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.
You
Rebecca St. James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your face is all I seek
For when your eyes are on this child
Your grace abounds to me
Lord, You're beautiful
Your face is all I seek
For when your eyes are on this child
I want to take your word and shine it all around
First help me just to live it Lord
And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown
For my reward is giving glory to You
Lord, please light the fire
That once burned bright and clear
Replace the lamp of my first love
That burns with holy fear
I want to take your word and shine it all around
First help me just to live it Lord
And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown
For my reward is giving glory to You
I can see your face now
I can feel your grace now
I can see your face now
I can feel your grace now
It's all I seek
It's all I seek
Lord, you're beautiful
Your face is all I seek
For when your eyes are on this child
Your grace abounds to me
(Lord, you're beautiful)
I can see your face now
I can feel your grace now
I can see your face now
I can feel your grace now
(Lord, you're beautiful)
(Lord, you're beautiful)
(Lord, you're beautiful)
(Lord, you're beautiful)
The lyrics of Rebecca St. James's "You" are a heartfelt tribute to God. The song is essentially a personal prayer of the singer, asking God to help her keep her eyes fixed on him, to keep her heart from seeking worldly rewards, and to reignite her passion for him. The song starts with an assertion of God's beauty and the singer's desire to seek him out above all else. She believes that when she looks upon God's face, she can feel his grace flowing into her.
The singer then asks for God's help to be a better witness of his teachings, to let his word shine forth from her life. She asks God to help her live according to his will, without seeking selfish rewards or recognition. The last part of the song talks about the singer's earnest desire to see God's face and feel his grace, as she believes that's all she needs, and that Jesus is the only one worthy of her praise.
Overall, "You" is a powerful and heartfelt prayer. It's a reminder of the beauty and holiness of the Christian faith and the importance of seeking God above all else. The song's message is one of humility, gratitude, and love for God.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord, You're beautiful
God, You are wonderful and amazing
Your face is all I seek
I only desire to know and experience You, God
For when your eyes are on this child
When You pay attention to me, God
Your grace abounds to me
You pour out Your unmerited love and favor onto me, God
I want to take your word and shine it all around
I want to share Your message with others and spread Your light, God
First help me just to live it Lord
Guide me in living out Your message, God
And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown
Prevent me from becoming vain and seeking recognition or rewards for myself, God
For my reward is giving glory to You
My purpose and fulfillment comes from glorifying You, God
Lord, please light the fire
God, reignite my passion and dedication for You
That once burned bright and clear
That used to be strong and vibrant
Replace the lamp of my first love
Renew my zeal and devotion for You, God
That burns with holy fear
That is filled with reverence and awe for You, God
I can see your face now
I am envisioning and experiencing Your presence, God
I can feel your grace now
I am sensing and receiving Your unmerited love and favor, God
It's all I seek
This is everything I desire and pursue, God
(Lord, you're beautiful)
Repeating the opening line as a reminder of God's wonder and beauty
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Keith Gordon Green
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Miranda Maynard
This is one of my favorite songs. :)
A.Cabais
Yes, I want to love like JESUS.