If you ask Abandon Kansas frontman Jeremy Spring what motivates him and his band, you may be shocked at the answer. The answer to that question lies the very thing that sets his band apart from the endless parade of fame-seekers in the music industry.

“As far as long term goals, none of us have any desire to be rich and famous,” Spring said. “If we can keep connecting with people through music then we'll be content. There are way too many bands out there already so we're trying to make what we do a little bigger than music.”

Abandon Kansas is determined to continue to bring its music and message to the masses with the release of Ad Astra Per Aspera on March 8. With fearless hearts, ingenious songwriting, a do-it-yourself work ethic, and poignant wit, Spring and company shine. This is indie pop/rock that will surprise you with its candor and cause you to contemplate the deepest recesses of your heart.

I had the opportunity to interview Jeremy Spring about his song “Heaven Come My Way.”

Please tell me the personal story behind writing this song.

This record was unique in that it was the first time that we got to record in two different sessions. We recorded 10 songs and then left on a tour, knowing we were going to come back and finish the vocals on the 10 songs. That gave us the opportunity to think about the songs and what we were trying to say on the album. We never had that chance before. That allowed us to think about what type of song was missing.

“Heaven Come My Way” was a song we came up with on the second batch of songs. As a writer, I wanted to write one song that summed up the concept of the record. We knew the concept and album title, Ad Astra Per Aspera, the Kansas state motto which means “to the stars with difficulty.” We knew we wanted to have songs that dealt with that concept.

All of the songs have something to do with the sky, the stars, or our journey. For us as Christians, that goal is Heaven, and God’s presence. For non-believers, they want to be rich and famous. The concept is a little hazy on the rest of the record so I wanted to write one song that was really upfront about the concept of where we are headed without forgetting where we came from.

Which Bible verses go with the song?

All of Psalm 121: "I will lift up my eyes to the hills--From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore."

What do you consider to be the takeaway message for listeners?

The opening line, “I’ve always aimed higher, don’t let me off the hook, We wrote a chapter, haven’t finished the book,” talks about our past, present and future. It is a challenge for the listener to think about whether they are coming with us to Heaven. It is a worship song; the verses are a prayer, like one of the Psalms. It’s a great way to kick off the record musically and lyrically as it summarizes the album.

We know our music will eventually fade, but it's our hope that for our music and to all the people we meet along this journey, that this is the evidence that Christ has done a revolution in our hearts and we're forever changed because of it. The Lord will protect your life. He will watch over your coming and going both now and forever, It is a great reminder that when we lift our eyes out of the darkness and focus on Him, our faith will be strengthened.

Here are the lyrics:

I’ve always aimed higher, don’t let me off the hook
We wrote a chapter, haven’t finished the book
The high road’s the hard one, but doesn’t it feel right?

I wish I didn’t have to leave, but that doesn’t mean I’ll stay
I’ve heard the call, and I’ll answer anyway

Heaven come my way, come my way
I’ll go through the storm, if I can hear you say
Help is on the way, on the way

It can’t be that far, take me to the stars
You brought me this far, don’t bid me farewell
Give me the courage to finish it well
Keep my feet moving forward and my eyes above

Heaven come my way, come my way
I’ll go through the storm, if I can hear you say
Help is on the way, on the way
It can’t be that far, take me to the stars

Take me, take me where you are
Take me, take me to the stars
Take me, take me where you are

Heaven come my way, come my way
I’ll go through the storm, if I can hear you say
To the stars
Oh, where you are
To the stars
Oh, take me home where you are
To the stars
Heaven come my way
Heaven come my way