Lyrics
Verse 1
Get it right everyday
Do it perfect end they will love me
They will want me back
If I make no mistakes
A performance that's perfect for the crowd
You'll be proud of me right?
Chorus
But You don't need me on stage to love me
No matter the place Your heart will be true
When I'm afraid that I am not good enough, and I don't know what to do
Truth is
I don't have to perform for You
Verse 2
Cue the lights center stage
It's the moment that they will see me
They will want me back
Every word that I say
Every note must be just right for the crowd
And You'll be proud of me right?
Chorus
But You don't need me on stage to love me
No matter the place Your heart will be true
When I'm afraid that I am not good enough
I will keep my eyes on You
In spite of mistakes You want me
Rid me of shame and give me Your truth
When I'm afraid that I am not good enough and I don't know what to do
Truth is
I don't have to perform for You
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Perform is a song about resting in God's love instead of trying to earn approval. The first verse describes the pressure to get everything right every day, to be perfect so that others will love the singer and want him or her back, and a performance meant to make God proud too. The chorus answers with the truth that God does not need the singer on stage to be loved, that His heart will be true wherever the singer is, and that there is no need to perform for Him.
The second verse imagines the stage lights and the pressure of every word and note being right for the crowd, then returns to the chorus with a fresh prayer to keep the eyes on Him, to be rid of shame and to receive His truth despite mistakes. The themes follow Ephesians 2:8-9 on grace apart from works, Romans 5:8 on love given before any merit, and Psalm 139:14 on being wonderfully made. The honest, personal wording gives the song a gentle, reassuring tone.
Related Scripture
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation is by grace through faith and not by works.
- Romans 5:8 God shows His love in that Christ died for sinners.
- Psalm 139:14 The psalmist praises God because he is fearfully and wonderfully made.