Promised Land
Stephen Day Lyrics
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hoping for more but I guess what's in store wasn't mine
So Lord help me to pray cause it seems like today you're not by me
but I know that you are cause you got me this far your way
Guess that Promised Land wasn't in my plan
Oh and maybe someday I'll figure out this game you play
but right now I can't understand
I'm just a man and I can't understand but I'm trying
this plan that's divine is so different than mine I can't find it
So Lord help me to pray cause it seems like today you're not by me
but I know that you are cause you got me this far your way
Guess that Promised Land, oh wasn't in my plan
Oh and maybe someday I'll figure out this game you play
but right now I can't understand
why I never made it, made it to the promised land
and I know one day there will be no suffering
but right now I can't see because I'm wondering
if you're real and you still have control over my life
Lord open my eyes so I can finally realize
that what is in store is so much more than that
Promised Land that wasn't in my plan
Oh and then on that day
when I finally see your face
and I'm resting in your amazing grace
You'll say, "Son you made it, you made it to the Promised Land"
Well I'm just a man and I can't understand
but I'm trying.
The song "Promised Land" by Stephen Day is a heartfelt reflection on the realization that life doesn't always turn out the way we plan it. The song's narrator speaks directly to God, expressing his confusion and frustration at not having reached the "Promised Land" he thought was in store for him. He recognizes that God has gotten him as far as he has come, but wonders why he hasn't made it to where he thought he should be. The song's title, "Promised Land", comes from the biblical narrative in which God promises the Israelites a land flowing with milk and honey in return for their faithfulness.
Despite the singer's doubts and unanswered questions, he continues to pray and seek God's guidance. He acknowledges that God's plan is different from his own and that he may never completely understand it. However, he remains steadfast in his belief that God is with him, even if he can't always feel His presence. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the singer trusting that one day he will understand and be at peace with the way his life has unfolded.
Overall, "Promised Land" is a poignant reminder that life is full of uncertainty and that even when things don't go according to our plan, we can still have faith that there is a greater purpose at work.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm just a man that was promised some land but I'm dying
The singer is a mortal who, despite being promised a promised land, is now dying or facing imminent death.
hoping for more but I guess what's in store wasn't mine
The singer had hoped for more, but appears to have realized that their destiny or share of possessions in life were not in their control.
So Lord help me to pray cause it seems like today you're not by me
The singer finds it hard to pray because it seems as though the Lord is not present or listening to their requests.
but I know that you are cause you got me this far your way
Despite doubts, the artist relies on their faith that the Lord has been guiding them in their journey thus far.
Guess that Promised Land wasn't in my plan
The artist may have had a different idea about what was supposed to happen but realizes that the alleged 'plan' did not include their aspirations.
Oh and maybe someday I'll figure out this game you play
The singer hopes that one day they will understand the ways of the Lord, referring to life as a 'game,' which they must try to comprehend.
but right now I can't understand
Despite attempts to obtain clarity, the singer still finds it impossible to understand their situation or the ways of the Lord.
why I never made it, made it to the promised land
The artist struggles with accepting that they never achieved the promised land or the goals they were striving for.
I'm just a man and I can't understand but I'm trying
The artist continues to admit their human limitations but asserts their effort and willingness to understand the will of the Lord.
this plan that's divine is so different than mine I can't find it
The artist acknowledges the existence of a divine plan, though they cannot decipher or locate it.
and I know one day there will be no suffering
The singer recognizes the promise of an end to suffering at some point in the future.
but right now I can't see because I'm wondering
The artist's current uncertainties make it difficult for them to see the end of suffering promised in the previous line.
if you're real and you still have control over my life
The singer expresses doubts over the reality of the Lord and questions whether their life is still under divine control.
Lord open my eyes so I can finally realize
The singer prays for clarity and understanding to be granted by the Lord.
that what is in store is so much more than that
The singer expects that something greater is in the works for them, and they want to grasp what it is.
Oh and then on that day
The artist envisions a future where they will finally understand and be shown the truth.
when I finally see your face
The artist anticipates a moment where they will come face to face with the Lord.
and I'm resting in your amazing grace
The singer expects to be welcomed by the Lord and to receive grace during this envisaged encounter.
You'll say, "Son you made it, you made it to the Promised Land"
The singer imagines receiving affirmation from the Lord that they have reached their long-sought after promised land.
Contributed by Adalyn D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.