White Heart - Speed Of Sound Lyrics
Lyrics
With instruments in hand
We'll cut across this land
Let's make some noise in these united
States of emergency
Spiritual urgency
Set up the wires and cue the band
We'll take the message of the Lord
We'll be singing, voices ringing
His love is shining through in every chord
We ain't slowin' down, comin' at the speed
Of sound
No time to hesitate
Get out before it's too late
Somewhere there's someone who needs to
Hear
There and everywhere
Must let 'em know He cares
His power's in the music and it just won't
Wait
Let's take the message of the Lord
Let there be no doubt what we're singin'
About
His love is shining through in every chord
No stoppin' us now, comin' at the speed of
Sound
Let's take the message of the Lord
We'll be singing, voices ringing
His love is shining through in every chord
We ain't slowin' down, comin' at the speed
Of sound
Video
Speed Of Sound
Meaning & Inspiration
White Heart's "Speed of Sound," released on their 1987 album *Emergency Broadcast*, is a powerful declaration of faith and urgency, a sonic embodiment of the Great Commission. The song bypasses introspective contemplation for a direct, unyielding call to action, mirroring the very nature of the message it seeks to convey. The lyrical content paints a vivid picture of spiritual immediacy, a "state of emergency" not of worldly chaos, but of a world desperately needing to hear the transformative truth of God's love. The band clearly intends for their music to be more than mere entertainment; it's a vehicle, a conduit for a divine message. This is not a song about the intricacies of melodic composition, but about the raw, unadulterated power of spreading the Gospel.
The driving force behind "Speed of Sound" is an unshakeable conviction that the message of the Lord is paramount and must be delivered without delay. The repeated assertion that "His love is shining through in every chord" suggests that the music itself is infused with divine presence, amplifying the spoken word. This resonates deeply with the biblical mandate to share the good news with all creation. Jesus Himself commands in Matthew 28:19-20, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." The lyrics echo this imperative, emphasizing that there is "no time to hesitate," for "somewhere there's someone who needs to hear." This reflects the parables of Jesus, such as the sower in Mark 4, illustrating the vital importance of scattering the seeds of faith, recognizing that the reception will vary, but the act of planting is essential. The urgency conveyed, the idea of coming "at the speed of sound," speaks to the swiftness and pervasiveness with which the Gospel should spread, leaving no corner untouched. Paul's words in Romans 10:14, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" further underscore this urgent need for proclamation. The song captures this vital connection between the messenger and the heard, the music serving as the resonant voice.
The analysis of "Speed of Sound" reveals a profound understanding of the Christian imperative to be active participants in spreading God's love. The instrumentation, the "wires and cue the band," are presented not as artistic flourish, but as essential tools for equipping the faithful to traverse "this land" and deliver a message of hope. The unwavering resolve, the refusal to "slow down," and the declaration that "His power's in the music and it just won't wait" are all affirmations of faith in action. This mirrors the steadfastness required of believers, as described in Galatians 6:9: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." White Heart's commitment to this mission is palpable, their music a vibrant testament to the belief that God's love is a force that demands to be shared with unbridled passion and unwavering speed. The repetitive structure, far from being monotonous, serves to reinforce the central message, hammering home its importance with each repetition, much like a vital truth that needs to be heard and internalized repeatedly.