presenting cliff preston
& the band table
read the story
and listen to the song,
“Upside down”
the story by cliff preston
It has been said throughout history that the specific issues of the times were the “worst they have ever been.” I can remember hearing my daddy say, “The world has gone crazy.” This was in the same breath of him saying the same thing about his father.
The reality of what history tells us is that man will never stop finding ways to fall deeper into depravity. This thought alone can cause despair. In fact, we have seen this play out in the explosion of mental health crisis’ and the addiction and suicide crisis’ rising greater still.
Our great Hope is that the thought of the depravity of man left to his own devices doesn’t have to operate on it’s on. We know of a Savior who has overcome the world. That’s right. He has overcome the world and the version of the world that we do not know yet that is worse than this one.
When I was younger I used to be concerned about raising my kids in this day and age. I still give ample head space to the way that I can keep my children safe and raise them in a way that honors our Father. I rest in the knowledge that even when our world can get crazy, Upside Down if you will, God does not cease to be God in those moments.
I rest in the understanding that the way up is down. It’s not looking sideways at the Joneses. The way home is down, at Jesus’ feet.
No matter how wild the world may get, He will remain God…especially in the Upside Down.
upside down lyrics
Verse 1
Walk up to the newsstand
Everything I’m reading
ells me that the world is breaking down
Verse 2
Chaos surrounding
It could crush and defeat me, oh
But Father I believe you hear me now
Pre Chorus
So, Lord, come quickly!
Chorus 1
Even through the fire
Even through the heartache
Even though the war is all around me
Even through the tears
Even through the shaking
Even though this restless heart is breaking
My world is crashing all around
And I’m on the ground
But You are still God
Even in the upside down.
Verse 3
I lift my eyes from the downfall
And in Your promise, I can stand tall
And You will be the Hope that lights my way
Bridge
Oh, come quickly!
Turn this darkness into light
Oh, come quickly! You set all things right
CCLI# 7021432
Matt Armstrong | Cliff Preston
Music Copyright © 2013 New Hope Road Music (ASCAP) / Countless Wonder Publishing/Universal Music Brentwood Benson Tunes (SESAC). All rights reserved.
For licensing requests, please visit Music Services.
CREDITS:
writers: matt armstrong, cliff preston
Producers: Jordan Merritt, Kaleb Frazier, Zach Saltmarsh
mixed by seth talley
mastered by bob boyd at ambient digital
COVER ART:
Photographer: William Read
Graphic Designer: William Read
Art Director: Jennie Lee Riddle
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.
