Who I Am

"Who I Am is about a man who has turned his life around, but still wonders if there’s room for people like him in God’s kingdom – people with a past they’re not proud of.

I wrote this song for my dad just before he passed away. I loved my dad and we were very close, but he had many regrets over the way he behaved as a husband and a father when he was a young man. It was very healing for me to be an agent of grace in his life.

Although the lyrics are born of desperation, the music is meant to feel joyous because, as we sometimes forget, there is more rejoicing on heaven over one sinner who repents than ninety-nine righteous folks who need no repentance. I think Elisa Smith captured the perfect balance between these two aspects of the narrator’s journey on this one.

I believe my dad would love this song, and if someone is able to smuggle a bootleg copy through the pearly gates, I’m sure he will be singing along."

I’m running from the past and the person I have been

The wolves are gaining on me, I can feel ‘em closing in

I wish I was on firmer ground to reach out for your hand

But it’s where you gotta meet me Lord, ‘cause this is where I am

They say you’re merciful, I hope that’s true

I hear you have a humble heart; right now, I do too

I don’t know if I’m the kind you want in the promised land

But it’s what you’ve got to work with, Lord, ‘cause this is who I am

It’s walking in the woods at night without a guiding star

Not sure where you’re going and you don’t know where you are

I wish I hadn’t strayed so far from the master plan

But it’s where you gotta meet me Lord, ‘cause this is where I am

They say you’re merciful, I hope that’s true

I hear you have a humble heart; right now, I do too

I don’t know if I’m the kind you want in the promised land

But it’s what you’ve got to work with, Lord, ‘cause this is who I am

I can’t wait until I’m better to get better

And there’s no better time than right now

I can hear the voices calling, no more time for stalling

I want to go where healing can be found

They say you’re merciful, I hope that’s true

I hear you have a humble heart; right now, I do too

I don’t know if I’m the kind you want in the promised land

But it’s what you’ve got to work with, Lord, ‘cause this is who I am

It’s what you’ve got to work with, Lord, ‘cause this is who I am

Vocals - Elisa Smith

Lead Guitar - Bill Danylik

Guitar - Sean Coleman

Guitar - Cody Nilsen

Bass - Sean McLaughlin

Keys - Brad Goff

Drums - Mike Levesque