After an abuse-filled childhood, I promised myself I’d stand up for someone who needed it whenever I had the chance. That’s why I went into law enforcement decades ago. As life brought more challenges, I found ways through them. Looking back, I could see how each lesson prepared me for another chapter where someone needed my help in a different way.
That’s what this song is about. We’re all able to help if we’re willing. I believe God runs us through the fires of life to teach us, then hands us a bucket of water and sends us back in to put out a fire for someone else.
Lyrics
I learned young what silence costs
And what fear'll make you do
When someone stays quiet to keep the peace
That don't mean peace is what they're gettin'
I learned how a scared kid disappears
How mean can own a room
So I made up my mind if I got the chance
I'd stand up when someone needed me to
He don't wait around for perfect people
He'd be waitin' still
He takes the broke ones and the hard-headed
And somehow bends 'em to His will
I ain't polished, I ain't righteous
I've been a broken mess more than once
But I know what it feels like needin' someone
And nobody comin' through
So if there's someone no one's hearin'
Someone backed against the wall
I'll speak for the unspoken for
Maybe that makes me the right mess for the job
I wore a badge down in Florida
'Cause I remember bein' a scared kid on the floor
And every scared face I ever looked at
I'd seen some version of myself before
Some folks holler, some just shut down
Some carry it all their life
And sometimes all it takes is one brave person
To step up and say this ain't right
I cuss like a sailor
And sure I've raised some Cain
He knows every place I've been
Yet He keeps sendin' me back in
But every mornin' I still call on the Father
Help me be a little better man
Than the one I was back then
He don't wait around for perfect people
Never has, far as I can tell
He finds someone that's walked through fire
Hands 'em a bucket of water and sends 'em back in
I ain't polished, I ain't righteous
I surely ain't got it all
But if someone needs a voice beside 'em
I know how to answer that call
For the scared ones
For the quiet ones
For the ones no one saw
I'll speak for the unspoken for
And if He needs a broken mess
Who still gets up when He calls
That makes me the perfect mess for the job
Lord
You know what You're workin' with
I ain't perfect
Never claimed to be
But if You need me
I'll do that job