i've got a good car that gets me where i'm going
i've got a good house that i can go home to
but all these good things this world has to offer
i'm just using as i'm passing through
there's so much about this world that can distract me
so lord i pray that i will keep my eyes on you
Chorus:
anything but you is only temporary
anything but you will quickly fade away
i'm not trustin' in, dependin' on, believin' in relying on
anyone or anything but you
life has a strange way of gettin' complicated
all that's certain is that nothin' stays the same
but i'm not worried cause you promised you'd be with me
and i know that's one thing this world cannot change
there's so much that's tryin' to distract me
lord i pray each day i keep my eyes on you
repeat chorus:
Bridge:
i live each day completely
amazed by all that i've seen you do
what a fool i would be if i
let anything come between me and you
Chorus(2x)
Anything But You
Anything But You Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
NewSong's "Anything But You" is a contemporary Christian song that emphasizes the importance of prioritizing a relationship with God above all else in life. The lyrics speak to the fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying nature of worldly possessions and distractions. The opening verse acknowledges the blessings of a comfortable life - a reliable car and a safe home - but quickly asserts that these are merely tools for navigating life's journey, not the destination itself. This sets the stage for the central theme: a recognition that true and lasting fulfillment can only be found in God. The song acknowledges the allure of worldly distractions and actively seeks divine assistance to maintain focus on spiritual matters.
The chorus serves as the song's powerful declaration of faith. It contrasts the temporary nature of anything that isn't God with the eternal and unwavering presence of the divine. The lines "Anything but you is only temporary / Anything but you will quickly fade away" highlight the transient nature of earthly things. The repetition of verbs, "trustin' in, dependin' on, believin' in relying on," further emphasizes the complete and utter reliance on God, rejecting dependence on anything or anyone else.
The second verse delves into the complexities and uncertainties of life, acknowledging that change is the only constant. However, the song finds solace in the promise of God's unwavering presence, which provides a foundation of stability amidst life's turbulence. The bridge elevates the sentiment to a personal level, expressing awe and gratitude for God's actions in the singer's life. It underscores the foolishness of allowing anything to jeopardize the precious bond with the divine.
The song's message aligns with numerous scriptural passages. For example, Matthew 6:33 encourages seeking God's kingdom above all else, promising that everything else will be added accordingly. 1 John 2:17 echoes the sentiment of the chorus, stating that "the world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." Philippians 4:19 provides assurance that God will meet all our needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus, echoing the song's themes of dependence on God. In essence, "Anything But You" serves as a musical reminder to keep our priorities aligned with our faith, seeking lasting fulfillment in God rather than fleeting worldly pleasures.
