Philip Joel (Urry) is a musician known as a solo artist in addition to bein… Read Full Bio ↴Philip Joel (Urry) is a musician known as a solo artist in addition to being the bassist for Newsboys. He uses the name Phil Joel professionally due to pronunciation issues with his surname.

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.

It's You
Phil Joel Lyrics

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It's You that I've been looking for
In worn out faces
Behind closed doors
It's You
I've been looking for

It's You that I've been trying to reach
I spent my money on beautiful things

But it's You
I've been looking for

Where You are
Where I've been
So very close and yet so far between
All you are
All I've seen
You're all I ever really wanted
If I knew it or not
I've been looking for

You that I've been trying to find
Studied hard to gain knowledge of all kinds
But it's You
I've been looking for

You, You've been there
Holding the signs
Me, I've been standing here
Waiting in frozen lines
It's true
We're all looking for You

Thinking about the circles
And a series of half truths
Thinking about the paths taken
Trying to find You
Seeing through the lies

Recognizing the disguise
I'm gonna run for my life

Overall Meaning

The song "It's You" by Phil Joel has a deep spiritual meaning about searching for God. The lyrics talk about how the singer has been searching for God ("It's You that I've been looking for, I've been trying to find") but has been looking in all the wrong places ("I spent my money on beautiful things"). The singer realizes that God has been with him all along ("You, You've been there"), holding up signposts and trying to guide him towards the truth.

The singer is also aware of the obstacles that have been preventing him from finding God. He talks about "frozen lines" and "closed doors" which represent his struggle to break free from routines and habits that have held him back. In the end, he accepts that the pursuit of material wealth and knowledge will not bring him closer to God, and that he needs to "run for [his] life" to find Him.

The song's lyrics show how Phil Joel, who was a member of the Christian rock band Newsboys, uses music to express his religious beliefs. The song's message is about the importance of finding God and understanding what truly matters in life.

Line by Line Meaning

It's You that I've been looking for
I have been searching for You

In worn out faces
I have looked for You amongst tired people

Behind closed doors
I have searched for You in secret places

It's You I've been looking for
I have been seeking You all along

It's You that I've been trying to reach
You are who I have been trying to find

I spent my money on beautiful things
I have wasted my resources on material possessions

But it's You I've been looking for
You are who I truly desire

Where You are
I seek Your presence

Where I've been
I reflect on my journey so far

So very close and yet so far between
Although near, finding You feels distant

All you are
I desire all of You