Acappella - Abba Father Lyrics
Lyrics
Somebody feels hopeless
Somebody despairs
Somebody walks a path alone
Watching others walk around in pairs
Somebody's in the street now
Somebody's in doubt
Somebody has no place to go
Somebody cries out saying
Abba, Father, take me higher
Abba, Father, take me home
Somebody is hungry
Somebody's in pain
Somebody sleeps alone in fear
Somebody's in shame
Somebody needs a friend to lean on
Somebody's not there
Somebody's looking at the end
Somebody's in prayer, praying
Chorus:
Abba, Father, take me higher
(You're not alone (know you're not)
Somebody's there (you know we've got)
The Lord to guide our way
To help us make it through the day)
Abba, Father, take me home
(You're not alone (know you're not)
Somebody's there (you know we've got)
The Lord our Father to take us home
Take us home, Father, take us home, Father)
Abba, Father
Repeat Chorus (x2)
Take me home
Take me home, Father
Father please, take me home
Abba, Father
Scriptural Reference:
"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Romans 8:15-17 (1-17 cited on insert)
"Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit woh calls out, 'Abba, Father.'" Galatians 4:6
Video
Acappella "Abba Father" Music Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Acappella's "Abba Father," from their 1999 album *All That I Need*, emerges as a profoundly moving and spiritually resonant piece, drawing the listener into a raw, honest dialogue with the divine. The song immediately sets a contemplative tone by painting a stark picture of human suffering and isolation, beginning with poignant observations: "Somebody feels hopeless," "Somebody despairs," and "Somebody walks a path alone." It vividly portrays the universal struggles of insecurity, hunger, pain, fear, shame, and the desperate need for connection and belonging. These initial verses lay bare the common human experience of feeling utterly lost and without recourse, capturing the cries of individuals navigating life’s harshest realities, from those on the streets to those battling internal doubts, culminating in the profound yearning for solace. This prelude establishes the deep, existential need that drives the central prayer of the song.
The heart of the song resides in its simple yet powerful refrain: "Abba, Father, take me higher, Abba, Father, take me home." The term "Abba" itself is a direct and intimate Aramaic address for Father, akin to "Daddy," signaling a deeply personal and trusting relationship. This isn't a formal, distant plea, but the vulnerable cry of a child to a loving parent. The request to be taken "higher" speaks to a yearning for spiritual elevation, for perspective beyond earthly trials, to rise above the despair and find strength in God's presence. It represents a desire for wisdom, comfort, and an understanding that transcends immediate circumstances, aligning with the Scriptural call to seek God's kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). The longing to be taken "home" extends beyond a physical dwelling; it resonates with the soul's profound yearning for ultimate rest, peace, and communion with God in eternity. It echoes the pilgrim's heart described in Hebrews 11:13-16, knowing that our true home lies beyond this world, a place God has prepared for us (John 14:2-3).
The chorus provides a powerful response to the initial cries of distress, shifting from individual lament to a comforting, communal assurance. The interjections "You're not alone (know you're not) Somebody's there (you know we've got) The Lord to guide our way To help us make it through the day)" serve as a tender reminder that even in the darkest moments, God’s presence is steadfast. This section emphasizes that the Father is not a distant deity but an active participant in our lives, offering guidance and strength to navigate daily challenges. This profound truth is beautifully elaborated in the Scriptural references provided with the song. Romans 8:15-17 is particularly central, explaining that through the Spirit of sonship, we cry out "Abba, Father," affirming our identity as God's children and co-heirs with Christ. This passage transforms the initial cries of hopelessness into declarations of inherited glory, even amidst suffering. Similarly, Galatians 4:6 reinforces that it is God's Spirit within us that enables this intimate plea, underscoring our adopted status as children of God.
"Abba Father" thus functions as more than just a song; it's a spiritual embrace, a testament to God's unwavering closeness. It reminds us that when we feel brokenhearted or crushed in spirit, the Lord is near (Psalm 34:18). It underscores the invitation to approach God's throne of grace with confidence in our time of need, knowing we will receive mercy and find grace to help (Hebrews 4:16). The song’s a cappella delivery enhances its raw emotion and sincerity, allowing the unadorned human voice to carry the weight of both despair and divine hope with remarkable clarity. It’s a powerful anthem for anyone feeling isolated or overwhelmed, offering not just a prayer but also the assurance that we are deeply loved, eternally connected, and ultimately destined for a spiritual home where all our longing will be fulfilled by our compassionate "Abba, Father." Its enduring message is one of profound hope and an invitation to an intimate relationship with the Creator, fostering encouragement and solidifying faith for all who encounter its truth.