Here is some background information on Dave Barnes from the Mine To Love Songfacts: Barnes gained a lot of recognition after his song "God Gave Me You" became a hit single for Blake Shelton. Barnes' fifth album, Stories To Tell was his first release since his breakthrough. The album was recorded in Los Angeles with producer John Fields, marking the first time Barnes had recorded outside of his home town Nashville. It was released on March 13, 2012.
God Gave Me You
Dave Barnes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've made a mess of me
The person that I've been lately
Ain't who I wanna be
But you stay here right beside me
Watch as the storm goes through
And I need you
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I've lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it's true
God gave me you
There's more here than what were seeing
A divine conspiracy
That you, an angel lovely
Could somehow fall for me
You'll always be love's great martyr
I'll be the flattered fool
And I need you
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I've lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it's true
God gave me you
On my own I'm only
Half of what I could be
I can't do without you
We are stitched together
And what love has tethered
I pray we never undo
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I've lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it's true
God gave me you, gave me you.
Gave me you.
The song "God Gave Me You" by Dave Barnes is a love song that is about how his partner is the perfect support system for him. The opening lyrics, "I've been a walking heartache, I've made a mess of me, the person that I've been lately ain't who I wanna be," speaks to a feeling that many people can likely relate to. Barnes reveals that he feels like he's not living up to his potential, and that he's become someone he doesn't want to be. But his partner stays by his side through the storms of life, which is a comfort to him. He then thanks God for giving him this wonderful person when he sings, "God gave me you for the ups and downs, God gave me you for the days of doubt."
The chorus also reveals that he is grateful for his partner when there are no words to say. The line, "For when I think I've lost my way, there are no words here left to say, it's true God gave me you," shows us that words aren't always enough to express the depth of Barnes's gratitude. The second verse carries on the same idea, with Barnes reflecting on how unlikely it seems that this amazing person could have ended up with him, "That you, an angel lovely could somehow fall for me, you'll always be love's great martyr, I'll be the flattered fool, and I need you." Barnes admits that he is flawed, but the love his partner has for him is unfaltering.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been a walking heartache
I have been a person with sadness and sorrow filled in my heart.
I've made a mess of me
I've messed up my life, and I'm responsible for the current sad state of my life.
The person that I've been lately
Recently, I've transformed into a person that I never wanted to be.
Ain't who I wanna be
I'm not the kind of person I have ever dreamt of becoming.
But you stay here right beside me
Despite my shortcomings, you stay beside me, and that means a lot to me.
Watch as the storm goes through
You are watching and supporting me as I struggle through my difficult times.
And I need you
I need you in my life, and I'm grateful to have you.
God gave me you for the ups and downs
I believe God gave you to me for better or worse, for happy or difficult times.
God gave me you for the days of doubt
God gave you to me for the days when I feel lost and confused.
For when I think I've lost my way
When I feel like I'm going off track in life and don't know the right direction.
There are no words here left to say, it's true
I can't express in words how much you mean to me, but it's undeniable.
There's more here than what were seeing
There's something extraordinary and unexplainable between us.
A divine conspiracy
Our story is a part of a larger holy plan that we cannot comprehend.
That you, an angel lovely
You are a beautiful angel in my life, whom I don't deserve to have by my side.
Could somehow fall for me
I'm amazed that someone as amazing as you could love someone like me.
You'll always be love's great martyr
You're willing to sacrifice a lot for love, and I appreciate you for it.
I'll be the flattered fool
I'm delighted to have you by my side, and I'm willing to do anything to keep you happy.
On my own I'm only
If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be able to be the best version of myself.
Half of what I could be
Without you, I cannot achieve my full potential and become the person I want.
I can't do without you
I cannot possibly imagine my life without you.
We are stitched together
Our lives are intertwined, and we cannot be separated.
And what love has tethered
The bond of love that we share keeps us connected even through the toughest times.
I pray we never undo
I hope that we never break up or let go of each other.
Gave me you.
I'm blessed to have you, and I'm thankful for what you bring to my life.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dave Barnes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chasebales3394
This is my husband and my song to each other. October 13,2011 he underwent massive heart surgery when his aorta exploded. The drs had tools me he wasn't going to make it. Upon getting to see him in ICU the nurse turned on the TV while he was in a coma and said maybe he'd like some music. This video, our video was just starting. It was confirmation from God that my husband would make it. Today makes 4 years and hes still with me.
@fa1th1njesus89
All praise to God :)
@jessicarramp
wow beautiful story!
@chasebales3394
Thank God it has been a little over 4 years and my husband is recovering everyday.
@succubee83
Oh tnx God,m so happy fr u n ur husbnd.God bless u both xoxo
@MJsLiberianGyrl
Praise the Lord!!! I like your testimony. God works miracles & He has the final say, not the doctors. I hope your husband is still doing well ❤️
@Clubgirl1976x
I love this song.
My husband cheated, left me & our kids. I cry everytime i hear this song. Im going through a divorce. Please pray for me.
@zeal4god402
Definitely. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
@hannahonovwakpor6316
I'll pray with you, sis
@fancyface5639
Prayers sent