Francesca Battistelli - This Is The Stuff Lyrics
Released: 01 Mar 2011
Lyrics
I lost my keys in the great unknown
And call me please 'Cuz I can't find my phone
This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use
45 in a 35
Sirens and fines while I'm running behind
Whoa
This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use
So break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations
I've got a new appreciation
It's not the end of the world
Oh Oh Oh
This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff
Someone save me
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
And I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use
Oh Oh Oh Oh
This is the stuff You use
Video
Francesca Battistelli - "This Is The Stuff" Official Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on March 1, 2011, as part of the *This Is the Stuff (Studio Series Performance Track) - - EP*, Francesca Battistelli’s "This Is The Stuff" immediately resonates with anyone navigating the daily grind. The song unfolds as a candid confession, voiced through the relatable frustrations of losing keys, misplacing a phone, or facing a speeding ticket while running behind schedule. It paints a vivid picture of the minor chaos that so often derails our composure and shifts our focus, serving as a melodic mirror to the common human experience of feeling overwhelmed by everyday inconveniences. Battistelli masterfully brings to light how these small "messes" can obscure the vast blessings surrounding us, prompting a much-needed re-evaluation of perspective.
The heart of "This Is The Stuff" lies in its profound spiritual pivot. While the initial verses detail familiar annoyances like the lost keys or the unexpected traffic fine, the chorus introduces the powerful counter-narrative: "In the middle of my little mess / I forget how big I'm blessed." This line acts as a gentle yet firm reminder, inviting us to acknowledge the pervasive goodness of God even when bogged down by trivial concerns. It speaks to a common spiritual amnesia, where the immediate discomfort of the present moment eclipses a broader awareness of God's abundant provision and grace, echoing Paul's exhortation in Philippians 4:6-7 to "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." The peace that follows, we are assured, "surpasses all understanding."
As the song progresses, it delves deeper into the theological implication of these minor trials. The conviction, "I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing / It might not be what I would choose / But this is the stuff You use," becomes the cornerstone of its message. Here, Battistelli articulates a crucial truth of faith: God's sovereignty extends even to the mundane and frustrating aspects of our lives. These aren't merely random setbacks; they are potentially instruments in the Master's hand, tools for refinement and growth. This idea powerfully aligns with Romans 8:28, which assures us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." The song suggests that God orchestrates even our irritations for a greater, divine purpose, shaping our character and drawing us closer to Him, much like James 1:2-4 encourages us to "consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
The bridge, with its earnest cry "So break me of impatience / Conquer my frustrations / I've got a new appreciation / It's not the end of the world," marks a turning point of surrender and renewed perspective. It transforms the personal lament into a prayer, recognizing that impatience and frustration are not just natural reactions but areas ripe for spiritual transformation. This moment reflects a conscious choice to align one's will with God's, understanding that growth often stems from discomfort. It calls for the cultivation of spiritual fruit like patience and self-control, as listed in Galatians 5:22-23. The realization that "it's not the end of the world" re-calibrates our understanding of true significance, pulling us back from the brink of self-pity and into a space of gratitude. Even when we feel like we need "Someone save me," the answer lies in trusting the divine architect.
Ultimately, "This Is The Stuff" serves as an uplifting anthem for the everyman, woman, and child navigating the daily complexities of life. It’s a powerful testament to the reality that God is present and active not only in monumental events but also in the trivial details that test our spirit. Through Battistelli’s relatable narrative, we are reminded to look beyond the immediate inconvenience and discern God's hand at work, trusting that His ways are higher than our own, as articulated in Isaiah 55:8-9. The song encourages a deeper, more resilient faith, one that finds purpose and blessing even in the stuff that drives us crazy, knowing that "this is the stuff You use" to mold us into who He intends us to be. It’s a profound call to surrender our small frustrations and receive the greater peace and wisdom that comes from a steadfast trust in God's perfect plan.