On Distant Shores

August 26th, 2004 Matt Jones Leave a comment Go to comments

I didn’t think I would write an entry until I had moved (up to Vancouver and Regent College), but I felt I needed to revisit this here because it is something I think people should read. Before I get to that I suppose I should explain where this came from. I am packing more stuff today and have had, of course, Five Iron Frenzy on in the background. One of my favorite songs on their last CD is “On Distant Shores.” I have read through the lyrics before, but I think they were more of a skim and I have tried to follow along during the song but often more or less trying to keep up with the pace and rythm of the words. Well since I have listened to that song so many times now I decided to sit down a read/sing the lyrics along with them. The bridge is quite fast but as I was singing and really listening to what was being said I was just flooded with emotion and started crying. It was this amazing feeling of God’s presence and His undying love for me even though I am a screw-up. I have so many thoughts going on this but I will just let the lyrics speak for themselves. PLEASE really read these words and meditate on them(especially at the bridge [which is the long section towards the end] and the end of the song - which is from one of their other songs “Every New Day.”)

“On Distant Shores”

I have been scarred so deep by life and cold despair, and brittle bones were broken far beyond repair. I have leveled lies so deep, the truth may never find. And inside my faithless heart, I stole things never mine.

If mercy falls upon the broken and the poor, Dear Father, I will see you, there on distant shores.

I have toiled for countless years and ever felt the cost, and I’ve been burned by this world’s cold, like leaves beneath the frost. On my knees I’ve crawled to You, bleeding myself dry. But the price of life is more, than I could ever buy.

(Bridge)
And off of the blocks, I was headstrong and proud, at the front of the line for the card-carrying, highbrowed. With both eyes fastened tight, yet unscarred from the fight. Running at full tilt, my sword pulled from its hilt. It’s funny how these things can slip away, our frail deeds, the last will wave good-bye. It’s funny how the hope will bleed away, the citadels we build and fortify. Good-Bye. Night came and I broke my stride, I swallowed hard, but never cried. When grace was easy to forget, I’d denounce the hypocrites, casting first stones, killing my own. You would unscale my blind eyes, and I stood battered, but more wise, fighting to accelerate, shaking free from crippling weight. With resilience unsurpassed, I clawed my way to You at last. And on my knees, I wept at Your feet, I finally believed, that You still loved me.

Healing hands of God have mercy on our unclean souls once again. Jesus Christ, Light of the World, burning bright within our hearts forever. Freedom means love without condition, without beginning or an end. Here’s my heart, let it be forever Yours, only You can make every new day seem so new.

Thanks all for reading, see you in Canada God is Love.
Shalom