Camp has at times been a center of controversy as an outspoken critic of the Contemporary Christian Music industry's association with the mainstream music industry (as a consequence of the major CCM labels purchase by secular media conglomerates) and what he has suggested is a subsequent watering-down of explicitly Christian verbiage lyrically in a bid for mainstream fame and airplay. One such flashpoint occurred when he wrote a symbolic open letter to the industry on October 31, 1998. (That date is known as Reformation Day in Protestantism when Martin Luther is said to have nailed a list of grievances against the Catholic church to a German church door.)
Camp is also seen as a leading proponent of Reformed Theology via his blog and as senior pastor at The Cross Church in Palm City, Florida.
Nothing To Prove
Steve Camp Lyrics
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At myself again
It's that realization
Of the state I'm in, yeah, yeah
All those great expectations
Are pilin' up on me
Oh, but my sweet, sweet salvation
Is gettin' the best of me, so...
I don't mind you
Lookin' over my shoulder
Lately I find that
I'm just a little bolder
Maybe it's just that
I've been getting older
But I've got nothing to prove
To you
Go on and say it
'Cause I want to walk with you
And we don't need to blame each other
For the things we do, oh-oh...
For the Lord, He's at work here
He's been walking in these shoes, yeah, yeah
And with His love and understanding
There is no way we can lose
(Don't you know that)
I don't mind you
Lookin' over my shoulder
Lately I find that
I'm just a little bolder
Maybe it's just that
I've been getting older
But I've got nothing to prove
Oh, to you
I'm not good enough
I'm just not strong enough
I can't live long enough
To please everybody
But down here on my knees
I find that I can please
The only One who sees
Everything in me, 'cause...
I don't mind you
Lookin' over my shoulder
Lately I find that
I'm just a little bolder
Maybe it's just that
I've been getting older
But I've got nothing to prove
Oh, to you
Don't you know that
I've got nothing, no!
Oh, nothing to prove
I've got nothing
Oh, nothing to prove
I've got nothing, no!
Nothing to prove
I've got nothing
Oh, nothing to prove...
The lyrics of Steve Camp's song Nothing To Prove express a sense of relief and acceptance of oneself in the midst of pressure and expectations. The singer reflects on the burden of trying to meet the expectations of others, or even his own, and realizing that his only salvation comes from his faith. He is aware of the scrutiny and judgment of others, but he doesn't feel the need to prove himself to them. Instead, he seeks a deeper connection with the listener, acknowledging that they are both human and flawed, and that it's not about blame or criticism, but about walking together with the Lord.
The phrase "All those great expectations are pilin' up on me" reflects the concept of societal pressure to achieve success, meet standards, or conform to certain ideals. However, the singer chooses to focus on the positive aspects of his situation, recognizing that his "sweet salvation" is getting the best of him. The chorus emphasizes the freedom that comes from not needing to prove oneself to others, and the confidence that arises from developing a relationship with God. The song ends with the repetition of the phrase "Nothing to prove," highlighting the message of self-acceptance and inner peace that the singer has found.
Line by Line Meaning
You caught me smilin'
I got caught looking at myself and realized something.
At myself again
This happens more than once.
It's that realization
I recognized something about the state I'm in.
Of the state I'm in, yeah, yeah
I'm in a certain state of being.
All those great expectations
There are high hopes for me.
Are pilin' up on me
These hopes are becoming overwhelming.
Oh, but my sweet, sweet salvation
Fortunately, my salvation is helping me.
Is gettin' the best of me, so...
It's having a positive impact on me.
I don't mind you
I'm okay with others watching me.
Lookin' over my shoulder
Watching me or monitoring me.
Lately I find that
Recently, I've noticed.
I'm just a little bolder
I'm feeling more confident.
Maybe it's just that
It might be because.
I've been getting older
I'm growing up and changing.
But I've got nothing to prove
I don't need to show anything to anyone.
To you
Specifically, to you.
Go on and say it
Tell me what's on your mind.
'Cause I want to walk with you
Because I care about you and our relationship.
And we don't need to blame each other
We shouldn't point fingers at each other.
For the things we do, oh-oh...
We should take responsibility for our actions instead.
For the Lord, He's at work here
God is present and working here.
He's been walking in these shoes, yeah, yeah
He's been through what I'm going through.
And with His love and understanding
His love and understanding help me.
There is no way we can lose
We can't fail with God on our side.
(Don't you know that)
It's important to recognize this fact.
I'm not good enough
I am not perfect or capable of everything.
I'm just not strong enough
I am not powerful enough.
I can't live long enough
I am not immortal.
To please everybody
I can't make everyone happy or satisfied.
But down here on my knees
When I pray to God.
I find that I can please
I can make happy or satisfied.
The only One who sees
God is the only one who can see.
Everything in me, 'cause...
He knows everything about me.
Don't you know that
Haven't you heard?
I've got nothing, no!
I have nothing specific.
Oh, nothing to prove
I don't need to demonstrate anything.
I've got nothing
I don't have anything important.
Oh, nothing to prove
I don't need to prove or justify myself.
I've got nothing, no!
Again, I have nothing exact.
Nothing to prove
I have no obligation to display anything.
I've got nothing
One last time, I don't have something meaningful to present.
Oh, nothing to prove...
I simply don't need to prove anything to anyone, including myself.
Contributed by Madelyn G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.