Avalon - Forgive and Forget Lyrics
Lyrics
Me and my shadow
He goes wherever I go
My darker side sometimes chases me home
He makes me feel guilty
For things I'm forgiven of
Says I'm unworthy
While you say I'm loved
Lest I forget it
You have said it I believe
If I forget
That you forgive
Will that affect
The way I live
What I regret
I won't believe
I won't forget
That you forgive me
He's my distraction
'Cause he knows my passion is you
His broken record plays 'round and 'round inside my head
He'd keep my own two eyes
Focused on pitiful me
But I'll turn my heart in love
Toward the world instead
Lest I forget it
I'm forgiven and I'm free
I am living in the promise of a merciful place
Where all my shame is gone
I am living in the freedom of forgiveness and grace
It's all I am counting on
Video
Forgive + Forget
Meaning & Inspiration
Released in 1997 as part of their compelling album, *A Maze of Grace*, Avalon's "Forgive and Forget" emerges as a profound exploration of the Christian journey, particularly the internal struggle against shame and the liberating power of divine grace. This isn't just a song; it's a lyrical sermon, designed to anchor believers in the unwavering truth of God's forgiveness amidst the relentless accusations of self-doubt and spiritual opposition. It speaks to the universal experience of carrying burdens long after they've been laid down, articulating the often-silent battle fought in the mind over one's worthiness and acceptance.
The song immediately establishes a poignant narrative with the imagery of "Me and my shadow," a powerful metaphor for the darker aspects of our human nature—our past mistakes, ingrained insecurities, and the voice of the accuser that constantly seeks to undermine our peace. This "shadow" relentlessly whispers guilt for "things I'm forgiven of" and declares "I'm unworthy," even as God affirms, "I'm loved." This vivid portrayal resonates deeply with Romans 7, where Paul describes the internal conflict between the desire to do good and the struggle with sin that still resides within. Furthermore, it echoes the spiritual warfare described in Revelation 12:10, where Satan is identified as "the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night." The song beautifully juxtaposes this condemning voice with the life-giving declaration of divine love, a truth foundational to our identity in Christ, as articulated in Ephesians 2:4-5, which reminds us that "even when we were dead in transgressions, [God] made us alive with Christ because of his great love for us."
The central thesis of the song crystallizes in the refrain, questioning the profound impact of forgetting God's forgiveness: "If I forget / That you forgive / Will that affect / The way I live?" This is a critical theological insight, suggesting that our understanding and remembrance of grace are not merely abstract concepts but vital springs for daily living. When we forget the completeness of God's pardon, we inadvertently re-enter a prison of our own making, diminishing our freedom and confidence. Hebrews 10:17 assures us that God declares, "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more," a truth that, when believed, radically transforms our perspective. Conversely, forgetting this leads to a life characterized by regret and self-condemnation, rather than the peace and assurance promised in Romans 8:1, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." The song challenges us to actively choose to "not forget that you forgive me," a conscious decision to stand on God's word rather than the shifting sands of our feelings or the lies of the accuser.
As the song progresses, the "shadow" evolves into a "distraction," one that "knows my passion is you," indicating a spiritual adversary actively trying to pull our focus from God. This distraction manifests as a "broken record" of self-pity and inward gaze, "focused on pitiful me." This imagery vividly captures how spiritual attacks often target our identity and purpose, urging us to fixate on our failures or weaknesses rather than on Christ. However, the song provides the antidote: "I'll turn my heart in love / Toward the world instead." This shift from self-absorption to outward love is a powerful biblical principle, reflecting Christ's command to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39) and the call in Philippians 2:3-4 to consider others better than ourselves and look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others. It’s a profound realization that true freedom from internal torment often comes through an outward expression of God’s love. The truth, "I'm forgiven and I'm free," becomes the bedrock for this transformed living, echoing John 8:36, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
The triumphant conclusion of the song declares, "I am living in the promise of a merciful place / Where all my shame is gone," and "I am living in the freedom of forgiveness and grace / It's all I am counting on." This is the ultimate destination of faith—a life lived in the unwavering assurance of God's abundant mercy. This "merciful place" is not merely a future hope but a present reality, where, as Psalm 103:12 proclaims, "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." The freedom from shame is a tangible benefit of Christ's sacrifice, allowing us to approach God with confidence, knowing that our past does not define us. This confidence in "forgiveness and grace" becomes the anchor for all hope, a testament to the completed work of the cross. Ephesians 1:7 encapsulates this truth: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." Avalon's "Forgive and Forget" serves as a timeless anthem, compelling us to remember and embrace the profound, life-altering truth of God's continuous and boundless forgiveness, empowering us to live lives of genuine freedom, gratitude, and purposeful love.