Celebrating Family: A Conversation with Mark Bishop on “Grandkids”

Southern Gospel artist Mark Bishop's new collection, Grandkids, celebrates the joys and challenges of family, a recurring theme in his songwriting. Originally inspired by the arrival of his first grandchild, the EP brings together memorable tracks spanning his career, from the nostalgic "Grow Up, Baby, Good and Strong" and the reflective "The Refrigerator Door" to the tender "I Remember Her Well." It also includes the previously unreleased, playful "Lightning Bug," which encourages listeners-young and old-to let their light shine. Bishop notes that writing about family allows him to capture universal emotions, and he hopes this collection offers a heartfelt celebration of love, faith, and connection across generations. 

Listen to Grandkids HERE. 

Q: Grandkids began as a personal celebration of your first grandchild, but has resonated far beyond your own family. When did you realize this song was connecting with listeners on a deeper level?

I guess I don't really ever think about it that way. But what I have realized over the years is that if I write something that feels deeply personal to me, there is somebody out there who is living the same experience and the song will resonate with them too. We sometimes like to think that we are so different from everybody else, but actually, most of us are experiencing the same emotions in life. We have ups and downs, good days and bad days... we love our friends and family... that's the same for all of us.

Q: Looking back over your catalog, you've noticed a recurring theme of family in your songs. Why do you think family relationships keep inspiring your songwriting?

I tend to write small. I love the old songs that talk about God's majesty and power and the vastness of creation, but I get more satisfaction by telling small stories about everyday life. I think it's because we can more easily see ourselves as being in the story, or maybe someone we know. And too... our families have a shortcut to our heart.

Q: This collection pulls from both new and older recordings, like "Grow Up, Baby, Good and Strong." How did it feel to revisit some of those earlier moments in your music for this project?

I wrote that song for our youngest daughter Haley. She's older now and moved about four hours away. So actually, that song came true. So yeah... revisiting old songs is like revisiting an old friend. It's kind of neat to look back and see where your head and heart were at back then.

Q: The closing track, "Lightning Bug," brings a playful but profound message. What inspired you to finally share this song now, after initially writing it for your daughters years ago?

I remember we recorded that song when we had a little extra time in the studio one day. It's kind of a storybook song. And while it may have a "profound message", it's really placed in a format that's appealing to a child. The message is universal... let your light shine.

Q: Songs like "The Refrigerator Door" and "I Remember Her Well" touch on the bittersweet side of parenting. How do you balance joy and vulnerability when writing about family?

They are just life songs. And of course, being a Christian, The Refrigerator Door talks about how that upbringing stays with you, resonating throughout your life. I wrote "I Remember Her Well" about our oldest daughter and I sang it to her at their wedding. Hey... I'm a songwriter... "bittersweet" is good... at least it is to me.

Q: If there's one takeaway message you'd like listeners to have from Grandkids, what would it be?

Well... if you're a Christian... and you have a family... there's something here for you. God created the family. It's a holy thing in God's eyes. Not everyone has the same experience with family that I have had... I realize that. But on the other hand, these emotions can touch the heart of anyone. What are we beyond the emotions of love we develop in this life? If you're a songwriter and you write about that... well... that's everybody.

 

 

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