Tag Archives: Only After You by Sixteen Cities

The Crossover Connection Week 47: An Upbeat Air Supply with an Occasional Vibe of the Outfield

As a high school freshman who didn’t know to dance, I waited for ballads to play so that I could ask a girl to slow dance. Early on, I received more rejections than a yes, but bands like Air Supply provided me the comfort in their ballads to overcome disappointment. While I was teaching high school Bible at Red Lion, one of my former students introduced me to Sixteen Cities.

So when they were assembled, they asked Him, Lord, is this the time when You will reestablish the kingdom and restore it to Israel? He said to them, It is not for you to become acquainted with and know [b]what time brings [the things and events of time and their definite periods] or fixed [c]years and seasons (their critical niche in time), which the Father has appointed (fixed and reserved) by His own choice and authority and personal power. But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth, Acts 1:6-8.

While no modern band compares to Air Supply, songs like Only After You and Captured By Your Love brings me back to my high school days. Sixteen Cities is a poppier version of Air Supply with a few songs that make you feel like you’re listening to the Outfield. If you find yourself feeling down this Christmas season, listen to the attached You Tube and I promise you’ll feel much better about life.

by Jay Mankus

S.A.N.S. Episode 111: Only After You

I stumbled upon Sixteen Cities a decade ago shortly after I lost my teaching position. Sixteen Cities provides a good blend of ballads with contemporary worship. While this group began in Portland, Oregon, Sixteen Cities is now based in Dallas, Texas. When I was working maintenance, cutting acres of grass weekly, Sixteen Cities kept me company. Only After You quickly became one of my favorites.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours, 1 Corinthians 9:24.

When I recently listened to the lyrics of Only After You, the image provided by the apostle Paul in the passage above came to mind. As a former high school coach, most athletes don’t like to run. Rather than run in circles around a track, chasing after God’s will for your life provides a greater purpose. While you may not have a clue about God’s will, the more you run with God, the clearer this path will become. I hope you enjoy this classic song.

by Jay Mankus