Morris Chapman, songwriter, worship leader, and ministe… Read Full Bio ↴Biography –
Morris Chapman, songwriter, worship leader, and minister is known around the world for his ability to lead people into the presence of the Lord.
Morris has accomplished much in the years since he began full time ministry in 1978. His songs are widely recognized around the world, especially in praise and worship. Crossing cultural and international boundaries, his songs have been recorded by such artists as Sandy Patti, Rosie Greer, Kenneth Copeland, the Maranatha Singers, Donald Lawrence and the Tri City Singers, Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, and Bill Gaither.
Morris is a three time Dove nominee and received a Grammy nomination from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences in 1983 for best soul gospel performance for the album “Long time friends” which featured the songs, “Bethlehem Morning,” “We Remember You,” and “We give you praise.”
Word Records signed Morris in his early ministry days and later he was signed by Maranatha Music. Morris has completed more than fifteen solo recordings and he has also sung solo on other projects as well.
Morris has traveled extensively throughout his ministry, leading thousands of diverse congregations in praise and worship to God.
In 1993, Morris was invited to become a member of the praise team for Promise Keepers, and he served on the team until 1998. Promise Keepers recorded several of his songs including “The family prayer song,” “Jesus your name is power,” “the Reconciliation song,” and “Christ in us be glorified.” Morris was also part of the praise team for “Stand in the Gap” 1997 on the Mall in Washington DC.
It was not until the age of 40 that God called Morris into full time ministry, while still a janitor in the Clark County School District, Las Vegas, NV. The majority of his songs where written after he turned 40.
Morris is the second oldest of twelve children and was born in Camden AR. The entire family moved to Las Vegas, NV in 1957, where he met and married his wife Shirley in 1959. They have five children, five grand-children and two great-grand-children.
Morris’ latest project, “Come Away,” is about to be released by His Heart Music.
http://morrischapman.org/MorrisChapman/About.html
River of Joy
Morris Chapman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That flows through the city of God
This river keeps ride on flowing forevermore
There is a river of joy
That flows through the city of God
Be still and know
That I am the Lord (repeat)
Although the mountains may crumble
You've heard the war cannons rumbel
(there is a river a joy)
You've seen mighyt men stumble
But I give grace to those who are humble
Be still for I am the Lord
There is a river joy
That flows through the city of God
This river keeps on flowing forevermore
There is a river of joy
That flows through the city of God
Be still and know
That I am the Lord
Dangers all around us
(there is a river a joy)
Darkness may surround us
(there is a river a joy)
Sometimes the trial may confound us
But his grace abounds in us
Be stiil for I am the Lord
The song "River of Joy" by Morris Chapman speaks of the river of joy that flows through the city of God. The river symbolizes the presence of God that gives joy to everyone who comes close to Him. The song urges listeners to be still, let go of all worries, and trust in the Lord. This is because the river of joy keeps flowing forevermore, and nothing can stop it.
The lyrics also acknowledge that life can be challenging, with mountains crumbling, war cannons rumbling, and mighty men stumbling. However, those who remain humble receive grace from God. The river of joy is a source of comfort and hope that carries believers through the dangers and darkness that surround them. As the song suggests, His grace abounds despite the trials and difficulties that come along.
Overall, Morris Chapman's "River of Joy" celebrates the sustaining presence of God, who is always with us and gives us joy despite life's challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
There is a river joy
There is a source of happiness
That flows through the city of God
That exists within the religious community
This river keeps ride on flowing forevermore
This joy is everlasting
Be still and know
Take a moment to reflect
That I am the Lord
That a higher power exists
Although the mountains may crumble
Despite challenges
(there is a river a joy)
(there is a source of happiness)
You've heard the war cannons rumbel
You've experienced violence
(there is a river a joy)
(there is a source of happiness)
You've seen mighyt men stumble
You've witnessed the fall of the powerful
But I give grace to those who are humble
But the humble will be rewarded
Dangers all around us
Threats exist
(there is a river a joy)
(there is a source of happiness)
Darkness may surround us
Difficult times will come
(there is a river a joy)
(there is a source of happiness)
Sometimes the trial may confound us
Trials can be confusing
But his grace abounds in us
But there is endless grace available to us
Be stiil for I am the Lord
Take a moment to reflect, for a higher power exists
Contributed by Gabriel G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.