Former members include Derek Webb (guitar, vocals; left the band in 2003 to pursue a solo career), Aaron Tate (songwriting duties), Aric Nitzberg (bass guitar), and Randy Holsapple (hammond organ).
Recently Derek Webb rejoined the band.
All my life
Caedmon's Call Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I lose them all
My reluctance to be my version of me
Is all the writing on the wall I'll ever need
All my life
You can have all of my life
All my life
I can see a tree in the soft ground holding onto roots
And it's given me
And I think how you're saved
We're dumb and depraved
And dependant on a hand that opens each day
All my life
You can have all of my life
All my life
You can have all of my life
How great the love of God,
The cause for who I am.
All my life
You can have all of my life
All my life
You can have all of my life
The lyrics to "All My Life" by Caedmon's Call seem to express a deep sense of humility and surrender, particularly in relation to one's identity and purpose. The opening lines suggest a certain paradox - on one hand, the singer claims to have many lives, perhaps alluding to experiences or opportunities, but then laments losing them all. This may imply a sense of regret or guilt about not fully embracing life's possibilities, or perhaps the realization that all things ultimately come to an end. The second line about being reluctant to be one's version of oneself only adds to this sense of inner conflict or insecurity.
However, the chorus changes the tone considerably. The repeated phrase "All my life" suggests a newfound willingness to give oneself entirely over to something or someone else, without reservation or hesitation. The identity of this "you" remains ambiguous, but it could be interpreted as a higher power, a loved one, or even the self. The image of the tree and its roots, coupled with the lines about being saved and dependent on a hand that opens each day, suggest a spiritual or metaphysical dimension to this surrender. The final line about the great love of God reinforces this idea, emphasizing the transformative power of love and faith.
Overall, "All My Life" seems to be a song about letting go of ego and embracing a deeper sense of purpose or meaning. It acknowledges the struggle to find one's place in the world, but ultimately suggests that true fulfillment comes from giving oneself over to something greater than oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Nobody has as many lives as I do
I've made so many mistakes and bad decisions that it feels like I've lived multiple lifetimes
But I lose them all
Despite my many chances, I still mess up every time
My reluctance to be my version of me
I'm afraid to be true to myself and show the world who I really am
Is all the writing on the wall I'll ever need
My fear and hesitation is a clear indication of what is to come in my life
All my life
From the beginning until the end of my existence
You can have all of my life
I offer myself fully and completely to God
I can see a tree in the soft ground holding onto roots
I observe nature and realize how important it is to stay grounded and hold onto my values
And it's given me
This observation has taught me a valuable lesson
And I think how you're saved
I reflect on the fact that I am saved by God's grace
We're dumb and depraved
As humans, we are often foolish and morally corrupt
And dependant on a hand that opens each day
Despite our faults, we rely on God's daily mercy and blessings
How great the love of God,
God's love is incredible and immeasurable
The cause for who I am.
God's love is the reason for my existence and all that I am
Contributed by Anthony F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.