Drum Sheet – Creed – With Arms Wide Open

“With Arms Wide Open” by Creed is not only one of the band’s most iconic songs, but also a deeply personal and emotionally resonant track — especially for fans who appreciate powerful, supportive drumming that elevates a song without overshadowing it. Released in 2000 as the third single from the album Human Clay, the song quickly became a massive hit, earning Creed their first Grammy Award for Best Rock Song and topping the Billboard Hot 100.

The song was born out of lead vocalist Scott Stapp’s reaction to learning he was going to become a father. He wrote the lyrics as a reflection on the kind of father he hoped to be, expressing both awe and anxiety about the responsibility of bringing a new life into the world. The sincerity and vulnerability of the lyrics resonated with a wide audience, turning the track into an anthem for personal growth and emotional maturity.

Musically, “With Arms Wide Open” started with a simple chord progression by guitarist Mark Tremonti. The acoustic-driven intro set a reflective tone, but the band built the arrangement to grow into something soaring and anthemic. That’s where Scott Phillips, Creed’s drummer, made a huge impact.

For fans of the drums, this song might not be flashy on the surface — but it’s a perfect example of tasteful, emotionally in-tune drumming. Phillips delivers a steady, warm groove throughout the verses, keeping the focus on the lyrics while laying a solid rhythmic foundation. As the song builds, so does his drumming: the fills become more expressive, the cymbals open up, and the kick-snare pattern drives the emotional lift of the chorus. The dynamic control is key — he knows exactly when to hold back and when to push forward. His subtle tom fills and well-placed crashes in the bridge and final choruses give the song a true sense of evolution and depth.

The band performed “With Arms Wide Open” extensively on tour, especially during the Human Clay tour and later on the Weathered tour. It became a centerpiece of their live shows, often accompanied by dramatic lighting and huge crowd sing-alongs. For Phillips, it was a chance to bring nuance and weight to a ballad that required both restraint and emotional punch — a balance he nailed night after night.

For drummers, it’s a masterclass in supportive, emotionally-driven playing.