These words were the impetus for the debut album from Dave Pettigrew. Sitting in his home studio one night praying these words, he began writing what would become "I Will Follow." "Most of these songs are an extension of prayer," he says. "The first three tracks on the record, "Teach Me How to Drive," "Closer to You," and "I Will Follow" are just prayers that turned into songs."
In February of 2004, Dave and songwriter/producer Frank Di Minno had completed a full record of material and were preparing to start recording. "The songs we had written were hooky but pretty generic pop songs. I wanted to make a record that actually meant something to me, something that really came from inside. Something that makes me dig deeper and hopefully makes the listener dig deeper. The songs we had written were great & I still love them, but they weren't me, they weren't what I really believed in."
A very shocked Frank Di Minno, realized that the best Dave Pettigrew record would be one that came from his heart and agreed to begin writing in this direction. Over the next 3 three months the pair focused on writing songs that had a message, songs that center on the journey through life and finding God on that journey.
The result is "Somebody I'm Supposed To Be," ten songs that feature catchy hooks with a radio friendly sound. "Every song means so much to me, and really catches the essence of what I had envisioned when I decided to take the record in this direction." The album was written entirely by Dave & Frank. The long-time collaborators have been writing together for over 15 years and feel that with this record, the bar has been raised. These songs are the pair's best work so far; incorporating engaging and inspired writing with melodies that soar.
What does the title mean? The question has been asked by so many. The answer lies deep in Dave’s heart. God doesn't call us to be businessmen, electricians, bus drivers, musicians or any other occupation. He calls us to be disciples. He calls us to know Him, serve Him & witness to others about Him. Of course we need to have an occupation to support ourselves, and the needs of everyday life, but we're really meant to walk another road. We're meant to be followers of God and that is the "somebody" God wants us to be.
With this record, Dave hopes that message will carry through. "I'm just trying to motivate myself & others to think about God more in everyday life. There are so many distractions that sometimes you have to stop and think about the journey. Take the time to think about who we are and what we're really supposed to be doing here."
And hey, it doesn't hurt to have some good songs packed along for the ride.
Undertow
Dave Pettigrew Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don, t wanna hear you scream no more
Want somebody to save me
Everything I do feels like its wrong
All we do is fall down
Even though we try to stay afloat
I swear its gonna kill me
Even though you think it wont
And everything, s coming okay
So why am I confused if you love me
Thought this would be smooth sailing
Cause I don, t wanna let you go
And we, re caught in the undertow
Cause I ain, t losing my control
And we, re caught in the undertow
I hold the prayer is all our own
But we need air we go alone
Cause I don, t wanna let you go
Til we, re caught in the undertow
I don, t wanna cry every time we try it never fails
Change the illusion wanna be close set for sail
My hearts in your hand don, t you go hurt me again
All we got is one chance and its sink or swim
So why rock a boat and make waves
And everything, s coming okay
Why am I confused if you love me
Thought this would be smooth sailing
Cause I don, t wanna let you go
And we, re caught in the undertow
Cause I ain, t losing my control
And we, re caught in the undertow
I hold the prayer is all our own
But we need air we go alone
Cause I don, t wanna let you go
Til we, re caught in the undertow
And the world is rising
And the world is rising
And the world is rising
And the world is rising
Cause I don, t wanna let you go
Through the crowd in the undertow
And I, m losing my control
Through the crowd in the undertow
And I don, t wanna let you go
But we, re caught in the undertow
And I, m losing my control
Though we, re caught in the undertow
Our only prayer is all our own
We both need air we go alone
Our only prayer is on our own
We both need air we go alone
Cause I don, t wanna let you go
I don, t wanna let you go
Cause we, re caught in the undertow.
The lyrics of "Undertow" by Dave Pettigrew portray a sense of anxiety and uncertainty in a relationship. The singer does not want to communicate or argue anymore, as everything feels wrong to them, and they want someone to save them. Even though they tried, they keep falling down and cannot stay afloat. They are distressed and worried that the relationship will kill them, even though their partner thinks otherwise. The singer questions why they are confused about their partner's love, as they thought everything would be smooth sailing.
