B.J. Thomas - Everyday Man Lyrics
Lyrics
I used to think I could be silent
An hourglass losing it's sand
Satisfied only to live for the moment at hand
I had a design for my future
But I laid it aside for your path
You are the God of my everyday
And I am your everyday man
And your everyday man
Does all he can
To be an open book
A looking glass to catch the Saviour's glow
And your everyday man
Holds out his hand to those who've never looked
Into the blood
Where true salvation flows
Into the arms of forgiveness
As fast as I could I ran
Hoping that maybe the promise you made me would stand
But the more that I cling to that promise
The more that I understand
Your truth is sufficient for everyday
And I am your everyday man
And your everyday man
Does all he can
To be an open book
A looking glass to catch the Saviour's glow
And your everyday man
Holds out his hand to those who've never looked
Into the blood
Where true salvation flows
I'm walking a new street
I dare not walk alone
I pray that someway
I'll bring someone along
Everyday man that's what I am
I'm just an open book
A looking glass to catch the Saviour's glow
I'm your everyday man
I hold out my hand to those who've never looked
Into the blood
Where true salvation flows
Into the blood
Where true salvation flows
Video
BJ Thomas - Everyday Man
Meaning & Inspiration
B.J. Thomas gifted the world with "Everyday Man" on January 20, 2020, a profound musical reflection that immediately distinguishes itself as a testament to transformative faith. Far from a passing melody, this composition is a deep dive into the surrender of self to a higher calling, painting a vivid picture of a life redirected from temporal pursuits to eternal purpose. The song unfolds as a personal narrative, beginning with an introspective look at a past marked by transient self-sufficiency, where the speaker once perceived life as merely "an hourglass losing its sand," focused only on the present moment. This contemplation of a former existence, driven by personal ambition and a "design for my future," gives way to a pivotal revelation: the conscious decision to lay aside one's own path in favor of God's. This act of relinquishment, echoing the sentiment of Proverbs 3:5-6 to "trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding," establishes the core theme of the song: an unwavering commitment to recognize God as "the God of my everyday."
The heart of "Everyday Man" lies in its definition of what it means to live out this surrendered life consistently. The individual portrayed is not seeking grand, infrequent gestures of faith, but rather a steady, transparent, and active daily walk. He endeavors "to be an open book," a life lived without pretense or hidden agenda, reflecting the instruction in Matthew 5:16 to "let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." This transparency is coupled with the powerful image of being "a looking glass to catch the Saviour's glow," a beautiful metaphor for the believer's role in reflecting Christ's light and character to a watching world, much as described in 2 Corinthians 3:18 where we "are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another." This daily reflection isn't passive; it’s an active commitment to embody the grace and truth received.
Beyond personal reflection, the everyday man of this song is driven by an earnest evangelical purpose. He "holds out his hand to those who've never looked," extending an invitation rooted in the fundamental truth of Christian faith. This outreach is inextricably linked to "the blood where true salvation flows," a direct and powerful reference to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. This imagery aligns with Ephesians 1:7, which reminds us that "in him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." The song courageously articulates that salvation is found solely through Christ's sacrifice, a message that compels the redeemed to share it with others, fulfilling the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20. The urgency in "running as fast as I could" into "the arms of forgiveness" speaks to the profound relief and joy found in repentance and acceptance of grace, reminiscent of the prodigal son’s return in Luke 15:20.
The narrative further emphasizes the sufficiency of God's truth for every moment and every challenge. The understanding that "Your truth is sufficient for everyday" speaks to a deep trust in God's provision and guidance, echoing Philippians 4:19, "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." This reliance on divine truth frees the believer from anxiety, establishing a firm foundation for navigating life's complexities. The concluding verses bring a communal dimension to this journey, acknowledging a "new street" being walked, but not in isolation. The plea, "I dare not walk alone / I pray that someway / I'll bring someone along," underscores the importance of Christian fellowship, discipleship, and evangelism. It’s a call to mentorship, companionship, and sharing the spiritual journey, understanding that while personal faith is vital, the journey is often strengthened and multiplied when shared with others, as Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 wisely teaches, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil." "Everyday Man" stands as a powerful anthem for the committed believer, serving not only as B.J. Thomas's personal declaration but as an inspiring blueprint for a life lived fully and transparently for Christ in every single day.