I posted back in June about my Twenty Something Playlists. Basically, I started collecting songs around 24 that were helping me through post-college awkwardness, career disappointment and family fun. And a few weeks ago, on my 27.5 birthday, I wrapped up my 7th one and went on to my 8th. It’s a much more serious/spiritual playlist than many before and represents a lot of soul-aching. These songs led me to the face some of the deepest parts of my fears, to continue to reach up to God in new and freeing ways and to celebrate the small victories along the way. So here are some of my favorite lyrics from these 16 songs:
1. Shake it Off – Taylor Swift –
I never miss a beat. I’m lighting on my feet.
2. Guns/Napolean – John Mark McMillian
You’re hanging pictures on the walls in the houses where I haunt.
3. Love Gives Chase – Chris Molitor
Well, I must admit your love scared the hell out of me. Especially when it took us to the grave . But that lion broke out and a roar flew from his mouth saying “brother, come out of that cave!”
4. Steady Heart – Steffany Gretzinger
And as the dawn breaks and the clouds clear, In an open space together we will run
5. Cripple Me – Elenowen
Please cripple me, so I cannot keep running away from You.
6. After the Storm – Mumford & Sons
And there will come a time, you’ll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears
7. Power to Redeem – Lauren Daigle
No guilt competes with innocence crucified.
No grave can hold what your grace has justified.
8. Morning Song – Steffany Gretzinger
Night turns to morning. You have been waiting. Whispering to me. Gently I’m waking
9. Found a Heart – Emily Hearn
Oh I’m ready. Never been so sure or quite so steady
10. Behind Your Eyes – Jon Foreman
If you let your feelings go, dear. It’ll scare you what you’ll find.
No one needs to know. That you let me in tonight.
11. Cecie’s Lullaby – Steffany Gretzinger
So rock-a-bye baby
Come and rest
You’ve been tired lately
Lay your head down
Don’t you think, baby
I know best
I’ve been a father
For a long time
12. Pieces – Andrew Belle
There’s too much smoke to see it
There’s too much broke to feel this
I love You, I love You
And all of Your pieces
13. Tapestry – Hillsong United
Our lives a tapestry of grace
Your hand has weaved together
In You no thread will ever fray
14. The Heart – NeedtoBreathe
Slammin’ this door with a heavy hand
Signin’ this line like a deed to land
Keeping in touch with the windows down
Dreading this night since the rain hit the ground
15. Clean – Taylor Swift
The drought was the very worst
When the flowers that we’d grown together died of thirstRain came pouring down when I was drowning
That’s when I could finally breathe
And by morning gone was any trace of you,
I think I am finally clean
16. Out of Hiding – Steffany Gretzinger
‘Cause I loved you before you knew it was love
And I saw it all, still I chose the cross
And you were the one that I was thinking of
When I rose from the graveNow rid of the shackles, My victory’s yours
I tore the veil for you to come close
There’s no reason to stand at a distance anymore
You’re not far from home
