With Arms Wide Open by Creed

Album: Human Clay (1999)

Charted: 13 1

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Songfacts®:

Creed lead singer Scott Stapp wrote the lyric to "With Arms Wide Open" after finding out he was going to be a father. He had a son named Jagger, and later had two more children.

In a 2013 Songfacts interview with Stapp, he said of the song: "It continues to have relevant meaning in my life because as I sing it now, I think of my daughter who's now on this planet and alive. And then I think of my newest son, my three-year-old, Daniel. And then I think back to the spirit and the somewhat naiveté, just that brutal honesty that that song expressed as me being a young man and approaching fatherhood for the first time.

Now I'm a full-fledged father with a 14-year-old, a daughter who's going to be 7 in June and my youngest, who's 3. So those are still my feelings. And as a human being and as a father, my feelings haven't changed one bit from those that are expressed in that song. Every time I sing it, I can connect with it again and again and again because I'm no longer expressing fears in my thoughts about being a father; I'm a full-fledged living-it-every-day father. So it just rings true to me."
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 Songfacts: "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."
Scott Stapp's songwriting partner in Creed is guitarist Mark Tremonti - they've written all their songs together, typically with Stapp on lyrics and Tremonti handling the music.

Those two knew each other in high school together and later connected at Florida State University, where they formed the band. When Creed broke up (for the first time) in 2004, Tremonti formed Alter Bridge with frontman Myles Kennedy and the two other members of Creed: Brian Marshall and Scott Phillips. Creed has had fits and starts, reuniting in 2009 and again in 2024, but Alter Bridge has been more consistent and far more prolific than Creed in their musical output.
"With Arms Wide Open" won the 2000 Grammy for Best Rock Song, an award that went to the writers, Scott Stapp and Mark Tremonti. It was also nominated for Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal.

That Grammy award was the only win for Creed, Stapp or Tremonti.
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.

The song also inspired a T-shirt sold at The Hard Rock Cafe to benefit the foundation. The shirt shows Stapp holding a child.
"With Arms Wide Open" is one of Creed's most popular songs and their only #1 hit on the Hot 100. It was the third single from their second album, Human Clay, following "Higher" and "What If."

The band has an inspiring origin story: They made their 1997 debut album, My Own Prison, in a home studio for $6,000 and pressed copies themselves, which they took to radio stations and record stores in the Tallahassee, Florida area. The rock radio station X101.5 played the song "My Own Prison" and listeners loved it. The album started selling, and Creed earned a record deal.

With label support, the songs from that album started getting airplay in 1998. Creed competed successfully with the teen-pop and R&B that was big at this time, carving out a swath of the pop music market with their melodic rock. They always had some detractors (critics, in particular), but when they again saturated the airwaves in 1999, many listeners simply burned out on Creed, and by the time they released their next album, Weathered, in 2001, they were suffering Nickelback-level backlash.
"With arms wide open" describes Scott Stapp's signature stage move, as seen in many of Creed's music videos, including this one. Known as the Jesus Christ Pose, he throws back his arms and looks to the heavens.
In 2024, Jon Hamm and Jimmy Fallon made their own version of the "With Arms Wide Open" video. Somehow they found nearly identical copies of the yellow jacket Scott Stapp wore in the original video.

