Hush little baby, don't you cry
Daddy's gonna sing you a lullaby
Everythings gonna be alright
The Lord's gonna answer your prayers tonight
Hush little baby, don't you cry
Daddy's gonna sing you a lullaby
Everythings gonna be alright
The Lords gonna answer your prayers
Last night you had dream you was the homecoming queen
Today your 18, Happy Birthday Irene
Quit school you had to drop out to raise your little child
(Doesn't seem to be anyone around)
You got to reach up to touch rock bottom
The powers that be keep you downtrodden
Daughter of Zion, I heard your prayers
Just cast your cares and
Please beware of snakes
They come in all shapes and sizes
Tempt you, put scales on your eyelids
Don't waste your sorrows
They'll give you strength for tomorrow
Your Calvary's about to come so
Keep your head up, Don't you ever let up
This storm will pass you be ready for the next one
Hey little girl with the pressures of the world on your shoulders
Don't say that its over
I heard your prayers
Just cast your cares
And I'll be there, so don't you fear
I said Hey little girl with pressures of the world on your shoulders
Don't say that its over
I heard your prayers
Just cast your cares
And I'll be there, so don't you fear
Hush little baby, don't you cry
Daddy's gonna sing you a lullaby
Everythings gonna be alright
The Lords gonna answer your prayers tonight
Hush little baby, don't you cry
Daddy's gonna sing you a lullaby
Everything's gonna be alright
The Lords gonna answer your prayers tonight
Irene I carried you when you was too weak to walk
I took to you when you gave your heart to God
Faithful and True, that's what I'll always be to you
Believe in you, Believe in Me, and these mountains have to move
You have dreams and aspirations
I knew you before creation
Your foundations solid,I will build you a palace
Restore your soul
You'll be up for any challenge
Many storms are on the way better sharpen you faith
Count the cost, take up your cross and wear it everyday
Rest in Me and I will give you strength
Blessed is she, Irene who seeks my face
Hey little girl with the pressures of the world on your shoulders
Don't say that its over
I heard your prayers
Just cast your cares
And I'll be there, so don't you fear
I said Hey little girl with pressures of the world on your shoulders
Don't say that its over
I heard your prayers
Just cast your cares
And I'll be there, so don't you fear
Hush little baby, don't you cry
Daddy's gonna sing you a lullaby
Everythings gonna be alright
The Lords gonna answer your prayers tonight
Hush little baby, don't you cry
Daddy's gonna sing you a lullaby
Everything's gonna be alright
The Lords gonna answer your prayers tonight
Everythings gonna be alright
Everythings gonna be alright
Everythings gonna be alright be alright be alright
Father I'm stronger I said
Father I'm stronger I said
Father I'm stronger then when I first believed yea
Father I'm stronger I said
Father I'm stronger I said
Father I'm stronger then when I first believed yea
Hey little girl with the pressures of the world on your shoulders
Don't say that its over
I said Hey little girl with pressures of the world on your shoulders
Don't say that its over
I heard your prayers
Just cast your cares
And I'll be there, so don't you fear
Hush little baby, don't you cry
Daddy's gonna sing you a lullaby
Everythings gonna be alright
The Lords gonna answer your prayers tonight
Hush little baby, don't you cry
Daddy's gonna sing you a lullaby
Everythings gonna be alright
The Lords gonna answer your prayers tonight
The Lords gonna answer your prayers tonight
The Lords gonna answer your prayer
Irene
Irene Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
TobyMac's song "Irene" tells a powerful story of struggle, faith, and divine encouragement, conveyed through the perspective of a supportive voice addressing a young woman named Irene. The lyrics paint a picture of Irene at a difficult crossroads in her life. On her eighteenth birthday, a day often associated with celebration and new beginnings, she faces immense pressure, having had to leave school to raise her child. The line "You got to reach up to touch rock bottom" vividly illustrates the depth of her despair and the feeling of being burdened by the world's pressures. The song captures the isolation she might feel, noting "Doesn't seem to be anyone around."
Central to the song's message is the consistent assurance given to Irene. The recurring chorus, structured like a lullaby, "Hush little baby, don't you cry / Daddy's gonna sing you a lullaby / Everythings gonna be alright / The Lords gonna answer your prayers tonight," provides a soothing, comforting counterpoint to Irene's harsh reality. This voice, which later identifies itself with divine attributes ("I carried you when you was too weak to walk," "Faithful and True," "I knew you before creation"), acknowledges her pain and prayers directly. The lines "I heard your prayers / Just cast your cares / And I'll be there, so don't you fear" directly echo scriptural invitations to cast anxieties upon God, emphasizing His presence and attentiveness to her plight.
The song encourages Irene to find strength through her trials, suggesting that "Don't waste your sorrows / They'll give you strength for tomorrow." It speaks of an approaching "Calvary," hinting at a significant challenge or turning point, but immediately follows with encouragement to persevere: "Keep your head up, Don't you ever let up / This storm will pass you be ready for the next one." The narrative voice promises restoration and strength, stating, "I will build you a palace / Restore your soul / You'll be up for any challenge." This promise is contingent on faith, urging her to "Believe in you, Believe in Me, and these mountains have to move" and to "sharpen your faith" for future "storms." The instruction to "Count the cost, take up your cross and wear it everyday" reinforces the theme of daily commitment and sacrifice as part of her journey.
The song culminates in a declaration of growing strength, not just for Irene but perhaps reflecting the journey of anyone who trusts in the divine support offered. The repeated affirmation "Father I'm stronger I said / Father I'm stronger then when I first believed yea" shifts the perspective slightly, potentially representing Irene's future testimony or a universal truth for believers who have endured trials with faith. Released with a song video on February 25, 2009, "Irene" serves as an inspirational anthem for those facing overwhelming circumstances, reminding them that they are seen, heard, and supported by a faithful presence, encouraging perseverance and trust through life's storms. The final repetition of the lullaby chorus reinforces the enduring comfort and promise of divine intervention.
