Lyrically the album is teeming with the substantive lyrics that have made Chapman the most awarded artist in Christian music with 57 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, five GRAMMYs, 47 No. 1 singles and approaching 11 million albums sold. Musically there’s a sense of adventure that reflects Chapman’s ongoing willingness to experiment and leap out of his comfort zone. He’s never taken the gift of music for granted and approaches each new project both excited and humbled by the possibilities.
“I’m very, very grateful to be given the opportunity to make music and share the things that I feel like God has entrusted to me,” Chapman says. “I don’t take it lightly. I pray: ‘God, I want to know You and I want to make You known.’ God has continued faithfully to reveal Himself through dark places and reveal His mysteriousness. I get the sense that He’s telling an amazing story. He’s not confused. He’s not biting his nails worrying if the plan is going to turn out okay the way I do. He’s fully confident of His plans and He’s in control. That’s been something that I’ve held onto.”
The Glorious Unfolding is Chapman’s 18th album and his first studio album of all-original material in seven years. However, now, more than ever he felt it was time to express these steadfast messages of faithfulness, while successfully blending his trademark sound with musical creativity. “Musically, I really wanted to find those ways to make something that felt very honest and true, and yet very fresh and relevant,” Chapman says. “I felt like this had to be a little bit more exciting and energetic and I was ready to crank it up. It felt like this is the time to do that and celebrate. With this music, you will hopefully hear that and get a sense of the excitement and joy in this record.”
The album’s lead single, “Love Take Me Over,” is an exuberant anthem with an infectious melody that inspires listeners and gives the instant urge to hit repeat. “Even though it’s in the guise of a very fun, up-tempo sing-along-at-the-top-of-your-lungs song, it’s a message and a lesson that I have continued to be in the process of learning,” Chapman says of the song. “I need to be filled with love so that I can be loving in the way I respond. I’m still learning that the only way I want to love others well in my life is when I come to terms daily, sometimes hourly, sometimes in 15 minute increments, with the fact that I am loved fully and completely, not as I should be, but as I am. That drives me, then, to a place of living a life of love for others when I realize that I am loved first. We love because He first loved us.”
One of the many highlights from the album is “Together,” a beautiful song that Chapman wrote for his wife Mary Beth. “In October, we celebrate our 29th anniversary,” he says, acknowledging that the past five years, since their youngest daughter (Maria Sue) was killed in a tragic accident, have been especially trying. “Statistics show that 90% of marriages don’t survive the loss of a child. The fact that we are together celebrating 29 years of marriage is a testimony to God’s faithfulness and God’s grace.”
Chapman delayed playing this song for Mary Beth until it was completely finished, recorded and mixed. “I sat her down and played this for her as we held hands and wept together through this celebration of God’s faithfulness,” he adds, “I’m really hopeful that this song will encourage and minister to people in a deep way.”
The Glorious Unfolding also includes a special song, “Only One and Only You,” written to encourage his daughter Shaohannah. “She’s 13, which tells you a lot of what you need to know about her,” he says with a grin. “It’s that wonderful, incredibly awful time to try to be a young lady in this world and culture. I’m just very, very proud of her and I wanted to just write a song to tell her how amazing she is.”
Other standout tracks include “Something Beautiful,” an up-tempo, forward-thinking song about the unfolding and promises of God, and watching Him turn broken things in life into something good as He’s promised. “Take Another Step,” is another high-energy declaration that talks of taking those steps of faith in times of uncertainty, when the road ahead is completely dark, whether it be good or bad, and fully trusting what God has in store.
Whether encouraging those he’s closest to in this world to see themselves as God sees them or inviting an arena full of fans to sing along in celebration of God’s faithfulness, Chapman has spent his life creating music that makes a difference. The Glorious Unfolding continues that impressive legacy. In listening to the project, it feels like a landmark album, being musically inventive, yet bursting with truth, integrity and emotional gravitas in much the same way as The Great Adventure did when that ground-breaking album released in 1992.
The latest album installment is his second record since signing with Provident Music Group in 2012. His label debut, JOY, served up holiday classics alongside his engaging original tunes. It became the latest entry in the Paducah, Kentucky native’s beloved Christmas catalog and provided Chapman and co-producer Brent Milligan a chance to explore different sounds in the studio. On The Glorious Unfolding, Chapman and Milligan reveled in the chance to experiment further to provide a fresh framework for these new songs, utilizing different textures and techniques to expand on Chapman’s signature sound.
