Time of no consequence on this summer afternoon. Reclining comfortably on the cool grass, my back against the shady oak. Around me gossamer wings of dragonflies work overtime returning my incredulous stare.
Birdsong fills the air as buttercups wave in the breeze. My mind wanders wherever it wishes and I remember childhood family walks through these fields. Being the youngest I’d sit atop my father’s shoulders. My siblings carrying the makings of a picnic our mother would set on a tartan blanket. After, we would play hide and seek and make daisy chains to wear. Happy as larks we would run until exhausted and collapse in a heap under a tree.
Through the deep caves of thought I hear a voice that sings. Unrecognizable at first but then as I stir it becomes clearer. The beautiful sound of a summer lark completing my reverie.
Jim Adams has continued with his body part theme for this week’s Song Lyric Sunday. The prompts are Arms, Elbows, Knees and Legs. I have chosen With Arms Wide Open by Creed. For some reason I have a soft spot for certain singers. To name a few, Lenny Kravitz, Eminem, Ed Sheeran and Scott Stapp of Creed. They all have personal stories that have touched my heart. Today’s song written by Stapp reflects his personal story.
Lead singer Scott Stapp wrote this song after finding out he was going to be a father. He had a son named Jagger, and later had two more children.
Once he found out that he was going to have a son, Stapp wrote this song because he didn’t want his child facing the same problems he faced while growing up. Stapp was from a very strict, very devout Christian household and he didn’t want his son to grow up questioning himself and his faith like Scott did. Stapp told us: “Don’t we always want our kids to be better than us? Don’t we always want them to have a better experience in this life and this journey than we did? So I think that from my point of view I’m beginning to see why that song struck a chord with multiple generations: because it touches on a feeling and sentiments that are universal for fathers, and for parents in general.”
The title became the name of a foundation set up by Stapp to help children and families. To launch the With Arms Wide Open Foundation, the band released a limited edition “enhanced-package single” in September 2000, with proceeds going to the charity. The single contained an orchestrated version, a rock version, an acoustic reading, and the music video.
This won the 2000 Grammy for Best Rock Song. It was also nominated for Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal.
The song inspired a T-shirt sold at The Hard Rock Cafe to benefit the With Arms Wide Open Foundation. The shirt features Stapp holding a child.
This was Creed’s only #1 hit on the Pop charts, although they had several other #1s on the Mainstream Rock charts.
Well I just heard the news today It seems my life is going to change I close my eyes, begin to pray Then tears of joy stream down my face
With arms wide open Under the sunlight Welcome to this place I'll show you everything With arms wide open With arms wide open
Well I don't know if I'm ready To be the man I have to be I'll take a breath, I'll take her by my side We stand in awe, we've created life
With arms wide open Under the sunlight Welcome to this place I'll show you everything With arms wide open Now everything has changed I'll show you love I'll show you everything
With arms wide open With arms wide open I'll show you everything, oh yeah With arms wide open, wide open
If I had just one wish Only one demand I hope he's not like me I hope he understands That he can take this life And hold it by the hand And he can greet the world With arms wide open
With arms wide open Under the sunlight Welcome to this place I'll show you everything With arms wide open Now everything has changed I'll show you love I'll show you everything With arms wide open With arms wide open
I'll show you everything, oh yeah With arms wide open, wide open
Writer/s: Mark Tremonti, Scott Stapp Publisher: RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind
When I was eight
Things were not so great
Life gave me such a kick
I grew up pretty quick
A child expecting a present
Instead was delivered unpleasant
My parents started fighting
Just the beginning of writing
That was clearly on the wall
Witnessing the nightly brawl
My father was an unhappy man
My mother trying the best she can
The combination explosive
Their relationship corrosive
Living life under cumulus clouds
Feeling like the dead covered in shrouds
I learned to fake
Even though my heart would ache
Every ounce of pain
They delivered without refrain
Hurting each other mercilessly
Only to be regretted remorsefully
Suffering the pain as a mortal
Damage to the psyche immortal
Communication with each other
Was really like no other
I was the chosen intermediary
Carrying their messages diligently
The peacekeeper of the house
Keeping family secrets quiet as a mouse
Too clever for my young age
I became the family sage
Learning the art of improvise
Trying to get parents to compromise
It was a huge burden to carry
Acting as their emissary
On the shoulders of someone so young
At eight years old this was no fun
They were unable to make decisions
There were only divisions
A merry go round of hostility
I finally had enough servility
If I had any potential
Then escape was essential
Breaking loose of that scene
When I was eighteen
