The group formed on December 25, 1970 with Randy Perry and his sisters Debbie and Libbi in Georgia. In the mid-80's, the group signed with former pianist for the Happy Goodman Family, Eddie Crook on his, then new, Morning Star Records label. Also during this time Libbi met and married Tracy Stuffle who would become the group's bass singer.
Eventually Debbie left the group to rear her family and the Perrys were joined by soprano singer Denise Helton. During this time the Perrys experienced enormous growth in their popularity with such songs as "I Remember The Day", "I'll Go On", "The Mountain", "He Knows How", "Get Involved", "This Is Just What Heaven Means To Me" (a remake of a classic Happy Goodman Family song) and "The Rock of Ages".
In the mid-90's, shortly after the release of the very popular "Grace" album, Randy Perry left the road to concentrate more on evangelistic work and Denise Helton would also leave the group to pursue other ventures. Nicole Watts and Barry Scott would come in to fill these spots. Barry Scott soon left the group and was replaced by Mike Bowling, a former member of the New Hinsons. In 1997, the group made a record label transition from their home of a dozen years, MorningStar Records, to Daywind records owned by Dottie Leonard Miller. They also signed an exclusive booking agreement with Harper and Associates. Their debut album on Daywind, "Crossings", included their first two #1 songs on the Singing News charts, "Not Even a Stone" and "By Faith I Can Touch Him Now."
Mike would also leave to join with the The Crabb Family and also pursue his own solo career; and Nicole Watts married and departed the group shortly after Mike's departure. David Hill joined the Perrys and held the lead position for approximately nine months. His only album with the group was, "Absolutely, Positively, Live!", which featured the #1 hit, "Praise God, It's Settled, I'm Saved." Loren Harris, formerly of the Wilburns, took the lead position shortly afterward. After Nicole's departure, this time marked a turning point for the Perrys.
Having always been a quartet consisting of two females and two males, the group was faced with a decision that many had been anticipating for some time. The group decided to not fill the position of Nicole Watts with another soprano but to turn that position over to a male- hence the hiring of baritone Curt Davis.The group has since became a 3 male, one female group and has gained very high status in the southern gospel community. After the departure of group pianist Dennis Horton in 2000, Adam Harman joined the group. Adam departed the group in 2002 to join the Dollywood based quartet, the Kingdom Heirs. It was during this time that the Perrys had their fourth #1 song, "I Rest My Case at the Cross" written by the great master songwriter Kyla Rowland. Justin Ellis, formerly of the Accords, took the pianist position and remained with the group until July of 2004. In August of 2003, Curt Davis resigned his baritone position with the Perrys. After the fill-in from the Perrys' producer Wayne Haun including National Quartet Convention 2003, the Perrys hired Joseph Habedank for the baritone position. Soon after Joseph Habedank joined the group, patriarch of the Perrys, George Perry, passed away in November of 2003. Though this was a time of testing for Libbi and all of the Perrys, they managed to keep on singing for God's kingdom. After the departure of Justin Ellis to perform with the Crabb Family, the Perrys hired Matthew Holt as the group's pianist in September of 2004 at the National Quartet Convention. It was around this time that the Perrys had their fifth and latest #1 song, "I Wish I Could Have Been There." Mr. Holt was hired as pianist approximately one day before the Perrys were awarded their first Singing News Fan Award for Favorite Mixed Quartet of the Year.
Fans and the Southern Gospel Music industry showed the Perrys support for their hard work by honoring them Singing News Fan Awards for the 2004, 2005, and 2006 Mixed Quartet Of The Year. The Perrys also received the Harmony Honors Awards for Favorite Album of the Year, This Is the Day, and for Favorite Song of the Year, I Wish I Could Have Been There written by Wayne Haun and Joel Lindsey. Libbi Perry Stuffle was awarded Singing News Fan Awards for the 2005 Female Vocalist and Alto Singer Of The Year and the 2006 Alto Singer of the Year. The Perrys were also awarded the Singing News Fan Award for Album of the Year in 2006 for their album Remembering the Happy Goodmans.
In August of 2006, the Perrys announced that longtime lead vocalist, Loren Harris, had resigned his position with the group in order to spend more time at home with his family. The decision was made by the Perrys to move Joseph Habedank to the vacant lead position and bring in Nick Trammell (son of legendary baritone Mark Trammell) to fill the baritone position. The first recording, entitled "Look No Further", under the new line-up was released in September 2007 at the National Quartet Convention. In addition to the release of the album, Nick Trammell received the Horizon Individual award by the Singing News Fans for 2007. Several months later in July 2008, Matthew Holt announced his departure from the group to pursue other interests. Bryan Elliott, formerly of the Anchormen and the Palmetto State Quartet, joined the Perrys as pianist in August 2008. His first concert with the group was August 8, 2008.
It was announced February 24 that Nick Trammell was departing as baritone singer. Former sound manager Troy Peach has been hired as Trammell's replacement.
