Steven Curtis Chapman, a prominent figure in contemporary Christian music, penned the beloved song “Cinderella.” While many cherish it as a sweet tune about cherishing fleeting moments with loved ones, the song carries a profound depth, particularly in light of a personal tragedy in Chapman’s life. The lyrics of “dancing with cinderella steven curtis chapman” took on a new, heart-wrenching meaning after the loss of his daughter, Maria.
In 2008, the Chapman family faced unimaginable sorrow when Maria, their adopted daughter, was tragically killed in an accident. This devastating event reshaped the landscape of their lives and inevitably colored the meaning of Chapman’s music, especially “Cinderella,” a song inspired by his daughters and the precious, ephemeral nature of childhood moments.
Initially, Chapman wrestled with the idea of ever performing “Cinderella” again. The joy and innocence the song once represented were now intertwined with the pain of loss. However, in the excerpt from his book, Between Heaven and the Real World, Chapman recounts a powerful experience that led him back to the song and imbued it with a message of enduring hope.
Steven Curtis Chapman Image
Steven Curtis Chapman, a Christian musician who found new meaning in his song “Cinderella” after personal tragedy.
Facing his first concert after Maria’s passing, Chapman was filled with uncertainty. As he stepped onto the stage with his sons, who are also part of his band, he was met with an overwhelming wave of applause and support. This outpouring of love from the audience became a pivotal moment, a testament to the shared human experience of grief and the solace found in community.
“I don’t know how far we will get,” Chapman confessed to the audience, “I don’t know how this will go. But this is what we are choosing.” This vulnerability and honesty resonated deeply with the crowd, setting the stage for a night of raw emotion and profound connection.
He began the concert with “Blessed Be Your Name,” a song of worship and surrender. Chapman openly shared the struggle in his voice, the tears, and the vulnerability of that moment. Yet, they persevered, making it through the song. This act of pushing through the pain became a powerful declaration of faith.
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As the concert progressed, Chapman and his band moved through their setlist. His sons, Caleb and Will, played with a palpable intensity, grounding themselves and their music in truth and resilience. The concert, buoyed by the audience’s unwavering support, became an unexpected triumph.
Then came the moment in the set where “Cinderella” was usually performed. The band paused, waiting for Chapman’s lead. In a hushed and expectant atmosphere, Chapman addressed the audience, sharing his initial hesitation to sing the song again. “You know what, I wasn’t sure I would ever sing this song again … and I’m not sure how well I will get through it tonight, but … tonight as I’ve sung these songs, I have become even more certain of the truth of God’s promises … and the truth is I am going to dance again with my little girl.”
The silence that followed was profound, a collective understanding of the sacredness of the moment. Chapman explained the original intent of “Cinderella” – a reminder to be present, to cherish fleeting moments. “This song from the beginning was about showing up in the moment,” he said, “savoring the opportunity, because I knew these moments weren’t going to last forever.”
Steven Curtis Chapman Book Cover
Steven Curtis Chapman’s book “Between Heaven and the Real World” delves deeper into his journey of grief and faith.
He then revealed how the tragedy had transformed the song’s meaning. “This was never a song about eternity. It was about here and now, in the real world. But now, for me, this song is going to be a song that reminds me to show up in these moments because we have only a little bit of time in the here and now to show up in each other’s stories on this side of heaven.” The song transcended its original message, becoming an anthem for living fully and presently, knowing that life on earth is finite.
Chapman offered a message of eternal hope, referencing a note from Greg Laurie: “Your future with Maria is far greater than your past.” He emphasized the Christian belief in eternity, stating, “If our hope is for eternity, and this life is getting us ready for that, if we really believe it, then I can sing this song ‘Cinderella’ because I have an eternity to dance with my little girl.”
As he began to sing “Cinderella,” the emotion was palpable. He sang through tears, his voice wavering, allowing the band to carry him when the emotion became too overwhelming. Reaching the final chorus, he spontaneously altered the lyrics, changing “’Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight and I know she’ll be gone,” to “the clock will strike midnight, but I know … the truth is … the dance will go on.” This lyric change became a powerful declaration of eternal hope, forever altering the song’s trajectory and deepening its resonance.
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Following “Cinderella,” Chapman sang “Yours,” a song he had rewritten after Maria’s death, adding a verse that spoke directly to his grief and unwavering faith. This performance, especially the newly added verse, became a testament to his surrender and trust in God amidst profound sorrow.
I’ve walked the valley of death’s shadow
So deep and dark that I could barely breathe
I’ve had to let go of more than I could bear
And I’ve questioned everything that I believe
But still even here in this great darkness
There’s a comfort and a hope that comes breaking through
As I can say even in death or in life, God, we belong to You
We are Yours, God.
This concert was not about a flawless performance; it was about showing up, about choosing faith in the face of despair. For Steven Curtis Chapman and his family, it was a declaration: “We believe. We will not allow the enemy to have the last word. Our God is great and He is good, and we will trust in Him.” The lyrics of “dancing with cinderella steven curtis chapman” became more than just words to a song; they became a testament to enduring love, faith, and the promise of an eternal dance.
