Meaning of "Lord" by Young Fathers

In this song, Young Fathers express a desire to transcend judgment and surrender to a higher power. The repeated plea to the Lord not to pay attention suggests a longing to escape external scrutiny and find solace in a divine presence. The line "Lord, don't pay me no mind" reveals a desire to be released from the pressures and expectations of the world, seeking validation and guidance instead from a higher authority. By asking the Lord to choose a time, the song implies a willingness to submit to the divine will and timing.

The lyrics also explore themes of love, hate, joy, and pain. The line "Love wants to give, Hate wants the thrills, Joy hates the pain, But pain, we all need" illustrates the complex relationship between these emotions. Love is portrayed as selfless and giving, while hate seeks excitement and pleasure. Joy is depicted as being averse to pain, highlighting the natural human desire for happiness and aversion to suffering. However, the lyrics emphasize the importance of pain and the need to experience it, suggesting that it is through hardship that growth and understanding are achieved.

The repetition of the line "This is my cross to bear" further underscores the theme of surrender and acceptance. The cross symbolizes burdens and suffering, suggesting that each individual has their own struggles to endure. By claiming the cross as their own, the lyrics imply a willingness to carry their personal burdens and find meaning in their journey.

The song takes an unexpected turn in the final line, with the mention of the government wanting to control. This line juxtaposes the idea of external control with the earlier themes of surrender and divine guidance. It suggests that true freedom is not found in the hands of authority, but rather in the ability to set oneself free from societal constraints and expectations. It reflects a sentiment of resistance and a belief in personal agency.