Norma Jean - An Act of My Own Volition Lyrics
Lyrics
Rise
Back on my knees
I thought of you
I've never cried so happy
When I breathe out, you breathe me back
The greatest gift I've got is you
When I smile my thoughts are on you
No death, no life, no time
(Will take me away)
When it's quiet
I know you're there
To my God: Glory
Always seeming two theives at my side
But in you I keep my eyes
You're all I want
Rise
Always seeming two theives at my side
But in you I keep my eyes
You're all I want
God be pleased
This world has nothing to offer anymore. Come back soon
This world has nothing to offer, come back soon
Welcome back
Video
An Act Of My Own Volition - Norma Jean
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on March 31, 2015, Norma Jean's "An Act of My Own Volition" stands as a profound declaration of unwavering faith, a testament to the conscious choice to center one's existence on the divine. From its very opening, the song plunges into a deeply personal spiritual journey, immediately drawing us into a narrative of surrender and ecstatic devotion. The lines that speak of falling "back on my knees" and experiencing a happiness so profound that one has "never cried so happy" paint a vivid picture of repentance and renewal, akin to the overwhelming joy described in the Psalms when one draws near to God (Psalm 16:11) or the heavenly rejoicing over a single repentant soul (Luke 15:7). This isn't a coerced piety, but a deliberate, joyful turning, highlighting the song's title as an affirmation of personal choice in faith.
The lyrical imagery further solidifies this intimate connection, describing a symbiotic spiritual relationship where "When I breathe out, you breathe me back," a powerful metaphor for the indwelling Spirit and the constant, life-giving presence of God in every moment. This profound bond is then declared as "The greatest gift I've got," echoing the biblical truth that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17), with God Himself being the ultimate treasure. The subsequent assertion that "No death, no life, no time (Will take me away)" is a powerful echo of Romans 8:38-39, a confident declaration of eternal security and the unshakeable nature of God's love, assuring us that nothing in all creation can separate a believer from divine affection. This deep sense of belonging and constant awareness of God's presence is beautifully articulated in the quiet confidence that "When it's quiet / I know you're there," leading naturally to the heartfelt exclamation, "To my God: Glory," an act of pure worship acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness (Psalm 115:1).
A central, deeply evocative image within the song speaks of "Always seeming two thieves at my side / But in you I keep my eyes / You're all I want." This direct reference to the crucifixion story (Luke 23:32-43) brilliantly symbolizes the constant temptations, distractions, and inner battles that vie for our attention, much like the "flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit" (Galatians 5:17). Yet, amidst these internal and external struggles, the resolve to "keep my eyes" fixed on the divine is a powerful call to faith, mirroring the admonition in Hebrews 12:2 to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." This unwavering focus on God as the sole desire, "You're all I want," underscores a life of singular devotion, placing Him above all worldly pursuits and personal ambitions. The subsequent plea, "God be pleased," encapsulates the core Christian desire to live in a way that honors Him, reflecting the call to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1).
The song culminates in a poignant declaration of disillusionment with earthly offerings: "This world has nothing to offer anymore. Come back soon." This isn't a lament of despair, but a profound expression of longing for something beyond the transient nature of this life. It resonates deeply with biblical sentiments about storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-21) and the admonition not to love the world or anything in the world (1 John 2:15-17). The fervent cry, "Come back soon," is a timeless expression of the Christian hope for Christ's second coming, echoing the final prayer of Revelation 22:20, "Come, Lord Jesus." The concluding "Welcome back" serves as both a prophetic embrace of this future return and a deeply personal testament to a spiritual reawakening, a renewed sense of God's palpable presence in one's life. "An Act of My Own Volition" thus emerges as a powerful anthem for those who have consciously chosen to abandon the fleeting promises of the world for the eternal, satisfying presence of God, a vibrant testament to deliberate faith, joyful surrender, and persistent hope in an ever-present and returning Savior.