Cynthia Clawson - The Room Lyrics
Lyrics
The room is not full of smoke
And no one comes off with a dirty joke
No ice can be heard in glasses of gin
And the crowd's not controlled by big silent men.
Instead, they sit quietly
With a smile on each face
They listen to the singer
Sing "Amazing Grace"
They tap their feet
When they feel the beat
To "On the Jericho Road"
And at the cross of Jesus
They lay down their heavy load.
Video
The Room-Cynthia CLAWSON (1979 Triangle Records) ''IT WAS HIS LOVE''
Meaning & Inspiration
Cynthia Clawson’s impactful song, "The Room," originally released in 1979 on Triangle Records as part of her album "It Was His Love," found a new digital audience with its re-release on January 24, 2020. This timeless piece immediately establishes a profound contrast, painting a vivid picture of two distinct environments. The initial verses describe a place devoid of the usual trappings of worldly entertainment: "The room is not full of smoke / And no one comes off with a dirty joke / No ice can be heard in glasses of gin / And the crowd's not controlled by big silent men." This imagery quickly sets the stage, depicting a stark departure from the fleeting pleasures and subtle oppressions often found in secular gatherings. It speaks to a common human experience of seeking something more substantial than what temporary diversions can offer, a longing for authentic peace beyond superficial interactions and controlling influences.
What unfolds next is the true heart of the song's message. In stark contrast to the first scene, we are invited into a different kind of gathering, a spiritual sanctuary where souls are refreshed and burdens lifted. Here, "Instead, they sit quietly / With a smile on each face / They listen to the singer / Sing 'Amazing Grace'." This powerful shift signifies a transition from worldly noise and emptiness to a sacred space filled with reverence and joy. The choice of "Amazing Grace" is no accident; it is a cornerstone of Christian hymnody, echoing themes of divine mercy, redemption, and the profound transformation of a soul from lost to found, blind to seeing. This resonates deeply with the biblical truth found in Ephesians 2:8-9, which reminds us that "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." The smiles on the faces of those gathered speak volumes about the inner peace and contentment that only true grace can bestow.
The communal aspect deepens as the song continues, revealing a shared experience of faith and journey: "They tap their feet / When they feel the beat / To 'On the Jericho Road'." While "On the Jericho Road" could evoke various interpretations, within a gospel context, it often signifies a spiritual journey, a path through life's challenges where divine guidance and protection are paramount. It calls to mind the journey of faith itself, a road where believers are never alone, walking in the assurance of God's presence, much like the promise in Deuteronomy 31:6 that the Lord "will never leave you nor forsake you." The physical expression of tapping feet suggests a deep, joyful engagement with the message, a testament to the uplifting power of spiritual music and fellowship. This engagement isn't just passive listening; it's an active participation in the shared experience of encountering God's truth.
The ultimate revelation and most profound message arrive with the concluding lines: "And at the cross of Jesus / They lay down their heavy load." This is the song's spiritual epicenter, the locus of true transformation and relief. The "heavy load" encapsulates the full spectrum of human struggle—sin, guilt, anxiety, fear, grief, and the wearying burdens of life. This powerful imagery directly echoes the divine invitation extended in Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." It’s at the cross, the symbol of Christ's sacrifice and ultimate victory over sin and death, that true liberation occurs. It is here that brokenness is met with healing, and despair is replaced by hope. The act of "laying down" is one of surrender and trust, a conscious choice to release personal burdens onto the One who bore the heaviest load of all. As 1 Peter 5:7 encourages, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." "The Room" by Cynthia Clawson is not merely a song; it is a profound testament to the sanctuary found in Christian community and, most importantly, the transformative power of the cross, offering rest and redemption to all who come to Jesus. It is an inspiring reminder that beyond the fleeting promises of the world lies a deeper, eternal peace, freely given and profoundly experienced in the presence of Christ.