Recorded at Chapman’s home studio, he enlisted son Will Franklin to play drums on six tracks on the album and also engaged other musical pals such as Delirious? alum Stu G on guitar and acclaimed fiddler Andy Leftwich, a member of Ricky Skaggs’ band, Kentucky Thunder, and a key creative force in the making of Chapman's Cracker Barrel release, Deep Roots. On “Sound of Your Voice,” Chapman recruited surprise guests, wife Mary Beth, daughters Emily and Stevey Joy and daughters-in-law Julia Chapman and Jillian Edwards Chapman to sing background vocals.
Recording The Glorious Unfolding was a labor of love for Chapman, helping him give voice to his own joys and challenges and he’s hopeful it will do the same for others. “The theme was this idea that God will complete the story and in fact, He already has completed it and knows the ending,” Chapman says. “Yet a part of the mystery is that He is revealing it in our lives and it’s this unfolding, incredible tale of His love for us. This album gave me a chance to tell that, to celebrate loss and hope and new life. For all of that, I’m really grateful. It really is my hope that people will hear the sound of God’s voice whispering to them: ‘I know the plans I have for you. Will you trust me? Will you trust me through the hard seasons and through the good seasons? The story is good. Will you trust me and watch it unfold?’”
Beginning in September 2014 until April 2015, Chapman revitalized the well-known concert series "Sam's Place: Music for the Spirit" concert series. The series was once a month and was held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville with featured performances by the likes of MercyMe, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Third Day.
Long Way Home
Steven Curtis Chapman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The day my father started leading me home
He said there gonna be some mountains to climb
And some valleys we're gonna go thorough
But I had no way of knowing
Just how hard this journey could be
'Cause the valleys are deeper and the mountains are steeper
But I know we're gonna make it
And I know we're gonna get there soon
And I know some times it feels like we're
Going the wrong way
But it's just a long way home
Some rocks in my shoes, fears I wish I could lose
They make the mountain so hard to climb
And my heart gets so heavy
With the weight of the world sometimes
And there's a bag of regrets
I should have been and not yets
I keep on dragging around
And I can hardly can wait for the day I get to lay it all down
Well I know that day is coming
And I know it's gonna be here soon
And I know I won't turn back even if the whole world
Says I'm going the wrong way
'Cause it's just a long way home
When we can't take another step
Our Father will pick us up and carry us in his arms
And even on the best days
He says to remember we're not home yet
So don't get too comfortable
'Cause really all we are is just pilgrims passing through
Well I know, we're going to make it
And I know we're going to get there soon
I'll keep on singing and believing
What all of my songs say
'Cause our God has made a promise
And I know that everything he says is true
And I know wherever we go, he will never leave us
'Cause he's going to lead us home
Ever single step of the long way, home
(Keep on, we're going to make
I know we're gonna make it
We're just taking the long way home
Keep on, we're gonna make it
I know we're gonna make it
We're just taking the long way home
Keep on, we're gonna make it
Keep on, we're going to make
I know we're gonna make it
We're just taking the long way home
Keep on, we're gonna make it
I know we're gonna make it)
It's just a long way home
The song Long Way Home by Steven Curtis Chapman is an inspiring anthem about facing challenges on the journey of life but remaining steadfast in faith. The song's narrative tells the story of the singer's father leading him back home and the difficulties they face along the way. The metaphorical mountains and valleys represent the obstacles and setbacks in life, while rocks in the shoes, fears, and regrets describe the emotional and mental burdens that can make the journey feel impossible.
Despite the struggles, the singer maintains hope that they will eventually make it home, guided by their faith in God. The lyrics suggest that no matter how far from home we may feel, we are not alone - our Father will carry us when we can no longer walk. The song's message emphasizes that even when things get tough, we must keep moving forward and trusting in God's plan for our lives.
