Somebody Like Me
Embracing Grace: A Tale of Compassion Beyond Judgement
Lyrics
That congregation parted like the red sea
People in the congregation moved apart, creating a path, similar to the parting of the Red Sea.
When that old drunk stumbled in down the aisle and took a seat
An intoxicated person walked down the aisle and found a seat.
Right in the middle of amazing grace
The person sat right in the middle of a performance of the hymn "Amazing Grace."
He could feel the judgment they were passing
The person sensed the judgmental attitude of the congregation towards him.
Thought to himself, ain't that just like a bunch of Baptists
Reflecting on the judgment, he thought it was typical of a group of Baptists.
He'd rather be on the street than in this place, with tears on his face
He would prefer being on the street than in the judgmental atmosphere of the place, expressing his emotions with tears.
You'd think somebody would put their arm around him
Expressing the expectation that someone in the congregation would show compassion towards the intoxicated person.
You'd think somebody would hit a knee
Expectation that someone would kneel down, possibly in prayer, to support the troubled individual.
Pull him in say a prayer
Suggesting that someone should take action, embrace the person, and offer a prayer.
You think somebody would practice what they're preaching
Expressing disappointment that the congregation is not practicing what they preach.
I wonder who that somebody might be
Pondering who might be the one to fulfill these expectations.
Probably somebody like me
Suggesting that it should be someone similar to the narrator.
Well he's got problems nobody wants a part of
Describing the troubled person as having problems that others avoid.
When he got up and slipped out nobody stood up
When the troubled person left, nobody in the congregation stood up or intervened.
They don't wanna make a scene so they let him walk out of there
Out of a desire to avoid causing a disturbance, they let the person leave without offering help or prayer.
Without a prayer
The person left without receiving any prayer from the congregation.
You'd think somebody would do something different
Expressing the hope that someone in the congregation would take a different, more compassionate approach.
You'd think somebody would go against the grain
Expecting someone to go against the usual behavior and help the troubled person.
Be the one to run him down, bring him back and turn him around
Suggesting that someone should actively bring the troubled person back and guide them towards a positive change.
You think somebody would wanna make a difference
Expressing a wish for someone to make a positive impact and be a force for change.
I wonder who that somebody might be
Pondering who in the congregation could be that transformative individual.
Probably somebody like me
Suggesting that it should be someone similar to the narrator.
You'd think somebody would put their arm around him
Reiterating the expectation that someone in the congregation should show compassion towards the troubled person.
You'd think somebody would hit a knee
Reiterating the hope that someone would kneel down, possibly in prayer, to support the troubled individual.
Pull him in say a prayer
Reiterating the suggestion that someone should take action, embrace the person, and offer a prayer.
You think somebody would wanna make a difference
Reiterating the desire for someone to make a positive difference in the troubled person's life.
I wonder who that somebody might be
Pondering who might be the one to fulfill these expectations.
Probably somebody like me
Suggesting that it should be someone similar to the narrator.
Somebody, somebody, somebody
Repetition of the idea that somebody, like the narrator, should take positive action in this situation.
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