Austin Sebek - I Don't Know Lyrics
Lyrics
Oh the faith in me
From the days of my youth
It keeps escaping me
And gets harder to choose
Well, I don't know what went wrong
But I miss who I used to be
I don't know why it took so long
For me to finally see
There's something inside of me
That's calloused my love
This religiosity has taken enough
Well, I don't know what went wrong
But I miss who I used to be
I don't know why it took so long
For me to finally see
Well, I know that we can make this better
Cause I know there's still love in me
Though I've seen my pride be unfettered
I know what we can achieve
Well, I don't know what went wrong
But I miss who I used to be
I don't know why it took so long
For me to finally see
Video
Austin Sebek - I Don't Know (Lyrics)
Meaning & Inspiration
Austin Sebek’s "I Don't Know," released on February 6, 2020, immediately draws the listener into a profoundly introspective space, exploring the complex terrain of spiritual doubt and the yearning for authentic faith. This is not a song that shies away from discomfort; instead, it embraces the raw honesty of a soul grappling with a journey that has diverged from its initial path, bravely articulating the common, yet often unspoken, struggles faced by many within a faith context. It’s a compelling narrative of disillusionment and the quiet resolve to rediscover a more genuine connection.
The core message of the song revolves around a deeply personal spiritual crisis, marked by a sense of loss and a poignant remembrance of a simpler, more vibrant faith from earlier days. The words paint a picture of someone watching their foundational beliefs slip away, finding it increasingly difficult to hold onto what once came naturally. This yearning for a past self, for "who I used to be," isn't mere nostalgia; it's a spiritual lament for a purity of heart or an unburdened belief that has somehow been compromised. It speaks to a universal human experience of questioning, of seeking clarity when the path forward seems obscured, echoing the sentiment of the Psalmist who cried out, "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God" (Psalm 42:5). The song bravely admits a confusion about "what went wrong," a powerful testament to the often-unforeseen ways in which our spiritual lives can shift and challenge us, prompting a necessary period of self-reflection and re-evaluation.
The pivotal moment in "I Don't Know" arrives with the stark realization that "religiosity has taken enough" and has "calloused my love." This isn't a rejection of faith itself, but a powerful critique of empty ritual, legalism, or an external performance of belief that often overshadows genuine relationship and heartfelt devotion. Many, like the prophet Isaiah, have decried such superficial worship, where hearts are far from God despite outward appearances (Isaiah 29:13). Jesus himself challenged the religious leaders of his day who prioritized rules over love and mercy (Matthew 23). The idea of "calloused love" is particularly poignant; it suggests that rigid adherence to form, rather than fostering a deeper connection, can actually harden the heart, making it less receptive to divine love and less capable of extending grace. This spiritual dullness is a dangerous consequence of mistaking religious observance for true transformation, a warning found in scriptures that emphasize a circumcised heart over outward signs (Romans 2:28-29). The song’s wrestling here highlights the journey from a performative faith to one rooted in authentic love and inner conviction, reminding us that true religion is caring for the vulnerable and keeping oneself unstained by the world, not merely outward show (James 1:27).
Yet, amidst this honest lament, the song ultimately pivots towards a powerful declaration of hope and an active commitment to spiritual recovery. The declaration, "I know that we can make this better / Cause I know there's still love in me," speaks volumes about resilience and the enduring power of grace. Even when pride has been "unfettered," leading one astray, there remains a deep-seated capacity for love, perhaps a seed planted by God Himself, a testament to His enduring presence even in times of doubt. This hopeful turn aligns beautifully with scriptural truths about God's faithfulness and our capacity for renewal. Though we may stumble and our pride may lead us down destructive paths (Proverbs 16:18), God's mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), and He continually works within us to will and to act according to His good purpose (Philippians 2:13). The recognition that "I know what we can achieve" is not a statement of self-reliance but a profound acknowledgement of the potential for restoration when we turn back towards the source of true love and align ourselves with His transformative power. "I Don't Know" serves as a moving reminder that the spiritual path is rarely linear, but through honest self-reflection and a renewed pursuit of authentic faith, even amidst doubt and disillusionment, hope and healing are always within reach.