In conclusion, Long Way Home is a powerful reminder that life is full of challenges, but with faith, perseverance, and the support of a loving family and God, we can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
I set out on a great adventure
My journey with my father started and I felt excited about it
The day my father started leading me home
My father started guiding me towards our destination
He said there gonna be some mountains to climb
My father warned me about the challenges we'll face
And some valleys we're gonna go thorough
My father told me about the difficulties we'll have to overcome
But I had no way of knowing
Despite the warning, I didn't really know what was coming
Just how hard this journey could be
I didn't fully understand how challenging this journey could become
'Cause the valleys are deeper and the mountains are steeper
I never expected the obstacles to be this hard to overcome
Than I ever would've dreamed
They were much harder than I anticipated
But I know we're gonna make it
Despite the challenges, I have faith that we'll succeed
And I know we're gonna get there soon
I believe that we'll reach our destination quickly
And I know some times it feels like we're
At times, it seems like we're
Going the wrong way
Straying from the path or heading towards failure
But it's just a long way home
However, that's just the nature of the journey, we're just taking a long route to reach our goal
Some rocks in my shoes, fears I wish I could lose
Along the way, I picked up some baggage such as fear and regret that's impeding my progress
They make the mountain so hard to climb
These emotional burdens make the journey even more difficult
And my heart gets so heavy
These emotions weigh me down
With the weight of the world sometimes
It feels like the entire world's problems are affecting me
And there's a bag of regrets
I'm carrying a bag of regrets about past mistakes and missed opportunities
I should have been and not yets
Things that I could've been, but didn't become yet
I keep on dragging around
I keep carrying these regrets with me instead of letting go
And I can hardly can wait for the day I get to lay it all down
I'm looking forward to the day when I can release these emotional burdens
Well I know that day is coming
I believe that one day, I'll be able to let go of these regrets
And I know it's gonna be here soon
I'm confident that this day will come quickly
And I know I won't turn back even if the whole world
I'm determined not to give up, no matter what other people say
Says I'm going the wrong way
Even if others think I'm headed towards failure
'Cause it's just a long way home
This is just part of the journey to reach our goal
When we can't take another step
When we're tired and can't go on
Our Father will pick us up and carry us in his arms
God will help us through the difficult times
And even on the best days
Even when things are going well
He says to remember we're not home yet
We're not at our final destination yet
So don't get too comfortable
We shouldn't become complacent with our progress
'Cause really all we are is just pilgrims passing through
We're just travelers on this journey through life
I'll keep on singing and believing
I'll maintain my faith and continue to hope
What all of my songs say
My songs are a reflection of my beliefs and hopes
'Cause our God has made a promise
God has promised to guide us
And I know that everything he says is true
I have complete faith in God's promises
And I know wherever we go, he will never leave us
God will always be with us, wherever we may go
'Cause he's going to lead us home
God will guide us to our final destination
Ever single step of the long way, home
God will be with us every step of the way on this long journey home
Keep on, we're gonna make it
We will succeed in the end
Keep on, we're going to make
We will continue on this journey towards success
I know we're gonna make it
I have faith that we'll reach our destination
We're just taking the long way home
We're taking a longer path to reach our goal
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: NATHAN CHAPMAN, ALEX MASTERS, PAUL ALLEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
joann cockers
After the year 2020 with all the sorrows and sadness today 1-9-2021 this song came up on my phone
out of nowhere... It’s brought back hope and reminded me our Lord Almighty is still in
control ...He will have
the last word not
the government 🙏
Joseph Huerta
I proposed to my wife with this song. Got married to this song. When ever we go through a battle, I play this song and realize it is a long way home. "My God has made a promise!"
Brendon george
I love song 🎶
Lori Mills
This is a wonderful to help us through challenging times, I could listen to this song everyday.
Brendon george
I love song 🎧
Mary Nieder
Absolutely one of my all time favorites by SCC. Such a sweet reminder of not so sweet events we all go through in life that bares out His Promise to us in the end.
Christopher de Vidal
I've suffered chronic fatigue for more than six years. Talk about a long way home! This song really speaks to me. God is going to lead us every single step of the long way home. Thank you Lord for Steven. 2 Cor 1:3-11
Brendon george
I love song 🎵
Will Morris
Please pray for my sister, she became an atheist about a year ago. This used to be her favorite song! Even today it never gets old. God bless :)
Will Morris
@Kristina L Allen I don't think she was, I was kind of over exaggerating it at the time, but she definitely isn't now. She's now a single mom of 2 babies (the father passed away) and is living with us and she's been going to bible study with me and she's doing a lot better. She is struggling with being a single mom so we appreciate your prayers :)