Sara Groves - Finite Lyrics
Lyrics
I'm not every woman
It's not all in me
I'm proud and guarded
When it comes to my needs
Try to keep the whole thing rolling
Try to keep an on time train
This frenetic fascination's
Really driving me insane
Anybody feel that?
Anybody feel that?
Anybody feel that?
What God meant by woman
I'm hard pressed to find
I'm chasing paper dreams
And a guilt undefined
Fighting to stay younger
Trying to stay thin and in control
Searching for a magic formula
A thing to soothe our souls
Wonderin' where the peace went
Wonderin' where the peace went
Wonderin' where the peace went
I'm finite I come to an end
I'm finite I come to an end
Try to keep the whole thing rollin'
Try to keep an on time train
This frenetic fascination's
Really drivin' me insane
Anybody feel that?
Anybody feel that?
Anybody feel that?
I'm finite, I come to an end
I'm finite, I cannot pretend
I'm finite, I come to an end
I'm finite, I cannot pretend
Video
Sara Groves - Finite (Offical Pseudo Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
The song "Finite" by Sara Groves, released on October 18, 2011, as part of her album *Invisible Empires*, offers a deeply resonant exploration of the human condition, particularly the pressures faced in modern life and the ultimate revelation of our inherent limitations. Groves masterfully crafts a narrative that moves from the frantic striving of self-sufficiency to the liberating acceptance of dependency. It is a candid and often unsettling look at the internal and external demands that push us to our breaking point, culminating in a profound truth that offers genuine spiritual relief.
At its core, "Finite" articulates the widespread struggle against an impossible ideal. Groves opens with the stark admission, "I'm not every woman," immediately challenging the pervasive myth of the effortlessly capable individual who can flawlessly manage all aspects of life. This sentiment, "It's not all in me," speaks to the crushing weight of societal expectations that often leave one feeling inadequate and perpetually striving. The lyrics vividly portray the relentless pursuit of control and productivity, attempting to keep "the whole thing rolling" and maintain "an on time train." This "frenetic fascination," as Groves describes it, ultimately leads to a state of near madness, exposing the unsustainable nature of such a pace. This frantic striving stands in stark contrast to the biblical call for rest and trust, reminding us of Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Our finite existence necessitates periods of rest and surrender, a recognition that we are not designed for perpetual motion or ultimate control.
The song delves deeper into the existential search for purpose and identity amidst a culture that often dictates an unrealistic standard. Groves voices a common perplexity with the line, "What God meant by woman, I'm hard pressed to find," highlighting the disconnect between perceived divine intention and the overwhelming, often contradictory, cultural directives. This spiritual unease is compounded by the "chasing paper dreams" and an "undefined guilt" that accompanies the pursuit of worldly success, leaving a hollow void. The constant battle against the natural aging process, "fighting to stay younger," and the relentless pursuit of physical ideals and autonomy, "trying to stay thin and in control," underscore a desperate yearning for something tangible to "soothe our souls." The poignant question, "Wondering where the peace went," cuts to the heart of this spiritual emptiness. Scripture warns against conformity to worldly patterns in Romans 12:2 and points to true peace not as something achieved through external means, but as a gift from Christ, as promised in John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Groves’ journey is a quest for this divine peace, often obscured by self-imposed burdens.
The song’s profound power culminates in its central declaration: "I'm finite I come to an end / I'm finite I cannot pretend." This is not a lament of defeat, but a liberating confession of human limitation. It is the brave act of letting go of the illusion of self-sufficiency and embracing the truth that we are not infinite, nor were we created to bear infinite burdens. This honest acceptance of our finitude creates space for God’s boundless grace and strength to enter. When we acknowledge our weakness, we open ourselves to the divine power that truly sustains us. As 2 Corinthians 12:9 states, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Groves’ repeated admission transforms into an anthem for all who feel overwhelmed, encouraging them to release the heavy weight of impossible expectations. "Finite" transcends mere musical expression; it is a spiritual meditation, an invitation to lay down our striving, stop pretending, and ultimately find profound peace and strength in the unshakeable grace of God, who alone is infinite and holds all things together when our own finite capacities inevitably reach their end.