Skip to main content

Hunter Plake, Dancing In The Courts: Joy in His Presence


'Dancing In The Courts' by Hunter Plake is about the essence of true joy and surrender. It reflects Plake's desire to choose Jesus over everything else, and rejoice in His presence and the promise of an eternal life with Him.

Hunter Plake - Dancing In The CourtsGrowing up in a family of musicians and minsters, Hunter Plake's path to his BEC Recordings debut took a few unexpected detours. As a teen, Plake led worship in his home church, even getting his GED his junior year of high school so he could attend ministry school. But it wasn't until he auditioned for NBC's The Voice that music became a possible career path. 'A friend of mine, Koryn Hawthorne, had just gone to the finale on The Voice. I thought, well, if she can do it,' Plake says with a smile. He ended up placing fifth in his season, opening doors for him to pursue music full-time.

After a few years of recording pop songs, producing and trying to make a go of it in Los Angeles, Plake felt something missing in his life. In June of 2020, his nagging and ever-present sense of emptiness grew into a full-on collpase. 'I hit a breaking point and had a total breakdown,' Plake says. 'I hit the end of myself.' In crisis mode, Plake turned inward, writing songs between himself and God instead of performing for an audience. His realization? If it comes down to choosing between anything and Jesus, Jesus wins every time! This insight has led to his latest song, 'Dancing In The Courts.' 

His commitment is clearly visible in the lyrics, 'I just wanna walk inside the light, 'Cause nothing in this world compares to eternal life.' With this song Plake encourages us to let go of our own burdens and pride, and make it a priority to find joy in God's presence. The chorus, 'Dancing in the courts with you, This life is temporary so I'm not gonna worry,' is a powerful affirmation of faith, a reminder to live fully in the moment, anchored in the unwavering hope of an eternal life with Him.

Plake's music gives listeners in the 'alternative' genre something to listen to but still know what the songs are about. His songs are not vague. It's about Jesus, you can hear that. With music that can carry you away intertwined with lyrics that keep you grounded, Plake's songs are a shining example of a man who's stepped back from the edge. 

Plake shares: 'At the end of the day, if I have to choose between Jesus or something else, I'll choose Him every time. That's what changed for me. That's what makes me excited. That's why I wanna do music.'

(Related scripture: John 8:12; Revelation 21:4; Psalm 84:10)

Listen to a podcast episode about this song

Connect with Hunter Plake


You can listen to the track directly on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0o06o4YM5i8KQSMXfZf57Z

Here is a link to the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1NyPybFxUo

Would you like to hear more CCM music? Then check out our Christian playlists on: https://www.christiandance.eu/playlists

PS: Did you know that the posts we have on Medium.com also contain the backstories that artists have shared with us? Check it out on: https://christianmusictoday.eu/

Popular posts

"Creator" by Phil Wickham: A Reverent Ode to the Maker of All Things

Phil Wickham's song 'Creator' stands as a captivating ode to the divine craftsmanship evident in every corner of the world. As the fourth track from his album 'I Believe,' this song resonates deeply with those who find a connection with God through the beauty of His creation. The verses paint a vivid tapestry of nature's elements praising their Creator, from roaring wind to serene streams, from towering hills to mighty oceans. Wickham masterfully weaves together the symphony of the cosmos, encouraging listeners to join in worship. The chorus resonates like a divine refrain, echoing the holiness of the Creator and inviting Earth and Heaven to sing in eternal unison. The bridge is a triumphant declaration of hope and redemption, illustrating the profound love of a Savior who rescues souls and sets them free. This song compels us to reflect on our purpose and destiny as the lyrics underscore the truth that we were created to magnify, walk beside, and worship our Cr...

"Jesus Is His Name" by Aaron Goodhew: The Name That Changes Everything

“Jesus Is His Name” by Aaron Goodhew is a song written as a Christ-centred declaration of who God is and what He has done. The song begins by asking, “Who designed creation and called it into being?” and quickly answers by pointing our eyes “high above the heavens” and leading us to the very place “where he rests his feet.” In other words, this is worship from creation to restoration. Each verse walks through different parts of Christ’s work: parting waters, calming storms, healing lepers, restoring outcasts, setting captives free. The chorus invites the church to confess together: "He is the Lord God // Lifted up // Mighty to be praised // Sovereign King of kings // Name above all names." But most of all, He is the personal Savior “The one who paid our ransom // The one who saved a wretch like me.” The bridge crowns this declaration, calling Jesus “wonderful counsellor, mighty king and friend,” the Lion and the Lamb whose glory we cannot fully comprehend. A declaration...

Vertical Worship - Blessed (CCM)

Vertical Worship has released a Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) track called Blessed. The Beatitudes serve as the inspiration for this new track. Quoting Vertical Worship: “The first line of the sermon on the mount, ‘Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’ are words that we may be familiar with, but hold a profound invitation from Jesus. It is not those who have it all figured out, or have all the answers that will know more of His kingdom, but rather those who recognize their need of Him. And more of Him means more of His rule, His reign in my life. His law is love and He comes near with mercy.” They continued, “So, quite simply, that’s where the song started, from a place of remembering, a place of trust that when we turn to Jesus, we gain more of Him. And more of Him means more of His presence, His peace, His love. For what does it matter to gain the whole world, but forfeit our soul? What a gift that we get to at any moment recognize our deep need fo...