One of my favourite bands is Downhere. They write great songs with smart lyrics and always challenge their listeners to think about relationships with God and with others. “Coming Back Home” from the Ending is Beginning album is a song about repentance. Here are the lyrics.
“Coming Back Home“
(Performed by Downhere) (Listen while you read.)
After the longest exile
Trying to make it on my own
Aching for my home
I’ve been astray for much too long
Knowing I’ve done you so much wrong
Just makes me feel that much more alone
But in my sadness I hear you calling
So I’m coming back home to build what I tore down
Left my world in shambles
Only this time I’ll let you wear the crown
Woah Oh
Coming back home to build what I tore down
If you will forgive me
You won’t fail me
You won’t let me down
Woah Oh Woah Oh Woah Oh
I’ve been afraid of what I’ll find
I open the door to what’s inside
I’m back but all’s not right
‘Cause there is still a mess to clean up
There are wars to fight and be freed up
But if you’re there with me I will have no reason to fear
‘Cause in this madness You are my solace
So I’m coming back home to build what I tore down
left my world in shambles
Only this time I’ll let you wear the crown
Oh Woah
Coming back home to build what I tore down
If you will forgive me
You won’t fail me
You won’t let me down
You won’t let me down
Coming back home to build
Coming back home to build
Into Your arms this wayward son is
Coming back home to build what I tore down
Left my world in shambles
Only this time I’ll let you wear the crown
Woah Oh
Coming back home to build what I tore down
If you will forgive me
You won’t fail me
You won’t let me down
Woah Oh Woah Oh Woah Oh
Coming back home to build
Coming back home to build
Written by Marc A. Martel, Jason Ronald William Germaine; Published by © Music Services, Inc.
I love the part of the chorus that says, “I’m coming back home to build what I tore down, left my world in shambles. Only this time I’ll let you wear the crown.” That is a great description of repentance. It is turning around and repairing what has been broken. It is turning around and saying, “I have messed this up; and so, God, I need you to be the King of my life. I need you to take control.”