Build An Ark

Album: Testify (1994)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was written by Paul Evans, who had hits in the late '50s and early '60s with "Seven Little Girls" and "Happy-Go-Lucky Me." Evans explains: "The way I wrote, each song was unique. I have a song that is a pretty big gospel song called "Build An Ark." The Gaithers did it, and then a whole bunch of gospel people have done the song. That was written from the heart, and that one I wrote myself. One day, I don't know the mood I was in, but I wanted to write a song. The world situation was bothering me, and it still is, and it bothers anybody with any brains, I guess, and so I wrote about it. I really thought I would look to gather up all my friends and stuff, just go to an island and leave us alone, so that song was definitely written from personal feelings. You might say I felt I had to write the song. It's a little dramatic, but I did." (Check out our interview with Paul Evans.)

Comments: 2

  • Joandra from Altadena, CaThis song rings true to me on a few levels.
  • Donavan from Union, ScIlove this song it is so true
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Cheerleaders In Music Videos

Cheerleaders In Music VideosSong Writing

It started with a bouncy MTV classic. Nirvana and MCR made them scary, then Gwen, Avril and Madonna put on the pom poms.

Shaun Morgan of Seether

Shaun Morgan of SeetherSongwriter Interviews

Shaun breaks down the Seether songs, including the one about his brother, the one about Ozzy, and the one that may or may not be about his ex-girlfriend Amy Lee.

Real or Spinal Tap

Real or Spinal TapMusic Quiz

They sang about pink torpedoes and rocking you tonight tonight, but some real lyrics are just as ridiculous. See if you can tell which lyrics are real and which are Spinal Tap in this lyrics quiz.

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.

Stan Ridgway

Stan RidgwaySongwriter Interviews

Go beyond the Wall of Voodoo with this cinematic songwriter.

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.