However, despite their distress, the singer is afraid of letting their partner go. They feel caught in the undertow of the relationship, losing control and struggling to breathe. The singer hopes for a prayer that could save their relationship, but its fulfillment seems unlikely as they feel alone in their need for air. They are caught in the crowd of the undertow and do not want to let their partner go, even though they are losing control.
In summary, the lyrics of "Undertow" convey the singer's struggle with anxiety and uncertainty about their relationship. Despite their distress and worry, they hesitate to let go of their partner, feeling caught in the undertow and losing control.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't wanna talk now
The singer is not in the mood to converse at the moment.
I don't wanna hear you scream no more
The singer is tired of hearing the other person's complaints or outbursts.
Want somebody to save me
The singer seeks help from another person.
Everything I do feels like it's wrong
The artist constantly doubts their actions and decisions.
All we do is fall down
Despite their efforts, the artist and the other person keep failing or making mistakes.
Even though we try to stay afloat
Despite the difficulties and challenges, the singer and the other person attempt to keep going.
I swear it's gonna kill me
The situation or problem is taking a toll on the singer both emotionally and mentally.
Even though you think it won't
The other person is unaware of how the situation is affecting the artist.
So why rock a boat and make waves
The artist questions why they should complicate matters and create further problems.
And everything's coming okay
Despite the difficulties, things seem to be working out.
So why am I confused if you love me
The singer is unsure of the other person's true feelings despite the apparent progress.
Thought this would be smooth sailing
The artist expected the situation to be easy and uncomplicated.
Cause I don't wanna let you go
The singer is afraid of losing the other person.
And we're caught in the undertow
The situation is pulling the singer and the other person down and making it difficult to move forward.
Cause I ain't losing my control
The singer is determined not to lose their ability to handle the situation.
I hold the prayer is all our own
The artist believes that they and the other person have the power to overcome the situation with their own efforts.
But we need air we go alone
Though they need each other, the artist and the other person must rely on themselves to find a solution and move forward.
And the world is rising
The tension or difficulty of the situation is increasing or escalating.
Through the crowd in the undertow
The singer is struggling to stay afloat amidst the chaos of the situation.
And I'm losing my control
The situation is making it difficult for the artist to stay calm and in command of their emotions.
Our only prayer is all our own
The artist and the other person must rely on their own efforts to come out of the situation.
I don't wanna let you go
The artist wants to hold on to the other person and not lose them.
Til we're caught in the undertow
The singer and the other person are still struggling to overcome the situation.
Writer(s): Dave Pettigrew
Contributed by Riley A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@blacksheep11277
Um. How are these songs only at 25 000 views... ??? Time to go viral!! People need these beautiful songs!
@davepettigrewmusic
Thanks. So glad you're enjoying the music!
@user-xf9dd1jz9n
I agree 100% !!! Dave's voice needs to be heard WORLDWIDE !!! I am a musician and just stumbled across his music , seen him on Facebook. David this is AMAZING brother the Lord has anointed and gifted you !! WOW Amazing !! Love your music Dave . Heavenly Father I ask that you please pull David up in this dark hour and spread your word through his music world wide !!!!!!! Much love to you brother
@PaladinZeo
I have listened to this several times since hearing it the first time on the radio only a few days ago. I feel so much of the time that this is my life. It's awesome to have a reminder that even when life drags you down in that dark, murky undertow, that God and His Holy Spirit are there and won't EVER let us go! Praise God!! Thank you so much for this song!!
@davepettigrewmusic
Thanks for tuning in Jimmy. Appreciate you checking the music out! Be sure to grab a free cd by heading over to freecd.davepettigrew.net - thanks!
@Lilssss7
I saw you at my church ☺️, I love your music so much
@aimeesalgy9867
AMEN! HALLELUJAH! THANK YOU YESHUA! THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS VERY FIERCE AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL SONG! WOW! I MOST DEFINITELY FELT THIS DEEP WITHIN MY SOUL! PLEASE CONTINUE TO MAKE MORE FIERCE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC! PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS SENT YOUR WAY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
@Rayzor1967
Dave- Thank U for everthing your doing through your worship music for me- Love from Texas
@davepettigrewmusic
Thanks Ray! Appreciate it!
@sherysista
I feel as though landing on your YouTube channel I hit the jackpot on songs that carry and emotional message and Christ is there. Thank you again! Stunning!