Tigerlily Sandybanks of Frogmorton

I am such a huge Backstreet Boys fan. Well, at least I used to be. I still like some of their music, but they should now be referred to as the Backstreet Men. Except for Nick. I still see him as a boy.

But my favorite has always been Brian. I think because he was a little more shy, a little more reserved, not so willing to expose himself or to do things he didn’t want to do just for the publicity they might receive because of it. And although I didn’t know it for a long time, he is also a Christian. That is very ironic because I had four other friends who each had their Backstreet Boy. None of the other Backstreet Boys are Christians (as far as I know), and none of those friends of mine are Christians (as far as I know). But they do resemble their Backstreet Boy in some way or another. I didn’t know it, but I was destined to be a Christian like Brian.

I love Brian’s songs. I have always loved his voice, regardless of what he was singing about, but his solo gospel songs are so incredibly deep and moving. One that I have recently become very moved by is called “I’m Alive.” Here are the lyrics:

I lived a lot of life
I caught a dream or two
It’s been a sweet ride

But I’ve faced my share of nights
Searched like we all do
Looking inside

Now I’m standing here
‘Cause You’ve made it clear

This heart inside me beats because
You loved enough to take my cross
I’m alive
You gave Your life to shatter death
So even after my last breath
I’m alive
I’m finally wide awake
I’m finished being know
It’s a new day

I feel it on my face
In hope’s a midnight sun
That won’t fade

I’m bowing down
And I’m crying out

This heart inside me beats because
You loved enough to take my cross
I’m alive
You gave Your life to shatter death
So even after my last breath
I’m alive

Forever, forevermore
Forever, Lord

I think the most moving part for me is when he sings “So even after my last breath, I’m alive” because it’s so true. I’m still afraid of death. I’m afraid of dying. But it makes it a lot less scary to know that I will still be alive after death on this earth. It will just be an infinitely better alive than I could ever hope to have here on earth. That hit me real hard when listening to this song just now.

Seriously, if you get a chance, listen to this song. Buy his CD or search it on YouTube. Or if you have Zune or iTunes or some other program, maybe just listen to a snippet. And if you like it well enough, then buy it. I love it.

PS – The harmony is awesome, and I am all about harmony.

PPS – I also love that if you go to his website, the photos are not just of him, like most self-centered musicians and actors do. They are of him and his family. His life. That’s just awesome to me. It looks like you would see those pictures in an album in their house, you know?