Keep Me God
Navigating Life's Storms: A Prayer for Guidance in Iris DeMent's 'Keep Me God'
Lyrics
It was a long time ago, I was a girl 'bout 12 years old
Reflecting on a past experience as a 12-year-old girl.
On my back staring up into the dark summer sky
Lying on her back, gazing at the night sky.
When I said, "God, tomorrow I can't see
Expressing a moment of vulnerability and uncertainty about the future.
But I'll stick close to you if you'll stick close to me!"
Promising loyalty to God in exchange for guidance and protection.
And that night I prayed "Keep me God! Keep me God."
Reiterating a prayer for God's protection.
Now, I don't know just where God lives
Uncertainty about the nature and location of God.
Ain't all that sure just exactly who God is
Doubt about the identity of God.
I don't know if there's a church
Uncertainty about the existence of a worthy church.
That deserves to take God's name
Questioning the worthiness of some religious institutions.
I just know that when I look around here I see
Perceiving a higher power in the world.
The hand of someone or something
Acknowledging a force greater than the individual.
That is bigger than me
Feeling a connection to something beyond personal understanding.
And I call that God
Defining this larger force as God.
And then I pray "Just, keep me God"
Requesting ongoing guidance and protection from God.
I'm in a plane up in the sky
Describing being in an airplane amidst a storm.
A storm surrounds us as we fly
Emphasizing the turbulence and uncertainty of life.
And below, the big black ocean is all that I can see
Facing the vastness of challenges represented by the ocean below.
When all at once I realize: Don't really matter if I live or even if I die
Realizing the insignificance of life and death in the grand scheme.
Just so long as you keep me God
Reaffirming the plea for God's presence regardless of circumstances.
Now, when my days draw to an end
Contemplating the end of life.
And I've said goodbye to my family and friends
Saying farewell to loved ones.
When the tide that turns my life is standing still
Approaching a significant turning point in life.
As I turn my final bend, I betcha I'm gonna be asking even then
Anticipating a final moment and expressing the ongoing need for God's presence.
Keep me God, keep me God, keep me God
Repeated plea for God's guidance and protection.
Keep me God, keep me God, keep me God
Final plea for God's presence as life concludes.
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