John Schlitt, lead singer of Petra, and Billy Smiley, guitarist, singer, and founding member of Whiteheart, are excited to announce a new album and worldwide tour for 2016. Targeting main stages of festivals, theme parks, fairs, and special events, the guys have put together an album and historical show with some of the most memorable songs from both groups as well as introducing some dramatic new compositions.
The Union of Sinners and Saints will feature members from 2 of the best selling Christian Rock Bands of all time. Selling over 12 million records between them, more than 25, #1 songs, and over 15 Grammy and 40 Dove nominations and awards, they will perform many #1 songs like “Beyond Belief”, “Independence Day”, “The Coloring Song”, “The River Will Flow”, “Hit You Where You Live”, “Desert Rose”, and a special Foo Fighters cover.
This smashup now results in the release of a new CD available exclusively at Lifeway Stores in June 2016 and digitally on iTunes worldwide. The project of eight new originals, and updated versions of Petra and Whiteheart classics will be a must for fans of both groups. John Ellis, lead singer from ‘Tree 63’, will be featured on guitar and vocals. New artist Jason Fowler, whom Smiley produced, will also join guys on the road.
Schlitt says, “The idea of a new project really intrigued both of us. With our histories, it only made sense to feature the favorites of Petra and Whiteheart along with some of the new songs we were writing in the studio.” Thus, the name The Union of Sinners and Saints (U.S.S.)
Smiley adds, “John and I got together last fall, started writing some songs and discussed both of our histories and journeys. After seeing the chemistry and friendship that developed, we were excited with the new material, and started brainstorming about taking this smashup out on the road this year.”
While writing these songs, Schlitt said, “We realized we had a lot of new ideas swirling around in our heads that we wanted to share, both musically and lyrically; songs that were on our hearts and minds, yet we also wanted to celebrate with all of our friends and fans some of the memorable songs, moments, and performances that they have been a part of over the years.”
They both are in agreement, “We are anxious to do a rock event that is powerful and moving, one that long-time fans would appreciate and love enough to introduce and bring their kids to. The album and live events will incorporate the kind of artistry and ministry that will remind them of the early years of Christian Rock, but also usher in a new energy and excitement.”
The Union:
John Schlitt - lead vocals - Petra
Billy Smiley – guitar, keyboards, and vocals - Whiteheart
Anthony Sallee – bass - Whiteheart
John Ellis – Tree 63
featuring new artist Jason Fowler – guitar and vocals
The Call
The Union of Sinners and Saints Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Before things started changing
We color outside the lines
Give a little more than all we are taking
It's a message of our times
'Cause time, like a shifting wind
But the message never changes
It's a call for every heart that's broken
It's a journey we all make
It's a call for every song unwritten
It's a step that we must take
We are older, but are we really wiser?
Is that not how it s supposed to be?
As we look down the ages
And while we turn the pages
The call is there, it's clear to see
How its meant to be
It's a call for every heart that's broken
It's a journey we all make
It's a call for every song unwritten
It's a step that we must take
It's a call for every heart that's broken
It's a journey we all make
It's a call for every song unwritten
It's a step that we must take
Every time I seize the day
Is one more time to see your face
Every time I seize the day
Is one more time to see your face
It's the call, It's the call
"The Call" by The Union of Sinners and Saints is a powerful reminder to listeners that they should remember who they were before things started changing. The song explores the idea of how we should give a little more than what we are taking and how we should color outside the lines. It suggests that this message has always been relevant to our times, even though they may change. The song's lyrics point out that time is like a shifting wind, but the message never changes. The call to take this message to heart is a call for every heart that's broken, for every journey we make, for every song that's unwritten, and for every step we must take.
The Union of Sinners and Saints is a group of Christian rock musicians who came together to create this powerful album that encourages listeners to answer the call to become better, kinder, and more compassionate people. The lyrics of this song are a reminder that we should always be looking for ways to love others and to make the world a better place. The song's simple yet powerful melody, combined with its uplifting message, makes it a perfect anthem for anyone looking to make a positive impact in their life and the lives of those around them.
Line by Line Meaning
Remember who you were
Recall your true self before being influenced by changes
Before things started changing
Before external forces began shaping us
We color outside the lines
We challenge conventional thinking and rules
Give a little more than all we are taking
We are generous in our interactions and give more than we receive
It's a message of our times
This is a timeless message relevant to our current era
Cause time, like a shifting wind
Time is constantly changing and unpredictable
But the message never changes
This timeless message remains the same despite the changing times
How do we face this call
How do we respond to this message
It's a call for every heart that's broken
This call is for anyone who has experienced heartbreak and pain
It's a journey we all make
Everyone goes through this journey
It's a call for every song unwritten
This call is for anyone who has a story to share but has not yet shared it
It's a step that we must take
We must take action to respond to this call
We are older, but are we really wiser?
As we age, do we truly become more wise?
Is that not how it's supposed to be?
Is this not the natural progression of life?
As we look down the ages
Reflecting on the past and history
And while we turn the pages
As we continue to move forward in time
The call is there, it's clear to see
This call is always present and easily recognized
How it's meant to be
This is the natural order of things
Every time I seize the day
Every moment I take advantage of
Is one more time to see your face
Is another opportunity to be with you
It's the call, It's the call
This call is always present
Lyrics © MUSIC SERVICES, INC.
Written by: Billy Smiley, John Schlitt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind