American Idol season eleven finalist Colton Dixon, who signed a record deal with Christian label Sparrow Records a few months back, has released his first single, Never Gone, to radio, even as first Christian radio single You Are is primed for an October 19 release. The seventh-place Dixon turned heads with his performance of Lifehouse’s Everything, which was arguably one of the most moving rock performances in Idol history.
“(Never Gone) song sums up my American Idol experience,” Dixon says. “There were times when I felt like I was by myself, or just felt unplugged from reality. There were even times when I asked God if He was still there…. He always answered with, “I never left you.” I hope that you can be encouraged by this song as I am. You are not alone. God is with you. His answer is and will always be, “I never left you.” He can see us even when we can’t see Him through our own lack of faith through the hard times. We just need to realize that God is standing with arms open right where we left Him. He never left.”
On my end, I think Never Gone is a catchy mid-tempo piano-driven alt-rock ballad that shows off Dixon’s incredible range. While the passion for God clearly shows in his magnificent voice, the highlight is the encouraging lyrics – the chorus is particularly powerful – and I’m sure Never Gone won’t have trouble finding a home at Christian CHR and Christian rock. Hopefully, Christian AC will also pick up, and Dixon’s career trajectory will follow that of fellow ‘Idol’ also-ran Mandisa, who transitioned her ninth-place elimination in season five to a very successful career in Contemporary Christian music. Her new label-mate Dixon shouldn’t have much of a problem with Never Gone.
NEVER GONE Lyrics
Colton Dixon
Lights off, a shot in the dark
We get lost when we’re playing a part
We lay blame like we know what’s best
It’s a shame
We break when we fall too hard
Lose faith when we’re torn apart
Don’t say you’re too far gone
It’s a shame
It’s a shame
I’m still standing here
No I didn’t disappear
Now the lights are on
See I was never gone
I let go of your hand
To help you understand
With you all along
Oh, I was never gone
There’s space between our lives
Hard to face, but I know we try
To revive, bring it back to life
Don’t walk away
Don’t walk away
I’m still standing here
No I didn’t disappear
Now the lights are on
See I was never gone
I let go of your hand
To help you understand
With you all along
Yeah, I was never gone
I never ever left you
Never ever left you, no
He said I never ever left you
Never ever left you, no
Jesus never ever left you
Never ever left you, no
He sees us even in the darkness
Now you know you’re not alone
I’m still standing here
No I didn’t disappear
Now the lights are on
See I was never gone
I let go of your hand
To help you understand
With you all along
Yeah, I was never gone
I’m still standing here
No I didn’t disappear
Now the lights are on
See I was never gone
I let go of your hand
To help you understand
With you all along
Yeah, I was never gone
