Saved

Joseph O'Brien's song 'Saved' is a heartfelt exploration of redemption and transformation through faith. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who has hit rock bottom, feeling the weight of their mistakes and the pain of their failures. The opening lines, 'I gave it my best shot / But it was never enough,' set the tone for a narrative of struggle and despair. The protagonist is overwhelmed by regret and the inability to change their circumstances, symbolizing a universal human experience of feeling lost and hopeless.

The turning point in the song comes with the intervention of a higher power, which O'Brien identifies as Christ. The lyrics, 'I couldn't climb my way up / I couldn't change who I was, you found me,' highlight the theme of divine rescue. This moment of being 'found' signifies a profound transformation, where the protagonist is lifted from their lowest point and given a new lease on life. The metaphor of being 'lifted from down low' and 'drew my heart out, from the crashing waves' evokes a sense of being saved from drowning, both literally and metaphorically.

The chorus reinforces the idea of salvation, emphasizing that it is not through one's own efforts but through the grace of a savior that one is redeemed. The repetition of 'It's why they call it getting saved' underscores the central message of the song. The final verses, 'In Christ I am made in / To a new creation / The old past away from me,' encapsulate the theme of rebirth and renewal. This transformation is not just a change in circumstances but a fundamental change in identity, where the past is washed away, and a new, hopeful future is embraced.