Peterson’s artistic successes may be surpassed by his skill in connecting people, embodied in the Rabbit Room online community (RabbitRoom.com), which gathers contributions from authors, songwriters, and pastors, encouraging creativity and referencing its ultimate source. The thread of community, also a theme of Counting Stars, imbues his beloved annual Christmas show, Behold The Lamb Of God, a long-running multi-artist tour based on Peterson’s original Christmas album of the same name. In all of these works, Peterson’s listeners can hear reminders that community, beauty, and hope all point back to the God “who gave music the power to carry his light into the darkness.” Andrew, his wife Jamie, and their three children make their home in Nashville.
Venus
Andrew Peterson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're still a long way off
I'm just filling Junior up at Texaco
There's a schedule that we've got to keep
And every time we're late, I think
But every time we've made it to the show
So don't you cry
He's laughing on the stage
And the people stop and tell me that he's fine
It's one more night at the Hampton Inn
It's breakfast on the house again
Well, it isn't home, but it'll do just fine
Still, it isn't home
We've got planes to catch, bills to pay
We won't make it home today
We've got shows from Boston clear to Venus
But if America is listening, as long as I've got songs to sing
We can always make a home right here between us
Well, your mama's got her eyes on you
And mine are on the road
And Gabe's are staring off at Kansas City
We'd all swear that it's a precious view
That's seen by such a precious few
And it'll change you just as sure as it is pretty
But that ain't a bad thing
CHORUS
Well I've never seen the spirit wind,
but I have seen the tall grass bend
So I'll follow it wherever it may bring us
And as long as I've got songs to sing
I hope somebody's listening
'Cause we can always find a home right here between us
So don't you cry
The song "Venus" by Andrew Peterson captures the complex emotions of a touring musician who is far from home and constantly on the move. The lyrics speak to the singer's struggle to balance the demands of his music career with the responsibilities of fatherhood and family. The opening lines of the song address his son, Jesse, telling him to go to sleep and reassuring him that they are making progress even though they are still a long way off. This sets the tone for the song's message of perseverance in the face of hardship.
The chorus of the song references the title, "Venus," which is a nod to the planet and its position in the sky as a guiding point. The singer explains that even though he and his bandmates are constantly on the move, they have a sense of direction and purpose that keeps them going. They know they won't make it home today due to their schedule, but they can always find a home between them as long as they have their music to share.
The second verse emphasizes the toll that touring takes on the singer and his family. Despite their temporary accommodations, they are not truly at home, and the separation from loved ones can be difficult. The lyrics touch on the importance of finding beauty and wonder in the midst of a hectic travel schedule, and appreciating the unique experiences that come from life on the road.
Overall, "Venus" is a poignant reflection on the joys and struggles of a life in music, and the importance of finding a sense of home and purpose amidst the chaos.
Line by Line Meaning
Jesse, go to sleep
Addressing to Jesse, asking to sleep
We're still a long way off
Assuring Jesse that they have a long way to go before reaching home
I'm just filling Junior up at Texaco
Filling up the gas in the car at Texaco gas station
There's a schedule that we've got to keep
Reminding that they have a schedule to keep up
And every time we're late, I think
Reflecting on how every time they are late
But every time we've made it to the show
Remembering how they always made it to the show despite getting late
So don't you cry
Requesting Jesse not to cry
See Aedan, he's alright
Assuring that Aedan is doing well
He's laughing on the stage
Describing how Aedan is laughing and performing on stage
And the people stop and tell me that he's fine
People stopping and telling that Aedan is doing well
It's one more night at the Hampton Inn
Staying at the Hampton Inn for one more night
It's breakfast on the house again
Enjoying the complimentary breakfast at the Inn
Well, it isn't home, but it'll do just fine
Though not being at home, still the Inn is good enough to stay
Still, it isn't home
Acknowledging that the Inn is not their actual home
We've got planes to catch, bills to pay
Stating that they have flights to take and bills to pay
We won't make it home today
Concluding that they won't be able to reach home today
We've got shows from Boston clear to Venus
Talking about their upcoming music shows from Boston to Venus
But if America is listening, as long as I've got songs to sing
If the listeners are enjoying their music, they will always have a home among them
We can always make a home right here between us
Any place where they make music is like their home as long as people listen to it
Well, your mama's got her eyes on you
Addressing someone whose mom is looking after them
And mine are on the road
Considering that the singer's focus is on traveling for their music
And Gabe's are staring off at Kansas City
Talking about Gabe's current focus at Kansas City
We'd all swear that it's a precious view
Describing how they all find Kansas City's view precious
That's seen by such a precious few
Realizing that only a few people get to see this view
And it'll change you just as sure as it is pretty
The beautiful view of Kansas City changes people just as sure as it is beautiful
But that ain't a bad thing
Concluding that getting changed by the view isn't a bad thing
Well I've never seen the spirit wind,
Admitting never seeing the spirit wind
but I have seen the tall grass bend
Having seen the tall grasses bend due to wind
So I'll follow it wherever it may bring us
Having faith in the flow of the wind and willing to go wherever it takes them
And as long as I've got songs to sing
Having music to always take with them
I hope somebody's listening
Wishing that someone is always listening to their music
'Cause we can always find a home right here between us
Realizing that they will always have someplace to stay with their music
So don't you cry
Encouraging the listener not to cry
Contributed by Jake H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.