Bring it On Home

Before parting ways over Christmas, Shell (my dear NH roommate) gave me a CD to listen to – Little Big Town, The Road to Here. Knowing that I would be preparing to leave for DC while she was gone, she said, “I think you might appreciate some of these songs right now.” She was right on! Though I’m usually fairly careful about pirating (stop laughing, Doug), I couldn’t resist copying one (and only one!) of the songs from this CD into my music library: Bring it On Home.

I often associate seasons of my life with particular songs. Sometimes lyrically and musically, certain pieces just so aptly describe who you are, where you’re at, what’s going on in your head... Bring it on Home has been one of those for me. I remember cleaning out my room in Shell’s condo, listening to this album, and this song just striking such a deep chord in my heart....

Bring it on Home
You got someone here wants to make alright
Someone who loves you more than life, right here
You got willing arms that'll hold you tight
A hand to lead you on through the night, right here
I know your heart can get all tangled up inside
But don't you keep it to yourself

[Chorus:]
When your long day is over
And you can barley drag your feet
The weight of the world is on your shoulders
I know what you need
Bring it on home to me

You know I know you like the back of my hand
But did you know I'm gonna do all that I can, right here
I'm gonna lie with you till you fall asleep
When the morning comes I'm still gonna be right here (yes I am)
So take your worries and just drop them at the door
Baby leave it all behind

[Chorus]
Baby let me be you safe harbor
Don't let the water come and carry you away

[Chorus]
You got someone here wants to make it alright
Someone who loves you more than life right here

Granted, the audience here is obviously a lover and the context is some type of romantic relationship. Yet, I can’t help but take this as the heart of God, speaking to me. Theologically, I know there are issues with that approach (romanticizing God, self-centeredness etc.), but I don’t really care.

I especially love the line “I know your heart can get all tangled up inside, but don't you keep it to yourself...” I feel like my heart gets tangled up inside quite often - tangled up in relationships, in theology, in over-analyzing, in trying to do the right thing, in my own self-centeredness... and all I really know to do is “bring it on home”.