Riley Clemmons - You First Lyrics

You First

You First Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Released on August 3, 2018, Riley Clemmons’ song "You First" entered the contemporary Christian music space offering a vulnerable reflection on the common human challenge of ordering our priorities. The song explores the internal shift required to move from a place of self-reliance, chasing after worldly approval, or getting lost in the noise of daily demands, to understanding the profound necessity and ultimate freedom found in placing God at the absolute forefront of one’s life. It’s a candid admission of the difficulty in truly surrendering control and consistently choosing God above everything else – career aspirations, relationships, personal comforts, even our own desires and plans for the future.

The central theme isn't just about adding God into the mix of priorities; it’s about a radical reorientation where He occupies the primary position, fundamentally changing the perspective on everything else. This resonates deeply with the call found throughout Scripture to give God preeminence. The song articulates a desire, and perhaps a struggle, to live out Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 6:33 to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness," with the promise that "all these things will be added to you." It speaks to the wrestling involved in taking up one's cross daily and following Him, as mentioned in Luke 9:23, recognizing that true life is found not in clinging to our own plans but in letting them go in submission to His. This journey of relinquishing control mirrors the wisdom in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." The song captures the tension between the world’s pull and the Spirit’s leading, highlighting the peace that comes from choosing God's way, even when it requires vulnerability and trust.

Analyzing the song's message further, it touches on the transformative power of surrender. Often, we try to manage our lives, believing our understanding is sufficient, only to find ourselves feeling overwhelmed or lost. "You First" points towards the counter-intuitive truth that letting go of our grip allows God's perfect plan, which is far beyond our comprehension (Isaiah 55:8-9), to unfold. The song suggests that when we prioritize God, the anxieties and pressures of life begin to diminish because our ultimate security and identity are rooted in Him, not in fleeting circumstances or achievements. This aligns with Philippians 4:6-7, which encourages bringing our concerns to God with thankfulness, promising the "peace of God, which transcends all understanding," will guard our hearts and minds. It's a call to daily repentance and re-prioritization, acknowledging that our natural inclination is often to put ourselves or other things first, but true fulfillment, purpose, and spiritual growth stem from making God the undisputed number one. The song serves as an encouraging reminder that this striving is a shared experience, and the grace of God is available to help us in the ongoing process of living a life centered wholly on Him.