Daystar is a worshipful and hope-filled anthem with lyrics that I wrote in 1996, celebrating Jesus Christ as the eternal Light of the world and the "Bright and Morning Star" spoken of in Revelation 22:16. I joined my lyrics to the beloved and beautiful, well-known traditional folk melody I've long loved, called "The Water Is Wide." I wrote these new Christ-centered lyrics that proclaim the glory, victory, and everlasting hope found in the Savior. He will have us who have our life in Him join with Him like soaring eagles in the sky someday, whether we are asleep in the grave or are alive on earth when He returns.
The title and imagery of the song are rooted in the historical understanding of the "Daystar" as the planet Venus, the brilliant morning star that shines brightly before sunrise and often remains visible as dawn breaks. This striking celestial image beautifully reflects Christ, whose light pierces the darkness and heralds the coming of a new day.
This song was first sung at the 1996 public dedication gathering for the opening of a Christian-based guest ranch in Montana that I bought and operated for a time, which I named Daystar Guest Ranch. This song was also sung at my wife's graveside gathering following her death in 2006.
— Terry Parks
