Hopeless, Etc.

I think this is a great look at our relationship with God. We as humans are hopeless, because we have that inherent sin nature, and there is nothing humanly possible that we can do to change that. We are helpless, because we can't save ourselves, which is where Christ comes into the picture; He did the saving for us. The useless part comes in when we seek to follow the Lord. The only time we're completely useful to God is when we stop finding uses for ourselves and make ourselves completely available to Him. Not an easy thing to do by any means, but it's then that we'll find the most fulfillment in life.

I think NW is on the right track. Gene most likely is singing about how what the Bible refers to as "sin" has ruined his life, stole his sense of worth and purpose. What makes me blelieve this to be about the sin nature is the allusion that is made to Romans 11:23, and that allusion is made in the line, "you left me mute and defiant." Gene could very well be singing from the stand point of a man whom God has imprisoned in disobedience (defiant), who in the natural forsees no hope of redemption. I miss Adam Again.

Consummate '90's alt rock band, this little gem from southern California provided needed balance to the pop sound dominating CCM. Refusing to conform, Adam Again allowed an entire generation access to the healing message of Christ by identifying first with the pain of a hurting soul. Hopeless, etc. is one example of this and if I had my wish, would be covered by Michael Stipe and his little band from Athens, GA.