Rebecca was born in Sydney, Australia, to David and Helen Smallbone. She is the oldest of seven children, and currently lives in Los Angeles with Jacob. Rebecca took the name St. James from her grandmother, as it was her maiden name. Her album ‘’God’’ was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1995. Also, ‘’Pray ‘’ was certified Gold by the RIAA on the last week of September 1999.
Rebecca's musical career began in 1990 at age 13 when she began opening shows for CCM (Christian Contemporary Music) artist Carman during his Australian tour which was promoted by her father's company, David Smallbone Promotions. That same year she recorded her first album, Refresh My Heart. In 1991 she moved to the United States upon signing with ForeFront Records, and took her stage name at the label's request.
In 1999 Rebecca received a Grammy Award for her album ''Pray'' in the Best Rock Gospel Album category. Rebecca is the eighth Australian artist or group to win a Grammy Award.
In 2003 she played the part of Maggie (Mary Magdalene) in the !HERO rock opera.
Rebecca is an open supporter of teenage sexual abstinence, and has become an unofficial spokesperson for True Love Waits. The single "Wait for Me", from her 2000 album Transform, encourages waiting to have sex until after marriage. Later that year it also became the title and focus of a 46-city tour. James wrote the song herself on a tour bus, and it became instantly popular. The song was also used on the TV program The O.C. Rebecca's first book, titled Wait for Me: Rediscovering the Joy of Purity in Romance, was published in 2002 and further addressed the issue.
In November of 2005, Rebecca released her highly anticipated album If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something. After not putting out a new pop/rock album since 2000, this album combines Rebecca's overall versatility in vocal and song writing to the finest degree.
Rebecca sang a song on the 2005 soundtrack, Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia called "Lion" for which she won a Dove Award.
A Special Edition of If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something was released in November 2006 and included two acoustic tracks and other special features.
In 2007. Rebecca released her live CD\DVD aLIVE In Florida featuring some of her No. 1 hits as well as fan favorites.
In 2008, two compilation albums, The Ultimate Collection (Double Disc) and Greatest Hits featuring some of her biggest hits were released. The same year she also released a new book called Pure: A 90-Day Devotional for the Mind, Body, & Spirit which broke into Top 10 at #9 on the CBA bestseller's list in Feb 2009. Pure is also nominated among the Top 3 books of 2009 for the youth/teen market.
The September 09' release of Loved, (Hachette/Faithwords) and the fall national film release of Sarah’s Choice capped 2009 as one of Rebecca’s most creatively diverse years.
Alive
Rebecca St. James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
‘Til I was bound and then
I always wanted my own way
‘Til I saw that I find my life when
I lose it
You make me come alive
You make me come alive
It's only when I let go of what I want in this life
You make me come alive
I used to think that me, myself and I were all that mattered
But You've shown me all this world can give
Cannot compare to the joy that comes from
Giving away
And as I follow after You
Now I need to
Leave my past, myself behind
This I will do
I always wanted to be free
‘Til I was bound and then
I always wanted my own way
‘Til I saw You
‘Til I saw You
Rebecca St. James's song "Alive" is a powerful declaration of the transformative power of faith. The song opens with the lyrics "I always wanted to be free, 'til I was bound and then." This line speaks to the idea that true freedom can only be found through surrendering to something greater than yourself. Prior to discovering the life-giving power of faith, the singer in the song only wanted their own way. However, they soon realize that their own desires pale in comparison to the abundant life that faith in God can offer.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the transformation that takes place when one surrenders their own desires and allows God to work in their life. The lyrics "You make me come alive, you make me come alive, I found the secret, it's only when I let go of what I want in this life" speak to the idea that true fulfillment and purpose can only be found through a life surrendered to God. The bridge of the song adds an additional layer to this idea, highlighting the fact that nothing in this world can compare to the joy that comes from giving and putting others before yourself.
Overall, "Alive" is a song that speaks to the transformative power of faith and the joy that can only be found through a life surrendered to God's will.
Line by Line Meaning
I always wanted to be free
I desired freedom in everything I do
‘Til I was bound and then
Until I got caught up in my desires
I always wanted my own way
I always desired to be in control of my life
‘Til I saw that I find my life when
Until I realized my life is fulfilled when
I lose it
I surrender control to You
You make me come alive
You give me life and meaning
You make me come alive
You give me life and purpose
I found the secret
I discovered the truth
It's only when I let go of what I want in this life
I can only find true happiness when I let go of my selfish desires
You make me come alive
You give me life and inspiration
I used to think that me, myself and I were all that mattered
I believed that my needs and wants were the only things that mattered
But You've shown me all this world can give
You have revealed to me what this world can offer
Cannot compare to the joy that comes from
Is not equal to the satisfaction that comes from
Giving away
Being selfless and helping others
And as I follow after You
As I walk the path You have set for me
Now I need to
I must
Leave my past, myself behind
Put behind my past and selfish desires
This I will do
I will do this because it's the right thing to do
I always wanted to be free
I always desire to be free, liberated from my desires
‘Til I was bound and then
Until I was held captive by my own desires
I always wanted my own way
I always desired to be in charge of my own life
‘Til I saw You
Until I saw You and realized my true purpose
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: MATTHEW BRONLEEWE, REBECCA ST. JAMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind