Keith Urban - But For The Grace Of God Lyrics
Lyrics
I can hear the neighbors
They're arguin' again
And there hasn't been peace on our street
Since who knows when
I don't mean to listen in
But the shoutin' is so loud
I turn up the radio to drown it out
And silently I say a little prayer.
But for the grace of God, go I
I must of been born a lucky guy
Heaven only knows how I've been blessed
With the gift of your love
And I look around and all I see
Is your happiness embracing me
Oh, Lord I'd be lost
But for the grace of God.
I can see that old man
He's walkin' past our door
And I've been told that he's rich
But he seems so poor
'Cause no one comes to call on him
And his phone, it never riings
He wanders through his empty home
Surrounded by his things
And silently I say a little prayer, yes I do
But for the grace of God, go I
I must of been born a lucky guy
Heaven only knows how I've been blessed
With the gift of your love
And I look around and all I see
Is your happiness embracing me
Oh, Lord I'd be lost
But for the grace of God.
Whoa, hmm
And I look around and all I see
Is your happiness embracin' me
Oh, Lord I'd be lost
But for the grace of God, yeah.
I'd be lost but for the grace of God, yeah.
Ooh, woh...
Video
Keith Urban - But For The Grace Of God (Official Music Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Released as part of Keith Urban's 2006 *Greatest Hits* compilation, "But For The Grace Of God" transcends typical contemporary country fare to deliver a profound meditation on gratitude and divine favor, resonating deeply with themes found throughout Scripture. The song’s narrative unfolds through simple, observational vignettes that highlight the singer’s profound appreciation for his blessings. He opens by witnessing strife in his neighborhood, noting the "arguin' again" and the absence of peace, a stark contrast to the serenity he finds within his own life. This immediate juxtaposition serves as a foundation for his reflection, leading him to silently offer a prayer acknowledging his own fortunate circumstances. The core message of the song is encapsulated in its titular phrase, a direct echo of theological concepts that underscore human dependence on a higher power.
The profound meaning of "But For The Grace Of God" is its acknowledgment that our blessings, our very existence and well-being, are not solely the product of our own efforts but are gifts bestowed through divine providence. The singer articulates this not with a sense of earned superiority, but with a humbling realization. He sings, "I must of been born a lucky guy," and "Heaven only knows how I've been blessed." This sentiment is powerfully mirrored in biblical teachings. Proverbs 3:5-6, for instance, encourages trust in the Lord, stating, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." The song’s emphasis on the "gift of your love" points to a spiritual connection, suggesting that the love and happiness he experiences are divinely sourced. This resonates with 1 John 4:7, which reminds us, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God."
Urban further elaborates on this theme by observing a lonely, wealthy old man who, despite his material possessions, appears "so poor" because he lacks meaningful connection. This poignant image reinforces the song's central argument: true richness lies not in worldly goods but in spiritual and relational abundance, which the singer attributes to the grace he has received. His prayer, "Oh, Lord I'd be lost," is a powerful admission of vulnerability and dependence, echoing the Psalmist's cry in Psalm 27:9, "Hide not your face from me. Leave me not; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!" The song’s consistent return to the idea of being "lost" without this grace is a constant reminder of our inherent need for divine guidance and sustenance, aligning with Jesus' teachings in John 15:5, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." "But For The Grace Of God" is, therefore, not just a country song about personal fortune, but a deeply spiritual anthem of thankfulness, a testament to the transformative power of recognizing that every good gift comes from above.