Cochren & Co. - Church (Take Me Back) Lyrics

Lyrics

There was a time that I swore I would never go back
I was blind to the truth, didn't know what I had
I was running, I was searching
But every place I turned for healing
Left me more broken than the last

Take me back
To the place that feels like home
To the people I can depend on
To the faith that's in my bones
Take me back
To a preacher and a verse
Where they've seen me at my worst
To the love I had at first
Oh, I want to go to church

Tried to walk on my own but I wound up lost
Now I'm making my way to the foot of the cross
It's not a trophy for the winners
It's a shelter for the sinners
And it's right where I belong

Oh, more than an obligation
It's our foundation
The family of God
I know it's hard
But we need each other
We're sisters and brothers

Oh, take me back
To the place that feels like home
To the people I can depend on
To the faith that's in my bones
Take me back
To a preacher and a verse
Where they've seen me at my worst
To the love I had at first
Oh, I want to go to church

Yeah, I want to go to church (Take me back)
Oh, I want to go, want to go, I want to go
Oh, I want to go to church (Take me back)
Oh, I want to go to church

Video

Cochren & Co. - Church (Take Me Back) [Official Lyric Video]

Meaning & Inspiration

Cochren & Co.’s single, “Church (Take Me Back),” released on January 22, 2021, as part of the album *Don’t Lose Hope*, is a powerful testament to the enduring pull of faith and community, even after periods of estrangement. The song’s narrative centers on a profound realization: that the search for solace and healing outside of one's spiritual foundation, even when sought with conviction, ultimately leads to deeper brokenness. The artist articulates a deep longing to return to a place of belonging, to the familiar comfort of shared faith and unwavering support, expressed most poignantly in the repeated plea to “take me back.” This isn't merely a desire to revisit a physical location, but a yearning for the spiritual homecoming that church represents—a place where one is known, accepted, and loved unconditionally, even in their most vulnerable state.

The lyrical journey of "Church (Take Me Back)" echoes the biblical narrative of the prodigal son, who, after squandering his inheritance and experiencing hardship, recognized the folly of his independence and longed for his father’s embrace (Luke 15:11-32). The lines about trying to “walk on my own” and finding oneself “lost” directly parallel the consequences of straying from God’s path, a sentiment captured in Proverbs 14:12: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." The song offers a hopeful counterpoint, highlighting the ultimate refuge found at the foot of the cross, not as a prize for the righteous, but as a sanctuary for all, especially those struggling under the weight of their imperfections. This resonates with Matthew 11:28, where Jesus invites, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." The emphasis on church as a "shelter for the sinners" underscores a core tenet of Christian fellowship—that it is a place where grace is extended, and acceptance is found, mirroring the welcoming nature of God’s kingdom. The repeated affirmation, "I want to go to church," is more than just a personal desire; it becomes a universal expression of the need for spiritual community. The song’s message extends beyond individual redemption to the intrinsic value of the collective body of believers, recognizing the "family of God" as a vital support system. This collective aspect is beautifully articulated in Hebrews 10:24-25, which urges believers to consider "how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is our habit, but encouraging one another." The song powerfully conveys that while individual faith is essential, it thrives and is strengthened within the context of shared worship and mutual encouragement, reinforcing the idea that "we need each other, we're sisters and brothers." This plea for return is ultimately a celebration of enduring grace and the redemptive power of returning to God’s welcoming embrace, amplified by the supportive community that walks alongside us.