Sanctify
St. Paul The Broken Bones Lyrics


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What good is a bullet
With no gun
What good is a flower
Without no sun
Oh but I want to feel something real
What good is a light a light
With no dark
What good is a king
Without a cross
Oh but I want to feel something real
Is that river wide
Is that river deep
Let me sanctify
Let me sanctify you baby
Is there a right
When is all is wrong
Is there partner
When left all alone
Oh but I want to feel something real
Is that river wide
Is that river deep
Let me sanctify
Let me sanctify you baby
Oh let me sanctify you
I want sanctify you
Is that river wide
Is that river deep




Let me sanctify you
Let me sanctify you baby

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Sanctify" by St. Paul & The Broken Bones speak to the human desire for authentic experiences that hold true meaning. The song encourages the listener to seek out true purpose and substance despite life's challenges and obstacles.


The opening lines "What good is a bullet with no gun, what good is a flower without no sun" suggest that in isolation, certain things lose their purpose and potency. Without the essential component, a bullet is rendered useless, and a flower which requires sunlight cannot flourish. Paul Janeway, the lead singer of the band, then exclaims "Oh but I want to feel something real," emphasizing that he seeks a connection to something genuine and meaningful in life.


The following verses present other challenges such as being left alone, feeling that everything is wrong, and questioning if there is a right when everything is wrong. Through it all, the singer maintains his desire to connect to something that holds true significance, declaring "Let me sanctify you baby." The chorus repeats the line "Is that river wide, is that river deep, let me sanctify you," asking the question of whether obstacles in life are insurmountable and stating that through connection, they can be overcome.


Overall, "Sanctify" speaks to the universal human need for authenticity and meaningful connection in life.


Line by Line Meaning

What good is a bullet
A bullet alone is useless without a gun to fire it, just as one part of a whole is meaningless without its counterpart.


With no gun
Without the proper tool or partner, the potential of the initial item is impossible to fulfill.


What good is a flower
A flower without sunlight cannot thrive, symbolizing the need for nourishment and support in order to grow.


Without no sun
Without a source of light and energy, progress and development is difficult if not impossible.


Oh but I want to feel something real
Despite these challenges, the desire for a genuine, authentic experience is still present.


What good is a light a light
A light shining in the light is ineffective, illustrating the need for darkness to highlight and complement the glow.


With no dark
Without contrast, the light and its value goes unnoticed or misunderstood.


What good is a king
A king without a cross, or sacrifice, is a flawed ruler unable to lead and serve his people fully.


Without a cross
Without hardship and vulnerability, it is difficult for one to understand and empathize with others, two key traits of a good leader.


Is that river wide
The obstacle before us is significant and may seem daunting.


Is that river deep
Not only is the challenge wide but it also requires a depth of effort and commitment in order to overcome.


Let me sanctify
To purify, bless, or consecrate in order to be worthy, showing the importance of spiritual renewal and guidance in difficult times.


Let me sanctify you baby
A call for a partner to join in this journey of growth and healing together.


Is there a right
In a world full of chaos and uncertainty, it can be difficult to discern what is truly right or wrong.


When is all is wrong
As everything around us feels off-kilter and dysfunctional, the quest for what is just and honorable becomes even more important.


Is there partner
The search for a companion, mentor, or ally who can support and encourage us on this journey, emphasizing the need for community.


When left all alone
Despite this desire for connection, we may still feel isolated and abandoned at times, highlighting the importance of self-reliance and inner strength.


Oh let me sanctify you
Reiterating this desire to support and uplift the partner, recognizing that we all need help at some point.


I want sanctify you
Further emphasizing this commitment and sense of responsibility to the partner and the relationship.




Lyrics © SONGS MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: JOHN BRANSTETTER, JOHN GAMBLE, PAUL WILLIAM JANEWAY, ANDREW LEE, BROWAN LOLLAR, JESSE THOMAS PHILLIPS, CHAD FISHER, JASON MINGLEDORFF

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@kenmurphy6792

What good is a bullet with no gun?
What good is a flower without no sun?
Oh, but I wanna feel something real

What good is a light with no dark?
What good is a king without a cross?
Oh, but I wanna feel something real

[Chorus:]
Is that river wide, is that river deep?
Let me sanctify, let me sanctify you, baby

Is there a right when all is wrong?
Is there a partner when left all alone?
Oh, but I wanna feel something real

[Chorus]

Oh, let me sanctify
Oh, I wanna, I wanna sanctify

[Chorus x2]

Is that river deep, is it deep, oh, is it deep?



All comments from YouTube:

@attentionlabel

This song is IMPECCABLE.

@TheNumber1313

Found this on spotify some time ago and today just got back to my playlist and I found this again... This song has absolutely everything that I expect from that kind of music

@melodielepine-langlois7258

Discovered them in Jan. 2016 and I can't live without their music anymore. I saw them in Toronto in Nov. 2016, the evening of my grandma's funerals. Paul sang my emotions so damn right that night! I have seen many concerts in my life, but that one is for sure in my top-3!

@coraljames8437

This is an awesome group!! Love their style and passion!!!

@bluesisfeeling1992

i can only agree :-)))

@shanemichaels8289

Coral James they were cool until they got greedy. I saw them in concert twice once for $15 and once again for $25 now they want over $60. ironic because the quality of the music went down on the new album. they got corporate and corrupted fuck em.... greedy bastards.

@akooneself

i'm in love with this band now. they are so incredibly talented!

@coresalentino1

alex mccottry they're my favorite 😍

@burgesmate

if you love the albums, I beg you to see them live - whole different level

@zacharycollective

burgesmate this is the most true. They're so incredible live.

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