I wonder if you've heard the story
Of little fame and lesser glory
The night the keeper of the inn
The little town of Bethlehem
Encountered Joseph and his Mary
About to birth the Savior of the world
His wife said go and see who's knocking
He ran down to the gate unlocked it
The moment he heard Mary's cry
He couldn't look them in the eye
Denied them and went back to bed
When his wife asked who was there
He said I don't know
Just a girl
Just a couple gypsies begging at the door
Told them we don't have room for anymore
And closed the door
It was just a girl
He tried to sleep and wasn't able
He snuck out to the dirty stable
The two had found for covering
And laid her in her suffering
The keeper knelt outside the barn
And in the light of that great star
He prayed what have I done
He's just a babe
Just minutes old there trembling in the hay
I could have found a room for them to stay
I'm so ashamed
He's just a babe
There was no robe
There was no crown
The shepherds stood
On royal ground
The keeper wept
For what he'd done
He turned away
God's own Son
Just a King
Just a million angels crowding in to see
Jesus there among humanity
Just a babe
Just minutes old there trembling in the hay
Staring at his mother in the face
She's just a girl
Just a girl
Does she even know that she just changed the world
Does she even know that He will save the world
Does Mary know that He will save the world
She's just a girl
Just a girl
Just a girl
"Just A Girl" by Brandon Heath is a powerful and thought-provoking song that delves into the story of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and the innkeeper who turned them away. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the innkeeper's perspective and the regret he feels for not offering them a place to stay.
The song opens by introducing the innkeeper, who is portrayed as a simple man with little fame and lesser glory. It highlights how his encounter with Joseph and Mary on that fateful night in Bethlehem would forever change his life. The lyrics speak of his initial reaction of denial and indifference towards the couple, dismissing them as just a girl and a couple of gypsies begging at the door.
As the song progresses, we see the innkeeper's inner turmoil and regret. He sneaks out to the stable where Mary has given birth to Jesus and realizes the magnitude of what he has done. He is overwhelmed with shame and guilt, realizing that he had turned away the Savior of the world.
The lyrics beautifully capture the innkeeper's remorse as he reflects on the fact that he could have found a room for them to stay. He realizes that Jesus, the Son of God, was just a babe, minutes old and trembling in the hay. The innkeeper weeps for his actions and the missed opportunity to be a part of something truly divine.
This song resonates with the listener because it brings to light the humanity of the characters in the nativity story. It reminds us that Mary was just a girl, chosen by God to bear His Son, and the innkeeper was just an ordinary person who missed the chance to witness the birth of the Savior. It reminds us that God often works through the ordinary and insignificant to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
In the Bible, there are several verses that relate to the theme of the song. One such verse is Luke 2:7, which describes how Mary gave birth to Jesus and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. This verse directly relates to the lyrics that depict the innkeeper denying them a place to stay.
Another verse that comes to mind is Matthew 25:40, where Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." This verse speaks to the missed opportunity the innkeeper had to show kindness and hospitality to Joseph and Mary. It highlights the importance of recognizing and serving others, even when they may seem insignificant or ordinary.
"Just A Girl" is a reminder for all of us to not overlook the seemingly small and ordinary moments in life. It challenges us to see the potential for divine encounters in every interaction. It encourages us to extend love, kindness, and hospitality to others, even when it may be inconvenient or uncomfortable.
In conclusion, "Just A Girl" by Brandon Heath is a captivating and introspective song that invites the listener to reflect on the nativity story from a fresh perspective. It beautifully captures the emotions and regrets of the innkeeper who turned Mary and Joseph away, reminding us that God often works through the ordinary and insignificant. Through its relatable lyrics and powerful message, this song serves as a poignant reminder to embrace every opportunity to show love and kindness to others, as we never know when we may be encountering something truly divine.
