Looking Over My Shoulder (Graces and Mercies, Tom)

One thing I've noticed as I get older, is that songs I've listened to dozens of times can suddenly reveal their meanings (or new meanings) as I accumulate more experiences. Case in point: I was listening to the album High Noon by Mark Heard. I came to the song "Look Over Your Shoulder", and its meaning became very real to me (at least, a meaning that the Lord had for me).

Here is a recording of the song as done by Randy Stonehill and Kate Miner from the tribute album Strong Hand of Love. While there is nothing wrong with the original, I've always enjoyed this one more for some reason.

Look Over Your Shoulder
by Mark Heard

Look over your shoulder and tell me what's coming
Tell me what is the bogey that you're so afraid of
The eyes in the back of our heads can persuade
That just for a moment mercy has swayed
Look over your shoulder and tell me what's coming

Look into your sad eyes and tell me what you see
What is left of the child who is hiding behind them
Who longs to be laughing in places of light
Who knows that the morning will follow the night
Look into your sad eyes and tell me what you see

If you must be afraid, be afraid of yourself
For being afraid of the fear you have felt
You will weather well in a climate of love

It takes more than your passion and more than your pain
For the rock of forgiveness to melt in the rain

Look over your shoulder and tell me what's coming
Look into your sad eyes and tell me what you see
Look over your shoulder and tell me what's coming

This song speaks to the fear that has been lurking in the back of my head, that looks for moments to jump out and overtake me. I love the way that this song expresses comfort and hope, while at the same time giving a sense of understanding.