Pastor Shirley has recorded over forty albums since the 60s exploring her gift and spreading messages of faith. She has participated in over 16 compilations and three gospel musicals, Mama I Want to Sing, Sing: Mama 2, and Born to Sing: Mama 3. Her credits also include a series of commercials for MCI Communications and several awards for her recordings. She has been awarded 11 Grammy Awards, 13 Stellar Awards, 18 Doves, 3 RIAA gold certifications, an Essence Award, McDonald's Golden Circle Lifetime Achievement Award, NAACP Achievement Award, SESAC Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Pastor Shirley has made several notable appearances including the televised Live from Disney World Night of Joy, the Gospel According to VH-1, a White House performance for George Bush, and a speech on the Evolution of Gospel Music to the US Treasury Department.
She has blessed so many around the world and will remain an example.
Can't Even Walk
Shirley Caesar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I thought I could be what I wanted to be.
I thought I could build on life's sinking sand
But I can't even walk without You holding my hand.
Chorus
I can't even walk without You holding my hand.
The mountain's too high and the valley's too wide.
And I can't even walk without You holding my hand.
I think I'll make Jesus my One and my All
From now on when in trouble, only His name I'll call
And If I can't trust Him, I'll be less of a man
'Cause I can't even walk without You holding my hand.
Chorus
I can't even walk without You holding my hand.
The mountain's too high and the valley's too wide.
Down on my knees, I learned to stand.
And I can't even walk without You holding my hand.
Down on my knees, I learned to stand.
And I can't even walk without You holding my hand.
The main theme of Shirley Caesar’s song "Can't Even Walk" is a recognition of human limitations and an acknowledgement of the need for a Higher Power to navigate through life’s challenges. The first verse shows the fallacy of humans who thought they could become successful on their own terms but have failed to realize that they need divine intervention to stand strong. The chorus strengthens this point by emphasizing the futility of trying to overcome life’s obstacles alone. The second verse declares the singer’s surrender to Jesus who will become the answer to all of life’s problems.
The phrase "I can’t even walk without You holding my hand" is a metaphor for our dependence on God. It reflects our weakness as human beings and by extension the need for the divine's help in navigating our journey through life. The song also highlights the spiritual struggle every person must go through in trying to attain perfection. In times of trouble, we need to call on Jesus for help and trust that his intervention will make a difference. Through humility and submission to God, we can overcome life’s challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
I thought number one would surely be me
I believed I could make myself the priority, that I would be the most important person in my life.
I thought I could be what I wanted to be
I believed that I could achieve anything I set my mind to without any outside help.
I thought I could build on life's sinking sand
I believed that I could establish a strong foundation for myself even in the midst of instability and uncertainty.
But I can't even walk without You holding my hand
I've come to understand that I am dependent on the support and guidance of a higher power in order to navigate through life.
I can't even walk without You holding my hand
I need the help of a divine force to make it through even the simplest of tasks in life.
The mountain's too high and the valley's too wide
Life's challenges are too great for me to conquer on my own.
And If I can't trust Him, I'll be less of a man
If I can't put my faith in this higher power, I'll feel like I'm failing to live up to my fullest potential.
Down on my knees, I learned to stand
It was only by humbling myself and seeking guidance that I was able to find strength and stability.
And I can't even walk without You holding my hand
Once again, I need the support and assistance of a higher power to get through each day.
Contributed by Jake D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Christina W
Came across this song last night . When I mean I worship in my bathroom for over and 1 hr . Remind you I got baptized 2 weeks ago . Can’t even walk . Yes lord . Hallelujah I will forever praise you God .
Life is beautiful
Going through a difficult season of my life right now and this song came to my thoughts and since it has I can't stop listening to it! God is amazing even when life’s situations make no sense. Trusting God in the mist of confusion 👏
Sherman Ruth
I'm very blessed by Shirley Caesar singing through my life I've heard her voice and it's brought me to my knees and to my God any Ruth
Brenda Battle
Thank you Father! Hallelujahs🙌🙌🙌
Cozine Bohanan
Truly an anointed woman of God. I’m 60 yrs old and have been blessed with Pastor Ceasar’s music ministry.
mariane clark
God blessed me with this song I went through a valley. My daughter suffering from cancer This song up lifted my spirit. God bless you
Sher E
mariane clark you are not alone.he is right there with you and your daughter too.
Michelle Malone
I love this song
Rosalind Kesler
@Sher E @al
Rosalind Kesler
@Sher E I love you and your music l would love to have you come to salisbury nc to sing