Sidewalk Prophets - You Love Me Anyway Lyrics
Released: 21 Sep 2010
Lyrics
The question was raised
As my conscience fell
A silly, little lie
It didn’t mean much
But it lingers still
In the corners of my mind
Still you call me to walk
On the edge of this world
To spread my dreams and fly
But the future’s so far
My heart is so frail
I think I’d rather stay inside
[Chorus:]
But You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known
Yes, You love me anyway
Oh, Lord, how You love me
How You love me
It took more than my strength
To simply be still
To seek but never find
All the reasons we change
The reasons I doubt
And why do loved ones have to die?
[Chorus:]
But You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known
Yes, You love me anyway
Oh, Lord, how You love me
[Bridge:]
I am a thorn in Your crown
But You love me anyway
I am the sweat from Your brow
But You love me anyway
I am the nail in Your wrist
But You love me anyway
I am Judas’ kiss
But You love me anyway
See now, I am the man who yelled out from the crowd
For Your blood to be spilled on this earth shaking ground
Yes then I turned away with the smile on my face
With this sin in my heart tried to bury Your grace
And then alone in the night I still called out for You
So ashamed of my life, my life, my life
[Chorus:]
But You love me anyway
Oh, God, how you love me
Yes, You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known
Yes, You love me anyway
Oh, Lord, how You love me
Yes, You love me,
Yes, You love me
Yes, You love me,
Yes, You love me
How You love me
How You love me
How You love me
Video
Sidewalk Prophets - You Love Me Anyway (Official Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Sidewalk Prophets' "You Love Me Anyway," released as part of their 2010 EP *You Love Me Anyway (Studio Performance Tracks)*, is a powerful and deeply introspective exploration of God's unconditional love in the face of human failing and doubt. The song bravely confronts the internal struggles of a believer, starting with the admission of a "silly, little lie" that lingers, a testament to how even minor transgressions can weigh on the conscience. This initial vulnerability sets the stage for a broader examination of anxieties about the future and a perceived frailty of spirit that makes stepping out in faith feel daunting, echoing sentiments found in verses like Jeremiah 17:9 which speaks of the deceitfulness of the human heart, and Isaiah 41:10, which reminds us not to fear, for God is with us.
The central theme, powerfully expressed in the repeated refrain "But You love me anyway," directly confronts the human tendency to believe our imperfections disqualify us from divine affection. This unwavering love is presented as something entirely unprecedented, unlike anything experienced in earthly relationships. The lyrics then delve into the difficulty of simply "being still" and seeking, often without immediate answers, reflecting the trials of faith that can lead to doubt. The poignant question, "And why do loved ones have to die?" acknowledges the profound pain and confusion that loss can bring, challenging the very foundations of our understanding and our relationship with God. This wrestling with suffering finds resonance in passages like Romans 8:18, which suggests that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed.
The bridge of the song takes a bold and scripturally rich turn, directly identifying the singer as the source of Christ's suffering, personifying the sins that led to His crucifixion. References like "I am a thorn in Your crown," "the nail in Your wrist," and "Judas’ kiss" are potent and unflinching acknowledgments of humanity's collective sin and rejection of Christ. These images powerfully connect to the Passion narrative, particularly the accountability for sin as described in Hebrews 10:29, which speaks of trampling the Son of God underfoot and profaning the blood of the covenant. Yet, in each instance, the unwavering truth is proclaimed: "But You love me anyway." This speaks volumes about the sacrificial nature of God's love, as evidenced in Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The song concludes by amplifying this realization of profound undeserved love, a divine grace that extends even to those who have actively turned away and then sought Him in shame. "You Love Me Anyway" ultimately serves as an anthem of hope, underscoring that God's love is not earned but freely given, a cornerstone of the Christian message that offers profound solace and encouragement to anyone struggling with their own perceived shortcomings.