Mission
Statement: To use the best qualities that the Lord has given him to serve the
Lord through the creation and presentation of music which glorifies Jesus Christ.
"So
that’s what I’m trying to do; just take the absolute best I’ve got and hand it
over to the Lord as a means of thanking Him for saving my life." - John Davis
Themes
of Redemption / God's love for us: "I wanted this album to have an overt
Gospel influence, and not in some thinly-veiled kind of way. I wanted it to be
straight out of the church that I went to as a kid! I want people to feel loved
when they hear it."
Scriptures
which Inspire His Songs....
Romans
12:21: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
1
John 4:4: He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4
This collection of songs found on his new album, JOHN DAVIS, is the next evolving phase of John Davis' musical gifts, adding elements of country, blues, soul, and rock to his Gospel Christian Spiritual foundation. His combined musical experiences are rolled /melded into his musical composition style which began to cement with his work for SUPERDRAG, and is now evolving to a completeness that only the Holy Spirit can inspire.
WOW! What
an album! As you can tell, this reviewer really enjoyed and was blessed by these
songs of struggle, salvation, redemption, and the Lord's love and mercy which is
available to all of us through Jesus Christ.
This reviewer highly recommends this CD for your Christian music collection! In
both minor and major keys, John Davis combines his Gospel, country, and blues
roots with what he learned about rock and "creating inventive melodies"
from his songwriting with his 10 year stint with SUPERDRAG to offer the listener
a very interesting variety of Christian music songs which have both a creative
edge, and meaningful spiritual truths, brought to life with strong dynamics, effective
vocals and harmonies.
This reviewer
especially appreciated the wonderful melodies, the precision & sound in the
accompaniment instruments, the glorious choruses which often contained the punchline
of the song, both musically and message-wise, and of course John Davis' considerable
vocal talents.
However, the songs
on his new CD, JOHN DAVIS not only offer the listener a variety of genres, memorable
melodies, and great use of chordal structures and musical segues, instrumental
rifts, soulful inspiring vocals, but also offer inspiring messages perfectly expressed
by John's vocals, which explore the Lord's mercy, love and redemption in a personal,
clear way.
The compositions offer
just the right musical tone and style, instinctively paired with these clear messages,
which John Davis excels in expressing through his lyrics. John
Davis has a gift of being able to lyrically express his experiences and spiritual
truths about the Lord. For John describes his spiritual transformation and what
he has experienced and learned, telling about how much the Lord loves us, and
our need for a Savior, through the "lyrical language
of traditional Gospel and Gospel-blues."
The
resulting faith and love for Jesus he now embraces because of his personal Damascus
experience is weaved into his lyrics, which clearly express the theme of redemption,
a life-saving reality, which John Davis personally experienced and now lives his
life by, with his wife and baby.
Themes
/ Spiritual meanings found in these songs......
Explore
hitting rock bottom and turning back to God; Personal confession - "I Hear Your
Voice" * "Have Mercy" * "Salvation"
Blessings
of Believing, relying on the Lord - "Nothing Gers
Me Down" * "Jesus Gonna Build Me A Home"
Depending
on the Lord's power - "Tear Me Apart"
About
the Love of our Savior / Our need for Him - "The Kind Of Heart" * "Do You Know How
Much You've Been Loved"
Love and
Commitment in a Christian Marriage: "Stained Glass Window" * "My Girl"
We
need Jesus, choose life in Him - "Too Far Out" * "Lay Your Burden Down" * "Do You Know
How Much You've Been Loved"
Songs on JOHN DAVIS CD - Songs by John Davis. 2004
John Davis brand Music (BMI). Administered by The Loving Company (
Printed with permission).
*
* * + + "I Hear Your Voice" - Words and Music by John Davis.
2nd
favorite song of this reviewer! A moving prayer hymn, with a solemn beat, written
in the minor key in the first half. John Davis makes good use of chord changes
/ modulations to start off this prayer hymn, which lyrically expresses his experience
of asking for God's help in changing his life, when he reached rock bottom. Lyrics
and heartfelt vocals tug at the heart. Melody segues into a major key at the Bridge,
as it lyrically expresses his turning to God, and the new hope which became a
reality. Hook has a happy, peaceful mood, with smooth harmony.
Related
Scriptural References (John 10:14 & 27-30, Phil.4:6-8, Romans 15:13)
Lyrics:
I
hear Your voice inside my heart but I'm so afraid to change. With this place I've
been since my life caved in getting cold, dark, and strange.
