Deeper Water

Ry Cox's song "Deeper Water" is a profound exploration of spiritual longing and redemption, drawing heavily on biblical imagery to convey its message. The lyrics reference three significant biblical figures: the woman at the well, the cripple at Bethesda, and the soldier at the crucifixion. Each of these characters represents a different aspect of human frailty and the transformative power of divine love and grace.

The woman at the well is a reference to the Samaritan woman who encounters Jesus in the Gospel of John. She is initially skeptical, questioning how Jesus can offer her 'living water' when he has nothing to draw with. This interaction symbolizes the human condition of searching for fulfillment and the realization that true satisfaction comes from spiritual nourishment. The 'living water' represents the eternal life and spiritual sustenance that Jesus offers.

The cripple at Bethesda is another biblical reference, this time to the man who had been ill for 38 years and was healed by Jesus. This story emphasizes the theme of waiting and the miraculous power of love to renew and heal. The lyrics suggest that love, embodied by Jesus, has the power to make all things new and to rewrite the rules of existence.

Finally, the soldier at the crucifixion represents a moment of profound transformation. As he pierces Jesus' side, water and blood flow out, symbolizing the life-giving sacrifice of Jesus. This act brings the soldier to a realization of the divine nature of Jesus, highlighting the theme of redemption through sacrifice. Throughout the song, the repeated plea for 'living water' and to be taken 'deeper' underscores a deep yearning for spiritual depth and connection.

"Deeper Water" is a moving meditation on the human desire for spiritual fulfillment and the transformative power of divine love, using rich biblical imagery to convey its message.