Undaunted, he formed the quirkily-named Spock’s Beard with his brother, Alan. They recorded The Light with what money they could scrape together. Against all odds, it was a breakout success, sending shockwaves through the small genre’s community.
Over the next 10 years, Spock’s Beard released 10 critically acclaimed CDs and 2 DVDs, ascending to the top of the prog world. Neal also released 6 CDs and 3 DVDs with Transatlantic, the heralded prog supergroup comprised of the genre’s best musicians.
The proverbial wayward son, Neal had finally found the success he sought. On the outside he seemed to have it all. On the inside, however, something was missing.
Morse came to realize that for him, embracing the Christian faith was the fulfillment of his spiritual quest. His walk was at once gradual and sudden—and as with so many, completely unexpected. As he continued, his path increasingly revealed more of what his heart had sought all along. Yet he also began to find his career growing at odds with his faith. The rising spiritual tension and increasing commercial success finally came to a head with the release of Snow (2002), the group’s magnum opus...and swan song with Morse.
The extraordinary 2-CD rock opera, composed by Morse, was widely acclaimed as the group’s finest. But it was the end of the era. Neal felt God calling him out of his former musical life and into the unknown. He made the agonizing decision to leave both Spock’s Beard and Transatlantic. Despite having finally achieved the success he had long sought, Morse had to begin all over again; musically, emotionally and spiritually.
Neal then embarked upon the most ambitious musical project of his career. Entitled Testimony (2003), it chronicles his spiritual and musical journey in words and music. The 2 CD set spans over two hours as one continuous piece of music. Genre-wise, it ranges from a gospel choir to hard rock; from symphony orchestra to contemporary pop. Testimony was also Neal’s first of many albums with drummer Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater). A deftly woven musical tapestry, Testimony takes the listener on a fascinating journey as unique as the man behind it.
The ensuing world tour was captured on one unforgettable night for the 2-DVD set, Testimony Live (2004). Morse was recognized as a remarkably passionate and engaging performer by England’s Classic Rock Magazine, who included him in their “100 Greatest Frontmen of Rock” listing. The tour was awarded “Best Rock Tour” from the popular Dutch website, DPRP, besting nominees Peter Gabriel, Radiohead, RUSH and others.
Morse’s next studio album was a conceptual, progressive rock album entitled One. Mike Portnoy returned to perform on drums (in what is regarded as perhaps his finest performance), with up-and-coming bassist Randy George. They were joined by legendary guitarist Phil Keaggy. The result was a band-focused sound, harkening back to Neal’s Transatlantic work. Continuing in the tradition of Snow and Testimony, One proved epic in scope and sublime in nature.
For Morse’s third progressive rock album, he took a new approach, artistically. On Question (2005), Morse weaves a compelling storyline that owes as much to C.S. Lewis as Indiana Jones. His journey is a timeless quest—to find the biblical dwelling place of God. Joining Neal are more of prog’s brightest stars, including Mike Portnoy and Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Roine Stolt (Flower Kings, Transatlantic) and Steve Hackett (Genesis).
Bringing Question to the stage required an outstanding tour band. Fusing technical wizardry with musical nuance, a young band of unknowns proved themselves in the fire of Question’s musical rollercoaster. The audience responded with energy and passion, with the experience captured on CD. Unrestrained, raw, and magnificent, the resulting 2 CD set Question: Live (2007) was to be further unveiled on the DVD, Sola Sciptura & Beyond.
Neal's next prog epic was his most daring, stirring passions and controversy. On Sola Scriptura (2007), Morse tells a compelling and sometimes macabre tale of the darkness that inevitably falls when humankind tries to elevate itself to God. Focusing on the Church in the Middle Ages, Morse is unflinching in his description of its abuses. Neal frames the issue as just one example of faith separated from its true foundations. The album closes not with an end but a beginning—for us to consider our world, and feel called to illuminate it.
Question and Sola Scriptura were received as Neal’s best to date, and the ensuing tours were captured on film. The ensuing release, Sola Scriptura & Beyond (2008) was an extraordinary live concert 2-DVD set that brought both albums to life. Also included were generous selections from One and Testimony, a Transatlantic section, five songs from Spock’s Beard, and an hour of behind-the-scenes tour footage.
Less than three months later, Neal completed Lifeline (2008), his next studio album. Unlike his other releases, Lifeline wasn't a concept album. Free from this constraint, Neal stretched out in all directions. He revisited early Spock’s Beard, Snow, Transatlantic, his solo releases, and launched into new territory. Joining him once again were Mike Portnoy and Randy George. It was the album that fans of Neal and progressive rock the world over had waited for. Press coverage of the album reached from some of Europe's biggest mainstream music publications, to Rolling Stone in Mexico.
Twelve years after The Light, Neal continues to blaze new creative trails. In 2009, he shines brighter than ever in the next remarkable chapter in Neal's musical journey.
Reunion
Neal Morse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now there is no separation
Standing in the culmination
Of the very love we've never known
Now that we are back together
Striving to be one forever
Let this be the time we call our own, c'mon
One mind learning, one, two, three
One voice singing ecstasy
One heart changing, full and free
One love forging unity
Now the way is open for us
A sacrifice made to restore us
To be bring us back the way we used to be, hoo
As we once were in the garden
Through his son he gave the pardon
Now we can come back as priests and kings, oh come on
One mind learning, one, two, three
One voice singing ecstasy
One heart changing, full and free
One love forging unity
Woah, wooh, I love it
Come on, wooh
Ha ha ha, yes
Brother
One mind learning, one, two, three
One voice singing ecstasy
One heart changing full and free
One love forging unity
It will be
Oh my God
Ooh, woah, yeah
Wooh, come on, yeah
II. Grand Finale
(Instrumental)
III. Make Us One
One heart
One voice
One love
One spirit
On our knees with open arms with worship in one spirit
Oh, pray to God
On our knees with open arms with worship in one spirit
Bring us back to you
On our knees with open arms with worship in one spirit
Make us one
On our knees with open arms with worship in one spirit
Would you make us one?
