Personal Jesus
KITCHEN - Depeche Mode Lyrics
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Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who cares
Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who's there
Feeling unknown
And you're all alone
Flesh and bone
By the telephone
Lift up the receiver
I'll make you a believer
Take second best
Put me to the test
Things on your chest
You need to confess
I will deliver
You know I'm a forgiver
Reach out, touch faith
Reach out, touch faith
Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who cares
Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who's there
Feeling unknown
And you're all alone
Flesh and bone
By the telephone
Lift up the receiver
I'll make you a believer
I will deliver
You know I'm a forgiver
Reach out, touch faith
Your own personal Jesus
Reach out, touch faith
Reach out, touch faith
Reach out, touch faith
(Reach out, reach out)
Reach out, touch faith
Reach out and touch faith
The song "Personal Jesus" by Depeche Mode has been interpreted in several ways, but at its core, it is a song about finding a personal connection with a higher power, or what the lyrics describe as a "personal Jesus." The song begins with the suggestion that faith is something that can be touched, calling on the listener to reach out and touch it. The chorus then repeats the phrase "Your own personal Jesus" several times, emphasizing the idea that faith is something that is deeply personal and individual. The song then goes on to describe the feelings of isolation and loneliness that can come with the search for faith, before concluding with the promise of deliverance and forgiveness.
One interpretation of "Personal Jesus" is that it is a song about finding hope and comfort in a world that can often be harsh and unforgiving. By emphasizing the idea of a "personal Jesus," the lyrics suggest that faith can be a deeply personal and intimate experience, something that is unique and specific to each individual. The repeated refrain of "Reach out, touch faith" further emphasizes the theme of connection, urging the listener to embrace their own personal beliefs and find strength in them.
Interestingly, the song's lyrics were inspired by the book "Elvis and Me," a memoir by Elvis Presley's ex-wife Priscilla Presley. According to lead singer Dave Gahan, the book contained several references to Elvis being a "personal Jesus" to Priscilla, which inspired him to write the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Reach out, touch faith
Believe and have faith in something greater than yourself, and reach out to it.
Your own personal Jesus
A figure or entity that you can rely on, that hears you and cares for you personally.
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone or something that listens to your personal requests and hopes.
Someone who cares
Someone or something that understands you and is concerned about your well-being.
Feeling unknown
Feeling like you are not understood or recognized.
And you're all alone
Feeling isolated and without support.
Flesh and bone
Being a human, with physical and emotional needs that must be met.
By the telephone
Close to a communication device or in a place where you expect a message or call.
Lift up the receiver
Answer the phone and listen to the message or voice on the other end.
I'll make you a believer
I will convince you of the relevance and importance of your faith and your personal Jesus.
Take second best
Accepting a lesser option, rather than the best or ideal one.
Put me to the test
Challenge me and see if I can meet your needs and expectations.
Things on your chest
Issues or concerns that have been weighing on your mind or heart.
You need to confess
You need to reveal these concerns and issues to your personal Jesus, in order to be heard and addressed.
I will deliver
I will provide you with what you need or desire, in terms of support and guidance.
You know I'm a forgiver
You can trust and rely on me, as I will forgive your mistakes and missteps.
Reach out and touch faith
Make an effort to connect with your personal faith and beliefs, and trust in their power.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Martin Gore
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind