The band's first official recording was the track "It's So Wonderful", released in 1983 on the compilation album What's Shakin', which also included early work from Undercover, Altar Boys and The Lifters. This song was one of the few times that lead singer Derri Daugherty wrote both lyrics and music; as the band developed, the majority of The Choir's lyrical output would come from drummer/percussionist Steve Hindalong. As Youth Choir, they released their debut album Voices in Shadows in 1984, with Mike Saurerbrey on bass; their first EP Shades of Gray followed a year later, when Dan Michaels joined the band.
The Choir made a high-profile move to Myrrh Records in 1986 with their next release, Diamonds and Rain. Dropping the "Youth" from their moniker, they would be known as The Choir from that point forward. This was followed by three more albums for Myrrh, which featured musical contributions from an array of Christian performers, including Charlie Peacock, Mark Heard, Steve Griffith of Vector and Gene Eugene and Riki Michele from Adam Again. The Choir's lineup also changed. Tim Chandler was the primary bass player until 1989's Wide-Eyed Wonder, as Robin Spurs replaced him on that album and tour, but she left the band during the recording of 1990's Circle Slide. Mike Sauerbrey returned to the band briefly for these recording sessions. Chandler would rejoin the lineup for the independently-released Kissers and Killers. Spurs would not play with the band again until 2017, when she performed on the Wide-Eyed Wonder reunion tour.
The Choir toured extensively during this time, notably as the first band on stage at the inaugural Cornerstone Festival in Chicago in 1984. They also performed at the Greenbelt Festival in England in 1986, and opened for Russ Taff on his nationwide tour in 1989. References to the band's tour experiences would remain an ongoing source of lyrical inspiration. During their Southern California period, The Choir's music was described by the Los Angeles Times as "magical songs that combine strains of murky psychedelia with pure pop." Billboard praised the band for its "dark poetic leanings, effects-laden guitars and strong melodic hooks". Hindalong's lyrics became known for their vulnerability and honesty, particularly about the challenges inherent in romantic relationships and the simple joys of family life.
More Than Words
Youth Choir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And leave Me threadbare in the street
I sold My flesh to buy your freedom
Pick up the cross before your feet
Love is more than words
I washed your blacked soul with red blood
My yoke is easy if you love Me
Is it red wind that you adore?
Love is more than words
So much more than words
The lyrics in Youth Choir's "More Than Words" is an eloquent expression of the depth of true love. The song starts by emphasizing the fact that mere words cannot prove genuine love. In the first verse, the singer laments about someone who claims to love them more than silver, but their actions do not support their words. The singer appears to be hurt and deeply disappointed, as they have given everything to the relationship and expect the same level of dedication and commitment from the other person.
In the second verse, the singer paints a vivid picture of the immense sacrifice they have made for the other person. They explain that they sold their flesh to buy their freedom, and also wore a crown of thorns out of love. These are both biblical references to the crucifixion of Jesus. The song continues with an admonition to the person who professes love, to pick up the cross before their feet. This refers to the need for the other person to show genuine devotion and make sacrifices for the relationship.
The overall message of the song is that true love is sacrificial and goes beyond mere words. It requires action, commitment, and a willingness to make sacrifices. The singer wants the other person to understand this fundamental truth and to demonstrate it in their actions towards the relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't say you love Me more than silver
Don't just say you love me, but actually show it through your actions and care.
And leave Me threadbare in the street
Don't abandon me and leave me alone, helpless and without any support.
I sold My flesh to buy your freedom
I sacrificed myself to save and redeem you from sin and eternal death.
Pick up the cross before your feet
Embrace the path of suffering and sacrifice that I demonstrated on the cross and follow my example.
Love is more than words
Love requires more than mere verbal expressions, it demands real commitment and selflessness.
I washed your blacked soul with red blood
Through the shedding of my blood, I purified and cleansed your sinful soul, making it pure and holy.
For you I wore a crown of thorns
I endured humiliation and pain for your sake, to redeem you and offer you eternal life.
My yoke is easy if you love Me
If you truly love me, obeying my commands and following my teachings will not be a burden, but a natural and joyful response.
Is it red wind that you adore?
Do you really worship me or just seek to benefit from me, like the superficial and fleeting fame of passing winds?
Love is more than words
Love transcends superficial expressions and encompasses deep and genuine devotion and care.
So much more than words
It is impossible to fully express and measure the extent and depth of true love.
Contributed by Victoria P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@nizaramirmusaffa8243
Saying I love youÂ
Is not the words I want to hear from youÂ
It's not that I want youÂ
Not to say, but if you only knewÂ
How easy it would be to show me how you feelÂ
More than words is all you have to do to make it realÂ
Then you wouldn't have to say that you love meÂ
'Cause I'd already knowÂ
What would you do if my heart was torn in twoÂ
More than words to show you feelÂ
That your love for me is realÂ
What would you say if I took those words awayÂ
Then you couldn't make things newÂ
Just by saying I love you
More than wordsÂ
La di da, da di da, di dai dai da
Now I've tried to talk to you and make you understandÂ
All you have to do is close your eyesÂ
And just reach out your hands and touch meÂ
Hold me close don't ever let me goÂ
More than words is all I ever needed you to showÂ
Then you wouldn't have to say that you love meÂ
'Cause I'd already know
What would you do if my heart was torn in twoÂ
More than words to show you feelÂ
That your love for me is realÂ
What would you say if I took those words awayÂ
Then you couldn't make things newÂ
Just by saying I love you
La di da, da di da, di dai dai da
More than words
La di da, da di da, di dai dai da
More than words
La di da, da di da
La di da, da di da, more than words
La di da, da di da, di dai dai da
La di da, da di da, more than words (oh uh uh uh)
More than words
(Since the lyric guy isn't here, I'll be one)
@kkuehn8
I'm binge watching! This is such a fantastic project! I wish we had this in Milwaukee. :)
@annerchisline9641
Start it.
@CyclonesFan24
There's a lot of people in Milwaukee, it would definitely work out. On a Zoom call. Now in today's time.
@addie.bosanko
What a great experience this must have been!â€
@carolelowery8078
Beautiful Song + Beautiful Voices = CHOIR!
Thanks....you all made my day MUCH better!
@porto434
one of the greatest songs ever beautifully done
@ScenaMadreTeatro
Touching. Technically well done. Simple. Effective. You're a genial team!!!
@JModuloDebug
One of your best performances. Awesome!
@ritalowrie1296
That was so beautiful and a fantastic rendition of the song đđđ
@michael5089
I loved the Extreme original so you've made my day!!