Its about someone struggling to break free from their own, sinful self and trying to become the person they want to be - someone pleasing to God.
The first verse talks about his struggles with his flesh - his "wooden soul" being fundamentally opposed to God's working, and not being able to get out of the "places it has fallen" - sinful, selfish habits and lifestyle. But he realises that even through this, God still loves him - "And now your mercy lights up my dark eyes".
The second verse talks about his progress - he is getting over his old self, and his "knotted trunk is straightening" - he's getting on top of his struggles with the flesh. But he realises he is not quite there yet - still waiting for "If this world will ever release me", and knows he has to be patient for it. He knows he is still not perfect, even after all this time - but no matter what, he is still the "the object of [God's] affection".
I love the chorus most of all. So simple - "the sun will shine on winter snow". No matter how cold hearted, how dark and lost we are, God's light will forever shine on us. He will be continually melting us away, refining us, until he eventually makes us like him.
natethegreat got it right. Its about God's love - unconditional on what we do, forever constant, never failing. Always working on our hearts, refining us as long as we let him, but loving us no matter where we are at.
Its about someone struggling to break free from their own, sinful self and trying to become the person they want to be - someone pleasing to God.
The first verse talks about his struggles with his flesh - his "wooden soul" being fundamentally opposed to God's working, and not being able to get out of the "places it has fallen" - sinful, selfish habits and lifestyle. But he realises that even through this, God still loves him - "And now your mercy lights up my dark eyes".
The second verse talks about his progress - he is getting over his old self, and his "knotted trunk is straightening" - he's getting on top of his struggles with the flesh. But he realises he is not quite there yet - still waiting for "If this world will ever release me", and knows he has to be patient for it. He knows he is still not perfect, even after all this time - but no matter what, he is still the "the object of [God's] affection".
I love the chorus most of all. So simple - "the sun will shine on winter snow". No matter how cold hearted, how dark and lost we are, God's light will forever shine on us. He will be continually melting us away, refining us, until he eventually makes us like him.
natethegreat got it right. Its about God's love - unconditional on what we do, forever constant, never failing. Always working on our hearts, refining us as long as we let him, but loving us no matter where we are at.
Beautiful song.