Chorus:
I don't know whether to laugh or cry. And I feel like I wanna lay down and die.
I see Your face, it's in my mind,
and I look into Your eyes. I feel so low, I cry out loud, and I look into the
sky.
I don't know whether to
laugh or cry. And I feel like I wanna lay down and die.
Bridge:
How can I keep drifting for the rest of my life? God, I need uplifting. I wanna
know what's it's like to be free. To be the way that You want me to be.
Hook:
ewwwww, ewwwww, ewwwww, ewwwww, ewwwww, ewwwww (Ba ba ba).
*
* * + "Salvation" - - Words and Music by John Davis.
A
hopeful prayer hymn composed in a major key, which continues the theme where the
last song ends. The song has another catchy melody with nice intervals and a peppy
beat - short staccato chordal accompaniment (which supports the melody) on beats
1, 2, 3 & 4, changing chords every two measures until the chorus when broken
chords are effectively played in a bluegrass style for a few stanzas, offering
a nice contrast to the staccato chordal accompaniment. Nice dynamic buildup throughout
the composition in both music and vocals. Very nice piano interlude between chorus
and 2nd verse. Especially love the chorus.
Vocals
show what a talent John Davis has, as he can sing hard intervals and makes it
easily into the upper register in one part of the song (I lost my reason to keep
living).
Related Scriptural References
(Jon. 2:9, Acts 4:12, Romans 1:16, 2nd Tim 3:15, Ephes.2:13)
Lyrics:
Long,
long ago, and far away, I lost my reason to keep living. When I gave up on salvation.
Now I wanna hear that station.
God,
can You hear me drawing near? I lost my reason to keep living. When I gave up
on salvation. Now I wanna hear that station.
Chorus:
Let it roll. Let it fill my soul. Let it make me whole again. Let it rain salvation.
Now I wanna hear that station.
Nice
piano interlude combined with staccato chords.
God,
can You see what's left of me? I lost my reason to keep living. When I gave up
on salvation. Now I wanna hear that station.
*
* * Chorus: Let it roll. Let it fill my soul. Let it make me whole again. Let
it rain salvation. Now I wanna hear that station. Then I gave up on salvation.
Now I wanna hear that station. (Great piano interlude).
Hook:
Then I gave up on salvation. Now I wanna hear that station. (Great piano counter
melody).
* * * + "Me & My Girl" -
Words and Music by John Davis.
Acoustic
ensemble ballad with a peppy beat and a nice full sound, courtesy of acoustic
and electric guitars, with some piano work. Bass has some nice counter melody
scales to add in parts. Very nice chord progressions in catchy melody.
Vocals
and lyrics describe the joy of a loving relationship, and the joy of belonging
to the Lord -- eternal life forever together with the Lord.
Related
Scriptural References (Ephesians 3:16-18, Romans 8:38, Psalm 6:3, 2nd Cor. 5:1)
Lyrics:
As
surely as the world is round and spinning in midair. You know I'll always be around
if you should want me there. There's something we can share. As surely as the
sun gives light and beckons each new day. I'm gonna be with you tonight though
I may be away.
There's something
we can play. Something we can laugh about in the evening. Something we can smile
about as we're leaving.
And we'll
know each other there. It's written here somewhere. A little hole in the ground,
couldn't hold what we've found. We are no longer bound to the things of this world.
Chorus: Me and my girl. I said
she is my girl. Yes, she's my kind of girl. My beautiful girl.
(Nice
electrical guitar solo in interlude).
And
we'll know each other there. It's written here somewhere. A little hole in the
ground couldn't hold what we've found. We are no longer bound to the things of
this world.
Chorus: Me and my
girl. I said she is my girl. Yes, she's my kind of girl. My beautiful girl.
*
* * + "Nothing Gets Me Down" - Words and Music by John Davis.
An
upbeat joyous, energetic rock praise song, with great electric guitar work, thanking
the Lord for his faithfulness, and testifies that the way he got back into life
was being ironclad in the truth; God's Word, and not looking back at past failures,
old behaviors. First part of verse, talked about his old life and the difference
now that he has turned back to Jesus.
Solid
electric guitar work with a rock beat with some great rock guitar rifts in the
interludes.
Related Scriptural
References (John 14:1, Ephes. 6:10-18, Heb. 12:1-3 & 10:22-24, Psalm 119:10)
Lyrics:
Every
night is a Saturday night and it makes me sick. Every night I'm a meteorite on
a one-way trip and I can't admit the truth staring me in the face. And my heart's
all over the place. I know it's just a question of faith. It follows me around.
