Wednesday, 1 August 2012

Next to me...

A friend of mine recently suggested this song as inspiration for a blog.  It’s Emeli Sande’s “Next to Me:

 
Here is a version of the lyrics without all the oooohhhhs...

You won't find him drinking at the tables
rolling dice and staying out til 3
you won't ever find him being unfaithful
you will find him, you'll find him next to me.

You won't find him trying to chase the devil
for money, fame, for power, out of grief
you won't ever find him where the rest go
you will find him, you'll find him next to me.

When the money's spent and all my friends have vanished
and I can't seem to find no help or love for free
I know there's no need for me to panic
cause I'll find him, I'll find him next to me.

When the skies are grey and all the doors are closing
and the rising pressure makes it hard to breathe
well, all I need is a hand to stop the tears from falling
I will find him, I'll find him next to me.

When the end has come and buildings falling down fast
when we spoilt the land and dried up all the sea
when everyone has lost their heads around us
you will find him, you'll find him next to me.

I had heard this song before my friend recommended it but I'd never really paid much attention to the lyrics. I'd simply enjoyed tapping my foot enthusiastically along  without much thought for the words.  Since I looked them up I can’t stop listening to it!  I don’t know if Emeli is a Christian or not and it doesn’t bother me either way because songs are as much about interpretation as they are the writer's intent.  But for my non-christian friend who recommended it and for me there are definitely some “religious” overtones to say the least!

I think it’s a bit of a modern psalm and I especially love the line “when I can’t seem to find no help or love for free...I’ll find him next to me”.  It makes a certain kind of joy and assurance well up in my heart because I know that Jesus’ help and love is free and always will be. He will never be unfaithful; he can stop the tears from falling... 

He's next to me.  

I hope and pray that one day the lovely Lady will choose to have him next to her. 

And if he isn't already, the question is: Will you find him next to you?

1 comment:

  1. The way she (Emeli Sande) sang Abide with Me at the Olympic Opening ceremony was beautiful and very moving. (When I finally got to see it one week late) Even as a non-Christian I find that hymn to to be remarkably powerful.

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