Michael English - Please Forgive Me Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
My sleep is gone, my heart is full of sorrow
I can't believe how much I've let You down
I dread the pain that waits for me tomorrow
The sun reveals my broken dreams scattered on the ground
Chorus
Please, forgive me
I need Your grace to make it through
All I have is You, I'm at Your mercy
Lord, I'll serve
Until my dying day
Help others find the way
I'm at Your mercy, please forgive me
Verse 2
I can't believe the God of earth and glory
Would take the time to care for one like me
I've read the bible, I've read the old story
How He plead for my forgiveness while dying on that tree
Chorus
Please, forgive me
I need Your grace to make it through
All I have is You, I'm at Your mercy
Lord, I'll serve You
Until my dying day
Help others find the way
I'm at Your mercy
Chorus
Please, forgive me
I need Your grace to make it through
All I have is You, I'm at Your mercy
Lord, I'll serve You
Until my dying day
Help others find the way
I'm at Your mercy, please forgive me
Outro
Please, forgive me
Video
Jason Crabb - Please Forgive Me [Live] ft. Gaither Vocal Band, Michael English
Meaning & Inspiration
Michael English’s "Please Forgive Me," released on April 15, 2016, from the album *Michael English (Live at Daywind Studios)*, immediately draws the soul into a profound space of spiritual reckoning, offering a raw and vulnerable confession of a heart seeking divine pardon. This song is not merely a plea; it’s a journey through despair, repentance, and ultimately, a resolute commitment to a life of service and faith.
The narrative unfolds with the weight of conviction pressing heavily upon the speaker. The opening lines paint a vivid picture of a spirit burdened by poor choices and the ensuing sorrow, describing sleepless nights and the dread of facing another day under the shadow of past actions. The imagery of broken dreams scattered like debris underscores a profound sense of failure and the tangible consequences of turning away from God’s path. This desperate longing for mercy quickly transitions into the central plea for forgiveness, acknowledging complete reliance on divine grace to navigate life’s challenges. It’s a recognition that without God, there is nothing, and the individual is utterly at His mercy. This plea is coupled with a powerful promise to serve God wholeheartedly until life’s end and to actively guide others toward the spiritual path. The second verse then pivots to a deeper theological reflection, expressing awe and disbelief that "the God of earth and glory" would extend care and attention to "one like me," despite personal failings. The speaker’s understanding is deepened by recalling the ancient story of Christ’s sacrifice, particularly His intercession for humanity while suffering on the cross, making the personal request for forgiveness even more poignant and rooted in an understanding of atonement.
The opening lines of the song, depicting a heart full of sorrow and sleeplessness, resonate deeply with the anguish of repentance found in Scripture, echoing King David’s laments in Psalm 6:6, where tears flood the bed, or the profound conviction described in Psalm 32:3-5, where silence about sin leads to groaning and wasting away. The "broken dreams scattered on the ground" speak to the tangible and emotional fallout of choices made outside of God's will, a stark illustration of the consequences that often precede genuine repentance and a return to faith. The core plea, "Please, forgive me, I need Your grace to make it through," aligns perfectly with the divine promise in 1 John 1:9, assuring us that when we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The admission "All I have is You, I'm at Your mercy" is a complete surrender, mirroring the posture of the tax collector in Luke 18:13, who could only beat his chest and plead for mercy, or the absolute reliance articulated in Psalm 51:1, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love." This is not merely a request for pardon but a declaration of utter dependence on God's unmerited favor, as profoundly illuminated in Ephesians 2:8-9, where salvation through grace by faith is underscored. The commitment expressed in the chorus—"Lord, I'll serve You until my dying day, Help others find the way"—elevates the song beyond a simple cry for mercy. It becomes a powerful testament to a transformed life, a beautiful portrayal of the fruit of true repentance. This echoes the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where newly discipled individuals are called to make disciples, and the concept of presenting oneself as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, found in Romans 12:1-2. It reflects a life dedicated to God's purposes, a willing submission to His will. The second verse’s awe at "the God of earth and glory" caring for "one like me" reflects the psalmist's wonder in Psalm 8:4, questioning why God would concern Himself with humanity. The deeply moving reference to Christ "pleading for my forgiveness while dying on that tree" provides the theological bedrock for the entire song. This powerfully invokes Luke 23:34, where Jesus, even in agony, prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," and Isaiah 53:12, describing the Servant pouring out His soul unto death and interceding for transgressors. It underscores that our forgiveness is not earned but freely given through Christ's ultimate, substitutionary sacrifice, making the plea profoundly personal and steeped in the incomprehensible depth of divine grace.
This song, therefore, stands as a potent musical sermon, guiding the hearer through the valley of regret to the mountaintop of redemption. It champions the unwavering truth of God's boundless grace and the transformative power of repentance and surrender. For anyone grappling with past missteps or yearning for a renewed connection with the Divine, Michael English’s "Please Forgive Me" offers not just solace but a clear path forward—a deeply inspiring anthem of hope and commitment to a life lived under God's mercy. It profoundly speaks to the heart's deepest need for reconciliation and purpose, encouraging all to embrace the liberating power of divine forgiveness.