On our knees with open arms with worship in one spirit
Oh, Jesus
On our knees with open arms with worship in one spirit
Won't you send it down?
On our knees with open arms with worship in one spirit
Yes, Lord
On our knees with open arms with worship in one spirit
We say yes, we say yes
On our knees with open arms with worship in one spirit
Come in, come in, come in, come in
Precious Father
Make us one
Won't you make us one?
Make us one
Precious Father
Make us one
The song Reunion by Neal Morse is divided into three parts, each with its own distinct message. In the first part, "No Separation," the lyrics talk about the idea of unity and oneness. The song begins with the idea that there is no separation between us and standing in the culmination of the love we’ve never known. The lyrics suggest that since we are now back together, we should strive to be one forever. The song encourages us to embrace unity and to recognize that we are all in this together. The way is open for us now, and as believers, we are priests and kings.
The second part is the instrumental "Grand Finale," which speaks to the idea that music can be a unifying force. The absence of lyrics creates space for the listener to meditate and reflect on the message of the song.
The third part of the song, "Make Us One," is a call to prayer. The lyrics talk about being on our knees with open arms in worship in one spirit, and asking God to make us one. The song encourages unity and oneness, and recognizes that this can only be achieved through prayer.
Overall, the song Reunion is a call for unity, oneness, and forgiveness. It encourages us to recognize that we are all in this together and to embrace our common humanity. The song invites us to worship together and asks God to bring us back to oneness.
Line by Line Meaning
Now there is no separation
The sense of separation and distance that once existed between us has disappeared, and we stand together in full harmony.
Standing in the culmination
We have reached the peak, the highest point of our journey, where everything is at its fullest and richest.
Of the very love we've never known
This is a love that we have never experienced before, something new, beautiful and profound that we are just now discovering.
Now that we are back together
We have been reunited after a long period of separation or struggle, and we are together again.
Striving to be one forever
We are making a conscious effort to stay united and keep our bond strong, even in the face of adversity or challenge.
Let this be the time we call our own, c'mon
This is our moment to embrace and enjoy, a special time that we can claim and cherish as ours.
One mind learning, one, two, three
We are all on the same page, learning and growing together at the same pace.
One voice singing ecstasy
Our singing is filled with joy, excitement and bliss, as if we are all united in one voice and feeling the same emotions.
One heart changing, full and free
Our hearts are being transformed, opening up to new possibilities, and experiencing new levels of freedom and life.
One love forging unity
Our love for each other is creating a strong bond that unites us, bringing us together as one unit.
Now the way is open for us
The obstacles that once stood in our path have been removed or cleared, and we are free to move forward.
A sacrifice made to restore us
Something was given up or surrendered in order to bring us back to a place of unity and peace.
To be bring us back the way we used to be, hoo
We are being restored to a previous state of harmony or wholeness, as if we are returning to a beloved home that we once knew.
As we once were in the garden
This is a reference to the Garden of Eden, a symbol of an idyllic and perfect world that we have lost and are trying to regain.
Through his son he gave the pardon
This is a reference to Jesus Christ who made it possible for us to be forgiven and reconciled with each other, and with God.
Now we can come back as priests and kings, oh come on
We can return to a place of honor and dignity, where we have the authority and power to lead and serve others with humility and grace.
One heart
Our hearts are united together, as one.
One voice
We are all singing or speaking together, expressing the same ideas or emotions.
One love
Our love connects us and gives us purpose, reminding us of the beauty and value of life.
One spirit
We are all connected and energized by a common spirit or force, giving us a sense of unity and transcendence.
Oh, pray to God
We are calling out to God, seeking the divine guidance and support that we need in our lives and relationships.
Bring us back to you
We want to return to a place of closeness and intimacy with God, where we feel safe and loved.
Won't you send it down?
We are asking for a blessing or revelation from God, something that will help us to grow and move forward in our lives.
We say yes, we say yes
We are affirming our commitment to God and to each other, saying yes to the journey and the challenges that lie ahead.
Make us one
We are asking God to help us overcome our differences and conflicts, so that we can become one in love and purpose.
Won't you make us one?
This is a plea to God to help us to see each other as equals and partners, to overcome our barriers and fears, and to embrace our shared humanity.
Precious Father
This is a term of respect and endearment for God, acknowledging His role as a loving and caring parent.
Contributed by Wyatt J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
elchafa
Those trumpets are so perfectly put in there I remember the first time I listened to this I was blown away by how perfect it is. The whole album is a masterpiece.
theakstonsrock
I'm an atheist but still love this.
danbrown4life
ONE HEART ONE VOICE ONE LOVE ONE SPIRIT
Omar DLS
and it close the concert yesterday!!!! here in México!!! YEAAAAAAAH WE LOVE NEAL!!!
Clari Diez Pena
my top of most listened cd's of mz life: john mclaughlin and the heart of things live in paris, neil morse one and dire straits brothers in arms
Mike Portnoy
Song: The Great Medley [Encore] (Live in BRNO 2019)
Artist: The Neal Morse Band
John McLucas Old Covers
same! but honestly i don't listen to a word neal says. i just listen to the musicales (is that a word) of his voice
danbrown4life
3:48 COME ON MIKEY!!!!