The American group White Heart has had one of the longest careers in Christ… Read Full Bio ↴The American group White Heart has had one of the longest careers in Christian rock, beginning in 1982 with the release of their debut album WHITE HEART and lasting all the way to 1997, when their last album REDEMPTION was released. Through these years they have been considered among the pioneers of Christian rock, and their popularity has not wavered, despite frequent personnel changes. The band's musical style is not totally straight-forward, as it includes a hint of progressiveness.

White Heart has never actually stated that they have disbanded, but there hasn't been any consistent musical activity by them as a group since 1997. However, in August 2006 they had a reunion concert at the third annual Soul2Soul Honors event in New Albany, Indiana (Louisville, Kentucky), with the following line-up: Billy Smiley, Rick Florian, Mark Gershmel, Tommy Sims, Jon Knox and Gordon Kennedy.

Discography (with personnel history):

*WHITE HEART (1982 - Home Sweet Home/Myrrh)
*Gary Lunn - bass
*Steve Green - vocals
*David Huff - drums, percussion
*Mark Gershmel - keyboards, synthesizers, vocals
*Dann Huff - lead and rhythm guitars, vocals
*Billy Smiley - keyboards, rhythm guitars, vocals

*VITAL SIGNS (1984 - Home Sweet Home/Myrrh)
*Billy Smiley - piano, acoustic guitar, vocals
*David Huff - drums, percussion
*Gary Lunn - bass guitars
*Mark Gershmel - synthesizers, piano, vocals
*Dann Huff - rhythm & lead guitars, acoustic guitar, vocals
*Scott Douglas - vocals

*HOTLINE (1985 - Home Sweet Home, Inc)
*Gary Lunn - bass
*Scott Douglas - lead vocals
*Gordon Kennedy - lead guitars, guitars, vocals
*David Huff - drums, percussion
*Mark Gershmel - keyboards, vocals
*Billy Smiley - keyboards, guitars, vocals

*DON'T WAIT FOR THE MOVIE (1986 - Sparrow Records)
*Ric Florian - lead vocals
*Mark Gershmel - keyboards, vocals, trombone
*Gordon Kennedy - guitars, lead guitar, sitar, vocals
*Gary Lunn - bass, linn programming
*Chris McHugh - drums, percussion
*Billy Smiley - vocals, keyboards, guitar, trumpet

*EMERGENCY BROADCAST (1987 - Sparrow Records)
*Chris McHugh - drums and percussion
*Mark Gershmel - keyboards, vocals
*Tommy Sims - bass guitar, synth bass, keyboards, vocals
*Gordon Kennedy - lead and rhythm guitars, vocals
*Billy Smiley - vocals, rhythm guitar
*Rick Florian - lead vocals

*FREEDOM (1989 - Sparrow Records)
*Mark Gershmel - keyboards and lead vocals
*Billy Smiley - guitars and vocals
*Gordon Kennedy - guitars and vocals
*Tommy Sims - bass and vocals
*Chris McHugh - drums
*Rikk Florian - lead vocals

*POWERHOUSE (1990 - Star Song Records)
*Riq Florian - lead vocals, background vocals
*Mark Gershmel - keyboards, lead vocals, background vocals
*Mark Nemer - drums and percussion
*Anthony Sallee - bass guitar
*Billy Smiley - acoustic and rhythm guitars, and background vocals
*Brian Wooten - rhythm and lead guitars

*TALES OF WONDER (1992 - Star Song Records)
*Ricke Florian - lead vocals, background vocals
*Mark Gershmel - keyboards, lead vocals, background vocals, recorder
*Billy Smiley - rickenbacker 12-string, hi-string, and 12-string acoustic guitars, background vocals
*Brian Wooten - lead guitar, rhythm guitar, gut string guitar
*Anthony Sallee - bass, fretless bass
*Jon Knox - drums ("Vendetta")
*Chris McHugh - drums (all tracks except "Vendetta")

*HIGHLANDS (1993 - Star Song Records)
*Rhic Florian - lead vocals, background vocals
*Mark Gershmel - keyboards, percussion, lead vocals, background vocals, recorder
*Brian Wooten - rhythm & lead guitars
*Anthony Sallee - bass
*Jon Knox - drums, percussion
*Billy Smiley - rhythm guitars, acoustic & octave acoustic guitars, background vocals

*NOTHING BUT THE BEST - ROCK CLASSICS (1994 - Star Song Records)
*NOTHING BUT THE BEST - RADIO CLASSICS (1994 - Star Song Records)
*Rikcq Florian - lead and background vocals
*Mark Gershmel - keyboards, percussion programming, and lead vocals
*Jon Knox - drums
*Chris McHugh - drums (Climb the Hill)
*Mark Hill - Bass
*Brian Wooten - guitars
*Billy Smiley - guitars and vocals

*INSIDE (1995 - Curb Records)
*Rick Florian - lead & background vocals
*Billy Smiley - acoustic & electric guitars, background vocals
*Mark Gersmehl - organ, piano, synths, lead & background vocals
*Brian Wooten - electric & acoustic guitars, lead guitars
*John Thorn - electric & acoustic bass, background vocals
*Jon Knox - drums, percussion

*REDEMPTION (1997 - Curb Records)
*Rick Florian - lead & background vocals
*Mark Gersmehl - keyboards, lead & background vocals, loops
*Billy Smiley - acoustic & electric guitars, background vocals
*Mike Mead (drums) records for this album but continues with other projects
*Barry Graul (lead guitar) records for this project but continues with other projects (including lead guitar for DC Talk)
*Mark Hill (bass) records for this album but continues with other projects

http://www.whiteheart.com

Jerusalem
White Heart Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Jerusalem, city of desire
We're watching you
What will you do
Oh Jerusalem

Jerusalem, the prophets call your name
Jerusalem, but they call out in vain
‘cause you don't hear

How many tears must fall, Jerusalem

(bridge)
The armies come marching
They stand at your door
But still you refused to obey
Your children are scattered
All over the world
Yet their hearts are all drawn
To one place

Jerusalem, you are the wailing wall
Jerusalem, you break the hearts
Of all who dreams for you
What can we do
Oh Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Jesus call to you
Jerusalem, but you don't listen
To the voice of Love
It cries from above
Oh Jerusalem

(repeat bridge)
Jerusalem, oh Jerusalem
So far away
I'm gonna pray for you
Jerusalem

Jerusalem, when will the bloodshed cease
Jerusalem, when will you live in peace
So far away

I'm gonna pray for you
Jerusalem >

Overall Meaning

The song "Jerusalem" by White Heart is a poignant exploration of the city's significance, as well as its history of conflict and bloodshed. The lyrics speak of Jerusalem as a city of desire, one that is watched by many, yet doesn't seem to hear the cries of those who call out to it. The city is personified and addressed as though it is a living entity that has the power to decide its own fate. The song seeks to both acknowledge the importance of the city, as well as lament the many struggles that it has faced throughout history.

Jerusalem is portrayed in the song as a place that has been called out to by prophets and by Jesus himself, yet it is still a place where blood is shed, and peace remains elusive. The song speaks to the pain of those who dream for Jerusalem, but are left heartbroken by the never-ending turmoil the city faces. The bridge in the song refers to the many armies that have come to Jerusalem's door, seeking to conquer and control it, yet despite all of this, the city still refuses to obey.

Overall, "Jerusalem" is a powerful song that speaks to the complex feelings that many people have about this important city. It is both an acknowledgement of the city's significance, as well as a lament for the ongoing struggles that it faces, and a call for peace.

Line by Line Meaning

Jerusalem, city of desire
Jerusalem, you are the city that we long for with great longing

We're watching you
We are observing you carefully

What will you do
What actions will you take

Oh Jerusalem
A heartfelt cry to the city

Jerusalem, the prophets call your name
You are the city that the prophets have prophesied about and named

Jerusalem, but they call out in vain
Despite the prophets' cries, you do not listen to their message

‘cause you don't hear
You are not receptive to the message of the prophets

How many tears must fall, Jerusalem
How much suffering and sorrow must be experienced before you will change

(bridge)
Transition to a new part of the song

The armies come marching
Military forces are advancing towards the city

They stand at your door
They are on the brink of entering the city

But still you refused to obey
Despite the imminent danger, you are still not willing to submit to authority

Your children are scattered
The people who belong to you are dispersed throughout the world

All over the world
In various parts of the world

Yet their hearts are all drawn
Despite their location, their hearts are all oriented towards you

To one place
To the city of Jerusalem

Jerusalem, you are the wailing wall
You are the site of lamentation and mourning

Jerusalem, you break the hearts
You cause great sadness and disappointment

Of all who dreams for you
Of all those who have hopes and aspirations for you

What can we do
What actions can we take to bring about change

Jerusalem, Jesus call to you
The Savior is calling to you

Jerusalem, but you don't listen
You are not receptive to the message of the Savior

