Youth Choir, later known as The Choir, was originally formed in the early 1… Read Full Bio ↴Youth Choir, later known as The Choir, was originally formed in the early 1980s by Derri Daugherty and Steve Hindalong. Daniel Amos bass guitarist Tim Chandler introduced Hindalong to Daugherty, who was the band's roadie and sound man. Hindalong and Daugherty quickly became friends, and Youth Choir was part of the Calvary Chapel Christian punk and alternative music scene, which also included the bands Undercover, Crumbächer, Altar Boys and 4-4-1.

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.

Someone's Calling
Youth Choir Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

All alone living in the shadows
Are you there
Lonely hearts, they live inside the shadows
Are you there?

And someone's calling, someone's calling you

Blind eyes are opened in the shadows

Can you see
Voices crying in the shadows
Helplessly

And someone's calling, someone's calling you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Youth Choir's song 'Someone's Calling' convey the idea of loneliness and despair felt by individuals who are perceived to be living in the shadows. The songwriters draw attention to people who feel isolated, invisible and unheard, especially those grappling with inner struggles like anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. The opening lines, "All alone living in the shadows, are you there?" signal a call to action to those who may be ignoring or neglecting such vulnerable people. The chorus, "And someone's calling, someone's calling you", reminds us that there is a desperate need for someone to reach out and provide support, a lifeline to the ones in need. The second verse highlights the pain felt by those living with unseen emotional scars. The metaphorical language of "blind eyes are opened in the shadows" hints at the possibility of encountering hope in the midst of darkness. The final lines of the song, "Voices crying in the shadows, helplessly", capture the sense of impotence that many may feel when trying to find ways to make a difference.

Overall, the song's lyrics are a powerful reminder to each of us to be attentive to others around us, to look beyond their surface, to hear their voices calling, and to offer help and encouragement wherever we can.

Line by Line Meaning

All alone living in the shadows
Existing in solitude and isolation, deprived of companionship or joy, hidden from the light of others' care and affection

Are you there
Do you exist, are you present to listen and receive the message that follows

Lonely hearts, they live inside the shadows
People with unfulfilled emotional needs reside within the darkness, separated from the warmth and comfort of human connection

And someone's calling, someone's calling you
An external force is urging you to listen and respond, to step out of your isolation and reach for connection with others

Blind eyes are opened in the shadows
Despite the darkness and blindness of the situation, it is possible to see with clarity and insight, to be awakened from the numbness of isolation

Can you see
Are you able to perceive the light that is breaking through the shadows, to see the potential for connection and hope

Voices crying in the shadows
The emotional pain and longing of those hidden in the darkness is heard, even if it is not seen or acknowledged

Helplessly
Without the power or ability to change the circumstances on their own, the voices cry out for help and connection

And someone's calling, someone's calling you
The external force continues to draw you out of your isolation and towards the potential for connection and mutual support

Contributed by Hudson E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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