In 2008, Sligh released his first album as a solo artist, entitled "Running Back To You," featuring four redone Half Past Forever songs. This album also features the hit single "Empty Me," which earned top 5 fame on AC Christian charts.
Sligh returned on September 14th, 2010 with his sophomore effort, and first on Word Records, entitled "The Anatomy of Broken."
"The Fro Patrol" is the name for Sligh's avid fans/fan club, which arose during his time on American Idol. They get their name from Sligh's curly afro.
Sligh has also garnered fame as a songwriter. He has written such songs as "Here Comes Goodbye," by country favorite Rascal Flats.
Empty Me
Chris Sligh Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To see how it gets in the blood
And I've tasted my share of the sweet life and the wild ride
And found a little is not quite enough
I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change
Empty me of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with You
I've seen just enough of the quick buys of the best lies
To know how prodigals can be drawn away
I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change
[Chorus]
'Cause everything is a lesser thing
Compared to You, compared to You
'Cause everything is a lesser thing
Compared to You so why surrender all?
Empty me of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
Empty me of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me so I can be
Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with You
Oh, filled with You, empty me
Chris Sligh's song Empty Me is a poignant and heartfelt plea for spiritual cleansing and renewal. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who has tasted worldly success and indulged in its pleasures but has realized that it is all empty and unsatisfying. The opening lines reflect a feeling of disillusionment with the "spotlight" and the "sweet life" that the world and its temptations offer. The singer recognizes that he/she has been drawn away like a prodigal and needs to be emptied of the selfishness and pride that have taken root in his/her heart. Despite being aware of the danger of straying, the singer needs divine intervention to be truly emptied of himself/herself in order to be filled with the divine presence.
The chorus is a powerful prayer that pleads with the Lord to cleanse and fill the singer with His divine presence. The repeated plea to be emptied of self highlights the need for humility and surrender, for only in being emptied of self can one be filled with the divine presence. The mention of "every vain ambition and the poison of my pride" further reinforces the idea that the singer has recognized the emptiness of the worldly pursuits and desires and the need to be filled with the divine.
The song is a beautiful example of a spiritual pilgrimage and the realization that true fulfillment can only be found in spiritual renewal. The lyrics are a reflection of the human heart's struggle with temptation and worldly desires and the need for divine intervention. Chris Sligh's song Empty Me powerfully captures this struggle and the need for spiritual renewal.
Line by Line Meaning
I've had just enough of the spotlight when it burns bright
I am tired of being in the limelight and the constant attention that comes with it
To see how it gets in the blood
I have realized that the desire for attention and fame can become addictive
And I've tasted my share of the sweet life and the wild ride
I have experienced the pleasures and excitement of success and fame
And found a little is not quite enough
However, I have come to the realization that these things do not bring true happiness and fulfillment
I know how I can stray
I am aware of my own tendencies to fall away from what is good and right
And how fast my heart could change
I am aware of how quickly my desires and motivations can shift
Empty me of the selfishness inside
I am asking for help to get rid of my own self-centeredness
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
I want to let go of my own egotistical goals and anything that poisons my relationships with others
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
I am asking to be rid of any foolish or harmful desires that I have been holding onto
Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with You
I am asking to be emptied of my own desires so that I can be filled with God's love and will instead
I've seen just enough of the quick buys of the best lies
I have witnessed how easily people can be misled by empty promises and false truths
To know how prodigals can be drawn away
I understand how individuals can become lost and misguided, pulled away from what is true
Cause everything is a lesser thing
I understand that all of the worldly things I have previously desired are truly insignificant compared to God
Compared to You, compared to You
In comparison to God, nothing else matters
So why surrender all?
Why not give up everything else and surrender to God completely?
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: CLINT LAGERBERG, CHRIS SLIGH, TONY WOOD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Phillip Gaines
I need to hear this song often to stay on track otherwise pride can creep in and take over. Empty me today Lord, to be filled with you.
Mondo C. Castro Videos
May God guide your steps, brother
Timothy Blake
You are sooo right, let’s keep our eyes on who gave us eyes to see in the first place
Heather, of Crunchy Leaves
This man went on America Idol was actually treated poorly by Simon Cowell.
This man has a WONDERFUL personality. He's funny and he looks cool and Simon was rude to him.
I am listening to this right now and it's just piecing together like this in my mind. If someone were to use this song at church singing it or something, a person could introduce it by describing Chris Sligh's experience and his response.
This man is also in a movie that's call October Baby. One of his songs is in it and it's BEAUTIFUL.
Hispanic Chris
I've never heard this song, it's so awesome! With the average worship songs today so vague and self centered, this one is totally opposite and biblical and worshipful toward God. Beautiful song!
Lucigirl
What powerful powerful song!!! Lord empty me!!!!
Heath Guthery
Lucigirl go girl.. amazing song... always empty your self to the lord.. you are a great soul..
TARAANDAVAR
This is definitely my lifesong right now.
PainfulWhale
I am so happy for you! I know this was two years ago but I'm nearly in tears thinking how beautiful Gods mercy is. You were bought with a price! From one child of God to another! God bless you!
Meredith Thomas
This is such a convicting and cleansing song. It came on in the middle of the night while I was asleep and needless to say I was awakened with cleansing tears and prayers to God. Thank you sir for this beautiful song.