To the voice of Love
To the compassionate and caring message of the Christ

It cries from above
It resonates from the heavens

(repeat bridge)
A repetition of the earlier transition

Jerusalem, oh Jerusalem
A heartfelt cry to the city, repeated for emphasis

So far away
Despite the physical distance, we still care about you

I'm gonna pray for you
We are committed to lifting you up in prayer

Jerusalem, when will the bloodshed cease
The city has experienced too much violence and we long for it to end

Jerusalem, when will you live in peace
We long for the city to experience true and lasting peace

I'm gonna pray for you
A repetition of the earlier commitment to pray

Jerusalem
A final cry to the city

Writer(s): Dana Key, Mark Gersmehl, Ed Degarmo, Billy Smiley

Contributed by Madison Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

No Related Genres

More Genres

No Artists Found

More Artists Load All

No Albums Found

More Albums Load All

No Tracks Found

01Hotline4:14

02Gotta Be A Believer4:21

03Jerusalem

White Heart

04Turn The Page4:55

05She's A Runaway3:40

10Keep Fighting The Fight3:08

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@carlosalbertogodino9639

5y↑2

Jerusalén, ciudad del deseo.
Te estamos observando
Qué harás
Oh Jerusalem
Jerusalén, los profetas llaman tu nombre.
Jerusalén, pero gritan en vano.
Porque no oyes
Cuantas lágrimas deben caer, Jerusalén
Los ejércitos vienen marchando.
Se paran en tu puerta
Pero aun así te negaste a obedecer.
Tus hijos estan dispersos
Por todo el mundo
Sin embargo, todos sus corazones están dibujados
A un lugar
Jerusalén, tú eres el muro de las lamentaciones.
Jerusalén, rompes los corazones
De todos los que sueñan por ti
Qué podemos hacer
Oh Jerusalem
Jerusalén, Jesús te llama
Jerusalén, pero no escuchas
A la voz del amor
Llora desde arriba
Oh Jerusalem
Jerusalén, oh Jerusalén
Tan lejos
Voy a orar por ti
Jerusalén
Jerusalén, ¿cuándo cesará el derramamiento de sangre?
Jerusalén, ¿cuándo vivirás en paz?
Tan lejos
Voy a orar por ti
Jerusalén

All comments from YouTube:

@kbhjrmach33

8y↑15

I remember this song. It's still relevant. Let's keep praying for the peace of Jerusalem and for all the nations.

@whiteshadow1771

1y↑2

Brings back memories of my freshman year of college, 1983

@clydeburkey

2y↑3

All time favorite god bless

@delinarandoma1053

11y↑7

Such a beautiful song. It moves me even now. Remember to pray for isreal.

@lynnekirkup984

2y↑1

Me too!!!!! Loved it then . Love it even more NOW

@lynnekirkup984

2y↑1

The movie Jeremiah with Patrick Demsey ( the prophets cry out fir you)..... wonderful description

@_johneddy

16y↑5

Thanks for posting this song. Great song!

@J77bello7

4y↑8

this cd "Hotline" was released 3 years after TOTO IV was it! same feeling, same power, great words ...love this song!

@matthewwhite4008

48w↑1

My immediate thought was it sounds like Toto then looked at the comments and saw your comment

@sryburn641

3y↑3

Great tune. Saw them in mid eighties. They were tight.

@bradleyshimels492

4y↑2

"And I saw the New Jerusalem descending down from heaven as bride adorned for her husband!" Revelation.

@richardschauf7373

2y↑2

Awesome! He blessed Jerusalem.

@rebekahpopulis1994

26w↑1

Praying and fasting today

@Tom-iw3zh

3y↑4

Praying that the Jewish people would SEE these signs of the end of time, and they would open the Word of God and open their door to Christ, who is knocking. Please God, give them desire to seek You with all their hearts, until they find You.

@amylh322

12y↑6

SO GREAT to hear this song after all these years!! Thank you for uploading it, i really appreciate it. :)

@billblackskyheli

27w↑1

So true today ❤

@Anthonyhenryricci

11y↑2

We are merely a grafted into the mind that is Israel thank you Lord Jesus

@graysonbr

15y↑2

Hearts drawn to the city 'bove but we still need the city of the atoning blood...

@amylynnhunt55

9y↑12

Still a fabulous song. So great to have these here, i think every tape I ever had eventually just broke from being played non-stop :) .... so this is very cool, thank you, if I haven't mentioned that before :)

@DalePearl

6y↑8

This song has a great message considering the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.

