Boyce Avenue - Will You Be There

Album: Cover Sessions Vol 2 (2012) 
Genre: Soft Rock 

There is something intoxicating about the simplicity with which Boyce Avenue record songs; often just vocals and one or two instruments. The sparse arrangements make for an ethereal quality. Disarming, calming and hopeful.

This particular track is a cover of a beautiful song by one of the greats, Michael Jackson. This arrangement pays homage to Michael’s desperate vocals on the original track, whilst providing a newer and more subtle backing using only acoustic guitar, piano and a Cajon. 

Somehow, it relaxes me and inspires me to change the world all at once. Laden with biblical references, these terribly intelligent lyrics give a nod to the Jewish culture that Jesus lived in without conforming to Christian dogma - which we all know can ruin any potentially great song. 

But they told me a man should be faithful / And walk when not able / But I’m only human

Really, this is a sharp indictment of that age old idea - but for the grace of god go I. What I feel this lyric addresses, is that in truth, humanity can't reach the levels of piety required of it by most religion. We're just animals. That's not to say that there isn't goodness in us.

Carry me / Carry me boldly / Lift me up slowly… / Softly you’ll say to me / I will be there

Community - this is what humans do best. Really, community is just the best parts of human nature borne out without the burdens of religious ceremonies. If you think the starving care whether the person feeding them is religious or not, you've been deceived. 

It certainly takes a rare talent to better a Michael Jackson song, but in my humble opinion the lads in Boyce Avenue have done just that.