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.
My Generation
Phil Joel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Feel the warmth from the campsite
There is no reason to fear
No one's alone here
Memories never stray too far
West coast summers, our first cars
We were kings, this was our kingdom
So many things called us away
And I saw the tail lights fade
Watch you walking away
It's driving me crazy
It's my generation
Watch you walking away
It's driving me crazy
It's my generation
Feel the flames in the moonlight
Growing up, our spirits so high
We had the fire and we felt the same
How did things get so strange?
Fuel the fire, gotta fan the coals
What will become of our souls?
Better to look a fool and still say this
Close your eyes to the world's infatuations
You know the truth
And I wish you were here tonight
Phil Joel's song My Generation is a reflection on the past, a remembrance of the good times spent with friends and the struggles of growing up and moving on. The lyrics evoke feelings of nostalgia, with a sense of longing for the times gone by. The first verse sets the scene with the image of flames in the moonlight and the warmth of the campsite, reassuring that there is no reason to fear as no one is alone in the moment. The second verse reflects on the memories that stay with us, the feelings of being invincible during summer days with friends and the sense of belonging to a world we created together. However, life inevitably calls, and the chorus repeatedly asks to watch the person walking away, a reminder of the changes that come over time.
The bridge is a call to arms, as if the songwriter is pleading with the listener to hold on to what is true and not be swept away by the world's infatuations. It's a plea to fight the battles of life, to fuel the fire and fan the coals, and not let the soul be cast aside. The final line of the song is a longing for a lost friend, the singer wishing that they were there with them amidst the flames, enjoying and celebrating their youth.
Line by Line Meaning
Feel the flames in the moonlight
Experience the passionate feelings that exude from deep within one's soul, which can be seen in the light of the moon
Feel the warmth from the campsite
Experience the warmth and love that can be felt from a community of individuals gathered together to share in common goals and desires
There is no reason to fear
There is no need to be afraid, as one is surrounded by allies and companions who offer support and comfort in challenging times
No one's alone here
No one is isolated or without companionship, as a sense of camaraderie and solidarity is present among those who come together for a common purpose
Memories never stray too far
The recollections of past experiences never fade or disappear, as they remain etched in the mind and heart of those who lived them
West coast summers, our first cars
The specific details of one's youthful memories are often vivid and significant, such as the location and timing of particular events
We were kings, this was our kingdom
During the prime of one's youth, there is a sense of pride and confidence in oneself and one's peers, as if the world is a blank canvas to be painted with one's own colors and ideas
But like soldiers to war we were sent
Despite the feelings of freedom and empowerment that one experiences in youth, life often presents unexpected challenges and obstacles that force one to confront harsh and difficult realities
So many things called us away
As one ages and matures, there are a host of responsibilities and distractions that demand one's attention and focus, thus pulling one away from the carefree joys of youth
And I saw the tail lights fade
As the years pass and people move on to new chapters in their lives, it can be painful to watch those we care about leave and disappear into the distance
Watch you walking away
The act of someone moving on and leaving behind old relationships and memories can be difficult and emotional to witness
It's driving me crazy
The feeling of loss and regret that accompanies the departure of those who were once close to us can be overwhelming and chaotic
It's my generation
The sense of shared experience and identity that is formed by growing up and coming of age during a particular era or time period
Growing up, our spirits so high
The feelings of joy, excitement, and freedom that are often associated with early adolescence and youth
We had the fire and we felt the same
The sense of shared energy, passion, and optimism that is present among a group of like-minded individuals who share common goals and aspirations
How did things get so strange?
The confusion and bewilderment that can accompany the changes and challenges of life as one transitions from youth to adulthood
Fuel the fire, gotta fan the coals
The need to maintain and sustain one's passion and drive in the face of adversity and setbacks, by continuing to nurture the spark of inspiration and motivation that lies within
What will become of our souls?
The profound and existential questions that arise as one confronts mortality, the passage of time, and the mysteries of the human condition
Better to look a fool and still say this
It is better to risk looking foolish or naive by holding onto one's beliefs and values, rather than conforming to the pressures of the world around us
Close your eyes to the world's infatuations
It is necessary to turn a blind eye to the empty and superficial attractions that the world often presents, in favor of deeper and more meaningful connections and experiences
You know the truth
Deep down, we all have an innate sense of what is true and just, and it is our responsibility to act upon that knowledge
And I wish you were here tonight
The sense of longing and nostalgia that accompanies the memories and experiences of youth, and the desire to reconnect with those who were once close to us
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Capitol CMG Publishing
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