Ryan Ofei - Abba Lyrics
Lyrics
I was young and now I'm older
When I think it all over
You were with with me then
And you're with me now
If there's one thing I know
You never let me go
I ran from things that caught up
Wish I knew what to call love
ABBA, You are my father
ABBA, You are my father
ABBA, You are my father
ABBA, You are my father
God, I know You're out there listening
All my friends let me down for real
Father what is it I'm missing
'Cause You're the only one that can heal these wounds
Mend my heart, brand new start
Show me real love when it's all over
Fill my cup with so much
When I felt like I was down
You drew me closer
ABBA, You are my father
ABBA, You are my father
ABBA, You are my father
ABBA, You are my father
You have always been there for me
You have always been there for me
For me, for me, for me, for me
Video
Abba
Meaning & Inspiration
Ryan Ofei's "Abba," released on August 2nd, 2023, as part of the *Celebrate - EP*, is a profound musical declaration of dependence and divine connection, echoing a sentiment deeply rooted in both personal experience and biblical truth. The song opens with a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the enduring presence of God, stating, "I was young and now I'm older, when I think it all over, You were with me then and you're with me now." This mirrors the Psalmist's declaration in Psalm 71:18, "So even in old age and gray hair, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare your power to all who will come." The acknowledgement that the Lord "never let me go" resonates with the unwavering faithfulness promised in Hebrews 13:5, "He himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" Ofei touches on the human struggle of running from challenges, admitting, "I ran from things that caught up," and a quest for understanding love, "Wish I knew what to call love." This universal yearning for authentic love finds its ultimate fulfillment in the divine, as God's love is not only a concept but an active, healing force.
The core of "Abba" is its powerful invocation, "ABBA, You are my father." This Aramaic term, used by Jesus in Mark 14:36, signifies an intimate, familial address, conveying deep trust and dependence. Ofei's repetition underscores the profound comfort and security found in this relationship. The lyrics then pivot to a raw plea, acknowledging personal shortcomings and the failings of human relationships: "God, I know You're out there listening. All my friends let me down for real." This sentiment finds echoes in the book of Jeremiah, where the prophet laments the betrayal of his companions (Jeremiah 20:10). The plea, "Father what is it I'm missing 'cause You're the only one that can heal these wounds," speaks to a universal need for divine restoration. Scripture assures us that God is indeed the ultimate healer, as stated in Exodus 15:26: "I am the LORD who heals you." The desire for a "mend my heart, brand new start," and to "show me real love" is a spiritual aspiration that God readily meets. He promises a new heart in Ezekiel 36:26, and His love is an inexhaustible source, capable of filling our "cup" to overflowing, just as Jesus described in John 4:14 regarding living water. The comforting realization that when feeling "down, You drew me closer" is a testament to God's active pursuit of us, His children, a truth exemplified in Hosea 11:4, where God says, "I led them with cords of kindness, with the ropes of love." The repeated assurance, "You have always been there for me," is a steadfast reminder of divine constancy, a promise reiterated throughout the Scriptures, from the creation of the world to the promise of His eternal presence. Ryan Ofei’s "Abba" is more than a song; it’s an intimate devotional, a powerful reminder that in the storms of life, the intimate call to "Abba" reveals the steadfast, healing, and ever-present love of our Heavenly Father.