Whatever Else They Tell You

Last week I shared lyrics from Kyle Matthews latest CD “The Main Event.” I had only had a chance to listen through the 4th cut. Since then I have listened to the whole CD several times. This is not just a commercial plug. It is completely unsolicited ... although he puts food on the table, clothes on his family's backs and a roof over their heads with his songwriting and recording. Click on the sidebar link or on the title of this blog post. Either will get you to Kyle's web site.

You need what Kyle has to say in this CD. It is in my opinion his strongest work yet. Stylistically it's a bit reminiscent of some of his earlier works, but there is more depth and artistry in the lyrics. The focus on relationship issues is classic Kyle Matthews. As the father of a high-school senior preparing in the next 3 weeks to take him to interview for scholarships at schools between 6 and 10 hours’ drive away, I found this song particularly poignant.

I’ll let you go off the first day of school
Where strangers stand guard and kids are cruel;
And I’ll whisper in your ear, “I love you. I love you so.”
So whatever else they tell you, you’ll know.

I’ll let you go off, diploma in hand,
To conquer a world you don’t understand;
And I’ll whisper in your ear, “I love you. I love you so.”
So whatever else they tell you, you’ll know.

Someone thinks you’re beautiful,
And someone thinks you’re smart;
And you’re the song that keeps the beat
In someone’s heart who knows you best … so don’t forget.

I’ll say this enough so that when I am gone
The memory will echo loud and strong enough
To whisper in your ear, “I love you. I love you so.”
So whatever else they tell you,
Whatever else they tell you,
So whatever else they tell you, you’ll know.

The world around us (and the people in it) bombards us with words and images that attack us in sensitive places. They erode our self-esteem and wound us where we are most vulnerable. The only way to survive in such a world is to hear the voice of God saying, “I love you. I love you so,” so whatever else they tell us … we’ll know.

That’s enough to think about for now. The peace of Christ to you.