Undo Me – Jennifer Knapp (Official Music Video)
Inspiration Behind Undo Me:
Jennifer Knapp uses Undo Me as a way to apologize to her family. The lyrics speak to confessions in relationships with her father, sister, mother and brother. This stems from growing uo in a broken home, resulting in the divorce of her parents. When Jennifer became a Christian in college, she uses this song to mend the fences of broken relationships from her past. Undo Me also serves as a personal prayer to become more like Jesus.
Biblical Application:
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us, 1 John 1:8-10.
Exegesis of Undo Me:
Papa, I think I messed up again
Was it somethin’ I did?
Was it somethin’ I said?
I don’t mean to do You wrong, it’s just the way of human nature
Sister, I know I let you down
I can tell by the fact you’re never comin’ ’round
You don’t have to say a thing
I can tell by your eye, exactly what you mean
That it’s…
Jennifer is blaming herself for something she did or said to escalate a situation at home. Human nature in the form of her flesh got the best of Jennifer. Jenifer also realizes that she set her sister off as well.
Time to get down on my knees
And pray, “Lord, undo me
Put away my flesh and bone
‘Til You own this spirit through me, Lord
Undo me”
These events lead Jennifer to pray. She is seeking to undo her sinful ways, to be replaced by the Holy Spirit.
Mama, I know I made ya cry
But I never meant to hurt you
I never meant to lie
While the world shook its head in shame, I let you take the blame
Brother, I know you labored so hard to please
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Jennifer know turns her attention to her mother who is likely living on her own after the divorce. The shame reference is probably the cause or reason for her parents’ divorce. Finally, Jennifer apologizes to her brother who looked up to her.
But I cut ya down and I left you
On your knees
Well, I know it must be, yeah…
Instead, I hurt you deeply with my actions and tongue.
Time to get down on my knees
And pray, “Lord, undo me
Put away my flesh and bone
‘Til You own this spirit through me, Lord”
A prayer for change, to break free from these unholy actions.
I, I am wanting, needing, guilty and greedy
Unrighteous, unholy
Undo me, undo me
The painful reality of the present.
Abba Father, You must wonder why
More times than Peter I have denied
Three nails and a cross to prove
I owe my life eternally to You
Jennifer confesses to denying her faith despite all that God has down for her.
Well, it’s time to get down on my knees
And pray, “Lord, undo me
Put away my flesh and bone
‘Til You own this spirit through me, Lord
Undo me
When you fall from God’s grace, pray for forgiveness and mercy.
Final Thoughts:
Every human being has their own prodigal moment or phase in life, Luke 15. It’s only when you hit rock bottom that you come to your senses. As the month of May comes to an end, don’t be afraid to pour out your heart to God. If and when you do, James 5:16, you’ll feel a whole lot better moving forward.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 