Andrew Ripp - Surviving Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
Feels like my heart is only halfway beating
I'm barely breathing in, breathing out
If this is just a feeling
I can't shake it
This house of cards I built is going to cave in
I don't have the strength or what it takes to say this
Chorus
Every moment without you is me just surviving
Treading water
My arms are tired
I need you
I need you to throw me a line
I need reviving
I've been kicking, screaming, and fighting
And I wanna be alive
Every moment without you is me just surviving
Verse 2
All alone
I'm in a no win situation
You are the only one who can save me now
So I'm begging for a chance at a new beginning
One more shot at what I've been missing
Don't want to go another day without you near me
Chorus
Every moment without you is me just surviving
Treading water
My arms are tired
I need you
I need you to throw me a line
I need reviving
I've been kicking, screaming, and fighting
And I wanna be alive, yeah
Every moment without you is me just surviving
Bridge
I'm nothing but a sinking stone on my own
I'm never gonna let you go, now that I know
Every moment without you is me just surviving
Chorus
Every moment without you is me just surviving
Treading water
My arms are tired
I need you
I need you to throw me a line
I need reviving
I've been kicking, screaming, and fighting
And I wanna be alive, yeah
Every moment without you is me just surviving
Video
Andrew Ripp- Surviving (AUDIO)
Meaning & Inspiration
Andrew Ripp’s "Surviving," released on October 16, 2015, from his self-titled album *Andrew Ripp*, is a poignant anthem that speaks to the deepest human need for rescue and revival. This song isn't just a collection of verses and a chorus; it’s a raw, honest outpouring of a soul confronting its absolute breaking point, recognizing that without a specific, essential "You," existence is merely enduring, rather than truly living. It dives headfirst into the feeling of utter powerlessness, portraying a person teetering on the edge, their inner world crumbling like a "house of cards." The narrative unfolds with a vulnerable admission of weakness, a cry from the depths for a lifeline when all personal strength has vanished.
The opening verses immediately paint a picture of internal collapse: a heart "halfway beating," breath barely managed, and an inescapable feeling of dread. This imagery powerfully evokes the spiritual weariness that can plague anyone, even those striving to appear strong. It reflects a common human experience where the burdens of life become too heavy to bear alone, leading to an admission that "I don't have the strength or what it takes to say this." The chorus then crystallizes this desperation, articulating a life defined by simply "treading water," arms tired, constantly "kicking, screaming, and fighting" just to stay afloat. The plea is direct and profound: "I need you to throw me a line, I need reviving." This isn't a request for casual help; it's a desperate call for salvation from spiritual drowning, a yearning to transition from mere existence to a vibrant, authentic "alive" state. This mirrors the cries found in Scripture, where those facing overwhelming circumstances often turn to God, much like the Psalmist who declared in Psalm 69:1-2, "Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold." This longing for revival resonates with Psalm 85:6, "Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?" It’s an acknowledgment that true life, full of joy and purpose, can only be found through divine intervention.
As the song progresses into the second verse, the sense of isolation intensifies, portraying a "no win situation" where the individual stands "all alone." It’s at this juncture that the pivotal confession arrives: "You are the only one who can save me now." This declaration shifts the entire narrative, moving from generalized despair to a focused, singular hope. It’s an unwavering recognition that no other source, no other person or philosophy, holds the power to truly deliver. This sentiment deeply aligns with biblical truth, as Acts 4:12 boldly states, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." This "You" is the ultimate rescuer. Following this crucial realization is a heartfelt "begging for a chance at a new beginning," a desire to reconcile with "what I've been missing," and a firm resolve not to endure "another day without you near me." This mirrors the promise of renewal found in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" It’s a spiritual rebirth, a fresh start offered by a loving God who longs to draw near to us, as encouraged in James 4:8, "Come near to God and he will come near to you." The presence of God isn't just a comfort; it’s the very essence of what was missing.
The bridge serves as a powerful summation and an unwavering commitment. The metaphor of being "nothing but a sinking stone on my own" vividly portrays the human condition without divine grace—helpless, sinking inevitably into despair. It's a stark reminder of the truth in John 15:5, "Apart from me you can do nothing." But from this nadir comes an epiphany and a resolute vow: "I'm never gonna let you go, now that I know." This "knowing" signifies a profound, transformative experience, not just intellectual understanding, but a deep, personal encounter with the saving power of the "You." It's a commitment born of tested faith, a clinging to the one who has provided the line to revival. This unwavering devotion echoes the covenantal faithfulness described in Deuteronomy 31:6, where God promises, "He will never leave you nor forsake you." The repetition of the chorus after the bridge cements this central message: life without God is mere survival, but with Him, there's the promise of being truly alive. Ripp’s "Surviving" thus transcends a simple lament; it becomes an inspiring testament to the strength found in admitting weakness and surrendering completely to the only One who can truly save and sustain us. It serves as a powerful encouragement for anyone navigating their own "house of cards" moments, reminding them that their weakness is the very space where divine strength can shine most brightly, offering not just survival, but true, abundant life.