The Cross
Perrys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To say what I'm feeling
You got me in a daze
Got game, like you've never seen
Got moves like you wouldn't believe
It's time to let you in
Make you feel like I wanna go there
So I push, pull away
Till it's driving you crazy and you can't wait
Let's cross the line
I know that it's time from the look in your eyes
Let's cross the line, the line
There's no holding back on the other side
Let's cross the line
Oh cause you know that I want it tonight
Let's cross the line, the line
Wanna see what we'll do, let's not be polite
I, I, I just wanna know ya
I, I, I just wanna know ya
Wanna see what we'll do when we cross the line
I've been wanting you for so long
I held back cause it might go wrong
But I don't care anymore
You've always been there for me
Loved you unconditionally
And now I just want you more, more
I'll get close, touch you there
And i know you won't go anywhere
So I'll push, pull away
Till I'm driving you crazy and you can't wait
Let's cross the line
I know that it's time from the look in your eyes
Let's cross the line, the line
There's no holding back on the other side
Let's cross the line
Oh cause you know that I want it tonight
Let's cross the line, the line
Wanna see what we'll do, let's not be polite
I, I, I just wanna know ya
I, I, I just wanna know ya
Wanna see what we'll do when we cross the line
I wanna blow your mind
You know it's gonna be tonight
Don't wanna waste more time
Cause, It'll be worth it, let's make it perfect
Cause, It'll be worth it, let's make it perfect
Cause, It'll be worth it, let's make it perfect
Oh
Let's cross the line
I know that it's time from the look in your eyes
Let's cross the line, the line
There's no holding back on the other side
Let's cross the line
Oh cause you know that I want it tonight
Let's cross the line, the line
Wanna see what we'll do let's not be polite
I, I, I just wanna know ya
I, I, I just wanna know ya
Wanna see what we'll do when we cross the line
In Perry's song "The Cross," the lyrics depict a narrative of passion, desire, and the excitement of stepping beyond boundaries to explore a deeper connection with someone. The singer expresses a sense of fearlessness in expressing their emotions and desires, emphasizing the intoxicating effect the other person has on them. The imagery of being in a daze and being captivated by the other person's charisma sets the stage for a story of longing and anticipation.
The lyrics portray a dynamic of push and pull, showcasing the tension between restraint and surrender. There's a sense of playfulness and teasing in the interactions described, with references to getting close, touching, and creating a sense of longing through intermittent closeness and distance. This back-and-forth builds up the anticipation and builds a sense of urgency that culminates in the desire to "cross the line" and explore what lies beyond conventional boundaries.
The chorus serves as a declaration of readiness to take a step into the unknown, to embrace the thrill of breaking free from limitations and expectations. The repeated invitation to "cross the line" conveys a sense of bravery and willingness to embrace the unknown, fueled by the intense desire to connect on a deeper level. The lyrics suggest a sense of determination to pursue what feels right in the moment, even if it means being bold and unreserved in expressing one's feelings and intentions.
Overall, "The Cross" captures the essence of desire, anticipation, and the willingness to take a leap of faith in pursuit of a deeper connection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey towards intimacy and exploration, emphasizing the allure of stepping into uncharted territory with a sense of passion and authenticity. It's a celebration of embracing vulnerability, taking risks, and following the heart's desires, all in the pursuit of a meaningful connection with another person.
Line by Line Meaning
Tonight I'm not afraid
This evening I am feeling courageous and willing to be open about my emotions.
To say what I'm feeling
I am ready to express my true feelings.
You got me in a daze
You have captivated me and left me feeling bewildered.
Got game, like you've never seen
I have skills and abilities that are exceptional and impressive.
Got moves like you wouldn't believe
I possess dance or romantic gestures that are beyond your expectations.
It's time to let you in
Now is the moment to allow you to enter my world and understand me better.
Get real close, touch your hair
I will approach you intimately and gently touch your hair.
Make you feel like I wanna go there
I aim to make you feel desired and create a sense of intimacy.
So I push, pull away
I play with your emotions by alternating between closeness and distance.
Till it's driving you crazy and you can't wait
I keep you on edge and eager for more with my unpredictable behavior.
Let's cross the line
It's time to take a risk and move beyond the boundaries we have set.
I know that it's time from the look in your eyes
I can tell from your expression that the moment is right for us to take a leap.
There's no holding back on the other side
Once we cross the line, there will be no restraints or inhibitions.
Oh cause you know that I want it tonight
You are aware of my desire for this to happen this evening.
Wanna see what we'll do, let's not be polite
I am curious to explore our relationship further and break free from politeness.
I just wanna know ya
I simply want to understand you better and connect on a deeper level.
Wanna see what we'll do when we cross the line
I am eager to discover the new experiences and emotions that will arise when we take this step.
I've been wanting you for so long
I have desired you for an extended period of time.
I held back cause it might go wrong
I refrained from pursuing this because I feared the potential negative outcomes.
But I don't care anymore
I am no longer concerned about the consequences and am ready to take a chance.
You've always been there for me
You have consistently provided support and companionship.
Loved you unconditionally
I have loved you without any conditions or limitations.
And now I just want you more, more
My desire for you has only grown stronger with time.
I'll get close, touch you there
I will approach you closely and touch you in an intimate manner.
And I know you won't go anywhere
I am confident that you are committed and will not leave.
I wanna blow your mind
I aim to surprise and impress you in a profound way.
You know it's gonna be tonight
You are aware that this significant event will occur this evening.
Don't wanna waste more time
I do not want to squander any additional time and am eager to proceed.
Cause, It'll be worth it, let's make it perfect
Because the outcome will be rewarding, let's ensure it is flawless.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: ALIH JEY DE PENA JIMENEZ, CINDY VALENTINE, EMILY PERRY, KENICH M. LEE, LUIS CARLOS GONZALEZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tinashe Machimbidza
We will see Tracy again love this song by the Perrys
Benji Austin
👍🏻🙏🙌
Jackie Robinson
Who wrote this song?
Mable McDonald
I like that song CASSIE CARR. !