Every generation
Blames the one before
And all of their frustrations
Come beating on your door
I know that I’m a prisoner
To all my Father held so dear
I know that I’m a hostage
To all his hopes and fears
I just wish I could have told him in the living years
Crumpled bits of paper
Filled with imperfect thoughts
Stilted conversations
I’m afraid that’s all we’ve got
You say you just don’t see it
He says it’s perfect sense
You just can’t get agreement
In this present tense
We all talk a different language
Talkin’ in defense
Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It’s too late when we die
To admit we don’t see eye to eye
So we open up a quarrel
Between the present and the past
We only sacrifice the future
It’s the bitterness that lasts
So Don’t yield to the fortunes
You sometimes see as fate
It may have a new perspective
On a different date
And if you don’t give up, and don’t give in
You may just be O.K.
Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It’s too late when we die
To admit we don’t see eye to eye
I wasn’t there that morning
When my Father passed away
I didn’t get to tell him
All the things I had to say
I think I caught his spirit
Later that same year
I’m sure I heard his echo
In my baby’s new born tears
I just wish I could have told him in the living years
Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It’s too late when we die
To admit we don’t see eye to eye
Say it loud, say it clear
Say it loud
Don’t give up
Don’t give in
And don’t know what you can do next
The Living Years Video
The Living Years Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The Living Years by Newsboys: A Powerful Message of Forgiveness and Redemption
Introduction:
The Living Years is a song by the Christian rock band Newsboys. Released in 1996 as a part of their album "Take Me to Your Leader," the song carries a powerful message of forgiveness, redemption, and the importance of communication in relationships. With thought-provoking lyrics and a captivating melody, The Living Years resonates with listeners as it explores the themes of love, loss, and the opportunity for healing and reconciliation.
Verse 1: "Every generation, blames the one before, and all of their frustrations come beating on your door"
The opening lines of The Living Years set the stage for the song's central theme – the strained relationship between generations. It speaks to the common occurrence of younger generations blaming their predecessors for their frustrations and challenges. This line suggests that unresolved issues and misunderstandings can be passed down from one generation to the next, causing a cycle of tension and resentment.
Verse 2: "I know that I'm a prisoner to all my Father held so dear, I know that I'm a hostage to all his hopes and fears"
Here, the song delves deeper into the personal experience of the narrator. It reflects the inner struggle of feeling trapped by the expectations, values, and fears passed down by their father. It highlights the impact that parental influence can have on shaping one's identity and the difficulties that arise when those expectations clash with personal desires and dreams.
Chorus: "Say it loud, say it clear, you can listen as well as you hear, it's too late when we die, to admit we don't see eye to eye"
The chorus of The Living Years emphasizes the importance of effective communication. It encourages open dialogue and active listening, reminding us that it is crucial to address conflicts and differences while there is still time. The line "it's too late when we die" serves as a poignant reminder that regrets and missed opportunities for reconciliation can only be realized after it is too late.
Verse 3: "Crumpled bits of paper, filled with imperfect thoughts, stilted conversations, I'm afraid that's all we've got"
In this verse, the song acknowledges the imperfections and shortcomings in our attempts to communicate. It refers to "crumpled bits of paper" and "imperfect thoughts" as metaphors for the difficulty in expressing oneself fully and clearly. The line "stilted conversations" suggests a lack of genuine connection and the struggle to convey emotions effectively.
Bridge: "So we open up a quarrel between the present and the past, we only sacrifice the future, it's the bitterness that lasts"
The bridge of The Living Years addresses the destructive consequences of holding onto grudges and unresolved conflicts. It warns against dwelling on past grievances and emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and letting go. The line "we only sacrifice the future" serves as a reminder that harboring bitterness and resentment not only hinders personal growth but also damages future relationships and opportunities.
Inspiration and Meaning:
The Living Years was inspired by the personal experiences of the songwriters, Mike Rutherford and B.A. Robertson. They both lost their fathers around the same time and realized the unresolved conflicts and missed opportunities for communication they had with them. This realization prompted them to write a song that explores the universal theme of regret and the importance of expressing love and understanding while there is still time.
The song's meaning is centered around the idea of healing and reconciliation within relationships, particularly between fathers and sons. It highlights the need for open communication, forgiveness, and empathy to bridge the gaps between generations. The Living Years encourages listeners to reflect on their own relationships and consider the impact of unaddressed issues and unspoken words.
Biblical Analysis:
When analyzing the biblical relevance of The Living Years, we can draw parallels to several key teachings from the Scriptures. The song's emphasis on communication, forgiveness, and reconciliation aligns with biblical principles.
Ephesians 4:26 states, "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger." This verse encourages addressing conflicts and seeking resolution while there is still time. The Living Years echoes this sentiment by reminding us that it's too late to reconcile after death.
In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus teaches, "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." This verse emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness in relationships. The Living Years echoes this message by urging listeners to address conflicts and bridge the gap between generations before it's too late.
Conclusion:
The Living Years by Newsboys is a thought-provoking song that explores the themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the importance of communication in relationships. With its powerful lyrics and captivating melody, the song resonates with listeners as it addresses the universal experiences of love, loss, and missed opportunities for connection. Inspired by the personal experiences of the songwriters, The Living Years encourages listeners to reflect on their own relationships and consider the impact of unaddressed conflicts and unspoken words. Through its biblical themes of forgiveness and reconciliation, the song reminds us of the need to communicate openly, seek reconciliation, and treasure the time we have with our loved ones.
