I found Spoken about two years ago. Initially, I picked it up from the library because I liked the cover art. I am a sucker for good cover art. It will entice me to check out just about any genre. So I picked up "Last Chance to Breathe" and started listening. My first thought: "whoa, that's a little heavy" with the screaming. But I had just started to listening to people like A Day to Remember and Haste the Day, so it's was an adjustment for me. Then I started to listen closer. The lyrics started to really jump out at me.
I think "1992" is my favorite song on the album. Often with Christian music artists, there isn't much creativity with teh lyrics. It's a lot of "Praise Jesus" and the like. A couple of years ago, I attended an ACSI (Christian schools conference) session where the moderator was commenting on worldview in media (music, movies, and television shows). He commented about the need for creative Christian lyricists to appeal to new markets of listeners. I completely agreeed with him and then really started listening to Christian artists. There wasn't much creativity or artistry. And it was sad. But then I started finding artists like Spoken. Artists that actually put some time and effort into their lyrics to actually say something other than "Praise Jesus." I think that's why I like this song so much. The Christian message is there, but not so obvious that you see it coming from a mile away. It sneaks in there, but makes a much more powerful song.
Lyrics:
I've waited my whole life for this To stand here face to face with you All my failures, fears, and doubts have all been taken away Remember when I waited up through the night just to hear you To hear you call my name The second of your voice took all of my heartache away Taken away I think of all the time I missed Never knowing about you But then your grace could take away my regrets, my insecurities Remember when I waited up through the night just to hear you To hear you say my name The sound of your voice took all of my heartache away Taken away I gave you my heart, I gave everything to you And in return you gave me everything that I could never deserve You gave me freedom I think of all the times I missed Never knowing about you, about you I gave everything to you, I gave everything to you I gave you my heart, I gave everything to you...
Extra fun: the cd has a cover of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" that I just adore.