Chris Falson - Change the World Lyrics
Lyrics
We look in the mirror
And we don't like what we see
So afflicted by the beautiful
People on TV
But if we all be who we are meant to be
We could be something special
If we all love how we would like to be loved
We could change the world
The grass is always greener
In our neighbors yard
We hate to see him prosper
When we work just as hard
But if we.........
And if that rain could wash the dust
Out of my eyes then I could see myself
Surrounded by the voices
Who tell us how to behave?
And how we'll only make it
If we become their slave
Video
Chris Falson: Change the World
Meaning & Inspiration
Chris Falson's "Change the World," released on May 30, 2013, presents a profound and timely introspection, challenging the very foundations of how we perceive ourselves and interact with the world around us. At its core, the song unflinchingly addresses the universal human struggle with self-image and external comparison. It captures the modern dilemma of looking in the mirror and finding dissatisfaction, a disquiet often exacerbated by the curated perfections paraded on screens. This initial honest reflection sets the stage for a spiritual journey, guiding us away from the superficial and towards a deeper understanding of our God-given worth and collective potential.
The song's central message beautifully pivots from this self-criticism to a powerful affirmation: if we embrace our authentic, God-intended selves and extend love as we desire to receive it, genuine transformation becomes not just possible, but inevitable. This resonates deeply with the Scriptural truth that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14), each uniquely crafted by God. The call to "be who we are meant to be" echoes Ephesians 2:10, which declares us God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Furthermore, the notion that loving as we wish to be loved could "change the world" directly invokes the Golden Rule articulated by Jesus in Matthew 7:12 and reinforces the divine mandate to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). It is through this authentic, selfless love, a hallmark of Christ's followers (John 13:34-35), that true societal change can begin, manifesting the Kingdom of God on earth.
Falson then meticulously unpacks another common human failing: envy and the tendency to covet what others possess. The imagery of "the grass is always greener in our neighbor’s yard" vividly illustrates the sin of comparison and discontent, a direct violation of the Tenth Commandment (Exodus 20:17). It speaks to the uncomfortable truth that we often resent another's prosperity, even when we work with similar diligence. This sentiment is a stark contrast to the Scriptural call to "rejoice with those who rejoice" (Romans 12:15) and to live free from envy, which James 3:16 identifies as a source of disorder and every vile practice. The yearning expressed in the line, "if that rain could wash the dust out of my eyes then I could see myself," is a desperate plea for spiritual clarity and renewed vision. It evokes a desire for the scales to fall from our eyes, much like Paul's experience (Acts 9:18), allowing us to perceive ourselves and our circumstances through a divine lens, unclouded by worldly illusions or self-deception. This plea for spiritual insight is met by the promise of the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth (John 16:13).
The concluding verses of "Change the World" courageously confront the insidious pressures of conformity. It challenges the "voices who tell us how to behave" and suggest that our worth and success are contingent upon becoming a "slave" to their dictates. This powerfully exposes the worldly systems and ideologies that seek to define and control us, often demanding allegiance that rivals our devotion to God. This warning aligns perfectly with Romans 12:2, which urges us not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. It’s a clarion call to assert our spiritual freedom in Christ, refusing to be enslaved by human expectations or societal norms, as Galatians 5:1 admonishes. Ultimately, Falson’s composition is an inspiring anthem of liberation, urging individuals to shed the burdens of self-doubt, envy, and worldly conformity. It is a powerful reminder that the most profound change begins within, as each person embraces their true identity in Christ, extends unconditional love, and resists the fleeting allure of secular definitions of success, thereby becoming an active agent in God's ongoing work of transforming the world.