Nothing gets me down today. If
it's pushing me around, get it outta my way. Your faithfulness is found in the
words that You say. It follows me around. That's why nothing gets me down.
Every
night is a Saturday night and it makes me sad. Skirmish lines and perimeter mines
'round the things we had. I'm ironclad in truth and I'm back in the race. And
I can't look back in disgrace. 'Cause that's the kinda slap in the face I ran
into the ground.
Nothing gets
me down today. If it's pushing me around, get it outta my way. Your faithfulness
is found in the words that You say. It follows me around. That's why nothing gets
me down.
* * * + + "Jesus Gonna
Build Me A Home" - Words and Music by John Davis.
A
great example of country Gospel, done the John Davis way. Begins with Great piano
chordal support of vocals with background organ. Has easy, steady beat. A slide
guitar & electric guitar add spice and texture to the composition.. Very nice
interlude of electric guitar, exploring the melody a bit! Vocals strongly carry
the melody.
John Davis said in
a Rambler Records Bio, "That's just straight-out Gospel music. As R.S. says,
'its a little bit tie-dyed.' It has sort of a music- from Big Pink meets -'Hey
Jude' kind of feel. But to me, it's straight-out Gospel music."
John
Davis comments to Christianmusic.com, "'Jesus Gonna Build Me A Home' is always
a highlight of our stage show for me; no matter what the circumstances; that song
always feels right."
Related
Scriptural References (John 14:2-3, 2nd Cor. 5:1-2, 1 Thes. 5:10, Galations 6:7)
Lyrics:
Lay me down next to my kin. Some day when that trumpet sounds I'm gonna see 'em
again. Everybody's gonna reap what they've sown. Jesus gonna build me a home.
Don't you cry, baby, please don't
you mourn. Everybody's got to die as sure as we're born. But the Bible tells me
Death has no sting. Jesus gonna make me a king.
What's
the use in believing? Satan overjoys in deceiving. We've got to run the race.
If we're gonna see His face. There's nothing I'd rather do. Oh no.
Lay
me down, baby, please let me go. Someday when that trumpet sounds, like I told
you before. Everybody's gonna reap what they've sown. Jesus gonna build me a home.
One I never could've built on my own. Jesus gonna build me a home.
* * * ++ "The Kind Of Heart" - Words and Music by John Davis.
Flowing,
3/4 meter worship hymn which explores the kind of love, kind of heart that Jesus
had to become our sin offering.
Intro
begins with interesting effects of the synthesizer and strings + piano. First
verse to the Bridge is simply the vocals and piano chord on the first beat, reinforced
by synthesizer. Sounds build throughout the composition, as piano part becomes
more intricate, and the dynamics build in intensity and feeling. Nice change in
rhythm and tone of song during the Bridge. Chorus is quieter, poignant and reverent
- quite touching. After chorus, dynamics go up a notch. 2nd verse again begins
quietly, but builds again. John Davis' lovely vocals, and haunting melody and
the excellent lyrical message shine nicely on top of the musical accompaniment.
Related
Scriptural References (Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:4-7, John 1:29 & 3:16, Rev.
5:6)
Lyrics:
If
you took all the sorrows in all of our tomorrow's, and you took all the heartaches,
and misery, and big mistakes, the failures, frustrations, defeats, and damnations,
and you added 'em up, and multiplied that by the weight of the world and the knife
in your back you'd arrive at the equation that would yield you the price of salvation.
Bridge: But there's no way known
to Man to even calculate how to build the kind of heart that wouldn't hesitate
to take all of the wrong that would ever be and then swallow it all up in victory.
* * * Chorus: That's what Jesus
did for you. And He did it for me. So unselfishly. And so gracefully.
Sometimes
I find myself at a loss for words. When taken at face value, it seems so absurd,
to believe in a love that comes on like that. Asking nothing in return, with no
strings attached, to suffer and die, with nothing in mind but the will of the
Father and hope for mankind. We arrive, at the station, all dressed up for our
Transfiguration.
Bridge: But
there's no way known to Man to even calculate, how to build the kind of heart
that wouldn't hesitate, to take all of the wrong that would ever be, and then
swallow it all up in victory.
That's
what Jesus did for you. And He did it for me. So unselfishly. And so gracefully.
* * * + + "Have Mercy" - Words
and Music by John Davis.
