Send Me

Song Meaning

The lyrics present a direct plea for divine direction, framed by a series of thought-provoking hypothetical scenarios. The narrator questions the nature of faith and obedience, wondering if true service involves unconditional commitment, even to distant or challenging places like Timbuktu. This initial framing immediately establishes a tone of earnest inquiry, tinged with a touch of playful absurdity in the idea of people fearing being sent to the USA. The core tension lies in the narrator's struggle against procrastination and conditional commitment. They acknowledge the temptation to make "lame excuses" and serve only when prompted by external forces ("move my feet"). The powerful imagery of "lock[ing] it up / And throw[ing] away the key" highlights the internal conflict: will they seize opportunities or let them pass based on personal conditions? The most striking craft element is the inversion of fear and consequence. Instead of fearing divine punishment, the narrator poses a scenario where people fear being sent to a place of perceived freedom (USA) for practicing their faith. This clever twist underscores the idea that true faith might require embracing the unknown and stepping outside one's comfort zone, rather than seeking safety in inaction. Ultimately, the lyrics resonate because they articulate a universal human desire for purpose coupled with the very real human tendency towards hesitation. The repeated, urgent refrain "Here I am, Lord, send me" acts as a powerful antidote to doubt, a declaration of readiness to embrace whatever mission is assigned, without delay or condition.