Trent Dabbs (Nashville, TN) is the founding member of TOT and has received … Read Full Bio ↴Trent Dabbs (Nashville, TN) is the founding member of TOT and has received national acclaim both for his own recordings and also for his collaborations with other artists. Dabbs' music has been featured on various television shows including "The OC," "The Mountain," "The Hills," "October Road", "One Tree Hill" and the new film Nothing But the Truth (starring Kate Beckinsale) as well as earning him an opening slot for REM. His most recent placement was a song he co-wrote with fellow TOT member, Joy Williams, "Charmed Life," which was featured on this years' "Grey's Anatomy" finale. Trent also co-wrote two songs on Mat Kearney's new album: "Lifeline" (cowritten with TOT member Matthew Perryman Jones) and "Never Be Ready."

Diamonds Don't Shine
Trent Dabbs Lyrics

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I'm a broken soul, I'm an open book.
With many torn out pages.
And I walk through fire, but I thirst for truth.
For what I've never tasted.
And it calls to me again.
The comfort of the sin.

Turn our eyes away, turn our eyes away.

From this path we've taken, washing clean our faces.
Turn our eyes away, turn our eyes away.
Leaning on the hope that, one day, even we.
Oh, one day, even we will be saved.

I got a war inside, with a flag in hand.
I'll wait to cry surrender.
While the pride in me, is fighting who I am.
Why is it that I linger?
I guess every man decides to take or save a life.

Turn our eyes away, turn our eyes away.
From this path we've taken, washing clean our faces.
Turn our eyes away, turn our eyes away.
Leaning on the hope that, one day, even we.
Oh, one day, even we will be saved.

Ohhh.

We must turn our eyes away, turn our eyes away.
From this path we've taken, washing clean our faces.
Turn our eyes away, turn our eyes away.
Leaning on the hope that, one day, even we.
Oh, one day, even we will be saved.

One day, even we will be saved.

Overall Meaning

The song "Turn Our Eyes Away" by Trent Dabbs and Ruby Amanfu is a poignant reflection on the struggles of the human condition, particularly the internal battles that we all face in our lives. The lyrics paint a picture of a broken soul, with many torn-out pages, who walks through fire but longs for truth. The singer speaks to the comfort of sin, which calls to him yet ultimately recognizes the need to turn their eyes away from the path they have taken, in the hope of being saved.

The phrase "turn our eyes away" is a powerful metaphorical representation of the idea of redirecting one's attention from the things that cause pain or harm. The song acknowledges the war inside our hearts, the pride that often blinds us to who we really are, and the sense of uncertainty that comes with every decision we make. The singer reflects on the fact that every man decides to take or save a life, and how this choice reflects on their character.

In essence, the song is a rallying cry to embrace hope, to cling on to the belief that even broken souls like us can be saved. It is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a reminder that we are all capable of overcoming even the toughest of battles.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm a broken soul, I'm an open book.
I am emotionally and mentally damaged and my inner self is easy to read.

With many torn out pages.
I have experienced many traumas and have lost much of myself along the way.

And I walk through fire, but I thirst for truth.
I have faced many challenges and hardships, but I still long for knowledge and understanding.

For what I've never tasted.
I have yet to experience some of life's greatest joys or sufferings.

And it calls to me again.
The temptation of sin and wrongdoing continues to beckon me.

The comfort of the sin.
Engaging in sinful behavior brings me temporary relief and reassurance.

Turn our eyes away, turn our eyes away.
We must redirect our attention and focus.

From this path we've taken, washing clean our faces.
We need to cleanse ourselves of the actions and mistakes we have made thus far.

Leaning on the hope that, one day, even we.
We are depending on the belief that notwithstanding our current status, we have the possibility of redemption.

Oh, one day, even we will be saved.
Ultimately, we believe that we will eventually be able to attain redemption and salvation.

I got a war inside, with a flag in hand.
I am conflicted within myself, holding onto my identity and values.

I'll wait to cry surrender.
I refuse to give up and submit to the opposing forces of life.

While the pride in me, is fighting who I am.
The arrogance within me is preventing me from accepting myself and growing as a person.

Why is it that I linger?
I am unsure of the reason why I am hesitating or delaying my actions.

I guess every man decides to take or save a life.
Ultimately, every person must choose whether to harm or help themselves and others.

Ohhh.
An expression of emotion, likely sadness or pain.

We must turn our eyes away, turn our eyes away.
We must again emphasize the need to shift our focus and mindset.

One day, even we will be saved.
We reiterate our belief that redemption and salvation can be achieved, no matter our current state.

Contributed by Madelyn C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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