MercyMe is an everlasting superstar band that features pop and Christian music genres with an inspirational rock-based sound that has nimbly traversed roots of rock, worship music, contemporary pop, dance, jazz, and R&B styles. MercyMe started out in 1994 as just a bunch of guys who loved music, praised the Lord, and wanted to be able to support their families by playing music for and about Jesus. This love turned into several Dove Awards, a few albums, and over six million CD and DVD sales.

Band Members

• Bart Millard – Lead vocals
• Nathan Cochran – Bass
• Mike Scheuchzer – Guitar
• Robby Shaffer – Drums
• Jim Bryson – Keyboards
• Barry Graul – Guitar

In 2012, MercyMe released the song “Hurt & The Healer,” which peaked at number 7 on the pop genre chart. The idea for the song came from several difficult experiences the band dealt with in 2011, particularly the death of lead singer Bart Millard’s cousin, Todd Krodle, which was the source of a great deal of grief for the band. Krodle, a firefighter killed in the line of duty, was a friend of all the members of MercyMe, and his death “was a moment of extreme pain for everybody,” according to band member Nathan Cochran.

Lead vocalist Bart Millard remarked that the song “is a celebration of that moment when these two worlds collide – the deep need for healing and the God who provides it.” This unique understanding is a great lesson and perspective for everyone grieving. The loss of a loved one hurts, and the healing process may take more than just a conversation with God; instead, a collision with God and his healingly nature. The song’s hook shows the band’s passion and the message they want to portray.

I'm alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I've fallen into your arms open wide
When the hurt and the healer collide

The special song led to the band pushing back their upcoming album in order to title the album after this song. Millard says, “The idea is to create an album to help bring healing to people, but not just healing; even in the midst of life’s worst moments, there’s this irony of feeling more alive than anytime before; that moment when we embrace our kids a little tighter and we re-evaluate what’s important in life.”

If you want to listen to more meaningful music, click below to listen to our Spotify playlist!

Written By: Jack Kelly | Marketing Intern | Catholic Cemeteries Association