According to the To Hell With The Devil Songfacts, Stryper took their name from a Bible verse Isaiah 53: 5, which says "….by His stripes we are healed." Stryper they explained was an acronym meaning "Salvation Through Redemption Yielding Peace, Encouragement and Righteousness."
In 1983 they were signed by Enigma Records and released their first album The Yellow and Black Attack. By the mid-1980s, Stryper saw their most successful period starting with the release of To Hell with the Devil which achieved Platinum sales status.
The band earned their stripes (pun intended) on the Los Angeles metal club circuit and in 1984, after recruiting bass player Tim Gaines, signed with Enigma Records and released their debut mini-album, The Yellow And Black Attack (Y&BA).
Their first full-length release, Soldiers Under Command, sold over half a million units worldwide in the eighties, and stayed on Billboard's Top 200 album chart for over forty weeks. In addition to the hard-rocking tunes that Stryper's core audience has come to expect, the ballad "Honestly" from their platinum selling 1986 release To Hell With The Devil hit the Top-40 charts. The video for "Honestly" rapidly became the number one most-requested video on MTV. 1988 saw the near-platinum release of In God We Trust, as well as renewed success on MTV, which was bombarded by thousands of phone requests for "Always There For You".
Coming off the acclaim of the 1989 tour supporting IGWT, the band released Against The Law which shipped gold in the fall of 1990. Despite its sales success, some fans were confused by Stryper's change in appearance and lyrics. This lead to numerous rumors and questions about the sincerity of Stryper's faith. "We were making a grab for musical freedom," says Robert Sweet, Stryper's drummer. "But we never should have let that been misinterpreted as a change in our beliefs."
In 1991, Enigma Records went bankrupt, and Stryper was left without a record company. This was short-lived, as they were quickly picked up by Hollywood Records. In the summer of 1991 they released Can't Stop The Rock, a "best of" album with two new tracks.
In January of 1992, Michael Sweet left the Stryper to pursue a solo career. Although officially Robert Sweet, Oz Fox and Tim Gaines continued as a three piece for another year, there were no further studio recordings as Stryper once Mike left.
Michael Sweet was the first to re-appear back on the scene, when he secured a record deal with the Christian label Benson Records. (Benson distributed Stryper to the Christian retail stores in the 80's.) This union produced two albums: the self titled Michael Sweet, and Real. In 1998, Mike put out a full length demo by himself titled Truth. This generated label interest, and he was soon signed to Restless Records. The remastered and updated version of Truth was released early in 2001.
Tim Gaines and Robert Sweet joined legendary Christian guitar player Rex Carrol in the band King James. Although King James released two releases to date, Tim and Bob only performed on the first album which was released in 1994 on the Christian label Star Song.
Absent from the limelight for many years was Oz Fox, who last was seen making guest appearances on several Christian releases including JC & The Boyz, Bride, and Ransom. Oz and Tim joined forces once again in 1995 to form Sin Dizzy. Together with Bobby MacNeil on guitar and John Bocanegra on drums, they released He's Not Dead in 1998. Tim left Sin Dizzy in 2000 to continue working musically with his wife, Irene Kelly.
Robert Sweet released his solo release titled Love Trash in 2000, in which he plays all the instruments on the album and features Larry Worley on vocals. (Ex-lead singer of Christian rock band Fear Not.) Robert recently formed Blissed with fellow members David Pearson, Trevor Barr, and Jeff Miller. Their album, Waking Up The Dead, was released in early 2003.
On May 21st of 2000, history was made when Stryper hit the stage again for an informal jam at the first annual Stryper expo in New Jersey. December 16th of 2000 marked the first full blown set performed by Stryper in 9 years, held in Costa Rica. The second annual Stryper expo was held in Azusa, California on May 18th and 19th of 2001. The two day expo featured multiple bands and vendors, with Stryper closing the expo with a concert. Shortly after, Stryper played to one of their largest crowds at Cornerstone at Bushnell, Illinois on July 7th, 2001.
On March 25th of 2003, Hollywood Records released Seven, The Best Of Stryper that included 2 new songs (Something and For You). That fall, they embarked on a 35 city tour that both fans and critics agreed was one of the hottest tours of 2003. In March of 2004, Stryper triumphantly returned to Puerto Rico to play a sold out show that was recorded for a DVD release scheduled to come out later in the year. The prayers of Stryper fan everywhere were answered in May of 2003 with the new live CD recording titled 7 Weeks: Live In America.
Stryper went on from there to record a full studio album, "Reborn", in 2005. The album featured a much harder sound than their earlier material. "Reborn" would be offered to pre-order customers complete with an autographed STRYPER pocket bible. To promote the album to distributors, STRYPER's Michael Sweet and Oz Fox took the unorthodox but personal approach of meeting with EMI branch employees in early May in both Atlanta and Philadephia to perform acoustic renditions of 'Open Your Eyes', 'Make You Mine' and 'Passion'. MTM Music took the album for Europe, this version released in completely different cover art. The initial pressing of US copies would unexpectadly give early purchasers a collectors item, as the manufacturer pressed the CD with an incorrect running order to that detailed on the sleeve. 'Reborn' sold over 8,000 copies in its first week of US sales to debut at no. 111 on the Billboard charts.
Notably STRYPER was set to co-headline what was billed as "Hell and Heaven United" alongside arch nemesi SLAYER and DEICIDE for the 'Monterrey Metal Fest', on September 23rd at the Coca Cola Auditorium in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. However, SLAYER withdrew, quoting "personal reasons". Whilst retaining ties to STRYPER, Oz Fox joined the ranks of BLOODGOOD in December.
In early 2007 Sony BMG released a new STRYPER live album, entitled simply 'Extended Versions', featuring live performances from the 2003 reunion tour.
'Murder by Pride' was Stryper's next album. The first single for the album, 'Peace of Mind', a cover of the classic Boston song, debuted at #27 on Christianrock.net on October 24, 2008 and peaked at #1 on February 22, 2009.
Robert Sweet did not play on the album because of some complicated reasons. Musicwise, the singer Michael Sweet has commented that "After years of speaking to fans and hearing comments like 'more guitars,' 'more solos' and 'more screams,' I decided to keep those comments in mind as I wrote each song. It was important to me to try to get back to that early sound of Stryper yet at the same time, to remain relevant today. It's certainly not an easy thing to do but as I listen to 'Murder By Pride', I think that was accomplished."
Stryper's ninth studio album The Covering was released by Big 3 Records/Sony on February 15, 2011. The album is a collection of twelve cover songs from bands that inspired Stryper and helped to shape the band's sound and musical identity. Speaking with Michael Sweet in a 2011 interview, he explained: "It really wasn't a difficult process, because we knew exactly where our history lied and our roots lied, and we knew the groups that influenced us the most. And we were all in agreement. Because, for the most part, it's all the same bands that influenced the four of us."
The band signed a deal with Frontiers Records and released 'Second Coming' on March 25, 2013.
' No More Hell to Pay', was completed on May 29, 2013, and was released on November 5 through Frontiers Records. ' Live at the Whisky', a CD/DVD combination recorded at the Whisky a Go Go, was released in September 2014. Fallen, was released on October 16, 2015.
During an interview with Antihero Magazine in November 2016, Michael Sweet revealed that the next Stryper album, which was planned for a February 2017 release, would be put on hold as the band went on hiatus and while he recorded a Sweet & Lynch album. Sweet also stated that bassist Timothy Gaines was taking time away from the band to deal with personal issues. While Sweet disliked the idea of continuing without Gaines, he was open to filling the bass position with the right person if and when it came to that. Gaines then confirmed that he was no longer a member of the band. Perry Richardson was announced as the new bass player on October 30, 2017.
On February 5, 2018, Michael Sweet announced the band's next album, ' God Damn Evil', which was released April 20, 2018. On February 9, the band released "Take It to the Cross" as a single for the album. The single featured Matt Bachand of the band Shadows Fall.
On September 4th, 2020, the band's next album, ' Even the Devil Believes', was released. The band's latest album as of April 2023, ' The Final Battle', was announced on September 22, 2022, and released on October 21, 2022.
Heaven
Stryper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Taking off and landing, with my heart in place and faith intact
I won't give up, even though the odds, they tell me to
I'm here with a purpose, every word I say and thing I do
My destiny will never die
I'll never guess or wonder why
I choose Heaven
This world spins, every deed that's done, misunderstood
At times it's a no-win situation to defend what's good
It takes courage to look the devil in the eyes
And say "get away", I can see right through your cheap disguise
I'm on a narrow path, I know
Hard to fit in but even so
I choose Heaven, confession
I choose Heaven, I choose Heaven
I choose Heaven, accession
I choose Heaven
I choose Heaven, onfession
Accession, I choose Heaven
The song "Heaven" by Stryper is a powerful anthem that speaks about the importance of faith and purpose, despite the difficulties that come with living in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving. The song reflects on the struggles and challenges that come with living in a world where people may be misunderstood and judged unfairly. The lyrics speak to standing tall, despite the hardships that come with life. In particular, the song focuses on the choice between good and evil, and choosing to follow the path towards Heaven, even when it may be difficult to do so.
The opening lines of the song set the tone for what is to come. They reflect on the journey that the singer has taken, noting that they have been through difficult times, even experiencing hell. Despite this, the singer has emerged from this difficult period with their faith intact, and their heart in the right place. The song speaks about the importance of perseverance, even when the odds may not seem to be in one's favor.
The chorus of the song reinforces the message that the singer is choosing Heaven, despite the struggles they face. They state their commitment to choosing the path that leads towards goodness and righteousness, regardless of what the world may throw at them. The verses of the song then explore the temptations and hardships that one may face in this world, noting that it can be a challenge to defend what is good and right. Ultimately, the song takes a very positive tone, asserting that even though it may be difficult, one can choose to follow the path to Heaven, and that this choice is worth it.
Line by Line Meaning
I am standing, even though I've been to hell and back
Despite experiencing challenges, I resist defeat and still stand.
Taking off and landing, with my heart in place and faith intact
Throughout life's ups and downs, my heart and trust remain firm.
I won't give up, even though the odds, they tell me to
Despite discouragement, I persist in my efforts to succeed.
I'm here with a purpose, every word I say and thing I do
My actions and speech are driven by a clear objective.
My destiny will never die
My fate is eternal and unchangeable.
I'll never guess or wonder why
I am unwavering in my faith and trust in God's plan.
I choose Heaven, I choose Heaven
I am committed to the promise of eternal life in Heaven.
This world spins, every deed that's done, misunderstood
In a world where good deeds are often misinterpreted or unappreciated.
At times it's a no-win situation to defend what's good
It can be challenging to defend virtuous actions in some circumstances.
It takes courage to look the devil in the eyes
Confronting temptation and evil requires bravery.
And say "get away", I can see right through your cheap disguise
I can recognize and reject deceitful or insincere behavior.
I'm on a narrow path, I know
My chosen path is morally challenging but ultimately rewarding.
Hard to fit in but even so
I may be unusual or ostracized but I remain steadfast.
I choose Heaven, confession
I acknowledge my choice to prioritize eternal life.
I choose Heaven, accession
I embrace my opportunity to attain heavenly rewards.
I choose Heaven, onfession
I openly declare my commitment to the promise of eternal life.
Accession, I choose Heaven
I am dedicated to obtaining divine rewards and blessings.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Michael Sweet
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Draven Quinn
Lyrics:
I’m still standing even though I’ve been to hell and back
Taking off and landing with my heart in place and faith intact
I won’t give up even though the odds they tell me to
I’m here with a purpose every word I say and thing I do
My destiny will never die
I’ll never guess or wonder why
I choose Heaven
Accession
I choose Heaven
This world spins every deed that’s done misunderstood
At times it’s a no win situation to defend what’s good
It takes courage to look the devil in the eyes
And say get away I can see right through your cheap disguise
I’m on a narrow path I know
Hard to fit in but even so
I choose Heaven
Confession
I choose Heaven
I choose Heaven
I choose Heaven
Accession
I choose Heaven
I choose Heaven
Confession
Accession
I choose Heaven
Filipe ツ
This bassline is amazing !!!
Justin Conn
great band. great song. I choose heaven
Dazza SirDazza
What a great album,brilliant guitar sound, their best ever :-))
Matt Fuller
One of my fav's on the Fallen CD!
Jimmy Norris
wouldn't it be cool if you got to heaven and go through the gates and stryper is playing
Justin Wolf
Stryper is one of my many favorite bands and yes, that would be awesome
shawn eldridge
Love Stryper plus I'm a big fan ever since I seen the music video on MTV they played of Stryper always there for you. Ever since that music video I had went out bought every single Stryper CD that they ever had put out. So here I am 2017 I'm always going to be a big fan and love stripers music to the day I die. So anyway I would love to see Stryper put these 7 songs on one CD together God, bleeding from inside out, blackened, for you, something, believe, and can't stop the Rock, then they call it Stryper the seven EP I'm just saying I think that'd be great. No matter what Stryper songs are fantastic. Just waiting for 2018 to get here that's when Stryper new CD comes out from what I was told. Anyway I know it's not 2018 yet but I am excited in the hyped up for their new CD to come out. Can you blame me no you can't it's Stryper the greatest number one Christian band in the world.
Draven Quinn
Lyrics:
I’m still standing even though I’ve been to hell and back
Taking off and landing with my heart in place and faith intact
I won’t give up even though the odds they tell me to
I’m here with a purpose every word I say and thing I do
My destiny will never die
I’ll never guess or wonder why
I choose Heaven
Accession
I choose Heaven
This world spins every deed that’s done misunderstood
At times it’s a no win situation to defend what’s good
It takes courage to look the devil in the eyes
And say get away I can see right through your cheap disguise
I’m on a narrow path I know
Hard to fit in but even so
I choose Heaven
Confession
I choose Heaven
I choose Heaven
I choose Heaven
Accession
I choose Heaven
I choose Heaven
Confession
Accession
I choose Heaven
Jackieboom CH
Great song
David Ingling
Holy cow awesome