presenting
the band table
listen to the song
and read the story
"he’s got it
figured out”
the story
The Band Table’s “He’s Got it Figured Out” highlights the stories of The Artist, The Preacher, The Old Man, and The Dreamer, speaking to the uniqueness of each person’s journey and God’s faithfulness through all the difficulties, uncertainties, and complexities of life. This song has all the nostalgia of “Auld Lang Sine” and a lifetime of classics, yet it is as fresh as daybreak.
It opens with a line from “The Artist,” whose verse is sung by Jordan Merritt,
“I am the artist, and if I’m being honest, it’s not always beauty I see.”
He continues, “I get calls from collections, but songs and reflections don’t quite pay the bills like I need.”
In Jordan’s own words, “This thing called life really is a journey with God. It’s about learning to walk with Him, even when things don’t make sense. It’s about learning to trust that He’s good and that whatever the seasons hold, He’s got it figured out.”
1 Peter 1:18 (MSG) sums up Jordan’s thoughts well, “Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God.”
The second verse, from “The Preacher,” sung by Cliff Preston, captures the ache, pain, and fear of falling into sin and losing one’s faith.
“Will I be forgiven or kept at a distance and marked for the rest of my life?”
Cliff writes, “God has factored in your troubles, mistakes, and fears and still manages to be God.”
He references Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve hid from the Lord out of fear of their sin and nakedness. Cliff explains that “vulnerability” is the right response when we feel the weakest and most exposed. He writes, “Our job is to turn to God and trust in Him.”
In the third verse, Jonathan Lee McElhenny echoes the story of the “Old Man,”
“I am the old man living off memories, regrets that I ran out of time. Will I be forgotten? Just a stone in a garden? Or a hero in my family’s mind?”
Jonathan expounds on the meaning of this verse and why it is so personal to him and his journey. He writes,
“Jordan, Cliff, Jade, and I all met each other for the first time at a songwriting retreat in 2022. That’s when we realized that our stories had a similar theme. We were all trying to figure out where God was taking us next, and it was at that retreat that He started reawakening dreams and visions in our hearts. This song is a reflection of that.”
He continues,
“My verse says that I am the old man, and while that is not completely true from an age standpoint, I definitely felt past my prime and like my best days were behind me. Before the retreat, I had stopped dreaming and having faith like a child. That week, God awakened faith in me again, and this song is a reminder that we are only done when God says we are done.”
In the fourth verse, Jade Lundgren sings the part of “The Dreamer.” The Dreamer “sees all these dreamers who need a new spark in their eyes.”
The Dreamer asks, “Will I be the artist? Or the preacher’s who’s fallen? Or the old one who’s run out of time?”
Jade explores this question further, reflecting on God’s new mercies every morning and how “God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28).
You may or may not identify with The Artist, The Preacher, The Old Man, or The Dreamer, but no matter where you find yourself today, God will meet right where you are, you just as you are.
In the fifth and final verse of the song, each member of The Band Table takes a line, “So here’s to the future. Here’s to the memories. Here’s to the lessons of life. So don’t stop believing, for it’s only a season. Just sit back and cherish the ride!”
Through all the difficulties, complexities, and uncertainties of life, God remains faithful and able to lead, guide, heal, and restore.
Wherever you find yourself today, look to Jesus again. Know that He has forgiven you and that He accepts you. Open your heart to His love and choose to follow Him this day ‘cause:
“Life’s an adventure
That the good Lord’s written down
So just keep on trusting
That He’s got it figured out.”
he’s got it figured out lyrics
Verse 1
I am the artist
And If I’m being honest
It's not always beauty I see
I get calls from collections
But songs and reflections
Don’t quite pay the bills like I need
Verse 2
I am the preacher
That once had a secret
And hid it all deep down inside
Will I be forgiven
Or kept at a distance
And marked for the rest of my life?
Chorus
Life's an adventure
That the good Lord’s written down
So just keep on trusting
That He’s got it figured out
Verse 3
I am the old man
Living off memories
Regrets that I ran out of time
Will I be forgotten
Just a stone in a garden
Or a hero in my family’s mind?
Verse 4
Will I be the artist
Or the preacher who’s fallen
Or the old one who’s run out of time?
Cause I am the dreamer
Who sees all these dreamers
Who need a new spark in their eyes
Chorus
Life's an adventure
That the good Lord’s written down
So just keep on trusting
That He’s got it figured out
Verse 5
So here's to the future
Here's to the memories
Here's to the lessons of life
So don't stop believing
For it's only a season
Just sit back and cherish the ride!
Chorus
Life's an adventure
That the good Lord’s written down
So just keep on trusting
That He’s got it figured out
Tag
He’s got it figured out
I believe He’s got it figured out
He’s got it figured out
Yes, He’s got it figured out
CCLI#7231016
Cliff Preston | Jonathan Lee
| Jordan Merritt | Sabin Flore
© 2022 New Hope Hill Music;
New Hope Road Music;
Tent Peg Music All rights reserved.
For licensing requests, visit Music Services.
CREDITS:
writers: cliff preston, jonathan lee, jordan merritt, sabin flore
Producers: Jordan Merritt, Kaleb Frazier, Zach Saltmarsh
mastered by Joe Causey at Voyager Mastering
string arrangement by brandon collins
mixed by david riddle
meet the band table
Jordan merritt Bio
Jordan Merritt is a talented Christian songwriter and musician who has made a significant impact on the contemporary Christian music scene.
With a passion for creating music that inspires and uplifts listeners, Jordan has written a number of powerful worship songs that have become beloved favorites of Christians around the world.
