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/
dance
Petra Lyrics
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Based on 2 Thessalonians 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:14, Philippians 1:6
I've been to the party and I left alone
And I've danced with a few that I'd be better off on my own
I've been to the altar and I know I kneeled
But I ended up dancing in the grass of another field
Then someone told me I heard someone say
(Chorus)
Dance with the one who brung ya
Dance with the one you know who got you there
Dance with the one who brung ya
Don't change hats, you know it's the one you wear
My feet start moving down inside my shoes
But I don't want to settle for the beat of a lonely blues
And there's no use dancin' to a different drum
When I've seen what happens and I know what will become
I can testify it's never worth a try
I looked high, I looked low
You're never gonna find someone who loves you so
Stand tall, stand strong
You're only gonna see you're right where you belong
Don't try to fix what has never been broke
The lyrics of Petra's "Dance" talk about a common human experience of chasing after different things in life in search of satisfaction and fulfillment. The songwriter talks about going to parties and dancing with people who don't actually matter and going to the altar and still not finding what he was looking for. The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of staying true to who you are and sticking to what got you where you are. In the end, the songwriter realizes that he doesn't need to look any further because everything he needs and wants is right where he belongs. The last line of the song advises against trying to fix something that has never been broken, implying that sometimes, the answers we are seeking are right there in front of us.
The song's title, "Dance," is a metaphor for living life and the different experiences we have. The message encourages listeners to stay true to themselves, their values, and the people who have been there for them through their journey. The song also draws inspiration from Biblical scriptures, including 2 Thessalonians 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:14, and Philippians 1:6.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been to the party and I left alone
I've experienced the world and its pleasures, but I'm still alone and unfulfilled.
And I've danced with a few that I'd be better off on my own
I've tried to find happiness with others, but I know that I'm better off being true to myself.
I've been to the altar and I know I kneeled
I've made commitments to God, but sometimes I stray from them.
But I ended up dancing in the grass of another field
I've allowed myself to be tempted by other things and strayed from what I know is right.
Then someone told me I heard someone say
I received advice that stuck with me.
Dance with the one who brung ya
Stay true to the path and the beliefs that brought you to where you are.
Dance with the one you know who got you there
Trust in God and the faith that has sustained you thus far.
Dance with the one who brung ya
Reinforce the importance of staying true to your values and beliefs.
Don't change hats, you know it's the one you wear
Don't abandon your faith for something else, because it's part of who you are.
My feet start moving down inside my shoes
I feel a strong sense of conviction about staying true to my faith.
But I don't want to settle for the beat of a lonely blues
I don't want to settle for a life of emptiness and loneliness.
And there's no use dancin' to a different drum
There's no value in abandoning my beliefs for something else.
When I've seen what happens and I know what will become
I've seen the consequences of abandoning my faith, and I know it doesn't lead to happiness.
I can testify it's never worth a try
I can say from experience that it's never worth abandoning my faith.
I looked high, I looked low
I searched everywhere for happiness.
You're never gonna find someone who loves you so
No one will ever love me as unconditionally as God does.
Stand tall, stand strong
Stay true to your faith and convictions.
You're only gonna see you're right where you belong
You'll only find true happiness by staying true to yourself and your beliefs.
Don't try to fix what has never been broke
Don't abandon your faith in search of something else, because it's not broken.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JOHN ELEFANTE, ROBERT HARTMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind