He performed with several bands, most notably Allies, before launching his solo career.
He is best known for his hit song "Butterfly Kisses", a favorite for father-daughter dances at weddings, which appeared on his third solo album. That album, originally titled Shades of Grace, was later re-released as Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace) because of the success of the single. He co-wrote this song with former Allies partner Randy Thomas and for this they together won the 1997 Grammy Award for Best Country Song. Butterfly Kisses has also won a Dove Award for Song of the Year.
Bob Carlisle and Randy Thomas also wrote the 1989 Dolly Parton #1 hit song "Why'd You Come In Here Lookin' Like That?
Bob Carlisle also played the french horn as part of the Octavarium Orchestra with the progressive metal group Dream Theater.
Use Me
Bob Carlisle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've laid around this old town for years
And, Lord, it's time that I stop runnin'
From the very voice that summoned me here
I can't hide Your calling forever
Start a fire in my soul
'Cause, Lord, I'm ready and willing
To give You my all
You just give me a vision
Show me a sign
Tell me You love me
Like the very first time
You've got the power
And I've got the need
I'm standing before You
Father, just use me
I've lived a lifetime of mercy
Hardheaded, and set in my ways
And if I've hurt You, dear God, I'm sorry
I took for granted Your amazing grace
But if there's one chance in a million
You could reach one soul through me
Then, Father, I'm ready, and able
To answer Your call
You just give me a vision
Show me a sign
Tell me You love me
Like the very first time
You've got the power
And I've got the need
I'm standing before You
Father, just use me
(Take my hand)
Father take my hand, take my hand
(Don't look back)
No, there's no lookin' back
(Jesus, start a fire in my soul)
There's a fire in my soul
'Cause I'm ready and able
To give You my all
Give me a vision
Show me a sign
Tell me You love me
Like the very first time
You've got the power
And I've got the need
I'm standing before You
Father, just use me
In Use Me, Bob Carlisle sings about his desire to fully commit to God's calling for him. He has spent too much time avoiding it and now asks for God to ignite a fire within him to propel him forward. He is willing and ready to give himself completely to God and asks for a sign or vision to show him the way. He understands that God has the power and he has the need.
The singer acknowledges that he has not always lived by God's teachings but seeks forgiveness for taking God's grace for granted. He realizes that if he can be an instrument to reach even one person through his actions, it would be worth it. His declaration of readiness to answer God's call is strengthened by his desire to have a vision, sign, or confirmation that he is on the right path.
Overall, the song is about surrendering oneself to a higher power and embracing the journey towards fulfilling a greater purpose. The lyrics inspire listeners to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and confront the fears and doubts that may hinder them from fully embracing God's calling.
Line by Line Meaning
It's been a long time comin'
I've been searching for guidance for a while now
I've laid around this old town for years
I've felt stuck and unmotivated for a while
And, Lord, it's time that I stop runnin'
I know it's time to face my calling and not avoid it anymore
From the very voice that summoned me here
From the voice that has been guiding me towards my purpose
I can't hide Your calling forever
I can't pretend I don't hear the voice that is calling me towards my purpose
Start a fire in my soul
Ignite a passion within me that will drive me to fulfill my calling
'Cause, Lord, I'm ready and willing
I'm ready to commit to fulfilling my calling
To give You my all
To devote everything I have to fulfilling my calling
You just give me a vision
Help me see what my purpose is
Show me a sign
Give me a clear indication of what I should do
Tell me You love me
Remind me of Your presence and affection for me
Like the very first time
Like when I first felt Your love and presence
You've got the power
You have the ability to help me fulfill my calling
And I've got the need
I need Your help to fulfill my calling
I'm standing before You
I'm ready and willing to do what You need me to do
Father, just use me
I'm offering myself to be used by You to help others
I've lived a lifetime of mercy
I realize that I've been blessed with forgiveness when I didn't deserve it
Hardheaded, and set in my ways
I've been stubborn and resistant to Your calling in the past
And if I've hurt You, dear God, I'm sorry
I apologize for any wrongdoing or disobedience towards You
I took for granted Your amazing grace
I realize that I've not fully appreciated Your love and mercy
But if there's one chance in a million
Even if I only get one opportunity
You could reach one soul through me
If I can help even one person through You
Then, Father, I'm ready, and able
I'm willing and capable to do whatever You need me to do
Father take my hand, take my hand
Help guide me towards fulfilling my calling
No, there's no lookin' back
I know I can't go back to the way things were before I found my purpose
There's a fire in my soul
I'm feeling passionate and determined to fulfill my calling
Give me a vision
Help me understand what I need to do
Show me a sign
Give me a clear indication of what I should do
Tell me You love me
Remind me of Your presence and affection for me
Like the very first time
Like when I first felt Your love and presence
You've got the power
You have the ability to help me fulfill my calling
And I've got the need
I need Your help to fulfill my calling
I'm standing before You
I'm ready and willing to do what You need me to do
Father, just use me
I'm offering myself to be used by You to help others
Writer(s): Bill Withers
Contributed by Maya W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.