The Echoing Green is an electronica/synthpop band. It began as a solo proje… Read Full Bio ↴The Echoing Green is an electronica/synthpop band. It began as a solo project by Joey Belville in 1993, and has since released eleven major albums.

While founder Belville is a devout Christian, it is difficult to apply the same label to the band itself; while the lyrics are at times clearly infused with a strong element of faith, they are not specifically based around praise and at no point could they be considered to be preaching a message.

The music of The Echoing Green is heavily based in electronic sounds, however these are used more for their melodious structure than any desire to create an electronic dance outfit. As such, the music comes across as a well shaped, driving flow of intricate harmonies, underpinned with somewhat reflective, even introverted, lyrics.

Redemption
The Echoing Green Lyrics

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You scratch the surface
I take the plunge
You say it's started
I say it's done
Is this another mountain?
Is this another wall?
Is this another precipice
For me to take a fall?

Should I call surrender?
Should I call to arms?
It's just another question
I can't resolve
I really need a Savior
I need a shining star
I need someone bigger than this
To take hold of my heart

Redeem me...

Overall Meaning

The Echoing Green's song "Redemption" is an insightful reflection on the inner turmoil one feels when faced with another obstacle. The lyrics "You scratch the surface, I take the plunge" highlight the different approaches individuals take when confronting a challenge. The singer is ready to jump into the deep end, while the other is only willing to scratch the surface. The line "You say it's started, I say it's done" further emphasizes the divide between the two perspectives.

The second verse is introspective, and the singer is questioning their ability to overcome any more roadblocks. They are asking themselves whether this is just another mountain or a wall or a precipice they will have to face alone. The line "Should I call surrender, should I call to arms?" shows that the singer is contemplating whether to give up or keep fighting to resolve the issue.

The chorus captures the essence of the song with the line "I really need a Savior, I need a shining star, I need someone bigger than this, to take hold of my heart." Here, the singer expresses their need for redemption or salvation - something or someone to pull them out of their current predicament. It is a deeply moving and relatable sentiment that makes the song so powerful.

Line by Line Meaning

You scratch the surface
You only scratch the surface of the problem.

I take the plunge
I fully dive into the depths of the issue.

You say it's started
You believe the problem has just begun.

I say it's done
I think the problem has already been completed.

Is this another mountain?
Is this another obstacle to overcome?

Is this another wall?
Is this another barrier to break through?

Is this another precipice
Is this another cliff to fall off of?

For me to take a fall?
For me to fail or be defeated?

Should I call surrender?
Should I give up and accept defeat?

Should I call to arms?
Should I take action and fight for what I believe in?

It's just another question
It's just another difficult decision to make.