The stories behind the songs of "Chasing"

The stories behind the songs

Chasing was written in November of 2011 and came while I was at home in my office. I had sat down to write for the afternoon and wasn’t feeling motivated at all and just began to pray and think about my heart before the Lord and truly what music and worship is all about. Then a phrase began to run through my head “I’ve been chasing the wind…” It wasn’t really a “Oh I’m writing a cool song," moment. It was more of a painful, “ouch!” Because as I continued singing my heart to the Lord I realized that I had lost sight of the one goal and purpose of my music, my minsitry, and my entire life! It's ALL about bringing glory to Him and it’s only in that place that true joy is found.

Incarnation song was written back in early 2010 and is probably the most ‘corporate song’ on this album. I really love this song. I co wrote it with my wife (fiancé at the time) Naomi. I had been taking a class entitled “The life of Christ” at the time and had been meditating on the birth of Jesus. I wanted to set visualizations to what that seen must have looked like and stare at the wonder of The Divine becoming a helpless little baby. This song brings my heart to the place of worship and adoration of Christ over and over again. Anna Blanc also wrote a great double chorus which I wasn't able to put on this album. I'm saving it for version of this song that as the whole band - which hopefully will be coming soon!

Wedding song: I wrote this song for my wife Naomi and recorded it just before my wedding in June 2010. Then while we were taking communion I played it for her for the first time. It was a special moment and this song will always have a very special place in my heart. To clarify, the version on this album is not what I played at my wedding. That version had full orchesetral arrangements done by my good friend Josh Hawkins - I hope to include those on my next full length album.

Evident to all: I wrote this during a time in my life when it seemed like I was constantly worrying. It’s amazing how easy it is for us to lose perspective about who God is and how much He loves and cares for us. I wrote this song while (worrying) and leading a set at IHOP (I wasn't worrying about my set, it was about 'other things' : ). Earlier in the day during my prayer time I had been meditating on Philippians 4:4-7. So I started that passage and the entire song just flowed out. The chorus of this song has come to mind so many times in my life and I declare it over and over again. Big thanks to Jace Olsen for coming up with the title for this song! 

Longing of Eden: talks about the longing to be in the glory of original creation. I got the verse of this song while pacing back and forth praying in the prayer room. Thinking about that moment in time when Adam and Eve fell and what that must have felt like when suddenly they felt shame for the first time. I can't imagine how it was never having negative emotions, but I am longing for the day when I wont have them anymore! I long to be in the place of paradise again. I CAN'T WAIT for His city to be on earth! (Rev 21-22). 

The last Adam: I wrote this song while leading a Saturday morning 8am solo devotional with about 20 people in the room (those were the days!) I was singing through 1 Corinthians 15 and wrote the song on stage with my pen and paper I had up there with me. I honestly didn’t even really grasp the weight of what I was singing at the time and was just singing the scripture. Over the years this song has come to mean so much to me. I’ve played it at several people’s funerals and it’s brought such hope to me knowing that there is going to be a resurrection.  

© 2012 Justin Rizzo