
Photo credit Naree
All the kind words and love coming David’s way during his trip to Asia reminds me that he has an enormous presence, an aura of kindness that broadcasts and reflects back to him that what he is doing with his gift is being received and understood. Those in the press who spent time interviewing him and had an image of what they thought he was about, soon discovered that he is so much more than they may ever comprehend.
“We were surprised at just how gentle and humble this kid is! We all know the David Archuleta image we see on TV, right? We see him as shy, easily embarrassed, even awkward sometimes, but when you meet him in person, you realize just how genuine this guy is.” ~~ ChicoGarcia
David displays maturity beyond that of his youthful fellow artists. We have witnessed his gentle demeanor in so many situations that would very likely stress out most mere mortals. Like jet lag, the uncomfortable heat from foot lights he endures onstage in overcrowded venues and sleeping in strange places on any given night. Yet he relishes the opportunity to perform under any condition, never knowing what part of this world he will travel to for the next event. I was struck by David’s display of humility which proved “off the charts” when he tweeted about the unexpected (his term) warm welcome at the airports in Singapore and Manila. It matters not where David goes; we as fans will be there for him to show our unfailing support.
Unfazed, he smiles as hoards of screaming fans reach out to take a memory away by touching his shirt or getting the famous one arm hug that is David’s signature of affection. There are so many who reach out to him for a piece of his time and attention. His generosity to charities is evident in the way he makes sure he gives each one what they ask for, be it a helicopter ride, a mini concert or a hospital visit to brighten the day of patients. Seriously, David? How can you emit so much love for your fellow man and not expect it to come back to you ten fold?
David Archuleta is an artist who, at such a young age, is as focused as a laser beam. Interviewers soon realize that he is no pushover by the forthright way he deflects the probing personal questions he does not choose to answer.
“What do you mean you’ve never had a girlfriend?”
“Why is it that you have not kissed a girl yet?”
As if these are questions that MUST be answered!
In a round table interview recently in Manila, David told the reporters all they need to know about him. When asked what song he was most proud of from the new CD, he said the first and last tracks and that “The Other Side of Down” is the right balance of lyrics and has a feel good vibe. The last track, “My Kind of Perfect,” he described as his kind of love song, wondering who that person will be when love comes along. He has a brilliant mind. David understands that there is a time and place for what his Maker has in store for him. This is his chance right now, to strive to be the best artist he can be. His youth is not being wasted. Finding the perfect balance between career and personal relationships might be a tall order right now. Serving two masters usually results in both masters getting less than the desired effect.
“I feel its kinda been a blessing at the same time because it helps me keep a little focused with all this happening…..I feel it would have been an unhealthy balance of working and focusing on the girl, and not giving proper attention to either.”~~David Archuleta, XINMSN Singapore video interview.
If we really listen to the lyrics of songs from “The Other Side of Down“, we will hear clues about what David’s relationship is with life. He accentuates the positive in his songs. David is not afraid to write uplifting lyrics that other artists or label executives may see as cheesy. He stood his ground to make this album what he wanted it to be. There is nothing fake or disingenuous in the ten songs co-written by David.
David never betrays who he is. No matter the cost, he will live life on his own terms.
I respect that and love him for having such a strong character. For those who do not understand fully what we fans know, time will remedy that problem. David’s gift will one day be understood by more and more people as he tours this big blue marble called Earth.