Building 429 - Shoulder Lyrics
Lyrics
Everybody needs a friend now and then
To come and pick their heart up again
When everything gets shattered
Everybody needs someone to understand
Someone just to come and hold their hand
To be there through disaster
And I'm going to be there for you
So when you're crying
I want to be the shoulder you lean on
And when you're lonely
I'm never gonna leave you so just hold on
And when you're crying
I want to be the shoulder you lean on
You say you don't need anyone
But I know when you come undone
That you might change your story
I don't know if you're listening
But when you feel like giving in
I'm going to hold you in these arms
Cuz all I am is a word away
So when you're crying
I want to be the shoulder you lean on
When you're lonely
I'm never gonna leave you so just hold on
When you're crying
I want to be the shoulder you lean on
Oh yes I do
And if you're on top of the world
And you fall down
You're shaking inside
And you can't find your ground
When you lose yourself, God will find you
Hey, you need to know that, the door is open
When your broken
Come on step on through
Step on through
Ohhhhh, when you're crying
I want to be the shoulder you lean on
When you're lonely
I'm never gonna leave you so just hang on
When you're crying
I want to be the shoulder you lean on
Oh, yes I do
So just hold on
Video
Shoulder
Meaning & Inspiration
Building 429's "Shoulder," released on October 20, 2008, as part of their self-titled album *Building 429*, delivers a profound and comforting message that resonates deeply with the human experience of struggle and the divine promise of unwavering support. From its opening lines, the song articulates a universal truth: everyone, at some point, needs a steadfast presence to lean on, someone to offer understanding and comfort when life shatters. This initial premise sets the stage for a spiritual journey, guiding us from the relatable need for human companionship to the ultimate solace found in God's eternal embrace.
The song’s core meaning unfolds as a compassionate invitation, first from one person to another, then ultimately from God to humanity. It begins by expressing a sincere desire to be that supportive figure for a friend in despair, someone who will remain present through hardship and loneliness. This sentiment beautifully reflects the Scriptural call to bear one another’s burdens, as found in Galatians 6:2, which encourages us to "carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." The commitment to "never gonna leave you" echoes the divine faithfulness described throughout the Bible, a promise that God will never abandon His children, a truth powerfully expressed in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5, assuring us that He "will never leave you nor forsake you." The initial verses thus establish a model of Christ-like friendship, one rooted in empathy and consistent presence.
As the song progresses, it delves into the often-denied reality of human vulnerability. It addresses those who claim self-sufficiency, asserting that even the most independent among us will eventually "come undone" and seek solace. The line "all I am is a word away" conveys an immediate accessibility, mirroring God’s closeness to all who call on Him in truth (Psalm 145:18). This transition from human support to divine intervention becomes explicit and deeply moving in the bridge. Here, the lyrics declare that even when we feel utterly lost and without ground, "God will find you." This powerful affirmation directly recalls the comforting narrative of the Good Shepherd leaving the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep (Luke 15:4-7), demonstrating God’s relentless pursuit of His beloved. The song then extends an unmistakable invitation: "the door is open / When your broken / Come on step on through." This imagery immediately brings to mind Jesus's tender call in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest," and the intimate invitation of Revelation 3:20, where He stands at the door, knocking, waiting for us to open. It is a powerful reminder that God’s grace is always available, especially in moments of profound brokenness, validating Psalm 34:18, which states that "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
"Shoulder" ultimately serves as both a comfort and a challenge. It offers assurance that there is always a steadfast "shoulder" available—whether it be a devoted friend or, more fundamentally, our Heavenly Father—and simultaneously encourages us to embody that same compassionate presence for others. The repetition of the chorus at the end, infused with the wisdom of the bridge, reinforces the beautiful duality of the message: we are called to be reflections of God’s comfort to those around us, while also remembering that He Himself is the ultimate, unfailing "shoulder" upon which we can always lean. It is a timeless anthem of hope, reminding us that in every trial and triumph, we are never truly alone, and the door to divine embrace is forever open.