Comments: 49

Nicolette F. from Long Island, NyI cannot put into words what this song means to me. I’m a 30 year old woman who lost her father at 25 years old. My father used to sing this song to me when I was just a little girl and I can remember it like it was yesterday. He told me when he found out my mother was pregnant this song was his song to me. It’s hard to understand our parents sometimes but having lyrics to understand is amazing and something so special because now that he’s gone I feel him through this song every single time it comes on. I take it as a sign whenever it comes on. I got a tattoo with praying hands, my father’s rosary beads and the lyrics to higher surrounding it. With arms wide open is right smack in the middle of the praying hands. My father loved to follow the Catholic ways, he learned that from my grandfather but sometimes I think it’s hard to pass that down through generations. I tried to get into the catholic ways like he was but I’m just not sure. I believe he’s still here with me and that’s higher power is always watching me. I believe it’s my father and maybe that’s what god is to many people, a “higher power”, a spirit that just watches over us, protects us and is a father to us. Just like my father was to me. So many thoughts I could write out in this comment but this is for anyone who’s lost their father and relates to this song because they got them into creed when they were super young and now it’s a staple in your life. Thank god for our angel’s up there who brought us into the world of creed. I’ll be attending the Are You Ready Tour the day after thanksgiving 2024 and I’m hoping to bring a sign/poster with a picture of my tattoo so Scott and Mark see it. They need to know how much impact they have had on humans with this song. I’ll leave all of this here. God bless and RIP Daddyo, love you big guy.
Cris L from Woodstock, Ga.When I first heard this song I just couldn't help but play it over & over b/c of the instrumental part. I could only make out certain parts of the lyrics , but continued to turn it up & sing what I did know..but, I have to say after reading the lyrics & seeing the video for the first time I couldn't stop crying. I have 3 children of my own & the way Scott explained the lyrics & how it was written for/about his children was just so right on. Like someone else mentioned you can not only hear the rawness of his voice , but also feel his soul singing those beautifully written words. When I read the comments from Eric, 18, who lost his mom & sister @ the age of 10 & was left to raise his sisters son & Nelia from South Africa whose husband died b4 he got to see his son's 2nd B-day, my heart & prayes go out to you & your children. I just couldn't stop bawling after reading your stories. Eric I commend you for taking on such a heavy burden @ such a young age. What a man your mother made.. I'm so truly sorry for your losses & I will continue to pray for both of you. May God bless you in many ways.
It truly is a beautiful song, thank you Scott for it. I will probably cry my eyes out now every time I hear it b/c I now know the true meaning of the song. Thank you for sharing such a brilliant, beautiful song w/ us. My God bless you & your children as well.
Jenninebraska from NebraskaThis song was THE hardest song to listen to, after going thru 3 miscarriages and almost dying from my 3rd. All before having two amazing beautiful and perfect boys. I litertally couldn't listen to this song without a heartache and tear until I had my first kid 14 years ago.
Jeanie From Tx from TxThis is the most soul grabbing song for me. Love every word. No one else could sing it now…
Dictator Dan from Australia@Jeremy from Texas
Your the god botherer... not me...
its your god......don't tell me its mine.
Jeremy from Texas I heard this song and honestly thought he was talking about the Holy Spirit and our Lord, Jesus Christ. But reading about the lyrics now, I think God did bless him with three beautiful children so in a way, yes this song is on a religious genre for me. Congratulations on your three beautiful children
Jill from UkMy son said this song said exactly what he felt at the birth of his daughter in 2001. Sadly, my son died two weeks ago. This will be played at his funeral
Nelia from South AfricaLove this song. We found out were having a baby, but daddy had no emotions at all, he when to work and came home after shift . Gave me a peace of paper towel as i open it Heading is With Arms Wide Open he sad me down on the bed put his head on my tummy and started singing the song as tears roll down from both our cheeks i could feel the deep intense feel of both his love and the meaning of the song. we lost daddy due to car accident 19months later. I will never in my life forget that day and the feelings. Love Love Love
Blue from Kentucky An absolutely GREAT song.
Andrea from Australia How can anyone not love this song; the intensity and rawness touches deep to the very soul.; great song; One that tells a story and really puts across a beautiful message. LOVE IT
Thomas Babineau from Kiln,msI've Sang it at least 10 times Karaoke nights it Designated with Me as A Christian Song as Jesus saying these things to me. I'll Show You Love I'll Show You Everything with Arms Wide Open.
When I Sang it I Related to God saying I Got You. It still means that for me so after so long it will be difficult for me to receive the message any other way as When I'm Singing it for God.
Because their is no Father who bare Arms more Wide open Than Jesus Christ.
I would of bet it was a Christian Song.
And I wrote UNCONDITIONALLY.
I should of got it but I think it can have multiple meanings that apply to Your Situation.
Emmy from Bellville, OnLove this song.
Zack from Noblesville, InThis song helped me realize I am ready but at the same time not ready to be a father. It really opened my eyes to the concept.
Megan from Stevenson, AlI love his voice! These guys are amazing! Best song Creed ever did! LOVE THE LYRICS!
Jokr from New Castle, Paliving with arms wide open and not letting go ..... he hang on there on the broken tree for what life had to show the price of.... what have you gave back to which he could bare on his back walking up the shattered ground...
Eric from Yankton, Sdwell i wasnt going to be a father but basicly was becoming one after my sister passed away when i was 10 and i basicly took over dennis he was 3 and i sill have him to this day hes 12 yrs old now and strong and we stand tall together we love eacher other like hes my own my dad was never around much jsut suported the money for him and i took him shoping and to the store for food and my mom also died in the car accendent with my sister so i was left alone and now moved out of hte house im 18 and we live happly
