Story Behind The Song

When my son was fighting for his life, battling cardiomyopathy and in need of a heart transplant, I wrestled with my faith. I thought "If this is God's doing, then I don't want anything to do with God. And if it isn't God's doing, there's clearly someone more powerful." Oh, those were bleak moments! Wasn't it enough that my daughter had succumbed to this heart disease - did my son have to go too? This song emerged as my conversation with God - actually my begging God to substitute me for the ones I love. It's kinda selfish, isn't it - wanting to spare oneself the pain of surviving?

Song Description

Sometimes it's harder to let someone go than to leave yourself.

Lyrics

Take Me Instead

I know the sun is shining outside my door
But inside the drapes are drawn, the inhabitants at war
It's a life and death battle and life has got to win
Cause the alternative means giving in

I know it's not my place to tell you what to do
If anyone's familiar with sacrifice, it's you
You lost your only child and I know that must have hurt
Cause I lost one too for what it's worth

I'm talking to you because I need you
To help me understand
With all those more deserving souls
Why you need this particular man

You took my daughter, why take my son
If you want another soul, if you really need someone
I'm right here beside you - down on my knees
Please, oh please, take me instead

I'm here to renegotiate the expiration dates
For the ones I love
When their names come up, maybe you could just
Turn your head or take me instead

Why take my mother, why take my Dad
My sister, my brothers, the best friends I've had
They never hurt anyone, unlike me
Please, oh please, take me instead