The Tribe never released music to the mainstream, secular market but remained consistently popular among proponents of contemporary Christian music. The band went through various incarnations that included various members including Cameron Dante, Andy Hawthorne, Lindsey West, and Tim & Emma Owen.
Their music was almost exclusively produced by Manchester-based Zarc Porter. The Tribe were part of a wider Christian charity called ‘The Message Trust’ who has gone on to spawn other music groups such as ‘BlushUK’ and ‘LZ7’ and continues to actively proselytise to children across the Manchester region.
Precious Angel
The World Wide Message Tribe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How was I to know
You would be the one
You showed me
I was blinded
You showed me
I was gone
How weak is the foundation I was standing upon
Now the spiritual warfare
Flesh and blood breaking down
You've either got faith or you've got unbelief
There ain't no neutral ground
The enemy is subtle
How be it we're deceived
When the truth is in our hearts
And we still don't believe
Shine your light Shine your light on me
Sister let me tell you
About a vision that I saw
Drawing water for your husband
You were suffering under the law
You were talking about Buddha And Mohammed in one breath
But you never mentioned
The man who died a criminal's death
I couldn't make it by myself
I was just too blind to see
"Precious Angel" by The World Wide Message Tribe is a song that explores spirituality and the journey of faith. The opening lines reveal the singer's surprise in finding love and purpose in life. The sentiment suggests that the singer had a sense of isolation prior to encountering the "precious angel" who opened their eyes to a new perspective. The next few lines indicate that the singer had been living a misguided life and finds that his foundation was not as strong as he previously thought.
The song then moves to the topic of spiritual warfare. The singer highlights the constant battle between faith and unbelief. The lyrics state that there is no neutral ground in this war, and that the enemy is subtle, deceiving people at every opportunity. The singer urges the listener to shine their light upon him, which seems to suggest that he is seeking guidance and direction from a higher power.
The third verse tells the story of a woman who has suffered and speaks of other religions, yet neglects to mention the significance of the man who died a criminal's death. This line refers to Jesus Christ's crucifixion, and the singer acknowledges that he cannot make it alone without Christ's intervention.
Overall, "Precious Angel" is a song that encourages listeners to examine their faith and beliefs. The lyrics suggest that people can be easily deceived, and that spiritual warfare is a constant struggle. The song invites the listener to take a closer look at their beliefs and to shine their light upon others who may be struggling with their own faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Precious angel Under the sun
Addressing the person or entity in question as a precious and valuable being existing under the vast sky
How was I to know
Expressing confusion and bewilderment about not being able to predict or see the future
You would be the one
Acknowledging the significance and importance of the person/entity in the present moment
You showed me
Stating that the person/entity introduced the artist to something new or previously unknown
I was blinded
Admitting that the artist was previously ignorant or closed-minded to certain truths or realities
You showed me
Reiterating the impact the person/entity had on opening the singer's eyes to something new
I was gone
Implying that the singer was lost or directionless prior to encountering the person/entity
How weak is the foundation I was standing upon
Reflecting on the fragility and inadequacy of the artist's previous belief system or way of life
Now the spiritual warfare
Introducing a new topic of conversation, specifically the battle between good and evil, or the forces of light and dark
Flesh and blood breaking down
Highlighting the physical and emotional toll of the ongoing struggle
You've either got faith or you've got unbelief
Positing that there are only two options when it comes to belief in a higher power or spiritual force
There ain't no neutral ground
Emphasizing that it is impossible to remain indifferent or ambivalent on the topic of faith or spirituality
The enemy is subtle
Asserting that the forces of darkness or evil can be insidious and difficult to recognize
How be it we're deceived
Questioning why humans are susceptible to deception or trickery from these negative forces
When the truth is in our hearts
Asserting that the singer believes that people have an innate sense of right and wrong or the existence of a higher power
And we still don't believe
Expressing confusion or frustration at the continued disbelief or skepticism in the face of this inner truth
Shine your light Shine your light on me
Requesting for the person/entity to continue to shed light or guide the artist towards greater understanding or enlightenment
Sister let me tell you
Addressing another person directly as a way of sharing a personal experience or insight
About a vision that I saw
Describing a powerful or meaningful experience that the singer had
Drawing water for your husband
Depicting a specific situation or moment in time when the artist observed another person engaged in an ordinary task
You were suffering under the law
Interpretation varies based on context, but could suggest that the person being described was experiencing hardship or struggle due to societal, cultural, or personal expectations
You were talking about Buddha And Mohammed in one breath
Describing how the person being addressed discussed or referenced more than one spiritual figure or belief system in a conversation
But you never mentioned
Pointing out a notable omission in the person's speech, possibly related to Christianity or Jesus
The man who died a criminal's death
Identifying or calling attention to Jesus and his crucifixion, which is a central event in Christian theology and belief
I couldn't make it by myself
Acknowledging the idea that the singer required guidance, support, or help from an external source
I was just too blind to see
Confessing to a lack of understanding or awareness prior to encountering the person/entity, similar to earlier lines in the song
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOB DYLAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind