Sweet Crystal is a very rare group of musicians. Not only has the band remained in existence for an impressive 39 years, but also the core trio of Marq Speck (lead vocals, keyboards), Bill Blatter (guitar, vocals) and Steve Wieser (drums) has remained intact for the entirety of that time. That’s a lifetime of quality hard, progressive rock music; of honing their skills as musicians and artists and generating a respectable fan base. Perhaps most importantly, a continuing quest refining their sound and standing on the front lines of the Michigan Christian rock scene, even before that particular branch of music had a name.
Sweet Crystal was formed in the winter of ‘71/’72, as the three young men were leaving high school and choosing their individual life-paths. As it happens, they were destined to spend the next four decades together, and Sweet Crystal would spend the ‘80s opening for bands as diverse as Bob Seger, Nazareth, Steppenwolf, Foghat, Rare Earth and Stryper.
In ’85, Brownsville Station drummer and gold-record-awarded Blackfoot producer Henry “H-Bomb” Weck sat behind the desk for Sweet Crystal’s debut EP, Power-N-Glory, which was subsequently released on the Nightcrier Music label. The band spent the ‘90s in the studio, writing and recording songs for independent films, corporate client events and personal music projects until, in 2003, they released Still Standing…, their second record and debut full-length release.
The new millennium also saw the band reaching fans across the globe, thanks to the Internet. Taking advantage of the new technology available to them, the band re-released Power-N-Glory in re-mastered form (tagged Resurrected Masters), and saw the album generate as much excitement as it did first time around.
Recently, Sweet Crystal has gone from strength to strength, signing with the Tate Music Group (TMG), a high profile Christian music label out of Oklahoma.
“After our recent showcase in Nashville,” says Speck, “an acquisition agent from TMG contacted us about taking over production and marketing of the next CD and we quickly agreed. This should be a great partnership in getting to a wider audience.”
The singer is right. Their new record deal is seeing Sweet Crystal gain new fans both from the Christian rock scene, but also with all fans of progressive and hard rock. With influences ranging from Queensryche, Yes, Genesis and Pink Floyd to Styx, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Queen, there is plenty in the Sweet Crystal arsenal to please all fans of quality rock ’n’ roll.
For proof, listen to Sweet Crystal’s latest full-length album, 3. Released in November 2010, the record has generated stellar reviews and song rotation on radio stations and Internet music sites across the globe. Nearly 40 years into their career, and the band are still reaching more and more people with their message. “We’ve always wanted to reach the world with the message in our music,” says Speck. “Our songs are meant to inspire and leave the listener feeling better about themselves and the direction their lives can take.”
Amen to that.
Now Or Never
Sweet Crystal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You don't have to tell me lies
You don't have to make defenses
You don't have to compromise
You don't have to tell me stories
You don't need your alibis
You don't have to beg my pardon
You just need to realize
So many better ways to help you win the race
You know it's
Now or never
Now or never, time to let it go
Now or never
Now or never, time to let it go
You don't have to stop believing
You don't have to stop the fun
You don't have to pass some big test
You don't have to hurt someone
You put an end to your heartache, you put an end to your hate
Man, won't you change your ways before it gets too late?
You know it's
Now or never
Now or never, time to let it go
Now or never
Now or never, time to let it go
In the song "Now or Never" by Sweet Crystal, the lyrics convey a message of self-empowerment and personal growth. The first verse highlights the idea that one doesn't need to make excuses, tell lies or create defenses in order to justify their actions. It emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and not compromising one's values or integrity. The lyrics suggest that instead of relying on stories and alibis, one should simply realize the truth and take responsibility for their choices.
The chorus emphasizes the urgency and significance of the present moment. It suggests that now is the time to let go of whatever is holding one back. The phrase "now or never" serves as a call to action, encouraging the listener to seize the opportunity to make a change or take a risk. Time is portrayed as fleeting and the lyrics imply that waiting too long to take action may lead to missed opportunities or regrets.
The second verse continues this theme by highlighting that there is no need to stop believing or to halt the enjoyment of life. It emphasizes the importance of not letting fear or societal expectations hinder one's personal growth. The lyrics also suggest that it is not necessary to pass some arbitrary test or harm others in order to find happiness. Instead, it encourages the listener to put an end to their heartache and hatred, and to change their ways before it becomes too late.
Overall, the song sends a message of self-empowerment, urging the listener to break free from limitations, embrace the present moment, and strive for personal growth and fulfillment. It emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself, letting go of negative emotions and experiences, and making positive changes before it is too late. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and encourage the listener to take action in order to live a more authentic and satisfying life.
Line by Line Meaning
You don't have to make excuses
There's no need for you to come up with justifications
You don't have to tell me lies
You don't need to deceive me
You don't have to make defenses
There's no requirement for you to build up defenses
You don't have to compromise
There's no need for you to give in or settle
You don't have to tell me stories
You don't need to fabricate tales
You don't need your alibis
There's no necessity for your explanations
You don't have to beg my pardon
There's no requirement for you to ask for forgiveness
You just need to realize
You simply need to understand
There's so more to life than just keeping the pace
Life offers much more than just maintaining the status quo
So many better ways to help you win the race
There are countless superior methods to assist you in achieving success
You know it's
You are aware that it is
Now or never
The time to take action is immediate
Now or never, time to let it go
The present moment is crucial for releasing and moving on
You don't have to stop believing
You don't need to cease having faith
You don't have to stop the fun
There's no need for you to halt the enjoyment
You don't have to pass some big test
There's no requirement for you to undergo a significant examination
You don't have to hurt someone
There's no necessity for you to cause harm to someone
You put an end to your heartache, you put an end to your hate
By ending your emotional pain and animosity
Man, won't you change your ways before it gets too late?
My friend, wouldn't you alter your behavior before it becomes too late?
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Marq Speck
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind