The band formed as a four piece in the summer of 1981 and featured Alec MacKaye on vocals, former vocalist for the Untouchables, as well as Michael Hampton of State Of Alert on guitar. On second guitar, bass and drums were Eddie Janney, Chris Bald and Ivor Hanson. After recording a demo, the band released a split LP with fellow D.C. hardcore punk band, Void. It was released by Dischord, a local independent label founded by MacKaye's older brother and Minor Threat vocalist, Ian MacKaye. It featured the song "You're X'd," which addressed the straight edge philosophy popularized by Minor Threat and S.O.A..
In 1983 The Faith released an eight song twelve inch EP called "Subject to Change". It was produced by Ian MacKaye and showed the band progressing into more melodic hardcore territory with the addition of a second guitarist. Within a few months of recording the record The Faith broke up, and three out of five members went on to join Embrace with Ian MacKaye on vocals. Guitarist Eddie Janney joined Rites of Spring and later was reunited with Michael Hampton for One Last Wish. Alec MacKaye went on to sing for Ignition and then later The Warmers.
Don't Tell Me
The Faith Lyrics
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Why do I fall so short Lord and why am I always so torn
Through these eyes I see people hurting and sometimes I just choose to ignore
With all pain there is in this world Lord tell me why I don't do more
There are no excuses for the things i have not done
But With you all things are possible with You Gods only son
Lord I'm sorry for my weakness please help me to do more
Take these hands and feet and mold me cause its only You that can restore
I give myself unto You Lord help me to do more
There are no excuses for the things i have not done
But With you all things are possible with You Gods only son
So when I feel like I'm in the shadows and I don't know where to run
Help me to remember that Lord that You can't be outdone
The song Don't Tell Me by The Faith / Void is a prayer of confession and a plea for guidance and strength. The lyrics express the singer's feelings of inadequacy and regret for not doing more for others who are hurting. The singer questions their purpose in life and why they always fall short despite the many blessings they have been given. However, the singer recognizes that with God, all things are possible, and they ask for His help to do more and to be the person God wants them to be.
The lyrics of the song delve deeply into the human struggle to make sense of life's purpose and the difficulty of living up to one's potential. The song's message is that we are all called to do more for others and that we should rely on God's strength to fulfill our purpose in life. The song is an introspective prayer that many people can relate to as they seek to make a difference in the world.
Overall, the song Don't Tell Me is a metaphorical conversation between the singer and God. The singer acknowledges their shortcomings and pleads with God for guidance and help to be a better version of themselves. The song's message is both hopeful and introspective, inspiring listeners to take action and rely on their faith to become the best they can be.
Line by Line Meaning
When I think of this life You gave me, and what I was created for
I reflect on the purpose You had for me in this life
Why do I fall so short Lord and why am I always so torn
I question my own limitations, and my constant struggles with temptation
Through these eyes I see people hurting and sometimes I just choose to ignore
I recognize the pain in the world, but sometimes I overlook it
With all pain there is in this world Lord tell me why I don't do more
Despite my awareness, I wonder why I don't take more action
There are no excuses for the things i have not done
I accept that I cannot justify failing to act
But With you all things are possible with You Gods only son
I believe that all things are achievable through faith in You
And every day that You have given me each blessed more than before
I am grateful for each new day of life You provide
Lord I'm sorry for my weakness please help me to do more
I admit my shortcomings and ask for Your guidance and strength
Take these hands and feet and mold me cause its only You that can restore
I offer myself to You to be shaped and made whole again
I give myself unto You Lord help me to do more
I surrender myself to You in order to accomplish greater things
So when I feel like I'm in the shadows and I don't know where to run
In times of uncertainty and fear, I turn to You for guidance
Help me to remember that Lord that You can't be outdone
I have faith that You are all-powerful and can overcome any obstacle
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Jim Peters, Joe Jenkins, Tim Stanley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind