Hawk Nelson - Words Lyrics

Hawk Nelson: Words (Official Lyric Video)

Words Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Hawk Nelson's song "Words," released with its official lyric video in 2012, delves deep into the profound impact language has on human experience. The opening verses powerfully illustrate the dual nature of words, detailing how they possess the capacity to evoke extreme emotions and states of being. They are depicted as tools that can confine like a "prisoner" or liberate and "set free," diminish one to feel like a "criminal" or elevate to the status of a "king." This vivid contrast highlights the immense power held within spoken or written communication, showing how words can dramatically influence self-perception and emotional well-being, capable of lifting spirits to unprecedented heights or dragging them back down to despair.

The chorus encapsulates the central theme, asserting that "Words can build you up, Words can break you down." This serves as a universal truth, acknowledging the destructive and constructive potential inherent in our speech. The imagery of words being able to "Start a fire in your heart or put it out" is particularly striking, representing their ability to ignite passion, hope, and faith, or conversely, to extinguish them, leaving one feeling empty or discouraged. This section reinforces the significant responsibility that comes with using words.

Following this acknowledgment of words' power, the song transitions into a personal prayer and declaration of intent. The lines "Let my words be life, Let my words be truth" reveal a yearning for intentional and positive communication. The pivotal statement, "I don't wanna say a word / Unless it points the world back to You," introduces the spiritual dimension of the song, identifying the ultimate purpose the speaker desires for their words. This points to a faith-based perspective, where the goal is for every utterance to serve a higher calling, specifically to direct others towards a relationship with God.

The bridge shifts focus from human words to the divine. It speaks of God's voice as the ultimate source of healing and overcoming fear. "You can heal the heartache / Speak over the fear" emphasizes the transformative power of God's truth and presence. The affirmation "God, Your voice is the only thing / We need to hear" elevates divine communication above all human noise, positioning God's words as the essential message that brings clarity, comfort, and direction amidst the complexities and challenges of life. This reinforces the idea that while human words have great power, God's words possess the ultimate authority and ability to bring about healing and peace.

This theme of surrender and aligning one's speech with divine purpose is further solidified in the subsequent repetitions of the chorus and the powerful refrain, "Let the words I say / Be the sound of Your grace." This expresses a deep desire for one's speech not merely to be truthful or life-giving in a general sense, but specifically to echo the grace and love of God. The repeated commitment "I don't wanna say a word / Unless it points the world back to You" serves as a powerful personal mission statement, reflecting a dedication to using language as a vehicle for faith and evangelism.

The song's message resonates strongly with numerous biblical passages that address the power of the tongue and the importance of speech. Proverbs frequently warns about the destructive nature of careless words, stating in Proverbs 18:21 that "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." Ephesians 4:29 encourages positive communication: "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." James chapter 3 also provides extensive teaching on the difficulty of taming the tongue and its immense capacity for both good and evil, describing it as a fire that can defile the whole body. Hawk Nelson's lyrics mirror these scriptural teachings, prompting listeners to consider the impact of their words and aspire to use them responsibly and purposefully, ultimately aiming to glorify God and draw others to Him. The song serves as an inspirational call to mindful communication rooted in faith, encouraging listeners to reflect on what their words are building or breaking, and challenging them to ensure their language serves a higher, life-affirming purpose.