Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a picture of universal human inclination towards devotion, framing it as an inherent part of our nature. The opening verses establish a broad observation: "Everybody's worshipping something." This isn't presented as a critique, but as a fundamental truth about how we direct our "mind's attention" and "hearts affection," whether it's to abstract concepts, creative expressions, or organized belief systems.
The central tension arises from this widespread tendency and the narrator's specific, definitive choice. While acknowledging that "Religions [are] dozen for a dime," the narrator pivots from this general observation to a singular declaration: "And I choose You." This isn't just a passive acceptance, but an active selection amidst a sea of potential objects of worship, highlighting the personal agency involved in faith.
The most striking aspect of the craft is the direct, almost defiant contrast between the multitude of things people worship and the narrator's singular focus. The repetition of "Everybody's worshipping something" sets up the powerful, simple statement "I choose You." This contrast is amplified by the later revelation that the choice is reciprocal: "Before I chose You, You first chose me," suggesting a divine initiative that underpins the narrator's devotion and solidifies the object of worship as uniquely "worthy."
Ultimately, the lyrics resonate because they articulate a deeply personal commitment within a context of universal human behavior. The act of choosing, especially when framed as a response to a prior selection, transforms abstract devotion into a concrete, powerful affirmation. It’s this grounded, active declaration of faith, set against the backdrop of widespread, often unfocused, worship, that gives the lyrics their emotional weight.