Dull as dirt
You can't assert the kind of light
That might persuade
A strict dictator to retire
Fire the army
Teach the poor origami
The truth is in
The proof is when
You hear your heart start asking,
"What's my motivation,"
And try as you may, there isn't a way
To explain the kind of change
That would make an Eskimo renounce fur
That would make a vegetarian barbecue hamster
Unless you can trace this about-face
To a certain sign...
Chorus:
Shine
Make 'em wonder what you've got
Make 'em wish that they were not
On the Outside looking bored
Shine
Let it shine before all men
Let 'em see good works and then
Let 'em glorify the Lord
Out of the shaker and onto the plate
It isn't Karma
It sure ain't fate
That would make a deadhead sell his van
That would make a schizophrenic
Turn in his crayons
Oprah freaks
And science seeks a rationale
That shall excuse
This strange behavior
When you let it shine
You will inspire
The kind of entire turn-around
That would make a bouncer take ballet
(even bouncers who aren't happy)
But out of the glare
With no where to turn
You ain't gonna learn it on
"What's my line?"
(repeat Chorus till end)
You can't assert the kind of light
That might persuade
A strict dictator to retire
Fire the army
Teach the poor origami
The truth is in
The proof is when
You hear your heart start asking,
"What's my motivation,"
To explain the kind of change
That would make an Eskimo renounce fur
That would make a vegetarian barbecue hamster
Unless you can trace this about-face
To a certain sign...
Shine
Make 'em wonder what you've got
Make 'em wish that they were not
On the Outside looking bored
Shine
Let it shine before all men
Let 'em see good works and then
Let 'em glorify the Lord
It isn't Karma
It sure ain't fate
That would make a deadhead sell his van
That would make a schizophrenic
Turn in his crayons
Oprah freaks
And science seeks a rationale
That shall excuse
This strange behavior
You will inspire
The kind of entire turn-around
That would make a bouncer take ballet
(even bouncers who aren't happy)
But out of the glare
With no where to turn
You ain't gonna learn it on
"What's my line?"
Add your song meanings, interpretations, facts, memories & more to the community.
I love this song, the lyrics are pure brilliance, and the message is clear. I miss Fuhler...
I LOVE this song. It's so inspiring.
"Shine, make 'em wonder what you've got" tells Christians to "shine" and make other people "wonder what you've got".
I love it too!We play it in Sunday school all the time,well this one girl anyway,but this guy is always messing around trying to turn it off.Joey is a little hyper sometimes.More than I love this song,more than I love anything,even,is God!
Hey! Newsboys fans:
Im a new fan myself. I got Shine the Hits for my B-day, and I want to know which albums you recomend. I also want to know who else you like (both christian and non-christian) Thanks!
as for my thoughts on the song, i think this song is so inspireing! it encourages people to put themselves out there and show the world what a life in Christ could be like.
this song is my ultimate happy song
I luv this song & this band! ... gotta love their style & their message! This is such a feel good song, I never get sick of it!
This song got me into the Newsboys. I fully agree with LiveOnCoke -- this is the ultimate happy song.
I also agree that this is a happy song, and not only that but but like kmm said it's about being so contageously passionate about God that His light shines through you.
This song is quite excellent and I enjoy the daylights out of it. But... I have to say something that I have prayed about and thus far have been unanswered. A personal conflict falling on deaf ears.
It can be seen in this songs as well as virtually every Christian song out there. Simplicity. I do not wish to attack or be attacked in this belief that I hold. I simply find that Christian songs these days, and sermons, Bible studies and the likes, preach only a basic understanding of anything spiritual. They seem to be catering to what people want to hear and not a truth.
I am at a crisis of faith here because I see what everyone tells me about the nature of God and I am bored. I am dying here, drowning in doubt because it appears to simple. I can see my entire spiritual being and lifespan laid out and there is no challenge. This song and the church in general is to optimistic.
Maybe these rantings are naive, but I wish I would be told so. I feel lost like the kid who stands in the classroom watching the needless recitation of a pledge he cannot justify. Perhaps I have a calling I have not fullfilled. Is there someone I can talk to?
I know this was posted back in 05' but if your still facing these problems try just reading the Bible a bit you may find an answer there since the Bible is The Word of God we may not hear God speak to us but we can read it, and another thing is talk to your pastor about this, i don't think your naive just a little lost, a lamb who need to find it's Shepard, God Loves you, but one thing is that no one but God can see the future, you may know what may happen but you...
I know this was posted back in 05' but if your still facing these problems try just reading the Bible a bit you may find an answer there since the Bible is The Word of God we may not hear God speak to us but we can read it, and another thing is talk to your pastor about this, i don't think your naive just a little lost, a lamb who need to find it's Shepard, God Loves you, but one thing is that no one but God can see the future, you may know what may happen but you never know what will happen, God Bless
@DxCxKuhl I am creating a podcast about this song, and as I read your post, I was saddened. You seem to be searching.. and this was 17 years ago. I hope you have found what you are looking for. I think I understand... I would recommend the book "Beautiful Outlaw" by John Eldredge, the first chapter is entitled "The Playfulness of God and the poison of religion" You may find a collection of podcasts on worship songs on my podcast entitled "In Search of My Heart" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-my-heart/id1530254748
@DxCxKuhl I am creating a podcast about this song, and as I read your post, I was saddened. You seem to be searching.. and this was 17 years ago. I hope you have found what you are looking for. I think I understand... I would recommend the book "Beautiful Outlaw" by John Eldredge, the first chapter is entitled "The Playfulness of God and the poison of religion" You may find a collection of podcasts on worship songs on my podcast entitled "In Search of My Heart" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-my-heart/id1530254748