My People
Bob Dufford Lyrics
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What have I done to you?
Why?
Why have you rejected me?
I led you out of Egypt cross′ desert sand
For fourty years I fed you manna with my hand
I brought you safely to your Promised Land
And you prepare a cross for me
What have I done to you?
Why?
Why have you rejected me?
What should I do for you that I have not yet done?
You are a chosen vineyard planted as my own
I watched and tended you as you have never known
And now you turn your face from me
My people
What have I done to You?
Why?
Why have you rejected me?
My people
Answer me
Bob Dufford's song "My People" is a poignant message from God, who speaks in first person, addressing the people of Israel. The lyrics convey a sense of confusion and pain as God wonders why his people have turned away from him, despite all the love, care, and guidance he has provided throughout their journey. The song begins with God questioning his people and asking why they have rejected him. He reminds them of how he led them out of Egypt, through the desert, and provided them with manna for forty years before finally bringing them safely to their Promised Land. Despite all of this, they have turned their back on him and are preparing to crucify him.
As the song continues, God further expresses his anguish and asks the people what he could possibly do to win back their love and affection. He reminds them that they are his chosen vineyard that he has nurtured and tended with great care. Yet, despite all the love and attention he has shown them, they have turned their face away from him. God's perplexed tone is evident in the lyrics as he repeatedly questions why they have rejected him and what he has done wrong.
The lyrics of "My People" highlight God's relentless love and care for his people, despite their rejection and mistreatment of him. It is a reminder to all of us that even when we falter or turn away, God will always be there, ready to forgive and welcome us back with open arms.
Line by Line Meaning
My people
Addressing the community of people to whom Bob Dufford is directing his song
What have I done to you?
Questioning the actions of the people and asking why they have turned against him
Why?
Questioning the reason behind the people's rejection and betrayal
Why have you rejected me?
Reiterating the question to emphasize the hurt caused by the people's actions
I led you out of Egypt cross' desert sand
Recalling the time when God rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and guided them through the desert
For forty years I fed you manna with my hand
Reminding the people of how God sustained them with food during their journey through the wilderness
I brought you safely to your Promised Land
Highlighting how God fulfilled his promise to lead the Israelites to the land of Canaan
And you prepare a cross for me
Expressing the irony that the same people he helped are now plotting his crucifixion
What should I do for you that I have not yet done?
Asking the people what more he could have done to win their loyalty and obedience
You are a chosen vineyard planted as my own
Affirming that the people of Israel are a special, precious possession of God
I watched and tended you as you have never known
Emphasizing God's loving care for his people throughout their history
And now you turn your face from me
Expressing God's sadness and disappointment at the people's betrayal
My people
Reiterating the address to the community, emphasizing God's intimate relationship with his chosen people
Answer me
Calling on the people to respond, to explain their actions, and to seek reconciliation with God
Contributed by Alyssa H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jackie Maurais
Why? Is that not the real question? For Lent.