Jars of Clay front man Dan Haseltine discusses the relational theme behind the band’s new record as well as the award-winning group’s passion to serve. ...

CMCentral:  The Long Fall Back to Earth carries a theme about relationships and community. Can you talk a little bit about that?

Dan:  This record is a more intimate look at the over-arching theme we wrote about on Good Monsters. There are no huge declarations on this record. A lot of marriages were falling apart around us; a lot of people were wrestling to find a foothold in their relationships. We were pretty entrenched in the fight to find reconciliation and restoration for people. These songs capture what we were living and experiencing over the last couple years. This record is much more concrete in its imagery. It is less lofty or poetic in some regards, because we were talking about the ground level human condition and how we hurt the ones we love, and how love endures and overcomes so many obstacles. I didn’t want to obscure the meaning of the songs by wrapping them in any obtuse language. So the record is a bit simpler—hopefully more relatable than most of what we have done in the past.

CMCentral:  What is the story behind the first single, “Two Hands”?

Dan:  “Two Hands” talks about the duality of the heart, the way we desire to be loved, and, at the same time, are petrified of letting anyone truly know us. It talks about the longing to be passionately engaged with a whole heart. It is the song we most closely connect to our work in Africa and the inspiring shift in culture we have seen. People are recognizing that serving people, getting their hands dirty and doing something to help usher in a redemptive story—whether that is providing clean water or simply being a friend to someone who might not have one. Pouring ourselves out is the outward expression of an inward change that comes when the gospel takes root. It is a powerful song and has proven to be a highlight and a worshipful moment when we play it live.

CMCentral:  You have been making music for a long time now. Do you feel like you still have something new to say with this record?

Dan:  It has taken me a while to realize that as long as I am writing honestly about my own experiences, I will always have something to say. The songs we write are born out of experiences that turn our gaze back toward God and what His story is for us on this earth. As long as there is struggle, and as long as I am in a teachable place, I think I will always be able to see something of the multifaceted work of the gospel.

CMCentral:  It’s rare that a band that’s had the success and the longevity that Jars of Clay has achieved would still maintain the original line-up after all these years. What do you attribute to the four of you staying together all this time?