Relient K - Between You and Me Lyrics
Lyrics
Sorrow is a lonely feeling
Unsettled is a painful place
I've lived with both for far too long now
Since we've parted ways
I've been wrestling with my conscience
And I found myself to blame
If there's to be any resolution
I've got to peel my pride away
Just between you and me
I've got something' to say
I wanna get it straight
Before the sun goes down
Just between you and me
Confession needs to be made
Recompense is my way to freedom now
Just between you and me
I've got something to say
If confession is the road to healing
Forgiveness is the promised land
I'm reaching out in my conviction
I'm longing to make amends
So, I'm sorry for the words I've spoken
For I've betrayed a friend
We've got a love that's worth preserving
And a bond I will defend
Just between you and me
I've got something' to say
I wanna get it straight
Before the sun goes down
Just between you and me
Confession needs to be made
Recompense is my way to freedom now
Just between you and me
I've got something to say
In my pursuit of God, I thirst for holiness
As I approach the Son, I must consider this
Offenses unresolved, they'll keep me from the throne
Before I go to Him my wrong must be atoned
Video
Between You and Me
Meaning & Inspiration
Relient K’s “Between You and Me,” released on September 30, 2020, arrives as a poignant reminder of the challenging yet vital journey of reconciliation. The song delves into the uncomfortable space of personal responsibility after a fractured relationship, articulating a profound truth that resonates deeply within the human experience and, more specifically, within a faith context. It begins by laying bare the emotional aftermath of a parting, describing the "lonely feeling" of sorrow and the "painful place" of being unsettled. This raw honesty sets the stage for an introspective look at the genesis of that pain, leading to the crucial realization: "I found myself to blame." Here, the song courageously points to the insidious nature of pride as the primary barrier to healing, acknowledging that truly moving forward demands peeling away this self-protective layer. This aligns powerfully with James 4:6, which reminds us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, and Proverbs 16:18, warning that "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
The core message crystallizes in the chorus, where the urgency of confession is not merely suggested but declared. The desire to "get it straight before the sun goes down" echoes the biblical admonition in Ephesians 4:26-27 not to let the sun set on our anger, implying that unresolved conflict can fester and give opportunity to spiritual harm. The song frames confession not as a burdensome act, but as a necessary path to liberation: "Recompense is my way to freedom now." This pursuit of making things right, of seeking forgiveness and offering an apology for wrongs committed, is a practical application of Matthew 5:23-24, where Jesus instructs us to reconcile with our brother before approaching God with our offering. It highlights that true freedom isn't found in avoiding confrontation, but in humbly addressing it, aligning with Proverbs 28:13, which promises mercy to those who confess their transgressions rather than concealing them.
As the narrative progresses, the lyrics beautifully connect confession to healing and forgiveness to a "promised land" of restoration. The act of reaching out "in my conviction" and longing "to make amends" demonstrates a deep commitment to repairing the breach. The specific apology for "words I've spoken" and having "betrayed a friend" speaks to the tangible impact of our actions and words, underscoring the weight of our communication. Recognizing that "We've got a love that's worth preserving, And a bond I will defend," the song champions the inherent value of relationships, particularly in a world that often prioritizes personal grievance over collective harmony. This unwavering commitment to reconciliation is a mirror of Christ's call to forgive, as seen in Colossians 3:13: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." It’s an active pursuit of peace, echoing Romans 12:18, which encourages us to "live at peace with everyone, if it is possible, as far as it depends on you."
The song’s profound spiritual depth is most evident in its bridge, which elevates the personal struggle to a sacred dimension. The lines, "In my pursuit of God, I thirst for holiness, As I approach the Son, I must consider this," reveal the true motivation behind the desire for reconciliation. It’s not just about repairing an earthly friendship, but about ensuring one's path to God remains clear and unhindered. The stark warning, "Offenses unresolved, they'll keep me from the throne, Before I go to Him my wrong must be atoned," powerfully articulates the biblical principle that our vertical relationship with God is intrinsically linked to our horizontal relationships with others. Unconfessed sin and unresolved conflict can indeed act as barriers to intimacy with God, as Scripture teaches in Psalm 66:18, "If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." This bridge serves as a profound call to purity and intentional living, reminding us that pursuing peace with others is not merely a social nicety, but a fundamental aspect of pursuing holiness and an unobstructed walk with God, a truth highlighted in Hebrews 12:14: "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." "Between You and Me" ultimately inspires us to embrace the humility required for confession, the courage for reconciliation, and the unwavering conviction that our pursuit of God demands right relationships with those around us.