1) Petra is a Christia… Read Full Bio ↴There is more than one artist with this name:
1) Petra is a Christian Rock band formed in 1972 by Bob Hartman, Bill Glover, John DeGroff, and Greg Hough. "Petra" means "rock" in NT Greek, making the band name a triple pun. Rising from the Jesus music movement, and initially signed to [recordlabel]Myrrh Records[/recordlabel], they fought to gain acceptance and recognition in a church culture that at the time believed rock music to be off-limits. Over time they eventually won over most of their critics, thanks to a steady approach and some solid adult contemporary airplay hits like "The Coloring Song," outside of their usual rock fare. By the mid-80's, when lead singer Greg X. Volz left the band and was replaced by John Schlitt, Petra had solidified their place as the foremost Christian rock band in the industry with a string of hit albums and singles and strong touring. The release of Petra Praise: The Rock Cries Out marked a turn towards modern-sounding worship music that would soon explode into the modern worship movement.
Petra was nominated for and won numerous Grammy and Dove Awards. In 1991, after the release of their acclaimed Beyond Belief record, Petra became the first rock band ever to win for Group of the Year at the Dove Awards. They were also the first Christian rock band to be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
For three decades Petra continued to produce albums despite changes in their line-up as well as the genre and market. On May 24th, 2005 Petra announced their retirement after 33 years of ministry. They recorded one of their final performances in Franklin, Tennessee to release it as their last album, Farewell. Their last performance finished in the early hours of January 1, 2006 in Murphy, North Carolina. Bob Hartman and John Schlitt continue to tour under the moniker II Guys From Petra.
Lineups through the years:
Early 80's Captured in Time & Space lineup: Bob Hartman, Greg X. Volz, John Slick, Mark Kelly, Louie Weaver, John Lawry
Late 80's "Beyond Belief dream team" lineup: Bob Hartman, John Schlitt, John Lawry, Louie Weaver, Ronny Cates
Late 90's Petra Praise 2 - We Need Jesus lineup: John Schlitt, Louie Weaver, Lonnie Chapin, Pete Orta, Kevin Brandow
Farewell CD lineup: John Schlitt, Bob Hartman, Greg Bailey, Paul Simmons, with special appearances by Greg X. Volz and John Lawry
More members: Rob Frazier, Jim Cooper, David Lichens, Trent Thomason, Bryce Bell, Quinton Gibson, Justin Johnson
See also http://www.petraband.com/
Back To The Rock
Petra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take me to the well that will never run dry
Take me, take me, Lord
To the Rock that is higher than I
There was a man who built his house upon the sinking sand
When the wind and rain came, it washed it all away
There was another man who learned to watch and pray
Take me to the Rock
To the Rock of my salvation
Take me to the Rock
To the well for every nation
Take me to the Rock
Everyone who hears the voice of Jesus and obeys
Is like the man who built his house upon the rock that stands
It was the Son of Man who gave us this command
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, your mind, your strength
The lyrics to Petra's song Back to the Rock speak to the importance of building one's foundation on a higher power. The line "Back to the Rock that is higher than I" refers to the idea of relinquishing control and turning to a source of strength greater than oneself. The imagery of a well that never runs dry highlights the idea of sustenance and limitless resources available to those who seek guidance from a higher power. The song references the story of two men who built their houses, one on sinking sand and one on a rock of Jesus, illustrating the importance of a solid foundation in weathering life's storms.
Line by Line Meaning
Back to the Rock that is higher than I
I want to go back to the place where I feel safe and protected, the place where God's love and strength are greater than my own.
Take me to the well that will never run dry
Guide me to the eternal source of life and wisdom, so that I can always be refreshed and strengthened in my faith.
Take me, take me, Lord
I humbly ask for God's guidance and support, trusting that He hears my prayers and will help me find my way back to Him.
To the Rock that is higher than I
I want to be close to God, who is my source of stability, comfort and safety. I acknowledge my own limitations and weaknesses, and rely on His strength, power, and love.
There was a man who built his house upon the sinking sand
There are people who trust in things that are unreliable and temporary, rather than putting their faith in God and His promises.
When the wind and rain came, it washed it all away
When difficult circumstances arise, those who have built their faith on shaky foundations are often unable to withstand the storms of life.
There was another man who learned to watch and pray
Some people grow in faith over time by staying connected with God, recognizing their need for His guidance, and regularly seeking Him in prayer and Scripture.
And he built his house upon a rock of Jesus and it still stands today
Those who choose to build their lives on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ and His teachings will be able to stand firm in their faith, even when facing trials and challenges.
To the Rock of my salvation
I want to rest my hopes and trust on God, who made me and can save me, instead of depending on my own efforts or anything else in this world.
To the well for every nation
I desire to share the hope and joy of my faith with everyone, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or background, as Jesus commanded us to love and serve all people.
Everyone who hears the voice of Jesus and obeys
All those who listen to Jesus' teachings and follow His example of love and obedience will experience abundant life and blessings, as promised in the Bible.
Is like the man who built his house upon the rock that stands
Those who put into practice what Jesus taught are building their faith on the solid foundation that can sustain them through any trial or hardship, and give them eternal hope and security.
It was the Son of Man who gave us this command
Jesus, who is both fully human and fully God, taught us to love God with all our heart, mind, and strength, as the greatest commandment of all, which reflects the nature and will of God.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, your mind, your strength
This central teaching of Jesus emphasizes the importance of a heartfelt, wholehearted devotion to God, which involves our emotions, thoughts, and actions, and leads to a life of love, service and obedience to God and others.
Contributed by Savannah Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Peter
Been a follower of Petra. What i like most about them is that all of their songs are Bible based. No deviation from GOD'S WORD!
TheGeronimo322
I came to the Lord listening Petra songs when I was a teenager. Lyrics touched me, Jesus saved me. Now after 26 years still going this path. God bless Petra
Roger Stoner
Same here! Petra's lyrics really helped me where Jesus saved me as a teenager.
TERRY.
TheGeronimo322 praise the lord .
Rob Adams
I can see at least two generations of people in the crowd.
Tom Curtis
Hallelujah!!!!!
Jonas Sekita
Ouço todos os dias. Na minha adolescência ficava com rádio esperando ver se passava alguma pra gravar em fita cassete. Hoje temos a benção da internet.
Mac Macintosh
I love these guys!!!they have shown what true christian artists can do for God and surely God honored their worship through music.. They stood up for Christ in the midst of all the music around and all the secular artists. The mere fact that they stayed this long is God taking pleasure in what they do...Keep on rocking for the one true king!!!LOve you guys!!!
carol butler
They have always been courageous. They never backed down...greatusic, lyrics and Godly men. ❤️❤️
Anthm2011
Astonishing. Greg's voice is still a pure and powerful as ever.