(From the album Turn Up the Divine)
Genre: Moderate Folk Rock / Contemporary Christian
Eddy Mann’s “String of Pearls” is a meditative, heartfelt journey that weaves together faith, reflection, and the timeless pursuit of peace. With its steady folk-rock arrangement and spiritually charged lyrics, Mann crafts a track that feels both ancient in its wisdom and modern in its relevance—a perfect encapsulation of the human quest for grace amidst chaos.
Musicality: A Gentle Folk Breeze with Rock Undertones
“String of Pearls” sits comfortably in the folk-rock tradition, drawing comparisons to artists like James Taylor and Bruce Cockburn, but with a distinct spiritual core. The song’s acoustic guitar foundation is complemented by subtle percussion and layered melodies that add emotional depth without overpowering the reflective tone.
The arrangement has a hymn-like quality, but it avoids being preachy or overly sentimental. Instead, Mann’s careful pacing and warm, earnest vocals invite listeners to ponder the deeper questions of life and faith. The subtle use of a minor key progression adds a hint of melancholy, making the hope expressed in the lyrics feel more hard-won and sincere.
Lyrics: Poetry Wrapped in Faith
Lyrically, “String of Pearls” is a beautifully constructed meditation on the search for divine wisdom and peace. Mann draws from biblical references and life experience to create a tapestry of thoughtful introspection. The imagery of “gleaning diamonds” and “chaining passion like a string of pearls” is particularly striking, evoking both the preciousness of spiritual truth and the effort required to find it.
The song’s central metaphor—a string of pearls—captures the idea of collecting moments of grace and wisdom, linking them into something greater. Mann’s lyrics reflect a humility in the face of life’s questions, emphasizing the importance of grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation in a divided world.
Key lines such as:
“Searching vastly; gleaning diamonds / From life’s different worlds / Building language; chaining passion / Like a string of pearls”
showcase Mann’s gift for merging poetic imagery with spiritual insight.
The theme of reaching across divides to offer peace—represented by the “olive branch freely tendered”—feels especially poignant in today’s fractured world. It’s a call to empathy and understanding, delivered through the lens of Christian faith, but accessible to all.
Inspiration & Biblical Roots
Mann’s inspiration for the track, drawn from Romans 3:10-18, lends a weighty theological backdrop. The passage highlights the fallen nature of humanity and our need for divine grace—a theme Mann handles with gentle compassion rather than fire-and-brimstone preaching.
The reference to rabbinical teaching methods is also a thoughtful touch, showing Mann’s depth as a songwriter who draws from varied spiritual traditions. The song isn’t just a simple praise anthem; it’s a call to engage deeply with scripture and life’s moral challenges.
Critical Reception & Standout Moments
Critics and fans alike have praised Turn Up the Divine for its thoughtful exploration of faith and humanity, and “String of Pearls” is a standout track. The lyrical video adds another layer of meaning, visually reinforcing the song’s message of unity and peace.
Standout moments include:
🎵 The chorus, where Mann’s voice rises with quiet conviction, emphasizing the communal nature of the journey toward truth.
🎵 The final verse, where the song’s reflective tone takes on a more hopeful note, suggesting that despite our past failures, there’s always room for grace and redemption.
Final Thoughts: A Quiet Call to Action
“String of Pearls” is a song that doesn’t demand attention—it invites it. Mann’s gentle delivery and contemplative lyrics make it a perfect soundtrack for moments of personal reflection. It’s a reminder that even in a world of conflict and division, there’s always room for empathy, understanding, and spiritual growth.
In the broader folk-rock tradition, Eddy Mann continues to carve out a unique space where faith, artistry, and humanity intersect. Fans of Rich Mullins, Fernando Ortega, or David Wilcox will find much to appreciate in Mann’s work.
As the fourth single from Turn Up the Divine, “String of Pearls” encapsulates the album’s core message: redemption is always within reach, but it requires effort, patience, and the grace to see the divine in everyday life.
Hot Tracks from Turn Up the Divine
- “String of Pearls” – Reflective and poetic, with a peaceful folk-rock sound.
- “Digging for Gold” – A bluesy track about searching for spiritual truth.
- “Turn Up the Divine” – The upbeat, gospel-infused title track.
💿 Recommended for Fans Of:
- James Taylor
- Bruce Cockburn
- Rich Mullins
- David Wilcox
🎧 Listen to “String of Pearls” here: Spotify Link
📺 Watch the lyric video: YouTubeWith its timeless message of peace and reconciliation, “String of Pearls” is a gem in Eddy Mann’s discography, reminding listeners that even in turbulent times, grace can be found—one pearl at a time.