Thousand Foot Krutch: Be Somebody (Official Audio)
Inspiration Behind Be Somebody:
Trevor McNevan wrote Be Somebody from a deeply personal and spiritual place, exploring the longing to be seen, understood, and accepted for who you truly are in life. Trevor was having an identity crisis, using the line “boy inside the man” struggling to reconcile his true self with how others perceive him. Be Somebody reflects a journey of self-discovery.
Biblical Application:
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you, 2 Corinthians 4:7-12.
Exegesis of Be Somebody:
I’m just the boy inside the man, not exactly who you think I am
Trying to trace my steps back here again, so many times
I’m just a speck inside your head, you came and made me who I am
Trevor is trying to figure out his place in this world. Trevor is struggling to grasp who he is. A reference to God.
I remember where it all began, so clearly
When and where Trevor first met God.
I feel a million miles away, still you connect me in your way
And you create in me, something I would’ve never seen
When I can only see the floor, you made my window a door
So when they say they don’t believe, I hope that they see you and me
After all the lights go down, I’m just the words you are the sound
A strange type of chemistry, how you’ve become a part of me
And when I sit alone at night, your thoughts burn through me like a fire
You’re the only one who knows, who I really am
Trevor feels so far away from God. The Lord started something special inside of Trevor, but he never saw this potential. Line 3 may be a reference to how the Lord provides for you. As skeptics question God’s existence, Trevor hopes this doubter will see his relationship with God. A metaphor where you are the student and God is the instructor. Trevor is trying to explain how you can have a relationship with an invisible God. The power of the Holy Spirit to ignite conviction and passion. Jesus is the only one in the world who truly knows Trevor.
We all wanna be somebody, we just need a taste of who we are
We all wanna be somebody, we’re willing to go but not that far
This opening chorus serves as a prayer to be successful in life. How far are you willing to go to become great.
And we’re all see through, just like glass
And we can shatter just as fast
That light’s been burned out for a while, I still see it every time I pass
It was lost in the coldness of my mind, behind a box of reasons why
I never doubted it was there, just took a little time to find
While human beings try to hide their pain, souls are fragile like glass. Perhaps a reference to faith that burns inside of your heart. An example of when faith grows cold and the journey to rediscover it.
And even when
Trying to recover.
I feel a million miles away, still you connect me in your way
And you create in me, something I would’ve never seen
When I can only see the floor, you made my window a door
So when they say they don’t believe I hope that they see you and me
After all the lights go down, I’m just the words you are the sound
A strange type of chemistry, and you’ve become a part of me
And when I sit alone at night, your thoughts burn through me like a fire
You’re the only one who knows, who I really am
God is omnipresent despite the distance. God has a plan for each believer. The Bible is the instruction manual. Unfortunately, this may take years or a lifetime to realize your full potential. This is why the apostle Paul wrote about keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. The more this occurs, the better your chemistry with God. This takes time to meditate, ponder and reflect about who you are and how God can use you.
We all wanna be somebody, we just need a taste of who we are
We all wanna be somebody, we’re willing to go but not that far
We all wanna be somebody, (be somebody) we just need a taste of who we are
We all wanna be somebody, (be somebody) we’re willing to go but not that far
I’m just the boy inside the man, not exactly who you think I am
Trying to trace my steps back here again, so many times
When I can only see the floor, you made my window a door
So when they say they don’t believe, I hope that they see you and me
A simple desire to make a difference in life based upon the gifts God has given you. To what extent, how far will you go to fulfill this goal in life. Discovering your gifts and talents is like tasting success. Some do just enough to get by while others are much more committed. Maturity takes time, especially when you wander away from God. As you retrace your steps, God can provide the vision necessary so that when others doubt, they will see the faith inside of you.
Final Thoughts:
This is one of the songs that I have listened to hundreds of times, but never really thought about the lyrics. Be Somebody is like a modern-day Finding Your Place in this World song. However, Be Somebody challenges individuals to dig deep inside your heart, soul and mind. This spiritual journey will take time, but if you persevere, other people will begin to see the love of Jesus inside your heart. This is the goal as Be Somebody ends.
by Jay Mankus
