Randy Travis - Pray for the Fish Lyrics
Released: 17 Mar 2009
Lyrics
Everybody gathered where the river runs wider
At the edge of town
To see if that eddie lee vaughn baptism
Was really gonna go down
Folks bet hard earned money
That water wouldn't change a thing
They set the odds at a hundred to one
His soul wouldn't never come clean
Then the preacher said
People take a moment or two
There something we need to do
Pray for the fish
They won't know what's coming
When the sin starts rolling off the likes of him
Lord be with em, they ain't done nothin'
Please wont you leave them just a little bit a room to swim
Pray for the fish
Well the preacher ducked em under
That cool clear water
Then he did it again
Eddie came up yelling
Lord in heaven halleauh!
I'm a brand new man
Well the water got to bubbling
Sky got to rumbling
And the thunder backed up the choir
The fish started jumpin'
It was like they was swimmin'
In a lake of fire
Then eddie's momma stepped out of the crowd
And started yelling out loud
Pray for the fish
They won't know what's coming
When the sin starts rolling
Off the likes of him
Lord be with' em
They ain't done nothing
Please wont you leave em
Just a little bit a room to swim
Pray for the fish
He said everybody cross your fingers
Fold your hands
Pray for ole' eddie
But before we say amen
Pray for the fish
Lord be with em
They aint done nothin'
Please wont you leave em
Just a little bit a room to swim
Pray for the fish
Lord pray for the fish
Video
Pray for the Fish
Meaning & Inspiration
Randy Travis, a voice synonymous with authentic country storytelling, offered a profound spiritual reflection with "Pray for the Fish," released on March 17, 2009, as part of his album *Three Wooden Crosses: The Inspirational Hits of Randy Travis*. This collection highlights Travis's enduring commitment to faith-based narratives, and "Pray for the Fish" stands out as a unique and deeply insightful piece within his inspirational catalog. It presents a captivating narrative that transcends typical gospel themes, inviting us to look beyond the surface of a spiritual event and ponder its unseen reverberations.
The song unfolds by setting a vivid scene at the river's edge, where a skeptical community gathers to witness the baptism of Eddie Lee Vaughn. Eddie's reputation precedes him; the town openly bets against any true change, reflecting a deep-seated cynicism about the possibility of his redemption. The imagery paints a picture of a soul weighed down by significant transgressions, making the impending baptism a spectacle rather than a solemn occasion. Yet, just as the ceremony is about to commence, the preacher interjects with an unexpected directive, shifting the focus from the notorious Eddie to the innocent creatures of the river: "Pray for the fish." This initial command immediately elevates the narrative from a simple tale of conversion to a profound parable.
The preacher's plea for the fish is born from an acute awareness of the spiritual gravity of sin. He recognizes that "when the sin starts rolling off the likes of him," the sheer magnitude of Eddie's past actions would inevitably impact his surroundings. This powerfully visual metaphor brings to life the biblical understanding of sin as a heavy burden, a stain, and a force that affects not only the sinner but also the world around them, as Scripture reveals in Romans 6:23, where "the wages of sin is death." The song then chronicles Eddie's transformation, as he emerges from the water declaring himself "a brand new man," a testament to the redeeming power of Christ, echoing 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." The very elements bear witness to this profound cleansing: the water bubbles, the sky rumbles with thunder, and the fish react as if submerged in fire. This divine affirmation of Eddie's new birth recalls passages like Psalm 18:7-15, where God's presence is often accompanied by the shaking of the earth and the sound of thunder, signifying His majestic power and authority.
The "fish" in this narrative represent a much deeper spiritual truth—the often-unseen consequences and collateral effects of human sin and, conversely, human redemption. They symbolize the innocent beings or even the spiritual atmosphere that might bear the brunt or feel the ripple effects of a person’s profound spiritual shift. This expands our understanding of repentance and forgiveness beyond a purely individual experience, suggesting that our spiritual state has wider implications, touching the fabric of creation itself. The call to "Pray for the fish" thus becomes a poignant reminder of our interconnectedness with the natural world and a recognition that even creation groans, awaiting ultimate redemption, as described in Romans 8:22. It challenges us to consider the full scope of God's restoration, which isn't just for humanity but extends to the entire created order.
The song's core message is a compelling invitation to a broader, more empathetic form of intercessory prayer. It asks us to look beyond the obvious recipients of prayer—like the struggling sinner—and consider those who might be unknowingly affected by monumental spiritual events. The preacher, then Eddie's mother, and ultimately the preacher again, reiterate the call to "Pray for the fish," underscoring the spiritual foresight and compassion required to pray not just for people, but for the very environment and for every living thing connected to our spiritual journeys. This resonates with the scriptural call for comprehensive prayer, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, which urges us to pray for all people, and James 5:16, highlighting the powerful effects of righteous prayer. Randy Travis masterfully uses this simple, rustic scene to impart a profound lesson: true spiritual awareness involves acknowledging the ripple effect of sin and grace throughout all creation.
"Pray for the Fish" is far more than a simple story of conversion; it is a profound spiritual teaching wrapped in a relatable narrative. Randy Travis delivers a timeless message that encourages us to consider the vast, often unseen, impact of our spiritual lives and the transformative power of divine grace. It inspires a deeper sense of empathy and responsibility, challenging us to expand the scope of our prayers and our understanding of God's redemptive work. Through this song, Travis not only affirms the radical nature of personal salvation but also illuminates the interconnectedness of all creation under God's loving gaze, making it an enduring and deeply moving piece within the canon of inspirational music.