Since taking out the US-based Harmony sweepstakes – becoming the first international group to take out the world’s largest open a cappella singing competition – The Idea of North has continued to go from strength to strength, capturing the attention of audiences, critics and industry colleagues.
Australian jazz legend James Morrison, who makes a guest appearance on Evidence playing on the Gershwin track But Not For Me, says they are “the best contemporary vocal group in the country”, and that “when you can sing & entertain like The Idea of North, a band would just get in the way!”
The Evidence track list includes covers of classic pop, jazz and gospel songs such as Isn't She Lovely, His Eye Is On The Sparrow, Corcovado, No More Blues, as well as stunning original tracks by original group member Trish Delaney-Brown, which herald her as an important young writing talent to emerge on the Australian music scene. Songs that appear on this album snared her nominations in three different categories in the Australian Songwriters Association Inc Awards.
Since recording Evidence, The Idea of North have recorded 'The Gospel Project' CD & 'Live at The Powerhouse' DVD, as well as producing an audio-only CD version of 'Live at The Powerhouse' .
Sweet Sweet Spirit
The Idea of North Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I know that it's the Spirit of the Lord;
There are sweet expressions on each face,
And I know they feel the presence of the Lord.
Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly Dove,
Stay right here with us, filling us with Your love.
And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise;
When we shall leave this place.
There are blessings you cannot receive
Till you know Him in His fullness and believe;
You're the one to profit when you say,
"I am going to walk with Jesus all the way."
If you say He saved you from your sin,
Now you're weak, you're bound and cannot enter in,
You can make it right if you will yield,
You'll enjoy the Holy Spirit that we feel.
The Idea of North's song "Sweet, Sweet Spirit" is a gospel-style hymn with lyrics that exalt the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The lyrics begin by describing a feeling of spiritual presence in the air, with the singer claiming to feel the direct presence of the Lord in the assembled group. The first verse is loaded with biblical references to the Holy Spirit, with the repeated use of the word "sweet" emphasizing the comforting nature of the experience.
The chorus focuses on the role of the Holy Spirit in filling the hearts of those present with love and bringing a sense of revival to the worshippers. The language used in these lines is heavily poetic and metaphorical, with the Holy Spirit being described as a dove and compared to heavenly blessings. The overall message of the chorus is one of gratitude and praise for the Holy Spirit's work in the world.
The final verse takes a more personal tone, urging individual listeners to embrace the fullness of the Holy Spirit and commit to following Jesus wholeheartedly. The idea that one can only receive all the blessings of the Holy Spirit by fully embracing their faith is a common theme in many Christian traditions, and the hymn's lyrics reflect this belief.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place,
There is a comforting and welcoming presence in this location that feels divine.
And I know that it's the Spirit of the Lord;
I am certain that this presence is the Spirit of the Lord.
There are sweet expressions on each face,
Everyone here is filled with joy and happiness.
And I know they feel the presence of the Lord.
I am confident that they too sense the divine presence we are experiencing.
Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly Dove,
Dear Holy Spirit, kind and gentle like a dove,
Stay right here with us, filling us with Your love.
Please remain here with us, and fill us with your love and blessings.
And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise;
Out of appreciation for these blessings, we praise You sincerely.
Without a doubt we'll know that we have been revived,
We have no doubts that we have been uplifted and rejuvenated
When we shall leave this place.
As we depart from here, we acknowledge the positive change within us.
There are blessings you cannot receive
There are some blessings that you cannot get
Till you know Him in His fullness and believe;
Until you truly know Him and believe in Him entirely,
You're the one to profit when you say,
You are the one who benefits if you declare that
"I am going to walk with Jesus all the way."
"I will walk alongside Jesus no matter what."
If you say He saved you from your sin,
If you claim that He has saved you from your sins,
Now you're weak, you're bound and cannot enter in,
But still, you feel powerless, oppressed and unable to enter
You can make it right if you will yield,
However, you can correct it by surrendering,
You'll enjoy the Holy Spirit that we feel.
And you'll be fortunate enough to experience the heavenly presence we are feeling.
Writer(s): DORIS AKERS
Contributed by Peyton A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.