Leeland Mooring of hitmaking progressive rock band LEELAND talks us through each song on their soon to be released 'Opposite Way'

Leeland

The debut album by Texas-based pop rockers Leeland was a surprise hit, even in Japan. Now the group, led by singer, songwriter and pianist Leeland Mooring, follow through with their impressive second release. Leeland talks us through the tracks.

"Count Me In" - This song centres around the idea of God's love and wanting to make the most of his plan. The idea came up a few years ago when we were playing in youth group. I remember writing the chorus in my room thinking about all of the incredible plans God has for us. It also reminds me of so many people I've read about in the Bible who've done amazing things, and it makes me realise we can all do those same things if we have love in our heart.

"Let It Out Now" - This song is really interesting how it ties directly into the concept of 'Opposite Way'. We were spending the night in Nashville at Michael W Smith's house and I came up with the melody and first few lines while hanging out in the basement. I didn't finish it that night, but wound up writing the rest on a flight to Nashville, just prior to going into the studio to record 'Opposite Way'. I prayed for the Lord to give me some lyrics and it was really cool to look out over the clouds and get a different point of view on how small the world really is compared to being up so high. So basically the basis of the song is to not worry if you look different or even like a fool for following Jesus, because it shouldn't matter what the world says compared to all of God's amazing qualities. It's one of the tunes that ties in with our goal of radically changing this generation for God.

"Enter This Temple" - I was sitting in my living room strumming my guitar and the line "father enter this temple/come touch your people" came up right there. And from there, the Lord plopped it in my lap - the fact that our hope rests in the cross - and we hope that reminder ministers to people.

"Opposite Way" - Jack and I wrote the first verse, which deals with living in the same town all your life. There's certainly nothing wrong with that; this song is talking about the state of mind you're living in. I think complacency is one of the biggest issues that confuses our generation, and everyone else, for that matter. But there has to be a point where we step over the line and don't live like a mediocre Christian any longer. The chorus talks about being locked in a cage and needing to find escape, while the second verse addresses the idea of Jesus' life and what he did on this earth. It talks about the way he spoke and the way he lived, while he also gave the opposite answers to everyone's questions about the Kingdom of God.

"Wake Up" - This is about witnessing to the world and acting out your faith. One of the biggest things the Lord's been showing me is to look heavenward in Christ. We're not called to live a normal life, but to be constantly going forward, witnessing and advancing the Kingdom of God.

"Beginning And The End" - This song talks about what Jesus did on the cross. It's about placing our lives in his hands and having hope in the future. It's a lighthearted approach to a deep topic.

"Brighter Days" - When I first wrote this song, it didn't have a hopeful ending. Since it never specifically mentioned the presence of God, we weren't sure if it should go on the record, but then my friend said "what if it's about someone else looking for a 'Brighter Day', like a kid in Africa with AIDS or a homeless person?" So in that sense, although it may end on a searching note, it's a great challenge for us as believers to go out and really bring hope to others. If we all act out in faith, then better days can truly be achieved.

"Falling For You" - This song's about coming back to the Lord and the place you started when you first accepted him. Often one's passion for God is really strong when they first become a Christian, but that initial love and passion can often fall away. The reality of this is that God is not letting us go, we're letting go of him.

"Don't Go Away" - All five of us wrote on this song. It starts out with finding salvation in the first verse and wanting to hear more about Jesus when you've just become a Christian. From there, it goes on to talk about going deeper and feeling God's presence more and more as your life continues. It's interesting how all of the lyrics came about as we spouted off ideas about being obsessed with God, and not wanting those thoughts to go away.

"Thief In The Night" - This song talks about the coming of the Lord, particularly the Scripture that says he'll come like a thief in the night (Revelation 3:3). It's definitely a worship song proclaiming the glory of his name, while touching on some end-times subjects. We are just trying to imagine what it will be like when God comes back for his bride.

"May Our Praise" - It's a worship song about honouring God; about living the life that he wants us to live, instead of just singing songs about it. It's about letting our whole lives be worship to God.