John Elefante is a name synonymous with powerful vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and a career spanning decades in the music industry. Best known for his time as the lead vocalist of Kansas and his subsequent work with his brother Dino in Mastedon, Elefante has consistently delivered music that is both technically brilliant and deeply personal. In this in-depth look, we explore the story behind his poignant song “This Time,” a track that has resonated deeply with audiences, and delve into the themes and experiences that have shaped his remarkable journey.
The Genesis of “This Time”: A Personal Story Unfolds
“This Time” stands out as a particularly moving song from Elefante’s album “On My Way to the Sun.” The genesis of this powerful ballad is deeply personal, stemming from the story of his daughter, Sami. Elefante explains that while he had carried this story for a long time, he hadn’t initially considered turning it into a song. The musical inspiration struck unexpectedly as he was working on his album. He recalls a chord progression that came to mind, which he then developed into the foundation of the song. Seeking divine guidance, Elefante asked for inspiration, and the story of his daughter’s birth immediately came to him.
The lyrics poured out of him in a remarkably short time, starting with the impactful opening lines: “She sat cold in a waiting room frightened and all alone.” These words paint a vivid picture of Sami’s birth mother in a crisis pregnancy center. Elefante recounts the birth mother’s own story of being close to choosing abortion but ultimately deciding against it. He emphasizes that while not every detail in the song’s video is a literal depiction, the emotional core of the story is true – the birth mother’s near decision and her call to her own mother to share the news of her pregnancy.
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John Elefante singing](Image of John Elefante singing passionately, reflecting the emotional depth of his music)
The rawness of the subject matter, particularly the proximity to abortion, presented a delicate challenge in songwriting. Elefante consciously navigated this sensitive area, aiming to acknowledge the near-abortion experience without overshadowing the central theme of life and victory. He wanted to ensure “This Time” remained a song of triumph, celebrating the choice for life that Sami’s birth mother ultimately made.
Personal vs. Political: The Heart of the Matter
Despite the song’s themes touching on the pro-life perspective, Elefante firmly states that “This Time” was not conceived as a political statement. While acknowledging his long-held pro-life beliefs, he emphasizes that his primary intention was to share a personal story, not to engage in political discourse. Speaking with Mike Huckabee, Elefante clarified that the song was not written as a political anthem, an anti-abortion protest, or even solely as a pro-life declaration, even though it inherently embodies those aspects. For Elefante, the driving force was simply to tell his family’s story.
This personal approach is crucial to understanding the song’s impact. By focusing on the human element, the emotional journey, and the deeply personal experience of adoption, Elefante transcends political boundaries and connects with listeners on a fundamental level.
Sami’s Reaction and the Family Connection
The deeply personal nature of “This Time” naturally led to a significant moment when John Elefante shared the song with his daughter, Sami. He describes playing the song for her and her emotional response – tears and deep emotion. Sami, who has known about her adoption since she was eleven, was profoundly touched by her father’s tribute. Elefante highlights that Sami has always been open about her adoption story, a testament to the positive and loving environment she grew up in.
Prior to telling Sami about her adoption, Elefante and his wife sought counsel from an organization called House of Ruth, connected to Calvary Chapel. The advice they received emphasized the idea that Sami was “chosen” and “special,” a perspective that resonated deeply with Sami when she learned about her adoption at a young age. This foundation of love and acceptance is evident in Sami’s comfortable relationship with her story and her embrace of the song and video.
Sami’s involvement extended to the video, albeit in a supportive rather than active role. While initially wanting to be present during the filming, she soon understood the less glamorous realities of video production – the waiting and non-linear shooting schedule. However, her presence at the end of the video, alongside her father, adds another layer of emotional resonance and reinforces the deeply personal nature of the project.
An Unexpected Hit and Profound Impact
John Elefante admits that he didn’t initially foresee “This Time” becoming the standout track on the album or the lead video. However, early feedback from listeners hinted at the song’s special impact. He noticed a recurring theme in comments – praise for the entire album, but with specific emphasis on “that song about your daughter.” This growing buzz suggested that “This Time” was striking a chord with listeners in a unique way.
This intuition proved correct. For many, including interviewer Stephen Schettler, “This Time” became an immediate standout. Schettler describes being “stopped in his tracks” by the song, needing to listen to it repeatedly, and being deeply moved even before seeing the video. He attributes part of his profound reaction to his own family’s connection to adoption, highlighting how personal experiences amplify the song’s message.
The feedback from families and individuals touched by adoption has been overwhelmingly positive. However, Elefante acknowledges the existence of negative reactions, particularly online. He attributes some of this negativity to politically charged viewpoints, but also delves deeper, suggesting that for some, the visceral reaction stems from a fundamental opposition to faith and spiritual values.
Spiritual Warfare and Personal Testimony
Elefante astutely identifies a spiritual dimension to the reactions, both positive and negative, surrounding “This Time.” He recognizes the song as capturing the essence of spiritual warfare, particularly in the line “the Lord began to speak.” This line, for many listeners, encapsulates the powerful intervention and divine guidance within the story.
The strength of “This Time” lies in its authenticity. As a deeply personal song rooted in a real-life experience, it becomes difficult to argue with. Elefante’s willingness to share his family’s story with such vulnerability creates a powerful testament that transcends debate and resonates with raw human emotion.
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John Elefante singing with Sami](Image of John Elefante with his daughter Sami, emphasizing the personal and family-oriented nature of his music)
To ensure authenticity and sensitivity in the video production, Elefante made a conscious decision to involve someone with firsthand experience in the abortion issue. This woman, a counselor who had worked with women facing abortion decisions and those who had undergone the procedure, served as a “checks-and-balance” on set. Her insights helped maintain realism, even suggesting ways to depict the often harsh realities of abortion clinics more accurately, though the video ultimately opted for a more broadly impactful approach.
Storytelling Through Song: Addressing Hardcore Issues
Throughout his songwriting career, John Elefante has demonstrated a willingness to tackle difficult subjects – suicide, abandonment, death, depression, and other “hardcore issues.” His approach, however, is never preachy or overtly political. Instead, he frames these complex themes through a personal, human, and ultimately biblical perspective, acting as a storyteller rather than a commentator.
This approach allows him to connect with a diverse audience, even those who may hold differing political views. By focusing on shared human experiences and emotions, Elefante opens doors for fellowship and dialogue. He shares an anecdote about Sami showcasing the “This Time” video to people from various walks of life in her cosmetology school, and witnessing their emotional responses, regardless of their political stances. This highlights the power of personal narrative to bridge divides.
Family Values and “Pass the Flame”
Family is a recurring theme in John Elefante’s life and music. Beyond “This Time,” his song “Pass the Flame” from the Mastedon album “Defying Gravity” further exemplifies this value. Elefante explains that “Pass the Flame” reflects the profound responsibility parents have to pass on their faith to their children, who will then carry that torch to future generations. He laments the poor quality of the available YouTube video for “Pass the Flame,” noting that the original video, featuring his family, was particularly moving and enhanced the song’s message. The song gained even deeper personal meaning after he and his wife adopted their first two children, Sami and Daniel.
The Adoption Journey: A Calling Answered
The story of how John and his wife Michelle adopted Sami and Daniel is a testament to faith and answered prayer. After being told they could not conceive naturally, they turned to adoption. A powerful moment occurred when their congregation laid hands on them and prayed for their desire to become parents. Approximately a year later, a chance encounter with Karen Johnson from House of Ruth at a Harvest Crusade event set in motion the adoption of Sami.
Karen Johnson’s guidance proved crucial, steering them away from a potentially problematic adoption situation and towards the opportunity to adopt Sami. The process moved swiftly, with a meeting arranged with Sami’s birth parents, who chose John and Michelle immediately. Elefante recounts a memorable detail from that meeting – the birth father mentioning he liked Elefante’s shoes. This seemingly small detail became a testament to God’s hand in the situation, with the birth father later citing the shoes as a factor in their decision. The adoption of Daniel followed a few years later through the same ministry, further solidifying their family through adoption. Adding to their family story, years after the initial prayers for children, Michelle conceived naturally, resulting in their son JJ.
The Sound Kitchen Studio: Family at the Heart of Creativity
Family extends beyond John Elefante’s immediate household and into his professional life. The Sound Kitchen studio, which he co-owned with his brother Dino, was designed with family at its core. Growing up in studios where music and food were intertwined, the Elefante brothers envisioned a studio with a central kitchen and dining room. This setup allowed their parents, Danny and Nora, to be an integral part of the studio environment, preparing meals for artists and staff.
This family-centric approach created a unique and welcoming atmosphere at the Sound Kitchen. Elefante shares an amusing anecdote about his father, Danny, a man who treated everyone equally regardless of fame, urging Julio Iglesias to take a break and eat, showcasing the warm, hospitable environment fostered by the Elefante family. The studio became known not just for its top-notch recording facilities, but also for the incredible food and familial atmosphere provided by Danny and Nora.
Contentment and Seizing the Day: “One Day Down By the Lake” and “Where Have All the Old Days Gone”
John Elefante’s songwriting often explores themes of life’s journey and spiritual growth. “One Day Down By the Lake” from the Mastedon album “Revolution of Mind” is a reflective song with autobiographical elements, centered on the theme of contentment in the present moment. Elefante explains that the song encourages listeners to avoid dwelling on the past and instead embrace the gifts of the present, regardless of age or circumstance. The lyrics emphasize finding peace within oneself and recognizing a spiritual grounding that the world cannot take away.
Similarly, “Where Have All the Old Days Gone” from “On My Way to the Sun” addresses the theme of seizing the day rather than longing for the past. This reflects a recurring motif throughout the “On My Way to the Sun” album – a call to live fully in the present and embrace spiritual awakening. Elefante uses vivid imagery, such as a man driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, appearing outwardly successful but inwardly struggling, to illustrate the need for deeper spiritual fulfillment and crowning Jesus as King in one’s life.
Raw Honesty and Listener Connection: “Lying”
Elefante’s commitment to raw honesty in his songwriting is evident in the song “Lying” from “Revolution of Mind.” He recalls sharing a demo version of the song online, acknowledging it was a work in progress. A listener’s feedback encouraged him to keep the lyrics unchanged, praising their raw and real nature. This feedback resonated with Elefante, leading him to retain the unflinching honesty of the lyrics, which directly address self-deception and the act of lying to cover up sin. The song’s powerful message and directness have resonated deeply with listeners, highlighting the impact of vulnerability in songwriting.
“This is What Love Is”: A Response to a Cultural Question
“This is What Love Is” from Elefante’s 1995 album “Windows of Heaven” carries an interesting backstory as both a personal expression and a response to Foreigner’s hit song “I Want to Know What Love Is.” Elefante felt an emptiness in Foreigner’s song, a longing for something more. “This is What Love Is” emerged as his answer, defining love through the lens of Jesus’ life and sacrifice. Interestingly, Foreigner’s vocalist Lou Gramm later became a Christian and embraced Elefante’s song. They even shared a stage where Gramm sang “Now I Know What Love Is” after Elefante performed his song. Furthermore, they collaborated on “We Need Jesus” with Petra, which became a theme song for Harvest Crusades, further amplifying its message.
Kansas Connections and Musical Validation
Despite moving on from Kansas, John Elefante maintains positive relationships with his former bandmates. He collaborated with violinist David Ragsdale and guitarist Richard Williams from Kansas on his “On My Way to the Sun” album, and with guitarist Kerry Livgren on the previous Mastedon album. He credits their contributions to songs like “One Day Down By the Lake” and “This is How the Story Goes” as being crucial to their inclusion on those albums. He believes their “Kansas-esque” style and musicianship validated the direction of those songs and strengthened their overall impact.
Elefante recounts the story of his Kansas audition, revealing that the band initially chose him based solely on his vocal talent, unaware of his Christian faith. It was only after he got the job that he shared his faith with Kerry Livgren, who was overjoyed, revealing that he and bassist Dave Hope had been praying for a fellow believer to join the band.
Future Projects and Continued Ministry
Looking ahead, John Elefante remains actively involved in music. He continues to write and produce for other artists, including the band DeadNote. While planning another solo record, he is exploring different stylistic directions. He is also involved in the “Voices of Rock” tour with John Schlitt of Petra, and maintains connections with other musicians and projects, including touring with World Classic Rockers and staying in touch with David Pack of Ambrosia.
Elefante humbly requests prayers for continued guidance and inspiration, asking for prayers that God will continue to use his music to touch people’s souls. He expresses gratitude for the messages he receives from listeners who share how his music has impacted them. His recent appearance on the Huckabee TV show, where he performed “Carry On Wayward Son” and discussed the “This Time” video, resulted in a significant surge in website traffic and video views, demonstrating the ongoing reach and impact of his music. Even Ken Mansfield, the Beatles’ former U.S. manager, was deeply moved by the “This Time” video and is featuring Elefante’s story in an upcoming book.
John Elefante’s career is a testament to the power of music to tell stories, share faith, and connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. From his iconic vocals with Kansas to his poignant solo work, his music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
(To learn more about saving babies from abortion, visit: onlineforlife.org)
(Purchase John Elefante’s album “On My Way to the Sun” at JohnElefante.com, Amazon.com, or iTunes)
