If We Are the Body explained

If We Are the Body
Type:single
Artist:Casting Crowns
Album:Casting Crowns
Recorded:Glow in the Dark Studio (Decatur, GA)
Zoo Studio (Franklin, TN)
Genre:CCM, acoustic rock
Label:Beach Street
Producer:Mark A. Miller, Steven Curtis Chapman
Next Title:Who Am I
Next Year:2004

"If We Are the Body" is the debut single by Christian rock band Casting Crowns. Written by Mark Hall and produced by Mark A. Miller and Steven Curtis Chapman, it was released as the lead single from the band's 2003 self-titled debut album through Beach Street Records on July 26, 2003. The song, originally written by Hall as a "teaching tool" for his youth group, is a CCM and acoustic rock song. It incorporates the violin, mandolin, and accordion in its arrangement and questions why the Christian church does not minister impartially.

"If We Are the Body" received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its lyrics and arrangement, and it was nominated for the awards for Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year at the 35th GMA Dove Awards. The song spent three weeks at number one on the Radio & Records Christian AC and Christian CHR charts and peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs and Hot Christian AC charts.

Background and recording

According to lead singer Mark Hall, "If We Are the Body" was originally written for use as a "teaching tool" in his youth group. Hall, a youth pastor, said that "[the youth group had] forgotten what the body of Christ looked like" and commented that "The world is well aware of what the church is against, but they aren’t always aware of what it’s for. Everybody in the body of Christ is given gifts to minister with; and when Christians aren’t using these gifts, the body suffers". Hall's inspiration for writing the song came from the second chapter of the book of James, where the writer "admonishes" readers to "steer clear of giving preferential treatment to any one particular group over another, such as favoring the rich over the poor".

"If We Are the Body" was produced by Mark A. Miller and Steven Curtis Chapman. It was recorded at Zoo Studio in Franklin, Tennessee by Sam Hewitt and mixed by Steve Bishir at Oxford Sound. Additional recording was conducted by Matt Goldman at Glow In The Dark Studio in Decatur, Georgia.[1]

Composition

"If We Are the Body" is a song with a length of three minutes and 58 seconds.[2] It is set in common time in the key of F minor and has a tempo of 126 beats per minute. Mark Hall's vocal range in the song spans from the low note of C♯3 to the high note of F♯4.[3] A CCM song, it has an acoustic rock sound[4] and incorporates the violin, mandolin, and accordion in its arrangement. Featuring "energetic instrumental spurts and tight melodies", the song "admonishes the church for giving preferential treatment to any one particular group over another" and questions why the church does not minister impartially.[5] The song's chorus, which references the Christian concept of the body of Christ, asks "If we are the body, why aren't his arms reaching?/Why aren't his hands healing?/Why aren't his words teaching?/And if we are the body, why aren't his feet going?/Why is his love not showing them there is a way?"[6] "If We Are the Body" challenges the church to welcome outsiders and to "get more visibly involved in changing this world".

Critical reception and accolades

"If We Are the Body" received positive reviews from music critics. Kim Jones of About.com noted it as a "highlight" from Casting Crowns.[7] Andy Argyrakis of CCM Magazine said that the song "commands attention" of lead singer Mark Hall.[8] Belinda S. Ayers of Christian Broadcasting Network described it as "powerful" and "catchy".[9] Steve Best of Cross Rhythms felt it was an example of Casting Crowns being "more... than rock bluster".[10] Russ Breimeier of The Fish felt "If We Are the Body" evokes "Michael Card and Keith Green" in its lyrical message.[11] At the 35th GMA Dove Awards, "If We Are the Body" was nominated for the awards for Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year.[12]

Chart performance

"If We Are the Body" was released to Christian AC and Christian CHR radio on July 26, 2003 as the lead single from Casting Crowns' eponymous debut album.[13] [14] It debuted at number 37 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart for the chart week of August 23, 2003[15] and dropped off the chart the following week.[16] The song re-entered at number 37 for the chart week of September 6, 2003,[17] In its seventh chart week, "If We Are the Body" advanced to number 24[18] and in its 10th chart week, it advanced to number seven.[19] In its 12th chart week, "If We Are the Body" reached its peak position of number three on the Hot Christian Songs chart.[20] It also peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot Christian AC chart and spent three weeks atop both the Radio & Records Christian AC and Christian CHR charts.

Live performances

Casting Crowns has performed "If We Are the Body" live in concert. At a concert on April 1, 2005 at Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the band opened up their set list with the song.[21] At a concert on November 12, 2005 at the Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, they performed it as the third song on their set list.[22] They performed the song at a concert held on March 22, 2008 at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.[23] Casting Crowns performed "If We Are the Body" as the second song on their set list at their February 4, 2010 concert at Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri.[24] The band performed it at their February 16, 2012 concert at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan.[25]

Personnel

Credits taken from Allmusic.[26] Casting Crowns

Additional musicians

Production and Technical

Charts

Chart (2003)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Billboard Hot Christian AC[27] 3
Billboard Hot Christian Songs[28] 3
Radio & Records Christian AC[29] 1
Radio & Records Christian CHR1
Chart (2004)! scope="col"
Position
Billboard Hot Christian AC[30] 19
Billboard Hot Christian Songs[31] 19
Chart (2000s)! scope="col"
Position
Billboard Hot Christian AC[32] 54

Release and radio history

DateFormatLabel
July 26, 2003Christian AC radio[33] Beach Street/Reunion
Christian CHR radio[34]

Notes and References

  1. Casting Crowns (DualDisc). Casting Crowns. 2003. 10. Beach Street Records.
  2. Web site: Casting Crowns by Casting Crowns. October 7, 2003. iTunes. Apple Inc. August 14, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120415074218/http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/casting-crowns/id269440887. April 15, 2012. live. mdy-all.
  3. Casting Crowns – If We Are the Body Digital Sheet Music. Musicnotes.com EMI Christian Music Group. MN0049074.
  4. Web site: The Altar and the Door, Christian Music Review. Farias. Andree. The Fish. Christianity Today. July 14, 2012.
  5. MacIntosh. Dan. July 2004. Storytellers. CCM Magazine. Salem Publishing. 27. 1. July 15, 2012. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120510054543/http://ht.salemweb.net/ccm/ccmmagazine/pdf/200407.pdf. May 10, 2012.
  6. Price. Deborah Evans. September 10, 2005. Breaking the Mold. Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 117. 37. 28–29. July 13, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20140629015716/http://books.google.com/books?id=sBMEAAAAMBAJ. June 29, 2014. live. mdy-all.
  7. Web site: Casting Crowns  - 'Casting Crowns'. Jones. Kim. About.com. The New York Times Company. July 12, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121014230913/http://christianmusic.about.com/cs/cdreviews/gr/gr_castingcrown.htm. October 14, 2012. live. mdy-all.
  8. In Review: Music. Argyrankis. Andy. December 2003. CCM Magazine. Salem Publishing. 26. 6. 64. July 12, 2012. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120510025723/http://ht.salemweb.net/ccm/ccmmagazine/pdf/200312.pdf. May 10, 2012.
  9. Web site: Music Review: Casting Crowns. Ayers. Belinda S. Christian Broadcasting Network. July 12, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20130801110142/http://www.cbn.com/entertainment/music/casting_crowns.aspx. August 1, 2013. live. mdy-all.
  10. Web site: Casting Crowns  - Casting Crowns. Best. Steve. January 1, 2004. Cross Rhythms. July 12, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20130515073010/http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Casting_Crowns/Casting_Crowns/8448/. May 15, 2013. live. mdy-all.
  11. Web site: Casting Crowns, Christian Music Review. Breimeier. Russ. The Fish. Christianity Today. July 12, 2012.
  12. Web site: Nominees for the GMA's 35th Annual Music Awards. Gospel Music Association. https://web.archive.org/web/20040626085557/http://www.doveawards.com/categories/nominees.cfm. June 26, 2004. August 16, 2012.
  13. Web site: Overnight Sensation. Herman. Michael. The Fish. Christianity Today. July 13, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121013203014/http://www.thefish.com/music/interviews/11617828/Overnight-Sensation/. October 13, 2012. live. mdy-all.
  14. Price. Deborah Evans. July 19, 2003. Miller Starts Christian Label. Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 115. 29. 6. July 13, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20140101083538/http://books.google.com/books?id=WhEEAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0. January 1, 2014. live. mdy-all.
  15. Christian Songs (August 23, 2003). Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. August 6, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20140626232746/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2003-08-23/christian-songs?order=gainer. June 26, 2014. live. mdy-all.
  16. Hot Christian Songs (August 30, 2003). Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. August 6, 2012. https://archive.today/20120806181254/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/3050755. live. August 6, 2012.
