“Say It To Me Now” by Glen Hansard

Reflection

I remember hearing this song for the first time in eighth grade, sitting starstruck as Glen Hansard’s character in Once busked the streets of Dublin, nearly screaming his confusion into the darkness. At the time, I’m sure it was his passion that I found so moving. I remember thinking I could identify with his angst, though at the time all I really had was an unearned chip on my shoulder.

Looking back now, I realize I didn’t hear the yearning and frankness - the demands for answers from God - within the lyrics. I had scarcely experienced doubt, let alone the whole “shaking my fist at God” bit. I’ve since learned that one all too well, so much so that I’ve experienced seasons of doubting my faith altogether.

As I’ve become more at peace with the mystery of life with God, I’ve also grown more comfortable bringing my confusion, anguish even, before God in earnest expectation that he will see me and hear me. Not seeing it as a setback or a lapse in judgement to do so, but rather a substantial act of faith to come before my father as myself, with my true and uncensored emotions. To come before the God who knows the questions I have already and invites me further up and further into relationship with him in spite of them. I believe that is all he asks of us.

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Lyrics

Scratching at the surface now
And I'm trying hard to work it out
And so much has gone misunderstood
And this mystery only leads to doubt
And I didn't understand
When you reached down to take my hand

And if you have something to say
You'd better say it now

'Cause this is what you've waited for
Your chance to even up the score
And as these shadows fall on me now
I will somehow

'Cause I'm picking up the message, Lord
And I'm closer than I've ever been before
So if you have something to say
Say it to me now
Just say it to me now

For Further Reflection

1. What thoughts or emotions does this song bring up for you?

2. Can you identify any areas where you long to feel truly seen by your father? If so, can you find time to be alone with God and whatever it is that weighs on you?

3. Consider listening to Cold Water by Damien Rice to continue pondering this topic.

Songs of Lent is a group of people from Christ’s Community Church in Fishers, Indiana wanting to experience the fullness of Lent through music that connects us with the universal human longing for the divine.