The Franklin Theatre's Gospel & CCM Series: Featuring Brandon Heath
"Give Me Your Eyes" has recently taken on a whole new meaning for singer/songwriter Brandon Heath. The Platinum-certified hit is the biggest song of Heath's career to date. Originally written as a plea for God to give him eyes to see those around him, these days, he's asking for eyes to see himself the way the Father sees him. His shift in perspective comes after a season of personal wrestling. Although music will always play a defining role in Heath's life, he says there was a time over the past few years when he asked the question: Do I want to continue being an artist?
"The ultimate question is 'Who am I?' because so much of my identity has been wrapped up in being an artist," Heath clarifies. "I remember singing the song one day and it just dawning on me, God, how do You see me? I know that You say I'm Your child, but surely there's more that You see in me than just being a good songwriter."
It's a hard thing for someone like Heath to admit. After all, he's spent the better part of the last 15 years writing songs professionally. The Nashville native released his major label debut in 2006, amassing fans with his introspective vulnerability ripped straight from real life. With six studio albums, a Christmas record and five No. 1 singles to his credit, including the Platinum RIAA-certified "Give Me Your Eyes," the singer has garnered five GRAMMY nominations, an American Music Award nod and an Emmy Award. In addition, he's earned eight Dove Awards, including two consecutive Male Vocalist honors and a win for Song of the Year. He's also been recognized as a top lyricist in his field with numerous songwriting accolades, including being named BMI's Songwriter of the Year.
Newly signed to both Centricity Music and Centricity Publishing, Heath is opening a fresh chapter. Not only is he partnering with a new label, but he's collaborating with songwriters he's never written with before and producers he hasn't previously worked with. While almost everything in this season is different, one thing hasn't changed, and that's Heath's uncanny ability to get underneath your skin with a lyric.
"I want to make sure I write songs that are uniquely me-not just the ones that make you want to play it again, but songs that make you go, 'Oh wow, he just sang my story,'" Heath offers. "I think that is what makes people invest in an artist. It's not just the songs they like on the radio. It's cut three on the record that kind of makes you own that artist."
