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/
Where Can I Go
Petra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I could hitchhike all the way to L.A.
I could follow the sunrise tomorrow
But be as close to You as today
I'm beginning to see what You mean to me
I just can't get away from Your love
[Chorus]
I do believe You're playing to win
I can't understand what makes You really want me
But I'm feelin' like it's time to give in
I could climb the golden stairway to heaven
I could catch the crowded highway to hell
If I could find a place nobody has ever been
I bet You'd probably be there as well
I don't know why I've waited so long
[Chorus]
Darkness is the same as the light to You
Daytime is the same as the night
When You put Your chains of love around my soul
I know it won't be long before I let You take control
I could take a submarine to Atlantis
I could take a flying saucer to Mars
I could ride on the Milky Way someday
But You've already numbered the stars
I'm beginning to hear Your voice is so near
Tellin' me You love me again
[Chorus]
The lyrics to Petra's song "Where Can I Go" express the theme of being unable to escape from the love and pursuit of God. The first verse presents the idea that one could travel anywhere in the world, from New York City to Los Angeles or catch a plane to the other side of the world and still find oneself close to God. The second verse explores a similar idea, stating that one could attempt to climb the stairway to heaven or take the highway to hell and still find God present in those places. The chorus proclaims that it is impossible to go anywhere without the love and pursuit of God being present.
The lyrics are a testament to the unrelenting love of God and the idea that there is nowhere one can go without being pursued by it. The imagery of traveling to different places, whether on earth or beyond, drives home the point that God's love is everywhere and all-encompassing. The repetition of "I just can't get away from Your love" reinforces the idea that the love of God will always be present, no matter where we go or what we do.
Overall, Petra's "Where Can I Go" is a powerful expression of the constant love, pursuit, and presence of God in our lives, no matter where we are or what we do.
Line by Line Meaning
I could take a plane to New York City
I have the ability to travel anywhere I want, even if it's far away.
I could hitchhike all the way to L.A.
I have the option to take a less conventional and less safe mode of transportation to get where I want to go.
I could follow the sunrise tomorrow
I could chase after new beginnings and opportunities.
But be as close to You as today
Despite my physical location, my relationship with You doesn't change and I can always feel close to You.
I'm beginning to see what You mean to me
I'm starting to understand the importance and magnitude of my relationship with You.
I just can't get away from Your love
No matter how hard I try, I cannot escape the love You have for me.
Where Can I go without Your love there to haunt me
Even if I physically go somewhere else, I will still feel the presence of Your love in my life.
I do believe You're playing to win
I have faith that You have a plan for me and will do whatever it takes to help me succeed.
I can't understand what makes You really want me
I don't comprehend why You love me so much, but it's a humbling and overwhelming feeling.
But I'm feelin' like it's time to give in
I'm starting to realize that I should stop fighting my love for You and embrace it fully.
I could climb the golden stairway to heaven
I could attempt to reach the ultimate place of paradise and reward.
I could catch the crowded highway to hell
I could take the easy and tempting path towards destruction and pain.
If I could find a place nobody has ever been
Even if I explore new territories or accomplish something unique, it doesn't change my relationship with You.
I bet You'd probably be there as well
You're always present in my life, no matter where I go or what I do.
I don't know why I've waited so long
I'm reflecting on why I took so long to fully embrace and appreciate the love You have for me.
Darkness is the same as the light to You
You are always present and aware, regardless of the situation or atmosphere.
Daytime is the same as the night
There are no limitations or boundaries to Your presence and power.
When You put Your chains of love around my soul
Your love is strong and intense, to the point of having an undeniable hold on my heart and life.
I know it won't be long before I let You take control
I'm aware that eventually, I will surrender fully to Your love and guidance.
I could take a submarine to Atlantis
I could chase after mythical and fictional places or things.
I could take a flying saucer to Mars
I could investigate and explore the mysteries of outer space.
I could ride on the Milky Way someday
I could dream big and aim high in my aspirations.
But You've already numbered the stars
You're the creator and ultimate authority over all things, including the vast expanse of the universe.
I'm beginning to hear Your voice is so near
I'm starting to listen more closely and perceptibly to Your words and teachings.
Tellin' me You love me again
You keep reminding me of Your unwavering and overwhelming love and grace towards me.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cranky Gun Reviews
I love Petra. Grew up on it
Richard Newton
Boy the intro by guitar is 🤙🏻👌🏻👊🏻
Matthew White
Bob's vocals reminds me of Lindsay Buckingham out of Fleetwood Mac
Nate Balcerak
I hear it, too.
Stephen Lester Thompson
basically the only petra song i like--thanks.
Nate Balcerak
I will answer this: JESUS is everywhere, he is the Savior of the world.
Nate Balcerak
You, me, and every other sinner who has ever been born.
buckiemohawk
You know how there doing those musical shows featuring the music of abba mamma mia or billy joel moving out. I should write one using the music of Petra
Nate Balcerak
Where is CHRIST? WHO is He? Do you know?
Nate Balcerak
Anyone know where the scriptural evidence is? Anyone awake?!?!