Verse 1
I once believed that Your love had conditions
That it could be taken away just as fast it's given
I thought there were strings attached
But You showed me kindness in spite of my history
When others walked out it was You who was still standing with me
And I can't wrap my head around that
Chorus
When I've been the rebel who's run from Your arms
I've turned my back and I've broken Your heart
But You love me still
And You always will
I've known the truth and still chosen a lie
Given You less when I promised my life
But You love me still
(You love me still)
You love me still
And I know You always will
Verse 2
I can't believe after all that I've messed up
That You'd take my hand and you'd tell me You're not gonna give up
Cause You won't stop fighting for me
Oh, despite all my faults You're not scared away
For better or worse I know that You'll stay
I can't wrap my head around grace
Oh-oh
Chorus
When I've been the rebel who's run from Your arms
I've turned my back and I've broken Your heart
But You love me still
(You love me still)
And You always will
I've known the truth and still chosen a lie
Given You less when I promised my life
But You love me still
(You love me still)
You love me still
And I know You always will
Bridge
No life, no death
No height, no depth
Could take me away from You
No guilt, no shame
Could separate
Or take me away from You
(Oh-oh)
(Oh-oh-oh-oh)
(Oh-oh)
(Oh-oh-oh-oh)
(Oh-oh)
(Oh-oh-oh-oh)
(Oh-oh-oh-oh)
Chorus
When I've been the rebel who's run from Your arms
I've turned my back and I've broken Your heart
But You love me still
And You always will
Oh-oh
I've known the truth and still chosen a lie
Given You less when I promised my life
But You love me still
(You love me still)
You love me still
And I know You always will
Outro
(Oh-oh)
(Oh-oh-oh-oh)
(Oh-oh) And I know You always will
(Oh-oh-oh-oh)
(Oh-oh)
(Oh-oh-oh-oh)
Oh, how You love me still
Love Me Still
Love Me Still Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Seph Schlueter's song "Love Me Still," released on March 22, 2024, is a profound exploration of unconditional love and grace, viewed from the perspective of someone grappling with their own imperfections and past failures. The lyrics articulate a journey from a belief in conditional affection, where love is seen as something easily withdrawn, to the overwhelming realization of a love that remains constant and unwavering despite the speaker's history and choices. This foundational shift in understanding is central to the song's message, highlighting the contrast between human frailty and divine steadfastness.
The verses lay bare the speaker's past perception of love as having "conditions" and "strings attached," a common human experience rooted in fear of abandonment or judgment. The turning point arrives with the revelation of a different kind of kindness, one shown "in spite of my history." The powerful image of this love subject being the one "who was still standing with me" when others left underscores its reliability and depth. The speaker's struggle to "wrap my head around that" and later, to "wrap my head around grace," conveys the astonishing, almost incomprehensible nature of this enduring acceptance in the face of personal failings and a history of "messed up." The commitment expressed by this love subject—declaring "you're not gonna give up" and fighting for the speaker—reinforces the theme of persistent, unyielding devotion, unafraid of faults or imperfections.
The chorus serves as the emotional core of the song, presenting a stark contrast between the speaker's actions and the consistent response received. The speaker acknowledges being a "rebel who's run from Your arms," turning their back, breaking the subject's heart, knowing the truth but choosing lies, and giving less than promised. These are vivid descriptions of straying, failure, and unworthiness. Yet, each confession is met with the resounding declaration: "But You love me still / And You always will." This repeated affirmation emphasizes the persistent nature of this love, which is not dependent on the speaker's performance or behavior but exists despite their shortcomings. It is a love that forgives, embraces, and remains.
The bridge elevates the theme further by employing powerful, absolute language to describe the unshakeable bond created by this love. Phrases like "No life, no death," "No height, no depth," "No guilt, no shame" echo scriptural assurances of an inseparable connection. This section asserts that there is no external circumstance or internal state of being—neither physical separation nor the weight of past wrongs—that can diminish or break away the speaker from this love. It speaks to ultimate security and belonging, founded not on merit but on the inherent nature of the one who loves.
Collectively, the song delivers an inspirational message of grace, forgiveness, and unwavering commitment. It speaks to the experience of feeling undeserving yet being met with boundless compassion. It challenges the common human tendency to believe love is conditional and offers the powerful truth of a love that endures "still" and "always will," irrespective of past mistakes or present struggles. This theme deeply resonates within faith traditions that emphasize God's unconditional love and mercy, often referenced in scriptures describing a love from which nothing can separate us and a grace that triumphs over sin and shame. The song becomes a hopeful anthem for anyone who has felt lost, failed, or unworthy, pointing towards a source of love that remains faithful and unchanging.