Related
Scriptural References (Psalm 51)
Third
favorite song of this reviewer! An inspired mix of blues, soul, and rock combo
used as a backdrop for a heartfelt prayer hymn, with spunk, rhythm, and drive.
Driving, precise electric guitars, background piano counter-melody parts support,
strong, simple 2 meter drum beat and soulful vocals all work together to provide
a fine example of a blues rock blend prayer hymn, which all cooks along with intensity,
with great vocals from John Davis. Song has another great electric guitar work
in the interlude before HOOK.
Lyrics:
Broke-down
and fed-up and I can't keep my head up and I feel like goin' home. Broke-down
and fed-up and I can't keep my head up I believe I'll go back home.
Oh
Lord have mercy, pour out Your mercy on me. Good Lord have mercy, pour out Your
mercy, bring down Your mercy on me. Yeah.
Help
me Jesus 'fore I fall all to pieces won't You carry me back home. Help me Jesus
'fore I fall all to pieces won't You carry me back home.
Oh
Lord have mercy, pour out Your mercy on me. Good Lord have mercy, pour out Your
mercy, bring down Your mercy on me. Yeah.
Hook:
Well my mind is made up and I know my way up. I believe I'll go back home.
*
* * + + "Tear Me Apart" - Words and Music by John Davis.
Written
in a minor key, a slow-but steady paced Christian blues style prayer hymn with
inspiring guitar blues rifts and vocals. Begins with a mournful electric guitar
intro, segues into broken chords which support the main melody carried by fine
bluesy vocals of John Davis, singing from his heart and soul.
Related
Scriptural References (Heb. 13:5, 6, Psalm 46:10 & Psalm 51:10, Romans 12:2)
Lyrics:
Speak
through me. Why don't You speak to me. Lord, break me down and set me right. Glory
be, it ain't no mystery. Transfigure darkness into light.
Well
I'm down here on my knees. And I'm weakened by disease. I want You to tear me
apart. I'll give You back my broken heart, a case of the blues, and some broke-down
travelin' shoes. Whatever I own. Lord I'm afraid to be alone. Way down in my bones.
Lord I'm a long, long way from home. And I don't wanna die alone. Oh no no no.
Speak through me. Don't ever let me
be. Don't ever let me tumble down. Who am I that You should come to bleed and
die? Transfigure silence into sound.
Well
I'm down here on my knees. And I'm weakened by disease. I want You to tear me
apart. And transplant Your perfect heart. Blow down my blues with some supernatural
news. Whatever I own, Lord I lay it before Your throne. Way down in my bones.
Lord I'm a long, long way from home. And I don't wanna die alone. Oh no no no.
* * * + "Stained Glass Window"
- Words and Music by John Davis.
A
lovely love ballad, sung by a man head over heels in love with his wife! A light,
delicate melody begins with light, delicate guitar work and faint string support,
playing support melody for sweet vocals. Nice dynamics throughout the piece.
Related
Scriptural References (Psalm 1:16, 5:8, 2:6)
Lyrics:
I'm
singing a song to you. All day long if you want me to. 'Cause I wouldn't be who
I am if I wasn't your man anymore. Your love is the rain in spring. Brings new
life into everything we do.
If
it wasn't for you, I'd be lonesome and blue that's for sure. So please don't ever
replace me in your heart. Perish the thought of living if we should be apart.
I'll give you my love completely and indiscreetly and tell the world who you are.
I'm singing myself to sleep.
All my dreams will be yours to keep. 'Cause I wouldn't know what I know if I wasn't
your man anymore. Your love is the sunshine too.
A
stained glass window I'm looking through. It's true, if it wasn't for you, I'd
be lonesome and blue that's for sure.
So
please don't ever replace me in your heart. Perish the thought of living if we
should be apart. I'll give you my love completely and indiscreetly and tell the
world who you are.
* * * + +
"Too Far Out" - Words and Music by John Davis.
A
joyous rock worship and praise song which celebrates the love of God for us, lyrics
inspired from John's Damascus experience. Usual interesting melody, effective
vocals bring message to life! Song begins with variety of electric guitars playing
acoustic guitar parts, which become more joyous and rock-oriented as the song
progresses.
Great interlude -
syncopated melody provided courtesy of electric guitars, while one talented soul
(John Davis) provides a splendid guitar rift, which all erupts into a joyous
guitar celebration of sound going into the next verse.
