On his debut album, Here Goes Nothing, John Mark Thomas uses a blend of aco… Read Full Bio ↴On his debut album, Here Goes Nothing, John Mark Thomas uses a blend of acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, and rich vocals to create an unusual, attention-grabbing sound. The styles on this album range from modern bluegrass to soulful ballads and even a pseudo-Spanish mandolin romp. Having grown up as a missionary kid in Southeast Asia, John has a unique perspective which is reflected in his thoughtful, challenging lyrics. Although John is only 22 years old, his guitar playing has been compared to such masters as Phil Keaggy and Wes King.

PICASSO
John Mark Thomas Lyrics

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I've got this feeling of gasping for air
A sense of abandon, of looming despair
The tears choke so strong, I can hardly breathe
Like acid they burn as they roll down my cheeks

Somewhere in the distance
I hear Your voice rolling over the hills
Like a fresh morning breeze

You touch my face with compassion until
I know that You love me still
Oh, I know that You love me still

Here stands my Picasso -- do you recognize
This face that I've painted, this bundle of lies
But You are the Master, the artist I crave
With long, flowing brushstrokes, paint me back from the grave

Somewhere in the distance
I hear Your voice rolling over the hills
Like a fresh morning breeze
You touch my face with compassion until
I know that You love me still
Oh, I know that You love me still

With long, flowing brushstrokes, paint me back from the grave

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of the song express an overwhelming feeling of suffocation and despair. The singer feels like they are gasping for air, as if their emotions are consuming them. The tears they shed are described as burning like acid, indicating the intense pain they are experiencing. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is deeply distressed and struggling to cope.

In the following verse, the singer hears a voice in the distance, which they recognize as the voice of someone they hold dear. The voice is described as rolling over the hills like a fresh morning breeze. It brings a sense of comfort and compassion, even amidst the singer's turmoil. This voice serves as a reminder that they are loved, providing a glimmer of hope and solace in their difficult circumstances.

The chorus brings in the metaphor of Picasso, the renowned artist. The singer refers to themselves as a painting, specifically a face that they have painted with lies. However, they acknowledge that they are not the master artist here. They crave the touch of the true artist, who has the ability to bring them back to life from the depths of despair. The plea to be painted back from the grave suggests a desire for renewal and restoration.

The final line of the song reiterates the longing for the artist's touch. The singer implores the artist to use long, flowing brushstrokes to paint them back to life. This signifies a surrendering and trusting in the artist's ability to transform their pain and brokenness into something beautiful. It is a plea for redemption and a belief in the artist's power to bring them back from the brink of despair.

Overall, "Picasso" is a song that explores themes of anguish, longing for love, and the restorative power of the artist's touch. It paints a profound emotional landscape of someone who feels overwhelmed by their feelings, but also holds onto a glimmer of hope that they can be redeemed and brought back to life.

Line by Line Meaning

Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: John Thomas

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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