Caught again, Your faithless friend
Don't You ever tire of hearing what a fool I've been?
Guess I should pray but what can I say?
Oh, it hurts to know the hundred times I've caused You pain
Though 'Forgive me' sounds so empty when I never change
Yet You stay and say, "I love you still"
Forgiving me time and time again
It's Your stubborn love that never lets go of me
I don't understand how You can stay
Perfect love embracing the worst in me
How I long for Your stubborn love
Funny me, just couldn't see
Even long before I knew You, You were loving me
Sometimes I cry, You must cry too
When You see the broken promises I've made to You
I keep saying that I'll trust You though I seldom do
Yet You stay and say, "You love me still"
Knowing someday I'll be like You
And Your stubborn love, it never lets go of me
I don't understand how You can stay
Perfect love embracing the worst in me
How I long for Your stubborn love
It's Your stubborn love that never lets go of me
I don't understand how You can stay
Perfect love embracing the worst in me
And You never let me go, I believe I finally know
I can't live without Your stubborn love
Stubborn Love Video
Stubborn Love Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Stubborn Love by Kathy Troccoli: A Profound Journey of Faith and Love
Introduction:
Stubborn Love is a powerful and heartfelt song by Christian artist Kathy Troccoli. Released in 1991, the song quickly became a favorite among Christian music enthusiasts. With its soulful melody and poignant lyrics, Stubborn Love explores the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the unwavering love of God.
I. The Journey of Redemption:
The song begins with the lines, "Caught again, Your faithless friend, Don't You ever tire of hearing what a fool I've been?" These opening lyrics set the tone for the song, expressing the protagonist's self-awareness of their own shortcomings and failures. They acknowledge their repeated mistakes and question whether God will ever grow weary of their constant failures.
As the song progresses, the protagonist reflects on the hurt they have caused God and the emptiness of their apologies. They sing, "Though 'Forgive me' sounds so empty when I never change, Yet You stay and say, 'I love you still.'" This highlights the unconditional and stubborn love that God has for His children, even in the face of repeated failures. It speaks to the concept of redemption and the transformative power of God's love.
II. Embracing Imperfection:
The chorus of Stubborn Love encapsulates the central message of the song: "It's Your stubborn love that never lets go of me, I don't understand how You can stay, Perfect love embracing the worst in me, How I long for Your stubborn love." In these lyrics, Troccoli emphasizes the paradoxical nature of God's love. It is a love that embraces imperfection and sees beyond our flaws.
The protagonist expresses their longing for this type of love, recognizing that it is only through God's stubborn love that they can experience true acceptance and forgiveness. This message resonates with listeners who may struggle with feelings of unworthiness or inadequacy, reminding them that God's love is all-encompassing and steadfast.
III. The Inspiration Behind the Song:
Troccoli's emotive delivery and heartfelt lyrics suggest a deep connection to the message she conveys.
The song's universal themes of redemption and unwavering love are likely to have resonated with listeners across various walks of life. Many individuals can relate to the feelings of guilt and the desire for forgiveness expressed in the song. Stubborn Love serves as a reminder that God's love is never-ending and that redemption is possible for all who seek it.
IV. Biblical Analysis:
Stubborn Love aligns with several biblical teachings about God's love, forgiveness, and redemption. The song reflects the biblical concept of God's steadfast love, as described in Psalm 136:26, which states, "Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever."
The lyrics also echo the sentiment expressed in Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This verse emphasizes the sacrificial nature of God's love and the redemption available to all through Jesus Christ.
Additionally, Stubborn Love aligns with the teachings of forgiveness found in the Bible. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus instructs his followers, "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." The song captures the essence of God's forgiveness and His ability to love unconditionally, even when we fail to meet His expectations.
V. Critical Analysis:
Stubborn Love is a profound and emotionally charged song that resonates with listeners on a deep level. The powerful vocals of Kathy Troccoli, combined with the relatable lyrics, create an impactful listening experience. The song's ability to evoke feelings of introspection, repentance, and hope is a testament to its quality and effectiveness.
From a critical perspective, Stubborn Love could be seen as slightly repetitive in its message. The recurring theme of God's unwavering love and forgiveness is reiterated throughout the song, which may lead some listeners to desire more diversity in the lyrical content. However, the repetition also serves to reinforce the central message and make it more memorable.
Conclusion:
Stubborn Love by Kathy Troccoli is a deeply moving song that explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the unwavering love of God. Through its heartfelt lyrics and soulful melody, the song conveys a powerful message of hope and acceptance. The biblical implications of the song align with teachings about God's love and forgiveness, making it a valuable addition to the Christian music genre. Despite its slightly repetitive nature, Stubborn Love remains a timeless and impactful song that continues to touch the hearts of listeners.
