McCracken grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and attended Westminster Christian Academy. McCracken began her musical career shortly after graduating from Belmont University, in 1999. She independently released two albums, The Crucible and Gypsy Flat Road, in 1999 and 2001, respectively.
In late 2003, McCracken recorded Best Laid Plans with engineer, Ray Kennedy (Twang Trust) and world-renowned producer, Peter Collins. In the summer of 2004, McCracken signed the album to Shell Records in London, headed by UK music business legend Dave Robinson. Shell released the album in the UK, followed by two radio singles, "Last Goodbye" and "No More Tears," which received significant airplay and attention across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
In 2005, McCracken released The Builder and the Architect, an album of hymns.
The same team which worked on Best Laid Plans came together again in February 2006 to record album number five, Gravity / Love, which was released in September 2006. Two years later, in September of 2008, she released Red Balloon in the style of a double-sided record with a side 1 and side 2. This collection of original songs was followed by a live performance recording of songs previously released, Live Under Lights and Wires. In 2010 Sandra followed-up with In Feast or Fallow and in 2013, Desire Like Dynamite. Her next album was based entirely on the selections from the book of Psalms from The Bible, and given the same name, Psalms. Her 10th solo album came out the following year - God's Highway - landing at No. 49 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart. Once again, McCracken took the time to record a live performance with Steadfast Live. Songs from the Valley is a 7-song EP released in early 2018.
McCracken lists her musical influences as Joni Mitchell, Neil Finn, David Gray, Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan, and Johnny Cash. Collaborators include All Sons and Daughters, Ellie Holcomb, and Katy Bowser
Can't Help Myself
Sandra McCracken Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I pray for tongues of fire and bands of angels to come and circle 'round me like a fence
I lift my eyes to the hills, where comes my help?
I lift my hands--empty hands--I can't help myself
I can't help myself; no, I can't help myself
My enemies surround me like an army--within, without, the battle's raging on
I pray the Spirit will be strong and mighty for courage through the night until the dawn
I lift my hands--empty hands--I can't help myself
I can't help myself; no, I can't help myself
Oh, oh oh oh Oh, oh oh Oh, oh oh Oh, Oh
Oh, oh oh oh Oh, oh oh Oh, oh oh Oh, Oh
Oh, oh oh oh Oh, oh oh Oh, oh oh Oh, Oh
Oh, oh oh oh Oh, oh oh Oh, oh oh Oh, Oh
Ooooh, oh oh Oh, Oh Oh
Oh trust the Lord--my soul and all that is in me--oh trust the light to show your darkest parts
With wounds of truth and love, a friend who has known me; a fool would keep his secrets in his heart
I lift my eyes to the hills; here comes my help
I lift my hands--empty hands--I can't help myself
I can't help myself, can't help myself
Can't help myself; no, I can't help myself; I can't help myself
Oh, oh oh oh Oh, oh oh Oh, oh oh Oh, Oh
Oh, oh oh oh Oh, oh oh Oh, oh oh Oh, Oh
Oh, oh oh oh Oh, oh oh Oh, oh oh Oh, Oh
Oh, oh oh oh Oh, oh oh Oh, oh oh Oh, Oh
Oh, oh oh Oh, Oh
Oh, oh oh Oh, Oh
Oh, oh oh Oh, Oh, Oh Oh
Sandra McCracken's song "Can't Help Myself" communicates a sense of vulnerability, a need for help, and a desire to trust in God. The lyrics begin with the admission of fear and danger, of being surrounded by obstacles and adversaries. McCracken prays for divine intervention, for guidance and protection, for the presence of angels and the power of the Holy Spirit. She acknowledges her own weakness, her empty hands, and her inability to help herself. The repeated line "I can't help myself" conveys a sense of resignation, but also of hope, as she turns to God for mercy and salvation. The phrase "I lift my eyes to the hills, where comes my help?" alludes to Psalm 121, which begins with the same question and answer: "I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." This shows that McCracken draws from Christian tradition and Scripture to express her own doubts and fears, as well as her faith and reliance on God.
The second verse reinforces the sense of conflict and struggle, both internal and external. McCracken compares her enemies to an army, suggesting a sense of siege, of being under attack. She again prays for strength and protection, for the Spirit to sustain her through the night until the dawn. The use of the phrase "within, without" evokes the idea of inner demons and outer threats, of facing battles on multiple fronts. The repetition of "I can't help myself" reinforces the sense of helplessness, but also of surrender, of recognizing one's limitations and turning to a higher power.
Overall, the song expresses a sense of honesty, vulnerability, and trust in God. It acknowledges the challenges and dangers of life, but also the hope and comfort that faith can provide. It speaks to the human need for guidance and support, for a sense of purpose and belonging, and for a belief in something beyond oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
I confess the things I am afraid of: thorns and danger just around the bend
I'm being honest about the things I'm scared of, like risks and the unknown that may cause harm.
I pray for tongues of fire and bands of angels to come and circle 'round me like a fence
I'm asking for divine protection and guidance to surround me like a barrier against harm.
I lift my eyes to the hills, where comes my help?
I look to the higher powers above for assistance.
I lift my hands--empty hands--I can't help myself
I raise my empty hands and admit my inability to save myself. I need help.
I can't help myself; no, I can't help myself
I'm repeating that I can't do it alone. I need help.
My enemies surround me like an army--within, without, the battle's raging on
I feel overwhelmed in my struggles, as if facing an army from all sides.
I pray the Spirit will be strong and mighty for courage through the night until the dawn
I'm asking for supernatural strength and bravery to overcome my fears and challenges, even in difficult times.
Oh, oh oh oh Oh, oh oh Oh, oh oh Oh, Oh...
These are repeated vocalizations of emotion that don't have a specific meaning on their own.
Trust the Lord--my soul and all that is in me--oh trust the light to show your darkest parts
I'm advising myself and others to put faith in a higher power to reveal our deepest, darkest secrets with honesty and clarity.
With wounds of truth and love, a friend who has known me; a fool would keep his secrets in his heart
I have a friend whom I trust, even if their honesty about my flaws hurts. It would be foolish to hide my secrets from them or anyone.
I lift my eyes to the hills; here comes my help
As before, I'm looking up for help.
I lift my hands--empty hands--I can't help myself
Again, I'm acknowledging my helplessness and need for assistance.
I can't help myself, can't help myself
I know that I can't do it alone, so I repeat my need for help.
Oh, oh oh oh Oh, oh oh Oh, oh oh Oh, Oh...
These emotional vocalizations are repeated again, like before.
Oh, oh oh Oh, Oh
These final vocalizations are just a repeated sound of emotion.
Contributed by Levi W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ania Claudia 03
She sings so beautiful for the Glory of the Lord
Chad Reddick
Thank You Sandra! Love your beautiful sounding voice God has blessed you with. You Inspire my wife.The LORD is awesome, and HE IS KING of our hearts!
believersblues
Wow, another MOST EXCELLENT song, thanks and many great blessings in Christ to You, Sandra Mccracken!
k y s
Im a new fan. Thank u for your music sandra it helped me get through things in my life.
LionheartedDan
What a blessing - thank you!
Jane Eyre
Your music is inspiring, a feast for the musical soul!
Stine Mylastnameisprivate
Thank you for this lovely song & it's beautiful message. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have shared it with so many people who have also loved it & appreciated it so very much.
nathan
I find all of your music edifying
J Sharp
Great meditation on Psalm 121:1-2. Thanks, Sandra!
shaynna1373
I crave this song, I miss hearing you at Ecclesia, thank you♡