Michael W. Smith (born October 7th, 1957) is an American singer, author, so… Read Full Bio ↴Michael W. Smith (born October 7th, 1957) is an American singer, author, songwriter, guitarist, and keyboardist.

Since his first solo project in 1983, Smith has become one of the most popular artists in the contemporary Christian music world, while also finding considerable success in the mainstream. Smith has frequently topped both Christian radio and Billboard charts and is often listed as one of the top keyboardists in rock and roll in Keyboard Magazine. Smith has sold more than 13 million records and has had 29 #1 hit songs. By 2005, he had garnered 14 gold records and 5 platinum records, 40 Dove Awards, an American Music Award and 3 Grammy Awards. He was also named one of People magazine's most beautiful people.

The Glory Songfacts reports that recorded with a 65-piece London orchestra, Glory is Christian musician Michael W. Smith’s seventeenth studio album and his second instrumental record. It was released November 22, 2011. His first instrumental album was Freedom, which was released November 21, 2000.

Human Spark
Michael W. Smith Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

God, for the life of me
I don't know why
We hurt each other
In the name of what is right.
God, for the life of me
I don't understand
Echos everyday of man's
Inhumanity to man.

Man's inhumanity to man.

[Chorus]
There's a river of sorrow
Running through my heart.
Through the long night I will follow
The glimmer in the dark.
Lord, you are the human spark.

God, for the life of me
I cannot explain
How people born of love
Lose their way to hate.
Oh, there's gotta be a better way.

[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Michael W. Smith's song Human Spark are deeply reflective of the pain and confusion often experienced in response to the cruelty and injustice in the world. The opening lines express a sense of frustration and disbelief that human beings can hurt each other under the guise of righteousness. Smith seems to be grappling with the implications of this reality and questioning the very ideals that people claim to justify their violence.

In the chorus, Smith acknowledges his own heartache and sorrow, describing a river that runs through his heart. This river represents the pain and suffering that he feels in response to the inhumanity he sees around him. However, in the face of this darkness, Smith also recognizes a glimmer of hope, a "human spark" that must come from a higher power. This spark provides comfort and guidance, serving as a metaphor for the divine nature that human beings possess within them.

Overall, the lyrics of Human Spark speak to the universal struggle to make sense of the darkness in the world and to find meaning and purpose in the face of overwhelming tragedy. Smith's words are powerful, thought-provoking, and ultimately hopeful, reminding listeners that even in the most trying times, light and love can still shine through.

Line by Line Meaning

God, for the life of me
I cannot comprehend despite trying hard

I don't know why
I do not understand the reason behind

We hurt each other
We cause harm to our fellow humans

In the name of what is right.
Justifying the harmful actions in terms of righteousness

God, for the life of me
Still unable to grasp the concept despite seeking divine help

I don't understand
The human tendency to be inhumane to fellow humans baffles me

Echos everyday of man's
Daily reminders of humanity's cruel deeds

Inhumanity to man.
The act of humans treating other humans cruelly and without compassion

There's a river of sorrow
A consistent, overwhelming feeling of sadness

Running through my heart.
Deep-seated pain within my being

Through the long night I will follow
Continuing to pursue despite the difficulties and darkness that lie ahead

The glimmer in the dark.
Beacon of hope in the midst of despair

Lord, you are the human spark.
Divine force within humanity that inspires goodness, compassion and kindness

I cannot explain
The human tendency to shift from love to hate puzzles me

How people born of love
Humans, who are supposed to be loving creatures, displaying negative traits is difficult to understand

Lose their way to hate.
Humans often stray away from love and develop negative emotions, such as hate

Oh, there's gotta be a better way.
There has to be a better approach to living together as humans, one that transcends negativity and encourages love.

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DAN HILL, MICHAEL W. SMITH, MICHAEL WHITAKER SMITH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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