The Canton Spirituals - Send Me, I'll Go Lyrics

Send Me, I'll Go

Send Me, I'll Go Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

The Canton Spirituals’ song "Send Me, I'll Go," released on March 28, 2015, presents a powerful declaration of individual faith and commitment. The song is built around a repetitive structure, common in Gospel music, emphasizing the unwavering resolve of the singer. The initial verses establish this theme through the repeated assertion, "Lord I'll go... if I have to go by myself," which is then applied to other core spiritual practices: singing and praying. This solitary commitment is contrasted with the potential lack of support from even close family members – mother, father, sister, brother – highlighted by the parenthetical responses suggesting they "don't go," "don't sing," or "don't pray." Despite this potential isolation, the singer's determination to proceed alone underscores a profound personal devotion independent of external validation or companionship.

The emotional core of the song deepens in the bridge, shifting from the conditional "if I have to go by myself" to a direct plea and affirmation: "You just send me, Lord just send me Jesus," followed by the immediate and resolute response, "send me, I'll go." This section acknowledges vulnerability, mentioning being potentially "motherless" or "fatherless," reinforcing the idea of facing life's journey without traditional support structures. However, this vulnerability is immediately counterbalanced by a declaration of reliance on divine partnership: "Lord if you will just walk with me, then I'll go Lord." The repetition of "Send me, I'll go" here becomes a powerful mantra, signifying readiness for service or a spiritual path contingent solely on God's command and presence. The request "Take me by my hand Lord" further emphasizes this need for divine guidance and close relationship.

The overall message of "Send Me, I'll Go" is one of radical personal faith and obedience. It speaks to the journey of a believer who is willing to answer a spiritual calling, engage in worship, and maintain a prayer life regardless of whether others, even loved ones, join them. The song is deeply inspirational, serving as an anthem for those who feel called to a path that may lead to solitude or require stepping out ahead of their contemporaries or family members. It champions resilience and reliance on a higher power as the ultimate source of strength and companionship. The theme of being willing to be "sent" for a purpose resonates with various biblical narratives of individuals commissioned by God. The phrase "Send me, I'll go" itself directly echoes the prophet Isaiah's response to God's call in Isaiah 6:8, a passage that highlights a willingness to serve when God seeks someone to send. The broader commitment to "go" forth in faith, independent of others, can also be seen as aligning with the spirit of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, which directs believers to "go ye therefore" and make disciples, promising divine presence ("I am with you always") as the key support. Similarly, the theme of being potentially left alone by family but received by the Lord finds a parallel in Psalm 27:10, which states, "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." The Canton Spirituals capture this timeless spiritual principle of unwavering dedication grounded in divine relationship.