Two songs were the basis for controversy. The first was Wedding Dress in which Webb compares Christians who seek fulfillment in things outside of Christ to a person committing adultery. An introspective tune, Webb writes that "I am a whore I do confess / I put you on just like a wedding dress". The second song that generated controversy was Saint and Sinner where Webb wrote" "I used to be a damned mess but now I look just fine, 'Cause you dressed me up and we drank the finest wine". The word damned was removed from the final version of the album, at the request of two major Christian retailers.
His second solo studio record, I See Things Upside Down, generated mixed reviews. All marketing to the typical Christian music stations used by his first solo album and his albums with Caedmon's Call was stopped, though the album still has explicitly Christian lyrics. In comparison to Webb's previous work, this album has what's been referred to as an "experimental" style to it, and has been compared to the music of Wilco in that respect. His third studio album, titled Mockingbird, was released on December 26, 2005. On September 1, 2006 he decided to offer the Mockingbird album, for free to download, at http://www.freederekwebb.com/. "|He| want|s| people to have a chance to listen to mockingbird and engage in the conversation (many sensitive issues including poverty, war, and the basic ethics by which we live and deal with others). So this is why, on september 1st, |he| launch|ed| freederekwebb.com, a place where anyone can go online and not just hear but actually download, keep, and share 'mockingbird' completely free. In addition, freederekwebb.com will give you an opportunity to invite your friends to download 'mockingbird' in order to get them in on the conversation as well." This website is no longer running, but Derek Webb has expanded on this idea at www.noisetrade.com, where you can download both his and other artists albums for free or a donation.
Webb's fourth proper studio album The Ringing Bell was released May 1st, 2007. In what many have noted to be Webb's penchant for shifting radically in terms of style from album to album, The Ringing Bell recalls very clearly Beatles-esque pop in a concise, 30 minute, package. It was received with wide praise, with Paste Magazine's Deputy Editor Jason Killingsworth giving the album five out of five stars (The Ringing Bell would prove to be the only album of 2007 to officially receive a perfect score), and receiving placement on their best of list.
In April 2008, Webb released The Ampersand EP. Webb recorded the six-song EP with Sandra McCracken, his wife. The songs focus on the couple's relationship, and Webb and McCracken duet on many of the songs, including a cover of Bob Dylan's "If Not For You." It marks the first time the couple has produced an album together, because even though their styles are similar, "[W]e approach songwriting from completely opposite directions. I'm very conceptual and abstract," McCracken said. "And Derek is very meticulous and intentional. Down to each and every conjunction."
Free album dowmloads: www.noisetrade.com
Website: http://derekwebb.musiccitynetworks.com/
MySpace Page: http://www.myspace.com/derekwebb
Wedding Dress
Derek Webb Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For my wedding gift your life.
Should that be all I ever need?
Is there more I'm looking for?
Should I read between the lines?
Look for blessings in the skies?
Make me handsome rich and white.
Is that really what you want?
'Cause I am a whore I do confess.
I put you on just like a wedding dress,
And I run down the aisle,
Run down the aisle.
I am a prodigal with no way home.
I put you on just like a ring of gold,
And I run down the aisle,
Run down the aisle, to you.
Could you love this bastard child?
No, I don't trust you to provide.
With one hand in a pot of gold
And the other in your side.
'Cause I am so easily satisfied.
With the call of a lover's soul as wild.
I would take a little cash
Over your very flesh and blood.
'Cause I am a whore I do confess.
I put you on just like a wedding dress,
And I run down the aisle,
Run down the aisle.
I am a prodigal with no way home.
I put you on just like a ring of gold
And I run down the aisle,
Run down the aisle, to you.
'Cause money cannot buy
A husbnd's jealous eye.,
When you have knowingly
Deceived his wife.
'Cause I am a whore I do confess.
I put you on just like a wedding dress,
And I run down the aisle,
Run down the aisle.
I am a prodigal with no way home.
I put you on just like a ring of gold,
And I run down the aisle,
Run down the aisle, to you.
'Cause I am a whore I do confess.
I put you on just like a wedding dress,
And I run down the aisle,
Run down the aisle.
I am a prodigal with no way home.
I put you on just like a ring of gold,
And I run down the aisle,
Run down the aisle, to you.
The lyrics to Derek Webb's song Wedding Dress explore the relationship between the singer and God, with the singer acknowledging their own flaws and sins while recognizing the unconditional love and forgiveness of God. The first verse expresses a desire to be loved by God fully and completely, questioning whether material possessions or societal ideals truly bring happiness. The second verse delves deeper into the singer's own struggles with sin and temptation, admitting to being easily satisfied with fleeting pleasures and doubting God's ability to provide. The third verse serves as a warning against the consequences of deceit and infidelity, and the final repetition of the chorus reinforces the idea that despite one's sins and shortcomings, God is always there waiting with open arms.
The imagery in the song is striking, with the comparison of the singer to a bride wearing a wedding dress representing their relationship with God. The description of the singer as a prodigal with no way home adds depth to their confession of sin and makes the eventual reconciliation with God more powerful. The lyrics overall are raw and honest, with Webb's delivery conveying a sense of emotional urgency that adds to the impact of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
If you could love me as a wife.
If you accept me for who I am and love me unconditionally.
For my wedding gift your life.
If you give your life to me as a wedding gift, it would be the ultimate expression of your love.
Should that be all I ever need?
Is it enough for me to have your love and companionship?
Is there more I'm looking for?
Am I seeking something beyond your love and companionship?
Should I read between the lines?
Should I search for hidden messages in our relationship?
Look for blessings in the skies?
Should I be searching for divine blessings in our relationship?
Make me handsome rich and white.
Do you want me to change my appearance, become wealthy, or become a different race?
Is that really what you want?
Do you truly desire those superficial qualities in me?
'Cause I am a whore I do confess.
I admit that I have been unfaithful and disloyal to you.
I put you on just like a wedding dress,
I use you to make myself look good, like putting on a bride's wedding dress.
And I run down the aisle,
I rush towards you, making it seem like I am committed to you, just like a bride running down the aisle towards her groom.
I am a prodigal with no way home.
I have strayed from the right path and have no way of returning back to where I started.
I put you on just like a ring of gold,
I wear you like jewelry, making it seem like I am committed to you, just like a ring of gold indicates commitment.
To you.
Towards you, to make it seem like I am committed when I am not.
Could you love this bastard child?
Would you be able to love me even though I am a flawed person?
No, I don't trust you to provide.
I don't believe that you can fulfill all of my needs and desires.
With one hand in a pot of gold
With one hand in wealth and prosperity, signaling that material possessions are important to me.
And the other in your side.
But I also expect you to be there for me, even when I am not faithful to you.
'Cause money cannot buy
Money cannot be a replacement for true love and commitment.
A husband's jealous eye,
No amount of money or material things can replace the affection and trust of a husband.
When you have knowingly
When you have intentionally and consciously
Deceived his wife.
Betrayed and lied to his partner.
Lyrics © MUSIC SERVICES, INC.
Written by: DEREK W. WEBB
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind