Implicit Demand for Proof

Knowing that the band comes from a Christian background, I think this song is the writer making an 'implicit demand for proof' that God exists/is listening/cares/etc. The writer is asking God for a sign that he is there, even if that sign is harmful to the speaker ("make me look away," "strike me down," "go ahead and show me your face," "rain down and destroy me"). The speaker is having trouble comprehending the ways of God and is willing to go to any length to reach understanding.

I actually do think that it IS "why would you let us use your name." His name IS holy and the Jews even feared writing his name down in it's intirety. They would abbreviate his name and leave out certain letters, which, translated into English, would be YHWH. And, I'm also in agreement with ginnyboy about challenging God. It's a scary concept considering that Jesus himself quoted scripture, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord your God." to Satan when he was being tempted on the mountain. So, I will probably stop singing this song and only listen haha

I think this song is fascinating, honestly. As a fellow religious person (although not Christian, as I know Tyler is) I can find a lot of meaning in the lyrics.

I don't think that Tyler is being particularly angry or angsty about/towards God in this song. To me, it doesn't sound like him denying God's presence at all - it's more of him feeling slightly lonely and isolated from God. He's asking for proof that he's not just talking to himself, and that there is a higher power listening to his prayers and such.

I relate to this a lot, despite the fact that I'm very solid and dedicated in my beliefs. I think there will always be times for a person of faith when you're facing a lot of difficulties in life, and you're desperate for a sign from deity to let you know that you're not alone in this.

I also sense frustration in Tyler's lyrics; he seems to be confused about some of the ways God is seen in the church, and wants answers directly from God himself instead of other Christian people. Again, this is very understandable, because sometimes you don't want the "wisdom" of others, but answers straight from the source.

I also get some of these feelings from the music itself in this song. It seems to go from a relatively simple piano line - like conversation, like he's speaking to God - to an intense synthesised part, showing his frustration in the situation he's in. Then, in the chorus, everything goes gentle: he asks God to rain down and destroy him. This proves how desperate he is for proof of God in whatever horrible situation he's in - he's willing to be destroyed just to know that his prayers are being answered. This could also be seen as an apology for the negative words he has said previously in the song.

Basically, I love this song a LOT. Everything about it is really beautiful.

It's a calling for God to reveal himself.

Even if it means that the singer has to die. He wants to have to look away from God's unseeable face while God smites him.

Just so that he can know that God exists. I think that the singer would have a smile on his face

I have to agree with Katie, this is a great song btw.

If it was "Why WOULD you let us use your name", it would make more sense, because God does let us use His name. We use it to get saved, pray, and in authority. I love this song and just yesterday I was listening to this song and singing along, outside, in the rain and thunder, and I chose to shut my mouth. I know God exists, and I'm not about to test him, although I love listening to joseph do it.

This is just what I thought of when first seeing the lyrics, but when he says "Why won't you let us use your name?" I was reminded of the Gospel of Mark. One theme in that book is that when people recognize Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God, He responds that they should tell know one. Example: Mark 8:29-30 "And He continued by questioning them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered and said to Him, "You are the Christ." And He warned them to tell no one about Him."

There's no need to reiterate what everyone has said here. The song is obviously challenging God. I just want to that MAN is this song emotional. He feels alone and wonders if God is really there and it's come to the point that he's ready to die. He just wants to see God. It's beautiful and most of us have reached that point of "I know it would kill me to see your face, but I don't care anymore; I want to see you" at some time or other. I just find it really intense and relatable.

I think that this is a great pilot song. Get it? Haha. Anyways, it talks about what Tyler and his band represents and also what his whole band sings about: Asking God to show them a sign that He exists and loves them, even through depression.