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.
Soldier
Steven Curtis Chapman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I will go with you into the battlefield
And when the arrows start to fly
Take my hand and hold on tight
And I will be your shield
'Cause I know how it feels
When you are a soldier
When you're tired from running
I will cheer you on
Look beside you and you'll see you're not alone
And when your strength is all but gone
I'll carry you until you're strong
And I will be your shield
'Cause I know how it feels
When you're a soldier
I will be the one you can cry your songs to
My eyes will share your tears
And I'll be your friend if you win
Or if you're defeated
Whenever you need me I will be here
When you're lost in darkness I will hold the light
I will help you find your way through the night
I'll remind you of the truth
And keep the flame alive in you
And I will be your shield
'Cause I know how it feels
When you are a soldier
And I will be your shield
'Cause I know how it feels
When you are a soldier
The lyrics of Steven Curtis Chapman's song "Soldier" are a powerful and evocative tribute to the courage and commitment of those who serve in the military. In the first verse, Chapman promises to stand by the soldier's side as they enter the battlefield, offering both physical and emotional support. The metaphor of the shield is apt, as a shield provides both protection and support, while also serving as a symbol of strength and bravery.
The second verse continues this theme, with Chapman vowing to offer encouragement and carry the soldier when they are tired or weakened by the fight. The image of a soldier running is also significant, as it suggests a sense of urgency and determination, as well as the need for support and camaraderie. Chapman's promise to be a source of strength and comfort is reiterated throughout the song, with a focus on the soldier's emotional needs as well as their physical safety.
The final verse brings the message full circle, with Chapman offering to guide the soldier back to the light and reminding them of the truth of their mission. The theme of darkness and light is a common one in military imagery, representing the struggle between fear and courage, and the need for hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. Overall, "Soldier" is a powerful and emotional tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who serve their country, reminding us of the importance of standing together in times of war and peace.
Line by Line Meaning
When you are a soldier I will be your shield
I will protect and defend you during challenging times.
I will go with you into the battlefield
I will accompany you through difficult times.
And when the arrows start to fly
When you face difficulties and troubles of life.
Take my hand and hold on tight
Hold on to me for support and strength.
And I will be your shield
I will remain there to protect and help you through all kinds of hardships.
'Cause I know how it feels
I understand your emotions and can relate to your experience.
When you're tired from running
When you are exhausted and need rest from the challenges you face.
I will cheer you on
I will support you and encourage you during difficult times.
Look beside you and you'll see you're not alone
You will realize that someone is there with you and will always be there to help and support you.
And when your strength is all but gone
When you feel helpless and lack physical, mental, or emotional strength.
I'll carry you until you're strong
I will help you regain your strength and get back on your feet.
I will be the one you can cry your songs to
I will listen and empathize with you, even when you are expressing your deepest emotions.
My eyes will share your tears
I will share your sadness and empathize with your emotions.
And I'll be your friend if you win
I will be there as your supporter during your success.
Or if you're defeated
I will be there to offer consolation and provide emotional and moral support during your failures.
Whenever you need me I will be here
I will be available to you whenever you need my help, whenever you want to talk or whenever you feel alone and need someone to lean on.
When you're lost in darkness I will hold the light
I will guide you towards the right path and help you to see things in a positive light even during your darkest days.
I will help you find your way through the night
I will be there as a support system and guide for you when you feel lost and uncertain.
I'll remind you of the truth
I will help remind you of the positive things and truths of life to make you feel better.
And keep the flame alive in you
I will help you hold onto your positivity and keep your spirit going with optimism.
And I will be your shield
Through thick and thin, I will protect and support you in all situations and through all circumstances.
'Cause I know how it feels
Since I have experienced tough times before, I can completely understand and relate to your situation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind