It's said that the musical urge in Kellogg started with a mixture of his dad's records (Cat Stevens/Jim Croce) and his sister's (Mötley Crüe/Bon Jovi). The songwriting of the former and the showmanship of the latter was the beginning of the musical attitude that pervades Kellogg's work today. Kellogg got his start recording and touring while attending the University of Massachusetts Amherst from 1994-1998. He independently released several solo albums before being signed to Universal Records in 2004.
www.stephenkellogg.com
Chasm and Cross
Stephen Kellogg Lyrics
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Jesus you told me
Got to make a stand
Then its only
A mercury cross and a picture frame
The thought that I lost
And another man's shame
To fill me up
Make me whole
To understand whats in my heart
So can you take me there
A place where no one ever needs
And no one bites the hand that feeds
There's no divorce and there's no disease
Jesus can you take me,
Can you take me,
Can you take me
I forgot when I seem to make mistakes
But I guess its just the price that we pay
I only want to be let in
But you somehow,
Somehow you call this livin'.
Take away what hurts
Forget my song, forget my joy
Forget the things that you enjoy
Just treat me like a little boy when
Forget my song, forget my joy
Forget the things that you employ
Could you treat me like a little boy when
It's always I.
Its I .
It's never you, No.
Its always I.
The song "Chasm and Cross" by Stephen Kellogg talks about the struggles and doubts of a man who is seeking salvation and redemption from Jesus. He wants to make a stand and come down to surrender himself to Jesus. The mercury cross and picture frame represent the things he has lost and the shame of another man. He seeks more understanding and fulfillment to fill the emptiness in his heart. The man is asking Jesus to take him to a place where there is no pain, needs, divorce, or disease. He yearns to be let in and be treated like a child, but somehow he feels that he is not fully living.
The lyrics highlight the internal dialogue and conflicts within people who seek answers and guidance from religion. The man is willing to give up everything and be molded like a child to be closer to Jesus. He is also aware of his mistakes and the price he has to pay for them. However, he still doubts if this faith can truly give him a sense of purpose and happiness in life. The phrase "It's always I, It's I. It's never you, No. It's always I." indicates that his faith is not solely based on the external factors but rather his own internal struggles and willingness to change.
Overall, "Chasm and Cross" portrays the challenges and hopes that come with seeking salvation and has a relatable message to anyone seeking guidance from religion.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm coming down today
I'm feeling low
Jesus, you told me
Jesus, please help me
Got to make a stand
I need to take action
Then its only a mercury cross and a picture frame
All that's left is a symbol of my pain and a memory
The thought that I lost and another man's shame
I regret what I lost and feel embarrassed by what someone else did
Can you give me more to fill me up
Can you provide me with more inspiration
Make me whole to understand what's in my heart
Help me understand myself better so I can feel complete
So can you take me there, a place where no one ever needs
Take me to a place of self-sufficiency
And no one bites the hand that feeds
And where nobody resents their source of support
There's no divorce and there's no disease
A place where there's no separation or illness
Jesus can you take me, can you take me, can you take me
Jesus, please guide me
I forgot when I seem to make mistakes
I don't know what I did wrong
But I guess it's just the price that we pay
I suppose that's the consequence of being human
I only want to be let in
I want to belong
But you somehow, somehow you call this livin'.
But somehow you see this as living
Take away what hurts
Remove my pain
Forget my song, forget my joy, forget the things that you enjoy
I don't care about my own happiness or what makes you happy
Just treat me like a little boy when...
Please care for me like a child
It's always I. Its I. It's never you, No. Its always I.
It's always about me, not you
Contributed by Alaina E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.