings Gospel, which signed Cole last year. He will start working on a worship album in February.
Marcus gets his musical inspiration from a variety of sources. "I have a very eclectic ear," he says. The Winans, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Rascal Flatts, James Taylor and Shania Twain are just a few of his favorite artists. "I stay fresh and inspired listening to all kinds of music."
And it is no doubt that both his ministry and his music will remain both fresh and inspired. "The music I sing is about my relation with God," Cole says. "The more I learn about God, the sweeter the music is for me.
You're There
Marcus Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Valley of shadow or mountain breeze
In time of trouble or prayer of peace
I′m resting
When I'm alone or in a crowded room
In a wealthy place but never destitute
Season for sowing or bearing fruit
And you're there
Whenever I turn around
You're there
Whenever I call out
You′re there
And I don′t understand
Your love navigates me and leads me to safety
In busy city or country road
In the heat of summer or threat of snow
Where seashells lie or flowers grow
I am resting
And you're there...
You′re there, and I'm grateful
And I′m here 'cause you′re faithful
The sun and the moon they remind me
That you are forever present
So I'll leave you nerver
Early meditation or bedtime prayer
In a board room meeting or a country fair
Babies christening or a last farewell
I'm resting
And you′re there...
The song "You're There" by Marcus Cole is a powerful expression of faith and devotion to a higher power who is always present in every aspect of life. The lyrics describe the unwavering love and support of this presence, which never abandons the singer in times of trouble, adversity, or confusion. The first verse uses vivid imagery to convey the idea that the presence of the divine brings peace and comfort, regardless of the circumstances: "Be it tranquil waters or raging sea / Valley of shadow or mountain breeze". The second verse highlights how this presence is with the singer at all times, both in moments when they feel alone or surrounded by people, in moments of success or failure, and in every stage of life: "When I'm alone or in a crowded room / In a wealthy place but never destitute / Season for sowing or bearing fruit / You've never left me".
The chorus repeats the main message of the song, emphasizing that no matter where the singer turns or what they face, this divine presence is always there to guide and protect them. The bridge adds a note of gratitude and awe, acknowledging that this love is beyond human comprehension and that the singer feels blessed to be able to experience it: "You're there, and I'm grateful / And I'm here 'cause you're faithful / The sun and the moon they remind me / That you are forever present". The final verse is a reminder that this presence is not limited to any particular time or place but is always available to the singer, whether they are engaging in spiritual practices or corporate meetings, celebrating new beginnings or facing endings: "Early meditation or bedtime prayer / In a board room meeting or a country fair / Babies christening or a last farewell / I'm resting".
Overall, the song "You're There" is a beautiful expression of faith and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is a source of strength and support that never leaves us.
Line by Line Meaning
Be it tranquil waters or raging sea
Regardless of the nature of my surroundings, whether it be peaceful or turbulent
Valley of shadow or mountain breeze
Whether I'm in a dark place or being uplifted by nature
In time of trouble or prayer of peace
Whether I'm in a state of distress or at peace with myself
I′m resting
I find solace and repose in my faith
When I'm alone or in a crowded room
Whether I'm in solitude or a busy environment
In a wealthy place but never destitute
Regardless of my financial standing, I feel content
Season for sowing or bearing fruit
Whether I'm in the midst of planting or reaping
You′ve never left me
I feel a constant, unwavering presence of my higher power
And you're there
My faith is a constant source of comfort and support
Whenever I turn around
No matter what direction I go or what happens around me
Whenever I call out
In times of distress, when I ask for help
You′re there
My faith carries me through the good and bad times
And I don′t understand
I may not comprehend why things happen, but I trust my faith
Your love navigates me and leads me to safety
My faith guides me and keeps me from harm
In busy city or country road
Whether I'm in a bustling city or a quiet countryside
In the heat of summer or threat of snow
Whether it's a hot summer day or a snowy winter night
Where seashells lie or flowers grow
Whether I'm at the beach or in a garden
I am resting
My faith provides me with a sense of calm and peace
You're there, and I'm grateful
I'm thankful for my faith and the comfort it brings
And I′m here 'cause you′re faithful
My faith is a result of the steadfastness of my higher power
The sun and the moon they remind me
The natural world serves as a reminder of my higher power
That you are forever present
My faith tells me that my higher power is always with me
So I'll leave you never
I am devoted to my faith and will never abandon it
Early meditation or bedtime prayer
Whether I'm starting my day with meditation or ending it with prayer
In a board room meeting or a country fair
Whether I'm in a business setting or enjoying leisure time
Babies christening or a last farewell
Whether I'm witnessing the beginning or end of a life
I'm resting
My faith gives me a sense of peace and restfulness
And you're there...
My faith is a constant presence in my life
Writer(s): Marcus Cole, Rick Watford
Contributed by Riley M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.