Tauren Wells’ spiritual journey began at nine years of age after his father’s renewed commitment to church attendance ignited a season of transformation for the family. This sparked an interest in faith for the young Wells, who began to sing at summer camp. Wells followed his love of music into college, where he studied theology and music, and formed relationships with friends that eventually became Royal Tailor, a popular crossover band known for their energizing melodies and inspirational lyrics.
The group enjoyed early success, including two Grammy nominations, before disbanding in 2015, so band members could build their families and careers. This moment of transition sparked a new sense of reflection for Wells, who sought God’s wisdom for his next steps. At this point, Wells says, he surrendered the terms of what success would look like for him, although he knew faith would become the focus of his music.
After turning his hopes and dreams to God, his first job touring was with Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey. This experience encouraged Wells to keep going when he was facing internal struggles and navigating the prospect of starting a solo career.
This uncertain time inspired Wells to write “Hills and Valleys,” which became a worldwide hit. When he signed a record deal in 2016, he also felt God calling him to start a church. But that would come later, he says, and the time spent preparing for that moment was not wasted.
“Instant obedience is a good quality to have, but God does so much more over time than He tends to do overnight,” Wells says. “It’s difficult when you don’t see the future, but that’s what faith is for. Faith is not some fragile thing that breaks when you walk through something hard.”
However, the success of his musical career did not shield the Wells family entirely from difficulties. This time of struggle enabled the artist to form a closer relationship with God and inspired some of his most well-known worship songs. After enduring seasons marked by pain, Wells describes looking back and thinking, “Wow. God, this is what you had planned all along.”
RELATED CONTENT: Tauren Wells Makes an Aggressive Play to Take Back What the Enemy Stole
For Wells, songwriting is a way to minister to people who are struggling. “Every song starts as a seed,” he says, pulling inspiration from bits and pieces of everyday life until the time is right. For example, “The seed of ‘Take It All Back’ started much earlier, in 2014, 2015,” but the song finally came to fruition in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and Wells was often at home.
Although trouble is inevitable, Wells says he wrote “Take It All Back” to remind people that: “We are not victims. I am not subject to the sabotage of the enemy. I fight from a place of victory because Jesus is my ultimate peace and victory.”
“As believers, we’ve forgotten who our Father is and what victory we get to walk in. We’re taking it all back. All the peace, all the joy, because it is ours through relationship with Jesus.”
