Citizens - Teach Me Lyrics
Lyrics
When I can't see an end in sight
And when I lose my will to fight
When I get all turned around
And when the silence breaks me down
What do you want to teach me?
What do you want to teach me?
When I can't get out of bed
(What do you want to teach me?)
And when the fears infect my head
(What do you want to teach me?)
When I don't know how to live
(What do you want to teach me?)
And when the darkness closes in
(What do you want to teach me?)
What do you want to teach me?
What do you want to teach me?
Instrumental Outro
Video
Teach Me
Meaning & Inspiration
Citizens’ "Teach Me," released on August 29, 2019, arrives as a profound spiritual meditation, a stark yet hopeful confession born from the crucible of human struggle. The song dives headfirst into the disorienting reality of adversity, articulated through a series of honest admissions that resonate deeply with anyone who has faced overwhelming difficulty. It bypasses superficial platitudes, opting instead for a raw, relatable depiction of moments when life feels utterly out of control – when direction is lost, strength wanes, and a suffocating silence threatens to consume the spirit. This is the universal human narrative of encountering the valley of the shadow, a place where many find themselves wrestling with confusion, fear, and a deep-seated weariness that can make even the simplest act, like rising from bed, an insurmountable challenge.
The true genius and profound spiritual depth of "Teach Me" lies not in dwelling on these struggles, but in the pivot it makes from despair to inquiry. Amidst the outlined battles with hopelessness, confusion, fear, and encroaching darkness, a singular, powerful question emerges: "What do you want to teach me?" This isn't a cry of "why me?" or an expression of bitterness, but a posture of surrender and an active seeking of divine purpose within suffering. It reorients the pain, transforming it from a meaningless ordeal into a potential classroom, with God as the ultimate instructor. This perspective aligns powerfully with the scriptural truth that God often uses trials to refine and instruct His people, as seen in passages like James 1:2-4, which encourages us to count it pure joy when we face various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces steadfastness. Similarly, Romans 5:3-5 reminds us that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.
The song’s honest portrayal of feeling "turned around" or when "fears infect my head" speaks to the pervasive mental and emotional battles many face. Yet, by asking what God intends to teach, it echoes the psalmist's prayer in Psalm 25:4-5, "Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths; lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long." It acknowledges that even in moments when we "don't know how to live" or "lose my will to fight," God remains sovereign and actively involved, not as a distant observer, but as a tender guide. Hebrews 12:5-11 further illuminates this, portraying the Lord's discipline—often painful—as a demonstration of His love, aimed at our good, that we may share in His holiness. It suggests that the very struggles that threaten to break us down are precisely the avenues through which God desires to impart wisdom, deepen our faith, and shape our character.
Citizens masterfully translates complex spiritual ideas into accessible language, making "Teach Me" a beacon of hope for those navigating their own wilderness seasons. The repeated question serves as a powerful reminder that God is present in every struggle, and His intentions are always redemptive. Even when "the darkness closes in," we are assured that the light of Christ is not overcome by it (John 1:5). This song encourages us to look beyond our immediate pain and consider the eternal lessons being woven into our lives. It’s a call to adopt a posture of readiness to learn, even from the most challenging circumstances, trusting that our Heavenly Father is continually at work, shaping us for His purposes and our ultimate good, as Proverbs 3:5-6 urges us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding, but in all our ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight our paths. "Teach Me" stands as a testament to faith's enduring power, transforming moments of vulnerability into opportunities for profound spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God's unwavering love and wisdom.