☝️ Key Points
- The singer acknowledges his weakness and ignorance and asks God for help and guidance, questioning if death is his destiny and if God can offer him a better future
- The lyrics express the doubts and fears of the singer, questioning if God will accept him despite his shortcomings and if he will be able to see God in a new light
- The singer seeks divine comfort and liberation, seeking entry into the kingdom of God, a place without limits
- He refers to God as his source of life, his daily bread and breath when he prays
Interpretation
The song lyrics 'Ich steh vor dir mit leeren Händen' by
Kirchenlieder is a profound religious hymn that deals with prayers, hope, and faith. It expresses the inner turmoil, doubts, and inadequacy of the singer, as well as their longing for divine guidance and redemption.
In the first verse, 'Ich steh vor dir mit leeren Händen, Herr; fremd wie dein Name sind mir deine Wege. Seit Menschen leben, rufen sie nach Gott; mein Los ist Tod, hast du nicht andern Segen? Bist du der Gott, der Zukunft mir verheißt? Ich möchte glauben, komm du mir entgegen.', the singer acknowledges their weakness and ignorance, and asks God for help and guidance. They question if death is their fate and if God can offer them a different future.
In the second verse, 'Von Zweifeln ist mein Leben übermannt, mein Unvermögen hält mich ganz gefangen. Hast du mit Namen mich in deine Hand, in dein Erbarmen fest mich eingeschrieben? Nimmst du mich auf in dein gelobtes Land? Werd ich dich noch mit neuen Augen sehen?', the singer illustrates their desperate doubts and fears. They ask if God will accept them despite their shortcomings and if they will be able to see God in a new light.
In the final verse, 'Sprich du das Wort, das tröstet und befreit und das mich führt in deinen großen Frieden. Schließ auf das Land, das keine Grenzen kennt, und laß mich unter deinen Kindern leben. Sei du mein täglich Brot, so wahr du lebst. Du bist mein Atem, wenn ich zu dir bete.', the singer asks for divine comfort and liberation. They request to be admitted into God's kingdom, a place without boundaries. They declare that God is their source of life, their daily bread, and their breath when they pray.