Kutless - Down Lyrics
Lyrics
A young girl walks into a room
And doesn't like what she sees
In her reflection there
She's not what she wants to be
She cries out, she cries out
The frustrations of this life
Are filling her head
How could such a simple thing
Have a grip so intense
She cries out, she cries out
I want to be like the movie stars
And models on the screen
She wants to fly away from this
She wants to fly away from this
But she does not know how to
Fly away from this
She wants to fly away
She tries just to be what she's not
But she's destroying herself
She starves herself
This compulsion must end
She cries out, she cries out
I want to be like the movie stars
And models on the screen
She wants to fly away from this
She wants to fly away from this
But she does not know how to
Fly away from this
She wants to fly away
This addiction is bringing her down
This obsession is bringing her down
She wants to fly away from this
Fly away from this
She wants to fly away from this
But only God knows how to
Fly away from this
He will help her now to
Fly away from this
She wants to fly away
Fly away
Video
Down
Meaning & Inspiration
Kutless’s "Down," released in 2005 on their album *Strong Tower*, immediately draws the listener into a raw, poignant narrative exploring the insidious grip of societal pressure and self-image issues. The song unpacks the deeply personal struggle of a young girl confronting her reflection, finding herself profoundly dissatisfied with what she sees and yearning for an idealized version presented by "movie stars and models on the screen." This foundational discontent is not merely superficial; it represents a universal human vulnerability to external validation and the internal turmoil that arises when our perceived reality falls short of a perfected, often unattainable, standard. The initial cries for escape underscore a profound sense of entrapment, an inability to reconcile her inner self with the world's demands.
As the narrative progresses, the song delves into the destructive spiral born from this internal conflict. The frustration with life’s demands, the intense grip of such a "simple thing" as one's appearance, escalates into desperate attempts to conform. We witness the tragic consequences of trying "just to be what she's not," as she begins "destroying herself" through actions like starvation. The lyrics powerfully frame this as a "compulsion" that must end, an "addiction" and "obsession" that inexorably pull her "down." This descent illustrates the perilous path taken when one’s identity is anchored in fleeting worldly standards rather than an enduring truth. Scripture often warns against this very trap, urging believers not to be conformed to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2). When we chase after fleeting external validations, we often find ourselves in bondage, as Jesus taught, "Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin" (John 8:34).
The girl’s recurring plea to "fly away from this" becomes a potent symbol of humanity’s yearning for deliverance from overwhelming burdens. She desires escape, yet the critical line, "But she does not know how to," highlights her perceived helplessness and lack of agency in breaking free from the chains of self-destruction and obsession. This sense of being trapped, desperately wanting freedom but not knowing the path, resonates deeply with many who grapple with various forms of addiction, self-doubt, or mental health struggles. Such longing echoes the cries found throughout the Psalms, where individuals pour out their hearts to God, seeking rescue from their distress (Psalm 18:6).
The song reaches its profound spiritual climax in its final verses, offering the sole, definitive solution to her plight: "But only God knows how to / Fly away from this / He will help her now to / Fly away from this." This pivotal shift transforms the narrative from one of despair to one of divine intervention and hope. It is a powerful declaration that true liberation from the grip of self-hate, addiction, and worldly pressures is found not in self-effort or human solutions, but exclusively in the sovereign power and love of God. He is presented as the ultimate rescuer, the one who possesses the wisdom and strength to provide the "how-to" for genuine escape and transformation. This resonates with Isaiah 40:31, which promises that "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles." When we are weak and have no idea how to proceed, God makes a way (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
"Down" by Kutless ultimately delivers a deeply inspiring message of hope rooted in divine truth. It masterfully paints a picture of human vulnerability and the destructive path of seeking identity and worth in the world’s mirror, only to guide us toward the liberating truth that our identity is not found in comparison or perfection but in our Creator. God’s knowledge of our intricate design, as celebrated in Psalm 139:13-14—"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made"—provides the foundation for genuine self-acceptance. The song reminds us that when we feel utterly lost and incapable of saving ourselves, God steps in, offering redemption and the strength to "fly away" from the things that bind us. It is a powerful anthem for anyone seeking freedom, a call to surrender earthly burdens and embrace the divine deliverance that only God can provide, urging them to cast all their anxiety on Him, because He cares for them (1 Peter 5:7).