Hawk Nelson - The One Thing I Have Left Lyrics
Lyrics
Will someone please radio for help
Cuz I think I'm allergic to myself
& they think they can throw us all away
We gotta stop it before it's all too late
There's got to be a better way
They dissect everything we say
To try to make us feel this way
And you can take the one thing I have left
I'd give it all away for so much less
Can even take the heart inside my chest
Woah-woah.
And you can take the one thing I have left
Beat me to the ground & take my breath
But you can't take who I am
woah-woah.
And I swear we were born to let you down
we scream but never make a sound
we point but don't know which direction
we are america right now
There's got to be a better way
They dissect everything we say
To try to make us feel this way
And you can take the one thing I have left
I'd give it all away for so much less
Can even take the heart inside my chest
Woah-woah.
And you can take the one thing I have left
Beat me to the ground & take my breath
But you can't take who I am
woah-woah.
How can I be safe
How can I stay awake
How come I am so tired of all these charades?
How can I be alive
How can I hold the gun
How can I see if everyone else is to blame
hey! hey!
Don't want to be the
hey! hey!
Don't want to see the
hey! hey!
Cuz we point the finger
Think everyone else is to blame
Everyone else is to blame
Video
The One Thing I Have Left
Meaning & Inspiration
Hawk Nelson’s "The One Thing I Have Left," released on January 1, 2006, as part of their album *Smile, It's the End of the World*, delivers a potent and raw exploration of identity, societal pressure, and the human tendency to deflect blame. From its opening cry, "Will someone please radio for help / Cuz I think I'm allergic to myself," the song plunges us into a profound sense of internal struggle and self-rejection, painting a vivid picture of feeling profoundly at odds with one's own being. This deeply personal battle is swiftly amplified by external forces, as the lyrics describe "they" who "think they can throw us all away" and "dissect everything we say," creating an atmosphere of constant scrutiny and devaluation. It's a powerful portrayal of how external judgment can exacerbate internal turmoil, making one feel diminished and misunderstood in a world that seems intent on breaking spirits.
At its core, "The One Thing I Have Left" serves as a defiant anthem of resilience against these overwhelming forces, articulating a non-negotiable truth: "And you can take the one thing I have left / I'd give it all away for so much less / Can even take the heart inside my chest / But you can't take who I am." This declaration is the song's spiritual anchor, asserting an unassailable inner core that remains untouched by worldly trials. It speaks to a profound understanding of identity that transcends possessions, physical well-being, or even life itself. This resonates deeply with the biblical truth found in Romans 8:38-39, where Paul assures us that "neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Our true identity, our spirit, and our connection to Christ are indeed the one thing that cannot be seized or destroyed, no matter how much the world attempts to "beat me to the ground & take my breath."
The song then broadens its scope, turning a critical eye towards societal dynamics, particularly through the lines "And I swear we were born to let you down / we scream but never make a sound / we point but don't know which direction / we are America right now." This segment critiques a culture mired in confusion, inadequacy, and a pervasive tendency to externalize fault. It candidly addresses the discomforting reality of a society quick to assign blame, where individuals "point the finger / Think everyone else is to blame." This self-reflection is a powerful call to personal accountability, echoing the wisdom found in Matthew 7:3-5, which asks why we look at the speck of sawdust in our brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in our own eye. Before we can truly find a "better way" – a plea repeated throughout the song – we must first grapple with our own role and responsibility, seeking direction not from the shifting sands of popular opinion, but from divine guidance as promised in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
The weariness expressed in "How come I am so tired of all these charades?" speaks to the exhausting nature of living inauthentically, constantly performing or deflecting. This longing for truth and transparency is a yearning for the genuine freedom that comes from living aligned with God's word, shunning hypocrisy, and embracing integrity, as James 1:22 exhorts us to "be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves." Ultimately, "The One Thing I Have Left" isn't merely a lament; it's an inspiring declaration of spiritual sovereignty. It challenges us to look beyond the superficial, past the judgments and distractions of the world, and recognize the enduring, unassailable truth of who we are in God’s eyes. It encourages us to find our unwavering foundation in Him, knowing that while circumstances may change and challenges may arise, our true essence, our identity as beloved creations, remains eternally secure. This powerful message encourages us to stand firm, rooted in the knowledge that no earthly power can ever truly diminish the spiritual treasure within.