Yahweh

Album: Fallen (2015)
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Songfacts®:

  • This song was co-written by Sevendust guitarist Clint Lowery. Speaking about the collaboration, Stryper frontman Michael Sweet said: "I met Clint Lowery of Sevendust on a plane last year. He said hello and when we got off the plane we took a photo and he mentioned the influence Stryper was on him when he was younger. It was surprising to hear due to the obvious talent that Clint is blessed with.

    We started following each other on Twitter and Instagram and then we exchanged contact info. I reached out to Clint and asked him if he would like to co-write a track or two for the new Stryper album. Clint agreed and sent me a few riff ideas. I was instantly drawn to the riff that he sent which eventually became 'Yahweh.' I took his original idea and somehow created this 6:30-minute song, which is quite epic and honestly may be one of the most powerful songs we've done in a long time. I sent it to Chris Jericho [Fozzy] and he texted me, writing, 'Yahweh' is your best tune, maybe since you reunited.'

    Once the song was mixed, I sent it to Clint and he responded with, 'The tune is amazing, man. It's got that old-school spirit with this modern take. That choir vibe on chorus is beautiful. Vibe change for the solo. Epic, my man. Solos are stellar. I don't remember sending anything near this cool.'"
  • The title of this song refers to God's name. In Hebrew it was written YHWH, as originally there were no vowels in the language. Jews used Adonai (Lord) instead for fear of taking God's name in vain. The vowels AOA were inserted in YHWH in time, and so became YAHOWAH.
  • The song was inspired by Mel Gibson's epic movie about Jesus. "I was so moved by The Passion of the Christ. Even though it was bloody and disturbing, it represented what actually happened," said Sweet. "I wanted the lyrics to be the same way."

Comments: 1

  • Anonymous from Lindasuch a powerful and factual account of Christ's life. I love the Hoppers rendition the best. Standing ovation as soon as it ends
    The songwriters got it all right. Thanks for bringing this song to life.
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