Verse 1
I pulled it off the wall and held it in my hands
The cold steel and wood turned a boy into a man
I held the hammer back, fingers all red from the rust
And I knew exactly where daddy hid the shells from us
Verse 2
I left a note by the stove saying I wouldn't be too long
I didn't want mama to call or come looking where I had gone
I been blinded by the pain and I own only had one thought
I set off for the woods, pockets jangled while I walked
Chorus
My hands were shaking, oh, so bad
I could hardly hold that gun
I shoved a round into the magazine
It was my last chance to run
If this is a cry for help, I'm crying out loud
"Help me understand"
When I let it go and it hit the ground
Turns out God had other plans
Verse 3
I felt the hand of God as he led me off that ledge
I left the rifle lyin' there in the leaves with my regrets
Silhouette still in the paint where it hung up on the wall
Reminded me that I was saved when I could have lost it all
Chorus
My hands were shaking, oh, so bad
I could hardly hold that gun
I shoved a round into the magazine
It was my last chance to run
If this is a cry for help, I'm crying out loud
"Help me understand"
When I let it go and it hit the ground
Turns out God had other plans
Instrumental Break
Chorus
My hands were shaking, oh, so bad
I could hardly hold that gun
I shoved a round into the magazine
It was my last chance to run
If this is a cry for help then I was crying out loud
But now I understand
When I let it go and it hit the ground
Turns out God had other plans
Outro
Turns out God had other plans
Other Plans Video
Other Plans Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Introduction
The song "Other Plans" by Ben Fuller is a powerful and emotional ballad that takes listeners on a journey of struggle, redemption, and ultimately, surrendering to God's greater plan. This song touches on themes of hope, faith, and the transformative power of God's love.
Verse 1
The song begins with the narrator discovering a gun hidden by their father. There is a sense of desperation and pain as they contemplate using it as a means of escape. The lyrics, "I pulled it off the wall and held it in my hands, The cold steel and wood turned a boy into a man," depict the heaviness of the situation and the weight of the decision at hand. The narrator acknowledges the presence of rust on the gun, symbolizing the decay and brokenness they feel in their life.
Verse 2
In the second verse, the narrator reveals their intention to leave, leaving a note for their mother and embarking on a journey to the woods. The lyrics, "I been blinded by the pain and I own only had one thought, I set off for the woods, pockets jangled while I walked," suggest a state of desperation and hopelessness. The jangling pockets represent the burdens and struggles the narrator carries with them.
Chorus
The chorus of the song serves as a cry for help, a plea for understanding. The lyrics, "My hands were shaking, oh, so bad, I could hardly hold that gun, I shoved a round into the magazine, It was my last chance to run," convey the narrator's fear and desperation. They feel trapped and believe that this might be their only way out. However, the chorus also hints at a glimmer of hope, as the lyrics question whether this cry for help will be heard and understood.
Verse 3
In the third verse, a turning point occurs. The narrator experiences a divine intervention as they feel the hand of God leading them away from the edge. The lyrics, "I felt the hand of God as he led me off that ledge, I left the rifle lyin' there in the leaves with my regrets," symbolize a moment of surrender and realization. The rifle is left behind, representing the narrator's decision to let go of their pain and regrets and trust in God's plan.
Chorus
The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the transformation that has taken place within the narrator. They now understand that God had other plans for their life. The lyrics, "If this is a cry for help, then I was crying out loud, But now I understand, When I let it go and it hit the ground, Turns out God had other plans," showcase a newfound understanding and acceptance of God's sovereignty.
Meaning of the Song
"Other Plans" is a deeply personal and introspective song that reflects on a moment of crisis and the subsequent realization of God's intervention. The song explores themes of struggle, hopelessness, and the transformative power of faith. It speaks to the universal human experience of grappling with pain and seeking a way out, only to find solace and redemption in surrendering to God's greater plan.
The inspiration behind the song may vary from person to person, as people interpret music based on their own experiences and perspectives. However, the lyrics suggest a journey of personal struggle and the discovery of God's love and guidance. It is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, God is present, leading us towards a greater purpose.
Biblical Analysis
From a biblical perspective, "Other Plans" resonates with several key themes and teachings. The song reflects the biblical concept of surrendering to God's will and trusting in His plan. Proverbs 3:5-6 states, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." The narrator in the song reaches a point of surrender, recognizing that their own understanding and plans were flawed, and instead putting their trust in God.
The song also echoes the biblical message of finding hope and redemption in the midst of pain and despair. Romans 8:28 reminds us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." The narrator's realization that God had other plans reflects the biblical truth that God can take our brokenness and turn it into something beautiful.
Additionally, the song emphasizes the importance of community and support in times of struggle. The lyrics suggest that the narrator's cry for help was heard and understood, reminding us of the biblical principle of bearing one another's burdens. Galatians 6:2 states, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
While the song does not explicitly reference specific biblical stories or verses, its overarching themes align with biblical teachings. It reminds us of the power of God's love, the transformative nature of surrender, and the importance of community in our journey of faith.
Conclusion
"Other Plans" by Ben Fuller is a poignant and thought-provoking song that explores themes of struggle, surrender, and faith. Through its heartfelt lyrics and emotional delivery, the song captures the universal human experience of grappling with pain and finding hope in surrendering to God's plan. From a biblical perspective, the song aligns with teachings on trust, redemption, and the power of community. It serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, God has other plans for our lives.