Related
Scriptural References (1 Peter 5:7, 1 John 4:19, Galations 5:16-17)
Lyrics:
If the supernatural seems a little out there, maybe there's a thing or two somebody
ought to say to you. This same God who spared an instant listening to my cries,
opening my disembodied eyes, yonder where the Spirit never dies said to paddle
it in, son.
You're too far out.
Don't get too far out. You win some, you lose some. And you can live without.
Then your life winds out. Are you in or out?
Thank
You, Jesus. Abba, Father. All things are possible with You.
If
the weight of something's got you buckled under, maybe there's a love above. One
you know the story of. This same God whose every feature's chiseled into your
face. Fountain of a boundless grace. One who has the final say said to paddle
it in, son.
You're too far out.
Don't get too far out. You win some, you lose some. And you can live without.
Then your life winds out. Are you in or out? Thank You, Jesus. Abba, Father. All
things are possible with You.
Thank
You, Jesus. Abba, Father. All things are possible with You.
*
* * + + "Lay Your Burden Down" - Words and Music by John Davis.
Favorite
song of this reviewer! Heartfelt, dynamically moving ballad - Written in a minor
key - Begins on a mournful mood, with piano and strings, light percussion, memorable
melody, effective dynamics provide the perfect musical vehicle for this lyrically
expressed this heart to heart talk with some one on a downward spiral, facing
serious problems /trials, who needs Jesus. Some lovely little counter melodies
by strings throughout the song. Especially love the heartfelt chorus!
Related
Scriptural References (Galations 5:1, Matt: 11:28-30, Romans 5:1-5 & 8:35-37,
Rev. 3:20)
Lyrics:
Just
as you were leaving, I was in my own world. Keeping busy breathing. Man, I had
it all wrong.
Bridge: You went
away without telling anyone. What's to be gained in never loving anyone, just
to cheat the pain of losing someone? Don't you know some hard rain is bound to
come? There's gonna be some dark days you'll never outrun.
*
* * ++ Chorus: Brother, won't you lay.... your burden down? Don't you wanna find
some way you won't have to drag it around no more? When you lie awake, when you
break right down, don't you wanna find some way you won't have to drag it around
no more? Don't have to be afraid of the knock at your door.
I
have seen you dreaming. Frame-by-frame in slow-MO. Whimpering and screaming. I
could not let you go oh no.
Bridge:
You went away without telling anyone. What's to be gained in never loving anyone,
just to cheat the pain of losing someone? Don't you know some hard rain is bound
to come? There's gonna be some dark days you'll never outrun.
Chorus:
Brother, won't you lay, your burden down? Don't you wanna find some way, you won't
have to drag it around no more? When you lie awake, when you break right down,
don't you wanna find some way you won't have to drag it around no more? Don't
have to be afraid of the knock at your door.
*
* * + + "Do You Know How Much You've Been Loved" - Words and Music by John Davis.
Fourth
favorite song of this reviewer. Delightful southern Gospel - country style alter
call song, with lovely ensemble harmony, written in easy 3/4 meter, great full
support from acoustic guitars, electric guitar and slide guitars. Once again the
listener hears some effective chord changes and progressions, which flow smoothly
within the delightful melody, which again support the dynamic vocals and meaningful
message of the Lord's love for us and our need for our Savior, Jesus.
Again
another lyrical one on one talk with someone who needs to know Jesus.
Related
Scriptural References (John 10:11, 1 John 4:19, Romans 7:14-25, & 12:2, Ephesians
3:16-19)
Lyrics:
Do
you know how much you've been loved? Have you stopped to consider? Afraid of lookin'
like a quitter? And just being stuck here seems better than nothing.
Do
you know how much you've been loved? Has anyone tried to show you? Wouldn't let
'em try to get to know you. We keep holding onto our hearts. Your senses deceive
you, but Christ can retrieve you. Time's gonna tear us apart. We need something
greater. Sooner or later, you will come to a fork
in the road.
Man, I've been
there myself and I know. It was laid out and played out a long time ago. Do you
know how much you've been loved?
Do
you know how much you've been loved? While you sit there getting older. Always
lookin' over your shoulder. We keep holding onto our past. Your senses might fail
you, don't let 'em derail you. The way of the world takes you fast. We need something
straighter. Sooner or later, you will come to a fork
in the road.
Man, I've been there
myself and I know. It was laid out and played out a long time ago. Do you know
how much you've been loved?
TAG:
Do you know how much you've been loved? Do you know how much you've been loved?
Do you know how much you've been loved?
Reviewed
by Julie Carr - ChristianMusic.com
John Davis Lyrics * John Davis Albums