Although the band started out playing at Christian music festivals, they shun the label of "Christian rock," with singer and guitarist Jon Foreman saying, "For us, it's a faith, not a genre. We've always been very open and honest about where the songs are coming from. For us, these songs are for everyone. Calling us `Christian rock' tends to be a box that closes some people out and excludes them. And that's not what we're trying to do. Music has always opened my mind -- and that's what we want." They started out on Charlie Peacock's label "re:think" and spent several years appearing at Christian festivals and enjoying Christian radio hits. Most of their early tours were with Christian bands and both of the band's new members were borrowed from Christian bands.
Switchfoot did not see success outside of the Christian rock scene until they were featured alongside singer Mandy Moore on the A Walk To Remember soundtrack. The band's first true commercial success came in 2003 with the release of their fourth major label (and first mainstream label) offering, The Beautiful Letdown. The album went on to sell more than 2 million albums and Switchfoot became the most popular rock band to be associated with Christian music.
They were featured on the British Edition of the Spiderman II soundtrack along with the likes of Taking Back Sunday and Dashboard Confessional to name a few, in 2004 with the song 'Meant To Live'.
In 2005 Switchfoot released "Nothing Is Sound". The album went gold within 3 months and received much critical acclaim.
Switchfoot's highly anticipated album, titled "Oh! Gravity." was released on December 26th, 2006.
On November 10th, 2009, Switchfoot released their first album produced under their own label, lowercase people. "Mess of Me", a single from the album released months before the CD, has enjoy chart-topping radio plays since its release.
In 2010 Switchfoot released their album, "Hello Hurricane".
On September 27th, 2011, to much anticipation and excitement, Switchfoot released their newest album, "Vice Verses".
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www.switchfoot.com
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The Economy of Mercy
Switchfoot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And neither way is safe
In my dreams I see visions of the future
But today we have today
And where will I find you?
And where will I find you?
I am a poor and begging man
In the currency of grace
Is where my song begins
In the colors of your goodness
In the scars that mark your skin
In the currency of grace
Is where my song begins
These carbon shells
These fragile dusty frames
House canvases of souls
We are bruised and broken masterpieces
But we did not paint ourselves
And where will I find you?
Where will I find you?
In the economy of mercy
I am a poor and begging man
In the currency of grace
Is where my song begins
In the colors of your goodness
In the scars that mark your skin
In the currency of grace
Is where my song begins
Where was I when the world was made?
Where was I when the world was made?
Where was I when the world was made?
Where was I?
I'm lost without you here
Yes, I'm lost without you here
I'm lost without you here
You knew my name when the world was made
The song "The Economy of Mercy" by Switchfoot is a reflective piece about the fragility of life and the importance of finding hope in mercy and grace. The lyrics suggest that there are two ways to lose oneself in life, and neither is safe. The first way is by living in fear of the future and losing oneself in worry and anxiety. The second way is by living in the past, losing oneself in regret and missed opportunities. Instead, the lyrics suggest that we must find a balance between these two extremes and live in the present moment.
The song then goes on to explore the concept of mercy and grace. The singer acknowledges that he is a "poor and begging man" in the "economy of mercy" but finds hope in the "currency of grace." He recognizes that he is a "bruised and broken masterpiece" but that his scars and imperfections are what make him unique and valuable. The singer also acknowledges that he did not create himself and that he is dependent on something greater than himself. In the final lines of the song, he asks where he was when the world was made, suggesting that he is searching for a deeper meaning and purpose in life.
Overall, "The Economy of Mercy" is a thought-provoking and introspective song that encourages listeners to embrace the present moment, find hope in mercy and grace, and seek a deeper understanding of their place in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
There's just two ways to lose yourself in this life
There are only two options for getting lost in life, and neither is safe.
In my dreams I see visions of the future
I have dreams that show me what the future might hold.
But today we have today
Despite what the future holds, we should focus on living in the present moment.
And where will I find you?
I am searching for your presence in my life.
In the economy of mercy
In the system of giving and receiving mercy,
I am a poor and begging man
I am in a position of vulnerability and dependence.
In the currency of grace
In the system of giving and receiving unearned kindness,
Is where my song begins
My expression of gratitude and hope starts here.
In the colors of your goodness
Your goodness is vivid and diverse.
In the scars that mark your skin
Even your wounds and imperfections are a testament to your strength and resilience.
These carbon shells
Our bodies are made of simple elements.
These fragile dusty frames
Our bodies are weak and temporary vessels.
House canvases of souls
Our bodies are temporary homes for our eternal souls.
We are bruised and broken masterpieces
Through our trials and struggles, we become works of art.
But we did not paint ourselves
Our experiences and identity are shaped by factors beyond our control.
Where was I when the world was made?
I am humbled by my smallness and insignificance compared to the universe and its creator.
I'm lost without you here
I can't find my way without your guidance and support.
You knew my name when the world was made
Even before I existed, you had a plan for me and knew me intimately.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
YC
There's just two ways to lose yourself in this life
And neither way is safe
In my dreams I see visions of the future
But today we have today
And where will I find You?
In the economy of mercy
I am a poor and begging man
In the currency of Grace
Is where my song begins
In the colors of Your goodness
In the scars that mark your skin
In the currency of Grace
Is where my song begins
These carbon shells
These fragile dusty frames
House canvases of souls
We are bruised and broken masterpieces
But we did not paint ourselves
And where will I find You?
Where was I when the world was made?
Where was I?
I'm lost without You here
Yes, I'm lost without You near me
I'm lost without You here
You knew my name when the world was made
Abel J
Hey bro, you're loved and amazing. Thanks for being here.
Jesus loves you!
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze
Abel J
You're loved more than you could ever know, thanks for existing.
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze
Abel J
Thanks for being alive, you're precious.
Jesus loves you more than you could ever know
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze
YC
There's just two ways to lose yourself in this life
And neither way is safe
In my dreams I see visions of the future
But today we have today
And where will I find You?
In the economy of mercy
I am a poor and begging man
In the currency of Grace
Is where my song begins
In the colors of Your goodness
In the scars that mark your skin
In the currency of Grace
Is where my song begins
These carbon shells
These fragile dusty frames
House canvases of souls
We are bruised and broken masterpieces
But we did not paint ourselves
And where will I find You?
Where was I when the world was made?
Where was I?
I'm lost without You here
Yes, I'm lost without You near me
I'm lost without You here
You knew my name when the world was made
Abel J
You're loved more than you could ever know, thanks for being here.
Jesus loves you!
JaredAnthony
Switchfoot is still making great music, but I really think that there first few albums after "The Legend of Chin" are my favorites. Especially "Beautiful Letdown," that one of my all time favorite albums by any artist.
Abel J
Hey bro, you're loved and amazing. Thanks for being here.
Jesus loves you!
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze
Kool Kooler
Awe awe some....tunes
.....
Jonny ogy
Have you heard backwards in time on interobang? It’s my favorite song on their newest album!!!
Chris Simpson
Lord thank You for another day, Your grace and your mercy. Order, guide, and direct my steps today, in Jesus name I pray, amen.
Jay Pond
I had this album when I was a kid. About 13. Listened to this song a few times and didn't think much of it. I am 24 now.. and this song randomly popped into my head.. the lyrics really speak to me..''I'm lost without you here. Yes I'm lost without you near..''
Abel J
You're loved more than you could ever know, thanks for existing.
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze
Timothy
The world was so much bigger then, when songs like this filled the air at summer camp. God and His promises are just as big today as they were then... what ever happened going into adulthood? 😔