However, the "Ripple" to which I am referring is actually one of their songs.
A friend of mine mentioned to me recently that he had a bit of an epiphany when this song came on Pandora as it not only reminded him of how much he has always liked "Ripple" but also made him realize why he liked it so much - beyond the Jerry Garcia music part. He said it was because the lyrics (written by Robert Hunter) "just absolutely slammed (him)."
Then he requested my thoughts on it.
So, here I will provide you with the lyrics followed by my thoughts on them:
Ripple
If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung
Would you hear my voice come through the music
Would you hold it near as it were your own?
It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken
Perhaps they're better left unsung
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs to fill the air
(Chorus)
Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow
Reach out your hand if your cup be empty
If your cup is full may it be again
Let it be known there is a fountain
That was not made by the hands of men
There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn and the dark of night
And if you go no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone
(Chorus)
Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow
You who choose to lead must follow
But if you fall you fall alone
If you should stand then who's to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home
If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung
Would you hear my voice come through the music
Would you hold it near as it were your own?
It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken
Perhaps they're better left unsung
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs to fill the air
(Chorus)
Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow
Reach out your hand if your cup be empty
If your cup is full may it be again
Let it be known there is a fountain
That was not made by the hands of men
There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn and the dark of night
And if you go no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone
(Chorus)
Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow
You who choose to lead must follow
But if you fall you fall alone
If you should stand then who's to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home
My thoughts:
Those are very good and deep lyrics (no water pun intended).
Makes me think of how we all have our own intended path & purpose in life that no one else can fill. Also that our words and action may be that ripple that start small but ultimately reach much farther.
Makes me think of how we all have our own intended path & purpose in life that no one else can fill. Also that our words and action may be that ripple that start small but ultimately reach much farther.
And the reference to leading yet following...perfect example of a good, true leader - a servant leader. I personally think of Jesus in that aspect because He was/is the true servant leader who taught His disciples and us, His followers, to lead by serving and genuinely caring for others regardless of whether they recognize or appreciate it and regardless of whether the love and service is returned.
Also, to me, the reference to the fountain not made by the hands of men, a very clear reference to the fountain of living water of eternal life and ultimate, eternal fulfillment in Jesus. He says in John 4 to the woman at the well, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (Referring to His Holy Spirit which comes to live in us when we ask Him to and confess that we believe in Him.)
Even the songs references to reaching out your hand if it is empty reflect that initial asking for the drink of Living Water. And though we, as believers, have His Spirit in full forever in us, some days we feel less full and drained from this life and don't always live in the fullness of His power and love that is in us, so in those times, all we have to do is tap into the One who resides in us and we will feel full again.
Oh, and then, the part about the road, ours as followers of Christ is just that - a narrow, road - not a simple highway. We are assured in the Bible that there will be few who will follow that road, so many times we feel we are even on it alone. The road of faith is often lonely and is tough, because it is just that - faith - "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1)." So as we walk that road, we are, like the song says, risking falling "alone" since so many others choose not to walk that road at all for fear of being wrong. But the hope and assurance I have, which I feel the song writer at that time was just on the edge of but not quite ready to go there, is that I am not alone. My God is always with me and though no one on this earth may be able to guide me safely, He is my guide as I stand and as I fall and is leading me safely home.
That's my take on the song.
Even the songs references to reaching out your hand if it is empty reflect that initial asking for the drink of Living Water. And though we, as believers, have His Spirit in full forever in us, some days we feel less full and drained from this life and don't always live in the fullness of His power and love that is in us, so in those times, all we have to do is tap into the One who resides in us and we will feel full again.
Oh, and then, the part about the road, ours as followers of Christ is just that - a narrow, road - not a simple highway. We are assured in the Bible that there will be few who will follow that road, so many times we feel we are even on it alone. The road of faith is often lonely and is tough, because it is just that - faith - "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1)." So as we walk that road, we are, like the song says, risking falling "alone" since so many others choose not to walk that road at all for fear of being wrong. But the hope and assurance I have, which I feel the song writer at that time was just on the edge of but not quite ready to go there, is that I am not alone. My God is always with me and though no one on this earth may be able to guide me safely, He is my guide as I stand and as I fall and is leading me safely home.
That's my take on the song.
What is yours? I would love to hear your feedback.
1 comment:
I will be honest with you for I did not see half of what you wrote, but what you wrote encouraged me none the less. I did see the fact of the fountain though. And I like you know that I am never alone and can always rely on God to be with me and see me through anything that may come in my life.But as I think of ripples the thought that comes to mind is life is like a ripple affect. For as the waters are stirred to have a ripple affect so are our lives stirred when things don't go the way we think they ought too, but then when we put our thoughts back on the one who gave us life, and can help us in time of need. Is when we get that calmness after the ripples are gone. Well I hope this thought has shed some light on this thought. your friend misterp
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