Switch - Lifeline Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
When I'm drowning
Oceans raging all around me
Through the thunder and the waves You're constant
You're my lifeline in the storm
Verse 2
See the waters
Rushing through this broken vessel
You're the calm within the current
Hope rising through the storm
Pre-Chorus
You'll never leave me
It doesn't matter what I'm facing, no
And when I'm failing
You're holding onto me
Chorus
And I'm holding onto You
I'm holding onto You
I'm holding onto You
Verse 3
Endless mercy
You had every right to leave me
All my sin had left me stranded (Stranded)
But Your love has brought me home
Pre-Chorus
You'll never leave me
It doesn't matter what I'm facing, no
And when I'm failing
You're holding onto me
Chorus
And I'm holding onto You
And I'm holding onto You
And I'm holding onto You
I'm holding onto You, I'm holding onto You, I'm holding onto You
I'm holding onto You
I'm holding onto You, I'm holding onto You, I'm holding onto You
And I'm holding onto You
Pre-Chorus
You'll never leave me
It doesn't matter what I'm facing, no
And when I'm failing
You're holding onto me
Chorus
And I'm holding onto You
(Yea-ah!)
I'm holding onto You, I'm holding onto You, I'm holding onto You I'm holding onto You
I'm holding onto You, I'm holding onto You, I'm holding onto You
And I'm holding onto You
I'm holding onto You, I'm holding onto You, I'm holding onto You I'm holding onto You
I'm holding onto You, I'm holding onto You, I'm holding onto You
And I'm holding onto You
Video
Lifeline (Official Lyric Video) - Switch
Meaning & Inspiration
"Lifeline," released by Switch on September 5, 2018, immediately positions itself as a resounding anthem of divine rescue and steadfast faith. This song delves into the profound human experience of navigating life's relentless storms and finding unwavering stability in a higher power. It tells a universal story of desperation met with divine intervention, articulating the deep need for a spiritual anchor when earthly foundations crumble. The narrative unfolds through powerful metaphors of oceanic chaos, from the personal feeling of drowning and the rage of surrounding waters to the imagery of a broken vessel buffeted by strong currents. Within this turbulent scene, the "You" character emerges as a constant presence, the calm within the chaos, and the very essence of hope, portraying God as the ultimate source of security amidst life's most challenging moments.
The lyrical journey begins with the raw vulnerability of feeling overwhelmed, "drowning" in life's "raging oceans" and battling through "thunder and waves." This imagery deeply resonates with countless moments of human despair, echoing the cries found in Psalms like Psalm 69, where the psalmist feels sinking in deep mire and waters engulfing him. Yet, in stark contrast to this turmoil, the song declares a divine constancy, emphasizing God's unchanging nature. This aligns beautifully with Scripture, particularly Hebrews 13:8, which states, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever," and Malachi 3:6, where God declares, "I the Lord do not change." The identification of this divine presence as a "lifeline in the storm" powerfully communicates the essence of salvation and sustained help, a hand extended in utter extremity, reminiscent of Peter stepping out onto the water and crying out for rescue (Matthew 14:30).
As the song progresses, the imagery of a "broken vessel" with "waters rushing through" speaks to human fragility and the inherent brokenness of our earthly existence. This resonates with 2 Corinthians 4:7, which describes believers as holding divine treasure in "jars of clay," highlighting our weakness even as God's power shines through. Amidst this fragility, the "You" is depicted as the "calm within the current," providing an internal peace that transcends external circumstances. This profound inner tranquility is a hallmark of God's presence, directly referencing the "peace of God, which transcends all understanding," promised in Philippians 4:7, and Jesus' own words in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you." From this calm, "hope rising through the storm" becomes a central theme, an assurance drawn from Romans 15:13, which encourages believers to "overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
The pre-chorus serves as a powerful declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness: "You'll never leave me... And when I'm failing, You're holding onto me." This reverses the typical human effort, placing the initiative firmly on God's side. It speaks to the divine promise found in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you," a covenant of enduring presence regardless of our circumstances or personal shortcomings. The comforting truth that God holds onto us, even in our failures, is a cornerstone of grace, reflecting Psalm 37:24, "though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand," and the profound assurance in John 10:28 that "no one will snatch them out of my hand." This divine grip underpins the simple yet potent response in the chorus: "And I'm holding onto You." This is an active declaration of faith, trust, and dependence, echoing Psalm 63:8, "My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me," and the biblical mandate to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart" (Proverbs 3:5).
Verse 3 introduces the critical theme of redemption and undeserved grace. The lyrics acknowledge "Endless mercy," recognizing that God "had every right to leave me" due to sin, which "had left me stranded." This honest confession aligns with Romans 6:23, which states, "the wages of sin is death," and Isaiah 59:2, which clarifies that our "iniquities have separated you from your God." Yet, the verse immediately shifts to the transformative power of divine love: "But Your love has brought me home." This is the heart of the Gospel—God's boundless compassion overcoming human failing, much like the father's embrace of the prodigal son (Luke 15). It points to Ephesians 2:4-5, where God, "because of his great love for us, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions." This return "home" signifies spiritual restoration, a journey from being lost sheep to returning to the "Shepherd and Overseer of [our] souls," as described in 1 Peter 2:25. The song's repeated pre-chorus and chorus reinforce these profound truths, building a cumulative effect that solidifies the message of God's unyielding commitment and the believer's steadfast response. "Lifeline" serves as a powerful reminder that no matter the intensity of life's struggles or the weight of personal failures, there is an ever-present, merciful God who not only offers a lifeline but actively holds onto us, bringing us home through His enduring love.