Here I Am Lord, Send Me

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a distinct call to action, a voice "From under the altar" asking "Who will go and who will stay?" Immediately, a speaker steps forward, declaring "Here I am, Lord, send me." This sets a tone of immediate, unwavering commitment to a divine mission. The core tension lies in the speaker's absolute readiness contrasted with the grim reality of the mission. The repeated "I'll go" and "no matter when, no matter where" express a fierce dedication. This commitment is particularly striking given the explicit warning of persecution, including being "hurt you" and even "kill you." The most impactful craft choice is the stark, almost brutal Spoken Bridge. It interrupts the speaker's declarations with a chilling prophecy: "they will mark you and they will hurt you... And they will kill you." This unflinching list of potential suffering — judgment, lies, spitting, death — transforms the speaker's repeated "Here I am, Lord, send me" from a simple affirmation into a profound act of informed self-sacrifice. These lyrics resonate because they portray a commitment that isn't naive; it's fully aware of the cost. The speaker's willingness to go "Even if I go alone" and face such severe consequences makes the declaration deeply courageous. The repeated affirmation, even after the dire warnings, powerfully conveys an ideal of steadfast faith and purpose in the face of overwhelming adversity.