Phil was born in Auckland, New Zealand and was adopted at birth. He left school to become a hairdresser. In his free time, he was lead singer and guitarist in the band Drinkwater.
Though he had little experience with the instrument, Newsboys offered him a position as bassist in 1995. He said at the time, "I already know how to play a guitar with six strings, four should be a cinch." He also sings background and some lead vocals for the band.
In June of 2000, Phil released his first solo album, Watching Over You, on Inpop Records. He supported this album with the Strangely Normal Tour accompanied by LaRue, Luna Halo, Earthsuit, V*enna & Katy Hudson. His second solo album, Bring It On, was released in November 2002 also on Inpop. His third album, The deliberatePeople. Album, was released on November 18, 2005 in conjunction with Phil and Heather Joel's newly founded Christian ministry, deliberatePeople.
His latest solo album follows his critically acclaimed sophomore 2002 release, Bring It On. Also in support of the ministry, his ministry website has journals containing a one-year Bible reading schedule and prayer guide. Both 12-month and 6-month Bible reading schedules are available on the dP website free of charge. The ministry also plans to have notes, journal entries, and insights corresponding with the one-year Bible reading schedule starting January 1, 2006.
His wife Heather is a former host of All Access and Hit Trip on CMT. They were married in 1996.
On December 31st 2006 he left the newsboys to devote more time to family and personal goals.
Desperate
Phil Joel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lord, thank You for these days
This has been the most trying year
Of testing and refining here
And I wouldn't have it any other way
Lord, thank You for these days
And I will always choose to praise You
Lord, thank You for Your grace
There is mercy in the midst of tests
An oasis in this wilderness
And Your light to lead my way
Lord, thank You for this place
And I will always choose to praise You
And I wanna stay
Desperate
I will remain
Desperate
For You
Lord I thank You for this rain
Healing waters when there's pain
There are rivers of Your providence
Surrounding our obedience
In Your faithfulness, I put my faith
So Lord I thank You for this rain
And I will always choose to praise You
I wanna stay
Desperate
I will remain
Desperate
For You
Oh Jesus
For You Holy Spirit
For You O' my Father
For You, for You
All my days I'll sing Your praises
The song "Desperate" by Phil Joel is a beautiful expression of gratitude and reverence for God amidst trials and challenges. The lyrics speak of the singer's willingness to embrace the difficulties of the present moment, knowing that they will lead to growth and refinement. The chorus emphasizes the singer's commitment to remain "desperate" for God, seeking Him above all else.
The first verse begins with the singer thanking God for the trials that have come his way in the past year. He views these challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, and expresses his gratitude for them. He then declares his intention to always choose to praise God, no matter the circumstances.
The second verse shifts focus to the present moment, with the singer thanking God for His grace and mercy in the midst of current tests. He sees God's light as a guide through the darkness, and expresses his gratitude for the place he finds himself in. Once again, he declares his intention to always choose to praise God.
The third verse speaks of rain as a metaphor for God's healing and provision. The singer thanks God for the "rivers of providence" that surround his obedience, and puts his faith in God's faithfulness. The final chorus reiterates the singer's commitment to remain "desperate" for God throughout his life.
Overall, "Desperate" is a beautiful song that captures the essence of true worship – a heart full of gratitude and love for God, even in the midst of trials and challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord, thank You for these days
Expressing gratitude towards God for the difficult times that have helped in the author's testing and refinement
This has been the most trying year
Acknowledging the past year to be the most difficult and challenging period
Of testing and refining here
The difficult times mentioned were meant to test and bring out the best version of the author
And I wouldn't have it any other way
Despite the difficulties that arose, the author wouldn't wish the situation to have played out differently
And I will always choose to praise You
I will always express my gratitude for God, regardless of the circumstances
Lord, thank You for this place
Thanking God for providing a place that serves as a safe haven of grace during testing times
There is mercy in the midst of tests
Despite the hardships, God's mercy is evident and present
An oasis in this wilderness
A symbol of God's grace and comfort amidst the chaos and difficulties of life
And Your light to lead my way
God's guidance and illumination help me navigate through difficult times
And I will always choose to praise You
Regardless of the situation, I will always chose to offer gratitude
Desperate
Expressing a fervent desire for the presence of God
For You
Expressing that the author's desire is only for the presence of God
Lord I thank You for this rain
Acknowledgment of God's provision - in this case, rain as a healing agent during tough times
Healing waters when there's pain
Metaphorical reference to God being a source of healing when the author is in pain
There are rivers of Your providence
Providence of God is ever present as though flowing like a river
Surrounding our obedience
When we are obedient to God, we are surrounded by His providence
In Your faithfulness, I put my faith
The author placing faith in God and resting in His faithfulness
Oh Jesus
A plea or a cry directed at Jesus
For You Holy Spirit
A plea or a cry directed at the Holy Spirit
For You O' my Father
A plea or a cry directed at God, the Father
All my days I'll sing Your praises
An expression of the author's commitment to continually offer praise to God for the rest of his life.
Contributed by Oliver W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.