I started writing this song shortly before my father was diagnosed with ALS (also known as “Lou Gehrig's Disease”) and finished it shortly after his death. For that reason, this song works on several levels for me personally, but it’s meant to speak to the way that we often—as children of God—look for satisfaction, fulfillment and love in other places besides the heart of our Heavenly Father.
Considering Holy Week, this song is a prologue of sorts. We see all the steps that our Savior willingly took toward His death. We see His concern for His people as He wept over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37). We see Him in Gethsemane with sweat like drops of blood as He anguishes over His coming trial (Luke 22:44). Jesus was faithful to the end because He knew His Father’s heart.
This song was written from God’s perspective as a reminder of His love and care for each of us. We don’t always understand God’s plans for us but God always cares for His children with the same compassion and sacrificial love that lead Jesus to His death on our behalf.
lyrics
VERSE 1:
Where‘er you go,
You are never alone.
Even in darkest times
You’re on My mind.
But where in this world
Are you hoping to find
All those things you need?
Just come to Me.
CHORUS:
Please, just leave all those things
That could never replace
A Father’s love.
VERSE 2:
Though you fear pain
I’ll wipe each tear away.
Troubles come to teach
My mercy’s reach.
For now you see
As through a glass darkly
But soon—and face to face
You’ll know My grace.
FINAL CHORUS:
Please, believe I can see
All those burdens you bear
And I care
Please, just leave all those things
That could never replace
A Father’s love.
credits
from Holy Week,
released April 8, 2011
Words and Music by: Jonathan Taube
The latest 45 from Moon Rituals offers two slices of tranquil synthpop, with gauzy vocals, bright keys, and warm hooks. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 30, 2020
Is it wicked not to care? Frances Chang's layered, strange experimental pop recalls Lisa Germano in its pursuit of meaning in a sad world. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 2, 2022