Nicole C. Mullen - Arms Still Open Lyrics
Lyrics
Losing again, hiding within
Got no more games to play
Hurting inside, my wounded pride
Won't let me run Your way
Though I know
Your heart is made of love
I don't know
What I was thinkin' of
Is it true
I'll never do enough
For You to leave or walk away
Are Your arms still open
Opened to me
Can You hear me cry
Though I know I've hurt You
At times desert You
I have to ask You why
Why are Your arms still open
Opened wide to me
Bitter heartache, vows I break
How can Your heart stay true
Sweet autumn rain, mocking my pain
Washing my grey skies blue
Though I know
Your heart is made of love
I don't know
What I was thinkin' of
Is it true
I'll never do enough
For You to leave or walk away
Are Your arms still open
Opened to me
Can You hear me cry
Though I know I've hurt You
At times desert You
I have to ask You why
Why are Your arms still open
Opened wide to me
Though I know
Your heart is made of love
I don't know
What I was thinkin' of
Is it true
I'll never do enough
For You to leave or walk away
Are Your arms still open
Opened to me
Yes, I know
That You hear me cry
Though I, I know I've hurt You
At times desert You
I hnow I have to ask
Why are Your arms still open
Opened wide to me, oh...
Video
Nicole C Mullen - Arms Still Open
Meaning & Inspiration
"Arms Still Open" by Nicole C. Mullen, released on January 1, 1992, as part of her album *Wish Me Love*, stands as a timeless anthem of grace and forgiveness. The song plunges into the profound struggle of a soul wrestling with its own failures and the persistent doubt of divine acceptance. It speaks to that deeply human experience of recognizing one's shortcomings—"losing again, hiding within," and feeling the sting of "wounded pride" that hinders a return to God. Mullen masterfully articulates the internal conflict of knowing God's inherent goodness, that His "heart is made of love," yet simultaneously questioning if one's repeated missteps could ever exhaust His patience, leading Him to "leave or walk away."
The song’s core message revolves around this poignant plea for assurance: "Are Your arms still open, opened to me? Can You hear me cry?" This isn't merely a question; it's a vulnerable cry from a heart burdened by self-condemnation, acknowledging the pain caused to God by our wanderings and betrayals, confessing, "Though I know I've hurt You, at times desert You." It gives voice to the fear that our repeated failures, "bitter heartache, vows I break," might somehow diminish God's steadfastness. This resonates with the universal human experience of needing forgiveness, even when we feel undeserving, and echoes the psalmist's cries for mercy in passages like Psalm 51, where a contrite heart pours out its confession before a loving God.
Yet, despite the candid admission of fault and the agonizing question of worthiness, the song ultimately unveils the unyielding nature of God’s compassion. The imagery of "sweet autumn rain, mocking my pain, Washing my grey skies blue" beautifully illustrates the cleansing and renewing power of divine grace, transforming despair into hope. This powerful message directly counters the lie that our sins are too great for God's love to overcome. Scripture consistently affirms God's eagerness to forgive and restore. Romans 5:8 reminds us that "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." His love isn't conditional upon our perfection but is freely given to the broken and repentant.
The central question, "Why are Your arms still open, opened wide to me?", becomes less a query of doubt and more an astonished reflection on such boundless mercy. This deep theological truth is woven throughout the Bible. Consider the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32, where the father sees his wayward child returning from afar and runs to embrace him, his arms wide open, before a single word of apology is even uttered. This is the heart of God: always watchful, always welcoming. Moreover, 2 Timothy 2:13 assures us that "if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself." God's faithfulness is rooted in His unchanging character, not our fluctuating performance.
By the song's conclusion, the uncertainty dissolves into a profound knowing: "Yes, I know that You hear me cry." This shift from questioning to confident affirmation is profoundly inspiring. It solidifies the message that God’s embrace is constant, His love unwavering, and His forgiveness always accessible. Isaiah 43:25 declares, "I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins." "Arms Still Open" serves as a powerful musical sermon, reminding us that no matter how far we wander or how deeply we fail, God's love remains relentlessly pursuing, perpetually ready to receive us back into His wide-open, loving embrace, offering solace, cleansing, and a fresh start. It is a vital reminder that our worth is found not in our perfect obedience, but in the perfect, unconditional love of our Creator.