Lover
Liberation in Harmony: Derek Webb's Proclamation of Freedom
Lyrics
Like a man comes to an altar, I came into this town
Coming into the town symbolizes a significant moment, akin to a man approaching an altar with a sense of purpose.
With the world upon my shoulders, and promises passed down
The burden of worldly responsibilities is carried, and past commitments are acknowledged.
And I went into the water, my father, he was pleased
Entering the water signifies a transformative experience, pleasing the speaker's father, possibly alluding to baptism or a cleansing ritual.
I built it and I'll tear it down so you will be set free
The speaker takes responsibility for constructing and deconstructing aspects of their life to bring freedom to others.
I found thieves and salesmen living in my father's house
Thieves and salesmen in the father's house represent negative influences, and the speaker is determined to remove them.
I know how they got in here and I know how to get 'em out
The speaker knows how these influences entered and has the capability to eliminate them.
I'm turning this place over, from floor to balcony
The commitment to thoroughly change the environment, symbolized by turning the place over from floor to balcony.
And then, just like these doves and sheep, you will be set free
A comparison with doves and sheep suggests a gentle, transformative process for setting others free.
I have always been a lover, from before I drew a breath
The speaker identifies as a lover throughout their life, loving both easily and intensely.
Some things I loved easy, and some I loved to death
The varying degrees of love, some easy and some destructive, are acknowledged.
You see love's no politician, because it listens carefully
Love is portrayed as a careful listener and not a political force, emphasizing understanding and acceptance.
So of those who come, I can't lose one, so you will be set free
A commitment to not lose anyone who comes, emphasizing the freeing nature of love.
Oh, you will be set free
A repetition emphasizing the certainty of being set free through love.
Go on and take my picture, go on and make me up
The speaker welcomes scrutiny and remains a defender, acknowledging the enduring bond with the listener.
I'll still be your defender, and you'll be my missing son
A relationship dynamic is expressed where the speaker is protective, and the listener is considered a missing, cherished person.
And I'll send out an army, just to bring you back to me
A commitment to any necessary effort, even sending out an army, to bring the listener back.
Cause regardless of your brother's lies, you will be set free
Despite falsehoods spread by others, the assurance of freedom for the listener is reiterated.
I am my beloved's, and my beloved's mine
A declaration of mutual belonging in a loving relationship.
You bring all your history, I'll bring the bread and wine
Bringing personal history (baggage) is welcomed, and a celebration with bread and wine symbolizes intimacy and shared experiences.
We'll have us a party, where all the drinks are on me
The prospect of a joyous celebration where the speaker generously covers the expenses.
And as surely as the rising sun, you will be set free
An affirmation of freedom, paralleled with the certainty of the rising sun.
Oh, you will be set free
A repeated declaration of the listener's eventual freedom.
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