@jbx1967

9y↑5

The Earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, but there is a small tract of land He claims as His own...and its heart is the city men call Jerusalem.

@jbx1967

9y↑3

When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you when your enemies will throw up a barricade against you, and surround you and hem you in on every side, and they will level you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.” -- Luke, Chapter 19, Verses 41-44 (New American Standard Bible)
Pray for Israel

@Tom-iw3zh

4y↑1

I'm glad you put this on here because even though I read it, it came to life to me as I read this. WOW!!

@danielawomi4721

5y↑2

Amen

@carlosalbertogodino9639

5y↑2

@MrSologratia

11y↑3

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved...I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, [of] the tribe of Benjamin.God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew...For the gifts and calling of God [are] without repentance.Romans9-11 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.Psalm122Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.Psalm25,Revelation7&14;Joel3;Gen12

@susanakovacs4565

11y↑1

Totaly agree on this.

@Ozgrowl

13y↑1

Loved this one. Wasn't this song co/written by one of the guys from DeGarmo and Key?

@veelighted7

13y↑3

it's happening now. BE READY PEOPLE!

@x001m69

15y

I am an American Christian who loves this country and hopes that the USA will return to the Judeo/Christian principles that made her great. However, the survival of Israel is much more important to me as a Christian than the future of the USA. If both countries could no longer exist and I had to pick one, I would much rather see the survival of Israel. For God said to Israel, "I will bless those who bless you and curse those that curse you." I pray for both the USA and Israel.

@bpabustan

14y↑1

I enjoyed the music of whiteheart during the early 90s. Most of the original members of the band and even some of its past and present members were top session men not only on Christian music but the whole pop scene itself. Dann Huff probably was the most accomplished member of this band. They were then compared very much with TOTO. Have you ever noticed then that this song sounds so uncannily like Toto's "Africa"?

@donnaboydryan2937

11y↑1

So true

@azms33

14y↑3

I recommend that you reread the book of Romans. chapter 11 , then you tell me if God is done with the people is Israel. We the Church have not replaced the nation of Israel. remember we are the wild olive branch and if God can graft us into the roots how much better will a natural branch fit back into its roots!.

@doowoop5818

9y↑9

Sounds like toto

@amylynnhunt55

9y↑1

it does a bit, especially the part i am listening to now, a second vocalist, i think? Both excellent bands!!

@denisethorbjornsen3331

11y↑1

Salvation is of the Jews.Jesus said,"I am sent to the lost sheep of Israel."He also pointed to the fact that not all Israel is of Israel.The fullness of the gentiles hasn't come yet.We are graffed into the wild olive tree and stand by faith.Israel can be graffed back in.Jesus said,"In one day he will cleanse Israel of their sins and restore them."

@kevinfan726

that is true-- His plan (seen in book of Revolution and in the Prophets) is to reconcile the true remnant of Israel unto Himself.

@russbell9572

@@kevinfan726 , I think you mean Revelation, not Revolution 😉

@redsors

13y

@kchbar The people of Israel are all of Yahweh's people. They are scattered throughout all the nations, and when the day comes that Yahshua comes back, we will all go up to be with him!!!

@sneakndan

6y↑1

i wonder what arer they doing today

@Tom-iw3zh

3y↑1

Check out Amir Tsarfati ("Behold Israel"). God Bless!!

@allangleerup6957

11y↑1

Interesting how this song sounds a bit like AFRICA by TOTO

@skeetabomb

7y↑2

Whiteheart were the Christian version of TOTO - simply awesome musicians but who were sold out to God. I always loved that about them.

@veelighted7

13y

@kchbar where do you get that both Jews and Gentiles make up "the Israel of God"? respectfully Veronica : ) Is it because he accepted Gentiles and grafted us in???

@coysawyer

14y↑1

@azms33 When God says He has established the throne of David forever, that's what He means. Once the church age has been completed, the Jews will once again turn to Him and accept Jesus as their Messiah.....see Revelation for more details

@TheBrentfleming

so much lack of uderstading, they rejected the prophet and so they are. left without a temple and people. Just a Jesus said..

@azms33

14y↑2

The very fact that Israel is even a nation is due to Gods plan. One just needs to read Ezekiel 37 to know they are the dry bones that are spoken of. Christ himself well set foot on the Mount of olives and set up his kingdom in Jerusalem. Israel made the mistake of thing they were the elect of God, we should be careful and not make the same mistake. God has made promises to the children of Israel (the descendent's Abraham , Isaac and Jacob). He will keep them!