Among Jordan's most notable works are "You Hold It All," a popular worship song recorded by the Newsboys; "People of the Cross," moving anthem performed by Selah; and "Yet I Want More," a powerful ballad featured on Vol. 3 of The Emerging Sound project.
Jordan's music is characterized by its heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and powerful vocals, which combine to create an unforgettable listening experience. Whether he is writing for himself or collaborating with other artists, Jordan's dedication to his craft and his faith shine through in every song he creates.
You might also be able to find him singing in the band that he is a part of called "The Band Table".
Jonathan lee Bio
Jonathan Lee McElhenny is a husband, father, pastor, worship leader and songwriter. But when asked to describe who he is, he answers, “matchmaker.” “I was created to worship, and to lead others in worship,” he says. “I like to think of myself as a matchmaker between God and man in partnership with The Holy Spirit. I want more than anything for people to have a true revelation of who God is because when people truly see Jesus, it changes them forever. That is what I am called to do. People many times have told me that my music helps them see Jesus, There is nothing better than that to me.”
Jonathan’s focus on making Jesus famous has attracted many talented artists to record songs he’s written. These artists include the Newsboys, For King & Country, Laura Story, Phillips, Craig & Dean, People & Songs, Jeff Deyo, Aaron Shust, Tricia Brock, Melanie Tierce, Rebecca St. James, Selah, Jordan Merritt, Acquire The Fire and others. Three of those songs have been nominated for four Dove Awards (Worship Song of the Year for “When The Stars Burn Down” by Travis Cottrell and Phillips, Craig & Dean, Inspirational Song of the year for ‘More And More Of You’ by Selah, Song of the Year and Pop Song of the Year for “Proof Of Your Love” by for King & Country.)
(Added Note- “When The Stars Burn Down” was number 1 on the charts inspirational Christian Radio.) “You Are My Shepherd” and “The Altar” by Tricia Brock were in the top 5 of inspirational Christian Radio along with “More and More Of You” by Selah which was also in the top 5 of inspirational Christian Radio. “Proof Of Your Love” by For King And Country was in the top of Christian Radio. “You Are My Shepherd,” “When The Stars Burn Down” and “Proof Of Your Love “have all won Sesac Awards.
McElhenny’s success is well-deserved, according to those who know him. “Jonathan is someone that I’ve written some of my best songs with.” Says co-writer, friend and label-head of People & Songs, Jennie Lee Riddle. “It’s a true honor to serve and help send him out as a blessing for such a time as this.” McElhenny is a highly successful songwriter, known as “Jonathan Lee”. And yet, he obeyed the urging of the Holy Spirit and transitioned from the road to full time pastoring in 2016. He says. “I want to leave a legacy that leads people to Jesus, and pastoring helps expand the Kingdom exponentially by helping others around me to grow in Christ. I love it."
Jonathan’s songs, co-written with notables Benji Cowart, David Moffitt, Chad Cates, Jennie Lee Riddle, Richie Fike, BJ Putnam, Doug Engquist, Corey Voss, Jordan Merritt, and Jared Anderson, bring the worshipper back to the basics as a follower of Christ. If the track record is any indication, Jonathan Lee McElhenny’s music will continue to match the hearts of men and women to the heart of a loving Savior.
cliff preston Bio
“I try to see people through the lens of what God has brought me through and saved me from. I believe that if God can love and use even me, he can love and use anyone.”
It’s been said that what sets Cliff Preston apart is his raw authenticity and compassion. Preston’s music ministry began in 2002 as he began traveling with bands to bring awareness to the love of Jesus as well as the mental health crisis. With his father being a professional counselor and pastor, he was very aware of the effect that mental health was having on the generation, as well as the ultimate source of wellness - the finished work of the cross. He has spent the following twenty years traveling the country writing songs, leading worship, preaching, and even opening businesses geared towards Christ-centered clinical mental healthcare.
Cliff is proud to call Smackover, Arkansas his hometown. He is even prouder of God’s faithfulness through his marriage with his wife Leslie, and the wisdom God provides as they raise their daughter Kannyn (12), and their two sons Murphy (10) and Campbell (2).
Cliff brings over two decades of ministry experience and business development to his partnership with People & Songs. In that time, he has written songs for artists including Newsong, JJ Weeks, Carrolton and more. He has shared the stage with artists such as MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, and Natalie Grant among others. All while opening and building companies that develop platforms to display Christ to a lost and hurting world.
Cliff is excited for what is to come as he joins forces with this diverse team of artists, worship leaders, and writers for the glory of God.
jade lundgren Bio
Jade Lundgren is a deep well of an artist, passionate about all things creative, specifically singing, songwriting, and design. Rooted in her hometown, Jade is proud to be from Pittsburgh PA, where she and her husband have raised their three beautiful daughters. With an M.A. in Spiritual Formation from Wheaton College, and a love for theology, Jade can often be found reading books, studying, or quoting an early church father.
Her strong desire to know and teach the word of God well comes out in her songwriting. Currently a pastor at her local church, Jade has been leading worship for many years and started writing with Jennie Lee Riddle and the People & Songs family in 2012. In 2013, Jennie and Jade formed The Emerging Sound, where they collaborated with such artists as Micah Tyler, Lauren Daigle, Charity Gayle, and many others to pour into the next generation of songwriters. Jade is honored to be a part of the People & Songs team and The Band Table with fellow artists Jordan Merritt, Jonathan Lee McElhenney, and Cliff Preston.
“The crown jewel of my life is Jesus. He’s the high point, the whole point, and the most noteworthy thing about me. He interrupted the course of my normal teenage life, and at 16, opened my eyes to my need for a Savior and gave me the grace and courage to leave my normal life behind and follow Him. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me, and I have happily dedicated my life to loving and serving God however He sees fit.”
