Israel Houghton - Real Lyrics
Lyrics
When I think about the journey
The places that I've been
Destiny uncertain future lookin' thin
Pulling back the curtain scenes of yesterday
Scenes of yesterday
And if it had not been for the Lord on my side
How in the world would I ever have survived
I wanna thank You
For letting me keep it real amen
I wanna thank You
For letting me be here still amen
When I think about my mama the sacrifice she made
Carried the whole world on her shoulders
Just to keep me safe
Hopeless and abandoned fatherless and afraid
When you think about the story
That only you can tell
The test and testimony the underscore unveiled
For those who may inquire what's it all about
It's just one more chance
To lift up your hands and shout
Thank You for the joy in my life
Thank You for the tears that You cried
Thank You for the hope that You bring
Thank You for the songs that You sing
Thank You for nights awake
Thank You for the prayers You prayed
All of these things I appreciate
But most of all
Video
Israel & New Breed - Real
Meaning & Inspiration
Israel & New Breed's "Real," released on June 27, 2016, stands as a profound testament to authentic faith and the transformative power of divine grace. The song opens with a raw, introspective look at a life journey marked by uncertainty and moments where destiny felt precarious. It speaks to pulling back the curtain on yesterday's struggles, acknowledging the sheer impossibility of navigating such trials without a higher power. This immediate confession, "If it had not been for the Lord on my side, how in the world would I ever have survived," sets the stage for a deeply personal and universally resonant declaration of dependence on God, echoing the psalmist's recognition that our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2).
The core message crystallizes in the heartfelt expression of gratitude: "I wanna thank You for letting me keep it real amen, I wanna thank You for letting me be here still amen." This isn't just a thank you for existence, but for the profound freedom to approach God exactly as one is, without pretense or facade. It's a recognition that God doesn't require us to clean ourselves up before coming to Him; rather, He meets us in our authentic state, embracing our brokenness and our truths. This concept aligns with God's desire for truth in our innermost being (Psalm 51:6) and the invitation in Hebrews 4:16 to "approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." The song further peels back layers of personal history, remembering a mother's immense sacrifice, carrying the weight of the world to ensure safety, and grappling with feelings of being "hopeless and abandoned, fatherless and afraid." This vulnerable admission speaks to the very human experience of pain and provides a powerful backdrop for the divine intervention that makes all the difference, reinforcing God's role as a Father to the fatherless and a defender of widows (Psalm 68:5).
"Real" then expands its scope, inviting each person to reflect on their own unique narrative. It underscores the value of individual stories, framed as "the test and testimony the underscore unveiled." This highlights that our experiences, both challenging and triumphant, are not just personal events but are meant to be shared as a testament to God’s faithfulness. It's a call to transparency for those who inquire about the source of one's hope, presenting every moment as an opportunity to "lift up your hands and shout" in praise. This resonates deeply with Revelation 12:11, which proclaims that we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony. The song culminates in a sweeping panorama of gratitude, thanking God not just for the joys and hope, but also for "the tears You cried," "nights awake," and "the prayers You prayed." This comprehensive thanks acknowledges God's omnipresence and empathy through every season of life, embodying the biblical call to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). It’s an understanding that even in suffering, God is present, and His sovereignty works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). "Real" is ultimately an inspiring anthem of unwavering faith, celebrating the enduring mercy and relentless grace that enables us to stand authentically before God, still here, still giving thanks for everything.