NeedToBreathe - Washed By The Water Lyrics
Released: 27 Dec 2024
Lyrics
Daddy was a preacher She was his wife
Just tryin' to make the world a little betterYou know, shine a light
People started talkingJust to hear their own voice
Those people tried to accuse my fatherSaid he made the wrong choice
Though it might be painfulYou know that time will always tell
Those people have long since goneMy father never failed
Chorus:
Even when the rain falls
Even when the flood starts rising
Even when the storm comes
I am washed by the water
Even when the rain falls
Even when the flood starts rising
Even when the storm comes
I am washed by the water
Bridge:
Even when the earth crumbles under my feet
Even when the ones I love
Turn around and crucify me
I won't never ever let You down
I won't fall, I won't fall
I won't fall as long as You're around me
Chorus:
Even when the rain falls
Even when the flood starts rising
'Cause even when the storm comes
I am washed by the water
Even when the rain falls
Even when the flood starts rising
'Cause even when the storm comes
I am washed by the water
Even when the rain falls
Even when the flood starts rising
'Cause even when the storm comes
I am washed by the water
'Cause even when the rain falls
Even when the flood starts rising
'Cause even when the storm comes
I am washed by the water
Video
NEEDTOBREATHE - Washed By The Water (Official Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
NeedToBreathe’s "Washed By The Water," featured on their powerful album *The London Tapes - Live From O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire*, released on December 27, 2024, stands as a testament to unwavering faith amidst life's relentless trials. This live rendition captures the raw emotion and profound message that defines the band's artistry, delivering an experience that transcends mere performance to become a declaration of spiritual resilience. The song immediately draws listeners into a narrative that resonates deeply with anyone who has faced adversity, portraying a journey from personal struggle to steadfast trust in a divine protector.
The lyrical journey begins with an intimate family portrait: a preacher father and his wife, devoted to "shine a light" and make the world better. This evokes the universal calling for believers to live out their faith openly, as Matthew 5:14-16 reminds us to be the light of the world, letting our good deeds glorify God. However, this commitment quickly invites scrutiny, as "people started talking just to hear their own voice," falsely accusing the father and questioning his choices. This reflects the reality faced by many who dedicate their lives to service, encountering opposition and unfounded criticism. The experience mirrors biblical accounts of righteous individuals facing false accusations, much like Jesus himself was slandered (Matthew 26:59-61), and the consistent warning that those who live godly lives will face persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). Yet, the narrative swiftly moves to vindication, asserting that "time will always tell" and despite the pain, "my father never failed." This speaks to the ultimate justice and faithfulness of God, who ensures that the righteousness of His servants will ultimately be revealed, as promised in Psalm 37:5-6, "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn."
The heart of the song pulses in its recurring chorus, where the powerful metaphor of "washed by the water" takes center stage. "Even when the rain falls, even when the flood starts rising, even when the storm comes," the unwavering declaration is, "I am washed by the water." This isn't merely about surviving the storm; it's about being purified and sustained *within* it. The "rain," "flood," and "storm" represent life’s overwhelming difficulties, sorrows, and spiritual attacks. Yet, the washing by water signifies a profound spiritual cleansing and renewal. This resonates with the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice (1 John 1:7) and the spiritual rebirth found in baptism, symbolizing a new life in Christ (Titus 3:5). Furthermore, it evokes the promise in Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you." In God’s presence, the very element that threatens destruction becomes the source of purification and divine sustaining power, allowing a believer to emerge not merely unscathed, but renewed and strengthened.
The bridge elevates this commitment to an almost unimaginable degree of loyalty and trust. The singer proclaims, "Even when the earth crumbles under my feet, even when the ones I love turn around and crucify me," their resolve remains firm: "I won't never ever let You down, I won't fall, I won't fall as long as You're around me." The imagery of the earth crumbling speaks to existential crises, moments when all stability seems to vanish. The betrayal by "the ones I love" reaching the extreme of "crucify me" is a stark and deeply poignant reference to the ultimate form of betrayal and suffering, echoing Christ's own experience at the hands of those close to Him (Matthew 26:47-50). In such profound desolation, the declaration of unwavering commitment reveals a faith anchored not in circumstance or human loyalty, but solely in the divine presence. It is a testament to the strength found in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength," and the unwavering stability promised in Psalm 16:8, "I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken." This song isn't just a comfort; it's a rallying cry for anyone navigating life's relentless currents, reminding us that through every deluge and every tempest, our hope and cleansing are secured in Christ. "Washed By The Water" leaves a lasting impression, not just as a song, but as a living affirmation of persistent faith and the purifying, sustaining grace found in God's unwavering presence.