Speak
Jimmy Needham Lyrics


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We mostly keep to ourselves 'round here
No sense rockin' the boat 'round here
We watch you dance into hell 'round here
It's time we speak His mind 'round here

Oh, so open your mouth, open it wide
Quit singing songs for a minute tonight
You can love with your hands, you can love with your deeds
How will they know if they know if we don't even speak?

We are the social workers, and we'll put springs on your car
We'll make your ride so smooth, yes we will
That you'll forget where you are
Don't forget where you are

So open your mouth, open it wide
Quit singing songs for a minute tonight
You can love with your hands, you can love with your deeds
How will they know if we won't even speak?

Cause I'm getting sick and I'm getting tired
I'm not even hearing us preach to the choir

So open your mouth, open it wide
Quit singing songs for a minute tonight
You can love with your hands, you can love with your deeds
How will they know if we won't even speak?

Open your mouth, open it wide
Quit singing songs for a minute tonight




You can love with your hands, you can love with your deeds
How will they know if we don't even, won't even, don't even speak?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Jimmy Needham's "Speak" are a call to action for Christians to speak up about their beliefs and share the message of Jesus with those around them. The opening lines describe a community that mostly keeps to themselves and doesn't want to upset the status quo. However, the lyrics suggest that this way of living is not enough. Watching others dance into hell implies that people are going down a destructive path, and it's time for Christians to speak up and share the truth.


The chorus emphasizes the importance of using words to show love and spread the gospel message. It encourages listeners to put aside their music and outward actions for a moment and focus on using their voices to speak up for what they believe in. The song points out that simply performing good works and being kind to others is not enough; people need to hear the message of Jesus spoken to them.


The final verse speaks directly to Christians and how they can be effective in spreading the gospel. The metaphor of putting springs on someone's car and making their ride smoother suggests how Christians can help make life easier for others. However, the lyrics remind listeners not to forget where they come from and to stay grounded in their faith. Ultimately, the song calls for action and courage in sharing the message of Jesus with those who need to hear it.


Line by Line Meaning

We mostly keep to ourselves 'round here
We typically don't engage with others in this community


No sense rockin' the boat 'round here
It's not worth causing conflict or disruption here


We watch you dance into hell 'round here
We see people making choices that could lead to negative consequences in this community


It's time we speak His mind 'round here
It's time for us to share God's message in this community


Oh, so open your mouth, open it wide
Encouragement to speak boldly and confidently


Quit singing songs for a minute tonight
Stop just going through the motions of worship and take action


You can love with your hands, you can love with your deeds
Actions can demonstrate love just as effectively as words


How will they know if they know if we don't even speak?
If we don't share God's message, how will others know?


We are the social workers, and we'll put springs on your car
We're here to serve and help others


We'll make your ride so smooth, yes we will
We'll make things easier and more comfortable for those around us


That you'll forget where you are
Our acts of service will be so impactful, it can take people's minds off of their situation


Don't forget where you are
Despite improvements, remember the reality of your situation


Cause I'm getting sick and I'm getting tired
The singer is getting frustrated with the lack of action from the community


I'm not even hearing us preach to the choir
Even those already in the church are not hearing God's message being shared


How will they know if we don't even, won't even, don't even speak?
Emphasis on the importance of speaking up and sharing God's message




Contributed by Luke E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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