Nathan Ritz from Marengo , Ini almost forgot Ed, pearl jam sucks, just to let you know
Nathan Ritz from Marengo , Ini got addicted to this song when my neice was born, Brooklynn, the most beautiful baby girl that i have ever seen, thats no joke, most 2 year olds dont even compare to her
Angela from Cartersville, Gai love this song but dude i had not idea it was sbout that!!!and it still rocks
Tom from South Bend, InLook. I am 39 years old. It was about when I was 23 or 24 that I realized that I wanted children and to build a family. I got married when I was 33 yrs old on the intent that I was starting to live my dream. It didnt happen. Now that I have divorced, I hear this song and think of what my emotions would be "if" my dreams had been realized. The point of the song is in awe of God and His ultimate miracle of giving life and our as oerents resposabilty to make these children better than we are. No matter how "good" or "great" we or society and our friends feel we are. We all know our own hidden and secret flaws. This song is about a man telling and feeling the greatest devout Love for another human being, and promising to instruct and lead that child to be a better human than he is.
Austin from Smallsville,new England, --Staind did a cover of this song.
Angela from Cartersville, GaI love this song. Keep on!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Greg from Kalispell, Mtheyy im about too be a father and imm really exited.. and this song really touched me when i was younger and i know now how important it is. i hope my kid doesnt make the mistakes i did, i lovve this song!
Brody from Buford, Gathis song really got out to me because i just hade a little brother who we almost lost during the pregnancy and it was wierd when the second the song was on the radio and finished we got a call from the doctors saying we have him and he will be fine and i just think that was the most amazing thing and that is what makes it my favorite song so thank you for taking comment and that just to let you know it is by far my favorite song ever. And your lyrics really got out to me during my sadness so you still in 2008 are appreciated. so i love creed bye
Michael from Wareham, Mato Ed in IL, it sounds nothing like eddie vedder. Sure, he has a deep voice, but not the unique warbling in Eddie vedder's voice. Scott Stapp's voice is leaner.
Michelle from Sydney, AustraliaThis is the only song I know by the band Creed... and it is my favourite and i love the clip and i respect you guys as artist and i would love to see you live:):0
Ed from Incognito, IlNice song, but it's a complete Pearl Jam sound-a-like
John from Hendersonville, NcThe studio version sucks, but live performances are awesome.
Alaina from Non Ya, Molove it!
Tearsofblood from Nowhere That Concerns YouWhen I first heard this song, I thought the line "We stand in awe, we've created life" was "We're standing on, recreated lands". It was the first creed song I ever heard.
Joel from Columbia, ScI have always thought that it was about dying and going to Heaven.
Matt from Melbourne, AustraliaThis song always depressed the hell out of me because I *didn't* feel like that when I found out I was going to be a father. So glad now that I am, but always regret feeling how I felt.
Jeremy from Lafayette, LaI agree with the comments posted, but I always thought it had to do with him going to heaven. But this is good too. I think a song should mean what you want it to.
Sarah from Pp, Canadayeah this song really has said alot... since my parents are very religious i kind of have to question my faith... its a very awesome song
Mandy from Austin, TxKevin that is so sweet!!Same thing with me I had my chid at a very young age too!!And I regret it!!But I want my daughter to know the dangers of that!!
Kevin from New York, NyThis song means a lot to me because last year when I was 17 my girlfriend found out she was pregnant with twins.Raleigh and Ashton!My son Ashton doesn't need to do what I did!And my daughter Raleigh doesn't either!Thank u Creed 4 an amazing song!!
Wc from Antelope Valley, CaThank you Creed for making songs that don't have to do with drugs and actually have a good meaning that makes sense. You helped me become a better person and have a stronger hold in my believes.
Nathan from Defiance, OhI get sick just thinking how Creed has won more Grammys than The Beatles. This song proves, that Grammys mean absolutely nothing.
John from Sydney, AustraliaYeah, you're very right actually. The album version is quite different. The only reason I was able to compare was because I purchased their "Greatest Hits" album - which came with a DVD. The ablum version of the song doesn't have any orchestra in it, but the album came with a DVD of some of their songs. The DVD version of the song does have the orchestra. So I suppose if you REALLY want the version with the orchestra you could by the "Greatest Hits"? Probably not the cheapest option... sorry.
Jimmy from Cleveland, OhThe Album version of With Arms Wide Open bums me out. It doesn't sound at all like what I hear on the radio or when the video plays. On the album I've got, the song has no orchestra and the drummer is playing so loose, that it sounds like a different song. Where can I find the version that was the big hit?
Sam from Beirut, Othera very amazing song indeed
Dude from Tx, TxWaiting for you and ME! it's a prepositional phrase! I've heard people name their kids "Science" and "Identity". James Hogg named his daughter Ima. True story.
Charlemagne from Tomball, Txa "fathers" arms are wide open.... the choice is after all, ours .... and while HE waits... Heavely Fathers arms are wide open....waiting for you and I
Peace be with you always...... : )
Shantaa from Peoria, AzI really appriciate everything that you have done for all the charities. I really love this song because it has made me think of life in a different persective. Thanks again for making such a great song and dedicating it to charities.
Jo from Newcastle, AustraliaUm, Gabe, heard of Mick...?
More to the point, what kind of name is 'Apple' (Chris Martin from Coldplay's daughter???)
Gabe from Utica, NyThis is one of the best slow songs ever written. I just have to say one thing. What kind of name is "jagger"?
Paul from Pueblo, CoThis song was made for Scotts son. He explains in the song how he doesn't want his son to make the same mistakes as he did growing up. He says that hehopes his son can do better.
Melanie from Gatineau, Canadai like this song..but i had no idea this song was about like a father-son kind of thing..thanx!
Pete from Nowra, Australiagreat song about a fathers love for his child ,eshould be more of it

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