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

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.