Jeremy Camp - Father Lyrics

Lyrics

I cover up the pain that I’m lost in
‘Cause I wanna be enough, and it’s exhausting
Trying so hard, but really I’m just wearing my heart out
And I find myself right on the verge of a breakdown

Then You hold me in Your hands
Remind me who You are and who I am

I was born broken
So, You could make me whole
I’ll bring my dirt and let You wash over me like water
I was born to need You
To wipe the tears I cry
Yes, You made me a child
So, You could be my Father
I’m Your child and
You’re my Father

Even when I’m lost and I don’t feel found
When humans are human and they let me down
You’re still my Father

You lead me, protect me, bring me home
I’m weak and afraid, but You never let go
And I don’t have to hide ‘cause You already know
Already know

Video

Jeremy Camp - Father (Lyric Video)

Meaning & Inspiration

Jeremy Camp's profoundly moving song, "Father," released on September 20, 2019, as part of his album *The Story's Not Over*, offers a raw and vulnerable exploration of human inadequacy met by divine grace. The piece lays bare the universal struggle of trying to navigate life's complexities through self-reliance, only to discover the deep, abiding need for a higher power. It’s a compelling narrative of finding refuge and identity in God's perfect fatherhood, a message that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed or lost.

The song begins with a poignant reflection on the human tendency to mask inner turmoil and strive for self-sufficiency. The opening lines confess to covering up pain, an exhausting pursuit of being "enough" that inevitably leads to weariness and the brink of collapse. This paints a vivid picture of the fallen human condition, where pride often dictates our efforts, leading to burnout rather than true peace. This struggle echoes the sentiment found in Proverbs 3:5-6, which admonishes us not to lean on our own understanding but to trust in the Lord with all our hearts. It is in this moment of self-proclaimed brokenness and impending breakdown that the divine intervention occurs, reminding the weary soul of God's steadfast nature and the true identity found in Him, a comfort reminiscent of Isaiah 41:10, where God assures us not to fear, for He is with us.

The core of "Father" unfolds in its powerful chorus, establishing a foundational theological truth: "I was born broken, so You could make me whole." This declaration directly acknowledges the doctrine of original sin and humanity's inherent need for redemption, aligning with Romans 3:23 which states that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Yet, it immediately pivots to the hopeful promise of restoration found in Christ, presenting God as the one who makes us whole, transforming us into new creations as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17. The imagery of bringing one's "dirt" to be washed over by God "like water" powerfully symbolizes confession, repentance, and the cleansing power of God's grace, mirroring 1 John 1:9 where we are assured that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Furthermore, the line "I was born to need You, to wipe the tears I cry," underscores our absolute dependence on God, who alone can provide ultimate comfort and solace, fulfilling the promise of Revelation 21:4 that He will wipe away every tear from our eyes. The ultimate revelation, "Yes, You made me a child, so You could be my Father," beautifully captures the essence of divine adoption, a profound truth explored in Romans 8:15 and Galatians 4:6, where we are given the Spirit of sonship to cry out "Abba, Father."

The song further reinforces this divine relationship by addressing the pain of human disappointment. Even when people, in their fallibility, inevitably let us down, God remains an unwavering Father. This serves as a vital anchor in a world filled with shifting loyalties and broken promises, pointing to the unchanging nature of God's love and faithfulness, a truth often contrasted with the unreliability of human trust, as seen in Psalm 118:8. The bridge then solidifies God's protective and guiding presence, painting a picture of Him leading, protecting, and bringing us home. It acknowledges human weakness and fear but celebrates God's unwavering grip: "You never let go." This resonates deeply with the comforting assurance found in John 10:28-29, where Jesus declares that no one can snatch His sheep out of His hand. The profound realization that "I don’t have to hide ‘cause You already know" speaks to God's omniscience and unconditional acceptance, a liberating truth beautifully articulated in Psalm 139, which marvels at God's intimate knowledge of every aspect of our being, from our thoughts to our paths. "Father" serves as a powerful reminder that despite our brokenness and our struggles, God's perfect fatherhood is always available, offering not just solace, but a complete transformation and a secure identity as His beloved child. It’s an anthem of surrender, inviting the weary soul to lay down its burdens and find rest, purpose, and unconditional love in the arms of its Creator.