And I scrub and scrub
But my hands won't come clean
Of this sin that's underneath my nails
I've given everything a chance at molding me
But everything continues to fail
Who holds the keys to my closet?
Who sees my wrong
But won't hold it against me?
Guilt, leave me alone
It's been forgiven and forgotten so let me be
My memory won't leave me alone
Of my past, it keeps reminding me
Can my heart be recovered?
Someone give me the chance to start over
And over and over and over
What this clay needs is a new potter
Who's every touch shapes me free
What these hands need is breathing water
To restore purity, yeah!
Faith, where are you off to?
Don't be gone too long
It's going to be dark soon
And you won't find your way home
And all the world's horses
And all the world's men
Could not put my heart back together again
What this clay needs is a new potter
Who's every touch shapes me free
What these hands need is breathing water
To restore purity, yeah, yea-yeah
And I can't imagine where I'd be
And I can't imagine where I'd be
What this clay needs is a new potter
Who's every touch shapes me free
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
What these hands need is breathing water
To restore purity, yeah!
Oh, purity, yea-yeah! Ooh!
Yeah, yeah, yeah...
"Purity" by MercyMe is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the struggle of finding forgiveness and redemption. The lyrics delve into the depths of sin and guilt, and the longing for a fresh start and restoration of purity.
The song begins with the narrator acknowledging their efforts to cleanse themselves of their sins, but feeling unsuccessful in their attempts. They describe the sin as being underneath their nails, symbolizing the deep-rooted nature of their wrongdoing. This imagery highlights the frustration and desperation they feel in trying to rid themselves of their guilt.
The chorus of the song speaks to the need for forgiveness and release from guilt. The narrator longs for their past sins to be forgiven and forgotten, allowing them to move forward without being haunted by their mistakes. They plead for their memory to leave them alone, emphasizing their desire to be set free from the burden of their past.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of hopelessness and longing for a fresh start. The narrator wonders who holds the keys to their closet, symbolizing the need for someone to unlock the secrets of their past and offer them a chance at redemption. They express their longing for a new potter to shape them, referring to God as the one who can mold them into a new creation.
The theme of purity is central to the song, as the title suggests. The narrator recognizes their need for cleansing and restoration. They acknowledge that their hands need "breathing water" to restore their purity. This water represents the cleansing power of God's forgiveness and grace. It is through His mercy that the narrator hopes to find purity and freedom from their past mistakes.
The song draws inspiration from various scripture verses that relate to the theme of forgiveness and restoration. Romans 3:23 reminds us that all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, highlighting the universal need for forgiveness. Psalm 51:10 is referenced in the lyrics, as the narrator asks for a new heart and a steadfast spirit. This verse reflects the desire for a fresh start and a transformed life.
The song's emotive lyrics and powerful message resonate with listeners who have experienced the weight of guilt and the longing for forgiveness. It serves as a reminder that no matter how deep our sins may be, God's forgiveness is available to us. Through His grace, we can find healing, restoration, and a renewed sense of purity.
In conclusion, "Purity" by MercyMe is a moving song that explores the struggle for forgiveness and restoration. Its lyrics speak to the deep longing for a fresh start and the restoration of purity. Drawing inspiration from scripture, the song reminds us of God's grace and the transformative power of His forgiveness. It serves as a powerful reminder that no sin is too great for God's mercy and that through Him, we can find true redemption and restoration.
