Story Behind The Song
Co writer's husband struggling with a very difficult time in life, filled with despair, disconsolate, started saying words that STephanie Pauline identified as a song. She excused herself from tending to him and wrote down the lyrics. Many came directly from that moment of pain and prayer.
Song Description
Song is a eloquent "wail" of pain from a man, tortured by bad decisions and squandered gifts from God. He find himself broken, on his knees, and beseeching "they say you're near the broken hearted, so come be near to me".
The fact that he knows the Lord has seen his despair but he can't break down enough to ask for help has made it that much worse.
| Song Length |
3:07 |
Genre |
Country - Religious, Folk - Contemporary |
| Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Troubled, Heartbreaking |
Subject |
Regret, Recovery |
| Similar Artists |
Toby Keith, George Strait |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
When I was young it wasn't safe to carry all the gifts you gave.
So I ripped them up, one by one, and threw them all away.
Now I can't find the pieces, that once made up my heart.
I'd like to have em back, but I don't even know where to start
Ch. And all that's left is this tired worn disguise. That never did fool anyone with eyes.
That and this tough man on his knees.
They say you're near the broken hearted, so come be near to me.
I can't find my compassion,
I can't find my joy.
Or the forgiveness that came so easy, when I was just a boy.
Now I'm husband and father
this is when I need my best.
but I ripped that up adn threw it away.
Just like all the rest and all that's
left.
CH.
Br. YOu saw my blood, you saw my shame, and though I fought them the tears still came. Now I wish I'd never bought the lie. Cuz you know, real men do cry.
Ch.