After two albums for Tooth and Nail where the band explored more anthemic avenues, the quintet found itself re-examining its hard rock and metal roots on its third record for the label. The resulting album is an 11-song sonic attack that knows when to slow down the pace and when to pounce back like a slap to the face. "We didn't intentionally go for a heavier sound," guitarist Jef Cunnigham said. "We just wrote what came to mind and I think it turned into some of our best material."
Late last year the band's hectic touring schedule slowed enough for them to start working on the record, though they had a few geographical obstacles to overcome before starting. With members spread across four states, each created a secret Myspace for a non-existent band where they would post song ideas for the others to listen to.
Singer Matt Baird would download these parts to his iPod, where he began to craft the lyrics for the record. His finished work centers on topics like redemption and restoration, and reaches its pinnacle on the album's tenth track, "When Hope is All You Have," which began as a phrase he used during his father's funeral just before recording began.
"There are songs about healing and hope and about moving on after we've made mistakes," Baird said. "I felt some pressure in writing, hoping my parts would turn out as good as the music. But I think it all came out better than I could've imagined." After their internet-aided pre-production, the band decided to set up shop in a one-room cabin in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee for over a month to mold those song ideas into the core of the album. After three weeks of work, Baird joined the band for the final two weeks to add his lyrics to the fray.
With songs in hand the band then headed to Lakeside Studios in Knoxville for a month-long session with producer Travis Wyrick (P.O.D., Disciple), who also produced 2005's "Last Chance to Breathe," a record that helped the band expand its fanbase as it ventured into poppier leanings.
"I'm blown away by the finished record," Cunnigham said. "We wrote these songs to please ourselves, to write songs that we wanted to play live and we ended up with a few that were heavier and harder than anything on the last two records." Wyrick and the band have created a sound less reliant on overdubs and layering and more focused on bringing the band's live show to mind with a more sparse sound that still rocks as hard as ever. Maybe more so. "We wanted to experiment with heavier songs and think further ahead in the lifespan of the band," Baird said. "And with these heavier songs it really feels like a step toward the future and a reflection of the past."
New Life
Spoken Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just give me your hand,
and let me tell you about a God
whose love is true and a God who loves you.
You're running, you're hiding, you're taking, you're faking.
Keep in mind that God is watching,
your life and that plan that you're taking.
He never leaves you,
He's watching you every second of the day.
He sees you, as you slowly slip away.
There's no way you can run from God,
in this lifetime, there's nowhere to hide.
He'll free you, give you a new life,
start over in a new life...
The song "New Life" by Spoken is a powerful message of hope and redemption for anyone who feels lost or alone. The lyrics speak directly to someone who is struggling with life and searching for answers. The singer urges them not to walk away, but to stay and listen as he shares the story of a God whose love is true and unconditional. The imagery of taking someone's hand implies a sense of comfort and support, suggesting that the singer is there to help guide the listener through their struggles.
The lyrics offer a message of hope, revealed through the knowledge that God is watching and always there to guide and support us. The verses speak to the listener's fears of being watched and judged, reassuring them that rather than being something to fear, this constant watchfulness is a sign of God's love and concern. The chorus is an uplifting message of redemption and new beginnings, offering a sense of hope for the future. The repeated refrain of "he'll free you, give you a new life, start over in a new life" reinforces this message of hope and renewal.
Line by Line Meaning
Just for a second my friend, don't walk away from here.
Please stay for a moment, my friend, and listen to what I have to say.
Just give me your hand,
I want to connect with you on a personal level.
and let me tell you about a God whose love is true and a God who loves you.
I would like to talk to you about a God who truly loves you for who you are.
You're running, you're hiding, you're taking, you're faking.
You may be trying to hide or fake certain aspects of your life.
Keep in mind that God is watching, your life and that plan that you're taking.
Remember that God is always watching your life and the decisions you make.
He never leaves you, he's always right there to guide you and hear every prayer.
God will never abandon you and is always there to provide guidance and hear your prayers.
He's watching you every second of the day.
God is continuously observing your actions and thoughts.
He sees you, as you slowly slip away.
God is aware when you start to drift away from him.
There's no way you can run from God, in this lifetime, there's nowhere to hide.
You cannot escape from God's watchful presence no matter where you go.
He'll free you, give you a new life, start over in a new life...
God will help you break free from your burdens and provide you with a new life and a fresh start.
Contributed by Liam W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@shanejacobson2628
Have you got the Lyrics for this?
@kaijackswift
Is this in A flat?
@newlifemusic6139
Sure is Keegan!