Heaven Help Me
Stephen Lee Anderson Lyrics
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I don't relish telling her "No!"
But then I think - what if I fail her?
How can I just let her go?
I strive to be a good preacher
I try not to go overboard
But then I think - if I can't reach her
How can I face my Lord?
Every day's a struggle, still
Someone's got to take the high road
If I don't, who will?
I became a man of God
To do his work
To spread his word
To ease some pain
And dry some tears
That was the plan
But I might have thought twice if only I knew that
I'd spend all of my time saying, "Ainh ainh ainh, no no! Don't do that!"
See, everyone prays for salvation
I'm happy to give them the tools
The problem is - here's my frustration
Nobody wants to have rules
So heaven help me with my labors
How can you expect one man to
Save his family and his neighbors?
Heaven help me
Oh, heaven help me
If heaven can't, who can?
The song "Heaven Help Me" by Stephen Lee Anderson is a raw and honest reflection on the challenges that come with being a man of God. The lyrics reveal the internal conflict that the singer faces as he grapples with the responsibility of guiding and protecting others while also feeling like he is imprisoning those he cares about. The repetition of the line "Heaven help me" throughout the song highlights the singer's plea for guidance and support as he struggles to carry the weight of his responsibilities.
The singer acknowledges that preaching and spreading the word of God is his calling, but he also expresses frustration with the reluctance of others to follow the rules that come with salvation. This conflict is universal, as it reveals the tension between the desire to help and guide others and the reality that people must choose to follow that guidance on their own. The song ultimately leaves the question of whether the singer will succeed in his efforts up to interpretation, emphasizing the ongoing struggle that comes with living a life of service and faith.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't enjoy being her jailor
I am unhappy restricting her freedom.
I don't relish telling her "No!"
I do not feel pleasure when I refuse her requests.
But then I think - what if I fail her?
I consider the possibility of disappointing her.
How can I just let her go?
I cannot simply permit her to do as she pleases.
I strive to be a good preacher
I make an effort to be a good teacher of religious morals.
I try not to go overboard
I attempt to not become too zealous.
But then I think - if I can't reach her
I fear being unable to connect with her.
How can I face my Lord?
How can I confront my divine superior?
Heaven help me shoulder my load
I implore the divine forces to aid me with my responsibilities.
Every day's a struggle, still
Despite this, every day I face difficulty.
Someone's got to take the high road
Someone must choose the morally superior path.
If I don't, who will?
If I do not do it, who else will take on this task?
I became a man of God
I chose to devote my life to religious belief.
To do his work
To carry out the duties required of me by my faith.
To spread his word
To share the tenets and teachings of my religious faith.
To ease some pain
To help those dealing with hardships.
And dry some tears
And offer support to those who are shedding tears.
That was the plan
That was my desired direction.
But I might have thought twice if only I knew that
If I knew then what I know now, I might have had reservations.
I'd spend all of my time saying, "Ainh ainh ainh, no no! Don't do that!"
I would exhaust all of my time by repeatedly telling others what not to do.
See, everyone prays for salvation
Each person wishes for spiritual deliverance.
I'm happy to give them the tools
I am eager to equip them with the necessary means.
The problem is - here's my frustration
The issue lies in my exasperation.
Nobody wants to have rules
People would rather not abide by standard moral guidelines.
So heaven help me with my labors
I again beseech divine assistance with my duties.
How can you expect one man to
Is it reasonable to anticipate one person to
Save his family and his neighbors?
Should I be responsible for safeguarding both family and community?
Heaven help me
I pray for divine intervention.
Oh, heaven help me
Oh, how I hope for divine assistance.
If heaven can't, who can?
If not even divine influence can aid me, then what can?
Contributed by Arianna P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.