Nichole Nordeman was raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she played the piano in church. She got her start when she entered a Gospel Music Association (GMA) contest in Los Angeles, California and was noticed by a music producer. She has won multiple GMA Dove Awards, including two awards for Female Vocalist of the Year. Her best-known songs include "Why," "This Mystery," "Holy", "Legacy," "Brave," and "What If." She also sang a song on the soundtrack Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia, called "I Will Believe"
Take Me as I Am
Nichole Nordeman Lyrics
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For a backbone that won't break
For some steady feet or sturdy ground
A road that isn't gonna let me turn around
And run for a thousand tongues to sing
To wear wisdom like Solomon's robe
For the patience and perspective of a man like Job
For no other reason than the bird's eye view
For a flight or two and the list gets longer
Who I wish I was and was no longer
I never could be good enough to measure up
But You want to take me as I come
You're the only one that can
Take me as I am
Oh, to feel hope in hopeless times
Never mind the silver lining 'cause the clouds are fine
To breathe prayers that move the heavens
Or save hundreds from the flames
To know my place, to know my name
But the gap grows wider
Between who I am and all I aspire to be
I never could be good enough to measure up
But You want to take me as I come
You're the only one that can
Take me as I am
At the end of myself, at the end of the day
I can find little else but the courage to say
I need You, that's all
I need You
In Nichole Nordeman's song "Take Me As I Am" the singer expresses how she longs for the strength to face the challenges of life. She desires a heart that does not ache from past hurts, a backbone strong enough not to break under pressure, and steady feet to stand firm on sturdy ground that will not waver. The singer desires a road that will not let her turn back when things get tough, one that will lead to a thousand tongues singing praises. She wishes to wear wisdom like King Solomon, have the patience and perspective of Job, and soar on wings of eagles to have a bird's eye view. As the song continues, the list of things she wants gets longer, but she acknowledges that she can never be good enough to measure up. However, she knows that God is the only one who can take her as she is, flaws and all.
Despite her desires to be stronger and wiser, she admits that the gap between who she is and who she wants to be is growing wider. She wants to feel hope even in the midst of hopeless times, and she wants to breathe prayers that move the heavens or save hundreds from the flames. She wants to know her place and her name, but she acknowledges that she is not there yet. The singer concludes that at the end of the day, when she is at the end of herself and has nothing else, she has the courage to say that she needs God, and that is all she needs.
Overall, "Take Me As I Am" is a song about the struggle of feeling inadequate and not measuring up to one's own expectations, while still finding hope and strength in God. It speaks to the desire to be better and to face life's challenges with faith, but also the recognition that our weaknesses and flaws are no match for God's love and acceptance.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, for a heart that does not ache
I wish for a heart that is not burdened with pain and hurt
For a backbone that won't break
I want a resilient and strong backbone that won't give in to tough situations
For some steady feet or sturdy ground
I long for a secure foundation that will hold me strong and steady
A road that isn't gonna let me turn around
I need a path that will not let me give up or turn back, even in challenging circumstances
And run for a thousand tongues to sing
I aspire to be able to express myself beautifully and to have an impact with my message
To wear wisdom like Solomon's robe
I want the kind of wisdom that is renowned and respected, like that of King Solomon
For the patience and perspective of a man like Job
I desire to have the ability to wait and endure trials with the same faith and strength as Job
Just to soar on wings of eagles
I would love to experience the freedom and perspective that comes with soaring high like an eagle
For no other reason than the bird's eye view
I want the clarity and insight that comes with seeing things from a higher perspective
For a flight or two and the list gets longer
The more I experience life and new things, the more I realize what else I want to achieve or become
Who I wish I was and was no longer
Sometimes my desires and goals change, and I realize I am not who I once wished to be
I never could be good enough to measure up
I know I cannot be perfect or meet everyone's expectations
But You want to take me as I come
God accepts and loves me as I am, flaws and all
You're the only one that can
Only God has the power and unconditional love to accept and support me at my lowest points
Oh, to feel hope in hopeless times
I want to be able to find hope even in the darkest and most difficult times
Never mind the silver lining 'cause the clouds are fine
I don't need to always find the bright side or a positive outcome, as it's okay to acknowledge and sit with negative emotions
To breathe prayers that move the heavens
I hope my prayers can be heard and answered by God
Or save hundreds from the flames
I would love to make a significant impact and difference in the lives of others
To know my place, to know my name
I want to have a clear sense of identity and direction in life
But the gap grows wider
As I grow and change, I realize there is still so much I need to learn and achieve
Between who I am and all I aspire to be
I often feel the tension between my current reality and my future goals and dreams
At the end of myself, at the end of the day
When all is said and done, when I am exhausted and depleted
I can find little else but the courage to say
The only thing left for me to do is summon the courage to express my need
I need You, that's all
Ultimately, I recognize that I need God's love and guidance to navigate life's challenges
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Capitol CMG Publishing
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