Verse 1: Kainoa Sorensen
It's like you've been hypnotized
Stumblin' your way through life
And it's weighin' you down
Wantin' to do what's right
You fall every time you try
What are you gonna do now?
Pre-Chorus: Kainoa Sorensen
You could hang your head low, head low, or
You could pick yourself up, move forward
No matter how bad it gets, it's not over
It's not over
Chorus: Kainoa Sorensen
You're not your mistakes, mmm
It's just something you do sometimes
But that's not who you are in your heart
'Cause you keep on tryin'
So don't be so hard on yourself
Just ask Him for a little help
This is only a phase, and there's time to change
You're not your mistakes, mhm
Bah, bah, bah, bah
Bah, bah, bah, bah
Bah, bah, bah, bah
'Cause you keep on tryin'
Verse 2: Kainoa Sorensen
The worries inside your head
Tell you that you should quit
'Cause it's a little too late
But you know that it's a lie
'Cause your future's burning bright
And He will light the way
Pre-Chorus: Kainoa Sorensen
You could hang your head low, head low, or
You could pick yourself up, move forward
No matter how bad it gets, it's not over
It's not over
Chorus: Kainoa Sorensen
You're not your mistakes, oh, mmm
It's just something you do sometimes
But that's not who you are in your heart
'Cause you keep on tryin'
So don't be so hard on yourself
Just ask Him for a little help (Just ask for a little help, please)
This is only a phase (Phase), and there's time to change
You're not your mistakes, yeah
Bridge: Kainoa Sorensen
Ooh
Bah, bah, bah, bah
Bah, bah, bah, bah
Bah, bah, bah, bah
'Cause you keep on tryin'
Chorus: Kainoa Sorensen
So don't be so hard on yourself
Just ask Him for a little help (Ask Him for a little help, please)
This is only a phase (Phase), and there's time to change
You're not your mistakes, mmm
You're Not Your Mistakes
You're Not Your Mistakes Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on December 7, 2018, Strive to Be’s song "You're Not Your Mistakes" offers a deeply moving musical reflection on a truth central to Christian understanding: our identity is not defined by our failures, but by our relationship with God. The song unpacks the heavy burden many carry, feeling irreparably marked by poor choices and past errors. It speaks directly to that sense of shame and self-condemnation, offering a powerful counter-narrative grounded in divine love and grace. The music itself supports this message, building from moments of quiet introspection to expansive, hopeful declarations, creating an atmosphere of redemption and release. This is more than just a catchy tune; it’s an anthem of hope for anyone wrestling with their past, reminding us that while our actions have consequences, they do not diminish our inherent worth in the eyes of our Creator. The core message aligns beautifully with numerous passages in Scripture. For instance, Romans 8:1 assures us, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," directly confronting the feeling of being defined by past wrongdoings. Similarly, 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come," emphasizing the transformative power available through Christ, enabling us to step out of our past mistakes and into a renewed identity. This song echoes the profound mercy described in Psalm 103:12, which states, "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." It reminds us that God’s forgiveness is not partial or grudging; it is complete and designed to free us from the chains of guilt. Rather than labeling us by our worst moments, God sees the potential for who we can become through repentance and grace, as Jeremiah 29:11 reveals His plans are for "welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." The song captures this divine perspective, urging us to see ourselves as God sees us—beloved children capable of change and growth, not prisoners of yesterday's missteps. It’s an encouraging reminder that the pathway to peace begins not with self-pity or despair over mistakes, but with embracing the forgiveness offered through divine atonement and accepting our true identity as children of a loving God who offers second, third, and countless chances. This track serves as a musical balm, encouraging listeners to shed the heavy cloak of past failures and walk forward in the light of forgiveness and hope, fully aligning with the liberating truth found throughout the Bible.
