Michael W. Smith - Old Enough To Know Lyrics
Lyrics
In the passion your heart is abused
He is pushing you, you have to choose
Oh, Rebecca, love is never
Easy anymore
Oh, Rebecca, so afraid of
Losing what is yours
(CHORUS)
Are you giving in to the pressure
Holding you again, now he tells you
What it takes to be in love
He believes you're old enough
But how you gonna feel tomorrow
When the day reveals
What you believed was for the sake of love
Don't you think you're old enough to know
You're a breed of few and far between
Holding on to your romantic dream
Oh, Rebecca, love is patient
Love would understand
Oh, Rebecca, your decision
Is your only chance
(REPEAT CHORUS)
(BRIDGE)
Oh, Rebecca don't confuse what love is
With what some say love should be
Should be...
Video
Old Enough To Know
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on November 6, 2014, Michael W. Smith's "Old Enough To Know" confronts a timeless and deeply personal struggle, offering a profound message of discernment and strength rooted in biblical truth. The song masterfully tells the story of Rebecca, a young woman facing intense pressure from a partner who manipulates her emotions, framing his demands for intimacy as a prerequisite for love. "He is pushing you, you have to choose," the lyrics convey, illustrating the coercive tactics that often leave young individuals feeling trapped and vulnerable. This narrative resonates with countless people navigating the complexities of modern relationships, where societal norms can often blur the lines of true affection and respect.
The core of "Old Enough To Know" is a poignant appeal to wisdom and self-worth. Rebecca is depicted as "holding on to your romantic dream," a beautiful phrase that suggests an inner desire for a pure, patient, and honoring love—a stark contrast to the immediate gratification her partner demands. The song’s central question, "Are you giving in to the pressure, holding you again, now he tells you what it takes to be in love?" shines a spotlight on the deceptive nature of such situations. It implies that true love does not coerce or dictate terms; rather, it respects and empowers. The concern for "how you gonna feel tomorrow when the day reveals what you believed was for the sake of love" serves as a powerful warning, urging introspection about the lasting emotional and spiritual consequences of decisions made under duress. This echoes the wisdom found in Proverbs 5:3-4, which cautions against fleeting pleasures that ultimately lead to bitterness and regret, underscoring that choices made for instant gratification often result in future pain.
Smith’s message is further enriched by drawing a clear distinction between worldly perceptions of love and its divine definition. The line "Oh, Rebecca, love is patient, love would understand" directly references the profound teachings of 1 Corinthians 13:4, where the Apostle Paul outlines the enduring characteristics of true love. This biblical standard—patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeping no record of wrongs—stands in stark opposition to the demanding, impatient, and self-serving "love" Rebecca is being offered. The song’s bridge, "Oh, Rebecca don't confuse what love is with what some say love should be," serves as a critical anchor, challenging listeners to align their understanding of love with God's unchanging truth rather than the shifting sands of cultural opinion or personal desires. This call to discernment aligns perfectly with Romans 12:2, which exhorts us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, so we can test and approve God's will.
Ultimately, "Old Enough To Know" is an inspiring anthem for integrity and conviction. It recognizes that being "old enough" isn't merely about chronological age; it's about reaching a point of spiritual maturity and discernment to differentiate genuine connection from manipulative tactics. The song empowers Rebecca, and by extension, all who identify with her struggle, by emphasizing that "your decision is your only chance." This highlights personal agency and the profound responsibility we each have to guard our hearts and make choices that honor God and ourselves. It reminds us that purity and self-respect are invaluable, not burdens, and standing firm in one's faith—even when it means going against immediate desires or external pressure—is an act of profound strength. Hebrews 13:4 reminds us to "let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled," suggesting that God's design for intimacy is sacred and protected, offering the ultimate framework for true, lasting love. Michael W. Smith, through this compelling narrative, provides not just a song, but a compassionate guidepost for navigating the challenging landscape of relationships with wisdom, courage, and faith.