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/
Sight Unseen
Petra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Based on Hebrews 11:6
For so long I was depending upon
My senses and fences, I tried to ride on
And trusting in things that can never be seen
Was always a crutch on which others must lean
Thinking if I could see I would believe
(Chorus)
Sight unseen, sight unseen
You have to take it sight unseen
Blinded by the darkness only faith can come between
Sight unseen, sight unseen
Evidence built into every design
Led to conviction between every line
Faith is the key that can open the veil
To Love incarnated and pierced with a nail
Listen my friend, have I got news for you
The nails in His hands and feet were meant for you
Petra’s song “Sight Unseen” is a reminder of the importance of faith, which is an integral part of the Christian belief. The song is written by Bob Hartman and based on Hebrews 11:6. The song starts with the depiction of the songwriter’s own experiences, where he relied solely on his senses and fences to move forward in life. Gradually, the song leads the listeners to the realization that faith is an essential component that builds the connection between God and ourselves. The songwriter says that trusting in things that can never be seen is a crutch that others must lean on, and if we depend on visualizing things to believe in them, then we are missing out on the essence of faith.
The chorus "Sight unseen, sight unseen, you have to take it sight unseen" is repeated to emphasize the idea that believing without seeing is the foundation of faith. Faith cannot take root in these who need to see before believing. That kind of thinking is fleeting, and our trust must be unshakable. The lyrics say that faith is valuable because it can pierce through the darkness, the doubts, and the questions that often cloud our minds. The very evidence of designs, the intricacies of nature, and the deep-seated conviction that usually comes between the lines are the results of faith. The songwriter says that faith is the key to open the veil through which love can incarnate and pierce with a nail, symbolizing Christ's sacrifice.
In conclusion, “Sight Unseen” is an outstanding representation of how faith is a vital component of Christianity. The lyrics serve as an encouragement for believers to hold fast to the faith, which has the power to break through the doubts and uncertainties of life.
Line by Line Meaning
For so long I was depending upon
I relied on my own perceptions and limited views
My senses and fences, I tried to ride on
I tried to trust my own senses and the barriers I set up around me to protect myself
And trusting in things that can never be seen
I was trusting in things that were intangible and invisible
Was always a crutch on which others must lean
My reliance on what I could see and touch became a burden for others who depended on me
Thinking if I could see I would believe
I believed that seeing was the only way to believe
Then somebody said believe and you will see
Someone told me that believing comes before seeing
Sight unseen, sight unseen
Believing without seeing
You have to take it sight unseen
You have to trust even when you can't see
Blinded by the darkness only faith can come between
When we are blinded by darkness, only faith can bridge the gap
Evidence built into every design
There is evidence of God's presence in everything that exists
Led to conviction between every line
The evidence leads to a deep and unwavering conviction
Faith is the key that can open the veil
Faith is the tool that unveils the mysteries of God
To Love incarnated and pierced with a nail
Faith leads us to the ultimate expression of love, which was shown by Jesus being crucified
Listen my friend, have I got news for you
I have something important to share with you
The nails in His hands and feet were meant for you
Jesus suffered and died for the sins of all humanity, which includes you
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: ROBERT HARTMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alexandre Marques
MARAVILHOSO GLÓRIA A DEUS
Bryan Schwitzke
I remember seeing you guys here in North Charleston at Northwoods Christian Center in the mid 1980’s
I was a youth pastor volunteer and a crazy arborists tree climbing fool.
Our Pastor joined us at this event which must have shook every bone in his gospel singing body.
Pastor Fred couldn’t understand......
You Guys Rock
Eduardo Miners Bogado Irala
I love this Petra unseen power it's an amazing, magnificent & fascinating album Xxxx.💿📀💿👑😎🎸✨⭐🌟🌠💫
Following The Son
The just walk by faith. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (2nd Corinthians 5 verse 7 and Hebrews 11 verse 6) Thank you Petra!
Mario F
Believe and you will see - Faith is the key that can open the veil
Elísio Falcão
Blesss!!!!
Edranel Bacalso
this is cool
arbent jehezkhia
It's so perfect. This is 1991 and 91 liked
(In my present time which is above me)
arbent jehezkhia
Yes i liked the music this my 8 or 9 times i watch this
(In this present time)
Alexandre Marques
JESUS CHRIST LORD