  17. Hot Christian Songs (September 6, 2003). Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. August 6, 2012. https://archive.today/20120806181628/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/3050836. live. August 6, 2012.
  18. Hot Christian Songs (October 11, 2003). Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. August 6, 2012. https://archive.today/20120806181818/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/3051241. live. August 6, 2012.
  19. Hot Christian Songs (November 1, 2003). Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. August 6, 2012. https://archive.today/20120806182148/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/3051485. live. August 6, 2012.
  20. Hot Christian Songs (November 15, 2003). Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. August 6, 2012. https://archive.today/20120806182510/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/3051650. live. August 6, 2012.
  21. Web site: All Things New Tour 2005. DiBiase. John. April 3, 2005. Jesus Freak Hideout. August 5, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20130116123314/http://jesusfreakhideout.com/concerts/AllThingsNewTour052.asp. January 16, 2013. live. mdy-all.
  22. Web site: Lifesong Tour. Mabee. Justin. November 16, 2005. Jesus Freak Hideout. August 5, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120512151141/http://jesusfreakhideout.com/concerts/LifesongTour05.asp. May 12, 2012. live. mdy-all.
  23. News: Concert review: Casting Crowns serious about faith, not themselves. Pinkham. Paul. March 24, 2008. The Florida Times-Union. jacksonville.com. August 5, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20160322003716/http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/032408/met_260968396.shtml. March 22, 2016. live. mdy-all.
  24. Web site: Review: Casting Crowns. Brownlee. Bill. February 5, 2010. Back to Rockville. Kansas City Star. August 5, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120414071516/http://backtorockville.typepad.com/back_to_rockville/2010/02/review-casting-crowns.html. April 14, 2012. live. mdy-all.
  25. News: Casting Crowns inspires Van Andel Arena crowd. DeBoer. Terry. February 17, 2012. The Grand Rapids Press. MLive.com. August 5, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20160216062523/http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/02/casting_crowns_inspires_van_an.html. February 16, 2016. live. mdy-all.
  26. Web site: Casting Crowns  - Casting Crowns (Credits). Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. July 20, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20151011134339/http://www.allmusic.com/album/casting-crowns-mw0000324183/credits. October 11, 2015. live. mdy-all.
  27. Hot Christian Adult Contemporary (December 20, 2003). Billboard. VNU Media. June 11, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20031217062914/http://www.billboard.com/bb/charts/airplay/christiancontemporary.jsp. December 17, 2003.
  28. [{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=casting crowns|chart=Christian Songs}} Casting Crowns Albums & Song Chart History – Christian Songs]. Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. June 11, 2012.
  29. Web site: Music News Archive: December 2003. Jesus Freak Hideout. July 14, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120512160732/http://jesusfreakhideout.com/news/December03.asp. May 12, 2012. live. mdy-all.
  30. Year-end Hot Christian Adult Contemporary Titles (2004). December 25, 2004. Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. August 1, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20110824235852/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2004/icatitl.jsp. August 24, 2011. live. mdy-all.
  31. Year-end Hot Christian Singles & Tracks Titles (2004). December 25, 2004. Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. August 1, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20110824000249/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2004/icotitl.jsp. August 24, 2011. live. mdy-all.
  32. Decade-end Hot Christian AC (2000s). 2009. Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. June 20, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20110817164733/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/decadeendcharts/2009/christian-ac-songs. August 17, 2011. live. mdy-all.
  33. Web site: Going for Adds  - Christian AC. https://archive.today/20130202011307/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/PublishGFA/GFAChristianNextPage.asp?sDate=07/26/2003&Format=21. dead. February 2, 2013. Radio & Records. VNU Media. July 26, 2003. July 31, 2012.
  34. Web site: Going for Adds  - Christian CHR. https://archive.today/20130131235405/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/PublishGFA/GFAChristianNextPage.asp?sDate=07/26/2003&Format=25. dead. January 31, 2013. Radio & Records. VNU Media. July 26, 2003. July 31, 2012.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "If We Are the Body".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.