It’s nothing new for Scott Stapp to probe the deeply personal matters in life. For more than two decades, his lyrics have probed the depths of the human soul, exploring the constant juxtaposition of hope and struggle through life, ever-holding to a prevailing personal faith. The words of Scott Stapp choruses throughout his years as a co-founding member of Creed and, as a solo artist, have become embedded in millions of hearts as solace in troubled times, without shrinking back from the dilemma of reconciling faith through the dark places of life’s journey.

“Higher,” “My Sacrifice,” and his own “Proof of Life” create audible evidence of that conclusion at every live concert event.

Scott Stapp has returned to radio playlists and the road recently, putting a personal touch to his powerful new single, “Purpose For Pain.” He has lived out the title of the song, and learned every turn and twist between the lines in coming to terms with life, but also reveals the sources of light and joy in his life in an interview with Reno’s Rock 104.5 posted April 5. For this artist and parent, fatherhood doesn’t just mean taking on the easy or delightful duties that every dad loves. Scott Stapp isn’t scared off by a dirty diaper.

Along with favorites, Scott Stapp and guitarists Yiannis Papadopoulos and Ben Flanders treated fans to a very unique acoustic performance of “Purpose For Pain” and a surprise preview of another song from “The Space Between The Shadows” album slated for release in July.

“Name” explores the path of fatherhood even more deeply than “With Arms Wide Open” during its chart-topping reign of 20 years ago.

Hazards of fatherhood

Not much prompting was necessary before Scott Stapp provided some unexpected details of how he spends his downtime. The singer-songwriter and devoted dad freely volunteered that his nickname with his kids is “Poopman” because dad is ever-willing to take on the cleanup duty required for his son in diapers or the family dogs.

Not to worry, because his confession only elevates him further in the esteem of female fans and his beautiful wife of 13 years, Jaclyn.

Scott also spends much of his free time involved in coaching youth sports with his son, Daniel, and working in daddy-daughter dances with his 12-year-old daughter, Milan, in between attending recitals in piano, tap, and jazz.

Children and family mean everything to Stapp, especially because they are the crux of the lyrics, “so much at stake” in “Purpose For Pain.” Losing everything and everyone precious to him was “right in front of my face” as Stapp explained before embracing sobriety as a lifestyle following his diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

“My sobriety is the most important thing,” he emphasized, further elaborating that maintaining a sober tour and grounded, healthy routines are essential. Personally and professionally, he is continually aware that sobriety is not simply a “list of things you can't do.” Instead, “it's freedom,” he describes.

With so much to celebrate in life, Scott recently spoke about letting go of social media slams and sticking to a focus on “the positives.”

A father's pledge

Scott Stapp couldn't help but exhibit a father’s pride when he shared that his children sing on another of his album tracks, “Wake-Up Call.” Fans can get a sample of the song during the upcoming pre-order campaign for “The Space Between The Shadows.”

Sandwiched between “Purpose For Pain” and the crowd favorite, “Higher” was “Name.” From the opening chords, the ballad echoes its cry to expose “the truth behind the rage” and find the strength to “turn the page.” Stapp has a valid claim to sing “I am a son without a father,” having been abandoned by his biological father and being accepted by a stepfather for a time before being subjected to brutal regimens and interpretations of religiosity.

“Heavy-handed” is the generous description that Scott Stapp offers in the song. Now, he is able to look back as “the man I am today”-- the one who can promise that his young son, or the rest of his children, “will ever know that pain” of the father who walked away. The courage of this chorus will find lasting resonance.

As expected, “Higher” and “My Sacrifice” receive rousing receptions of familiar appreciation, but “Name” may be the most exceptional song from Scott Stapp in a very long while.
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