Song Meaning
Jessi Colter's "Consider Me" is a masterclass in stripped-down devotional music, a quiet storm of supplication that transcends simple gospel. The song isn't just religious; it's profoundly personal, excavating the raw vulnerability inherent in faith. The opening lines, "Consider me I'm kneeling at your feet / If you were standing here I would not move," immediately establish a posture of utter submission. This isn't a casual prayer; it's a complete surrender, a laying down of the self before a higher power. The repetition of "consider me" underscores the speaker's desperate plea for recognition and acceptance. It's a bold request disguised as humility.
The middle verses introduce a subtle shift, alluding to the figure of Christ: "He was the only one you chose to call your son / There was no room for him in homes or hearts of men." Colter doesn't explicitly name Jesus, but the imagery is unmistakable. This section highlights the themes of rejection and sacrifice, drawing a parallel between Christ's isolation and the speaker's own feelings of inadequacy. The line, "He died a lonely man he was the only one" is a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice. It's here that the song's true power lies – in its ability to connect personal pain with universal suffering.
The song's brilliance is that it works on multiple levels. While overtly religious, "Consider Me" can also be interpreted as a love song, a plea for recognition from a distant or unattainable lover. The devotion expressed could easily be directed toward a human object of affection. The lyrics are ambiguous enough to allow for both interpretations, making the song resonate with a wider audience. Ultimately, Jessi Colter delivers a timeless meditation on faith, love, and the enduring human need for connection, solidifying the song meaning as a powerful statement of vulnerability and hope.