Monday, December 17, 2007

Lyrics Du Jour - Trouble Me

Today's selection is an oldie but goodie from 10,000 Maniacs. *Bit o' Em trivia: I got to see 10,000 Maniacs open for R.E.M. in the mid-80's before this song was even written. At that show Natalie Merchant was twirling on stage and twisted her ankle. After the show a few fans waited by the tour busses, some even tossed a frisbie with Bill Berry. And Michael Stipe carried Natalie out to the bus...very romantic moment.* Anyway, the lyrics for Trouble Me are pretty awesome in context of friendships in general. I know the first time I heard this song I got all weepy & grateful about some special people in my life. I mean, how can ya not? Check 'em out:

"Trouble me, disturb me with all your cares and your worries.
Trouble me on the days when you feel spent.
Why let your shoulders bend underneath this burden
when my back is sturdy and strong? Trouble me.

Speak to me, don't mislead me,
the calm I feel means a storm is swelling;
there's no telling where it starts or how it ends.
Speak to me, why are you building this thick brick wall to defend me
when your silence is my greatest fear?
Why let your shoulders bend underneath this burden
when my back is sturdy and strong?
Speak to me.

Let me have a look inside these eyes while I'm learning.
Please don't hide them just because of tears.
Let me send you off to sleep with a"There, there, now stop your turning and tossing."
Let me know where the hurt is and how to heal.

Spare me? Don't spare me anything troubling.
Trouble me, disturb me with all your cares and you worries.
Speak to me and let our words build a shelter from the storm.
Lastly, let me know what I can mend.
There's more, honestly, than my sweet friend, you can see.
Trust is what I'm offering if you trouble me"

And now I hear these lyrics as the words of Jesus. If I'm having a bad day, I imagine Jesus is singing this to me and I surrender to His grace which is sufficient for all my needs.

1 comment:

Stacie said...

This song leaves me in tears because how many people ask "how are you" and don't mean it? And we know they don't mean it. But there are people willing to care how you really are but then you feel like you're bothering them with your drama...

I have "trouble me" friends that I consider one of God's greatest gifts to me - I don't deserve them but even from 500+ miles away, back in Maryland/DC I know they would say these words in a moment if they thought they were needed.