# Time To Get Personal: “Leave” by Michael W. Smith
By [Darren](http://darrencalhoun.com/author/darrencalhoun/ “Darren”)
Friday, October 1st, 2010
I first heard this song a few weeks ago when Michael W. Smith came to Willow Creek to do a Concert / Service for Labor Day weekend. Before sharing the song, Smith shared with us some insight as to what prompted him to write the piece. I remember being quite moved and encouraged because I feel that too often church has become a place where perfect problem-less people come together and praise God. It felt good to know that Smith realized he may receive some flack about the song, but that he felt that Willow Creek was a place where the song would be well received.
In recent weeks the news has seemed to overflow with stories of young people committing suicide, church leaders standing accused of moral and ethical misconduct, and other stories of gross injustice. I’ve been disheartened to hear people in the media being referenced as Christians but unable to offer more than short-sighted, shallow, and super-spiritualized responses to these situations. I’m not advocating that Christians should have all the answers… I am saying that we as a body need to come a LONG way when it comes to authenticity about the human experience. There are staggering numbers of people hurting inside and outside of the church and it is my hope that we grow a sincere compassion -to *suffer with*- those who are hurting and to offer the hope that is our Gospel.
The topic of this song is a heavy one – abuse. Check it out and share any thoughts in the comment section. (Lyrics below)
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LEAVE by Michael W. Smith**
>
> Daddy’s on the sofa, turning up another bottle to unleash when I get home
> I pretend he doesn’t hit me
> Momma just pretends that she don’t know.
>
> I used to think of talking
> Talking to my preacher
> He says I should just forgive and forget.
> Now my baby brother just sits and recollects the same regrets.
>
> And I just wanna leave
> Oh, God, please help me now, I wanna leave.
>
> As if that’s not enough
> We’re the new family around here
> Guess that’s all the reason some kids need
> ‘Cause they all call me names, and say I should just take it on the chin.
>
> If I’m overreacting, then why is it so cold here
> Why is it so cold here, in this hell
> Why would my friend Suzy
> Tell me I should just go kill myself?
>
> And I just wanna leave
> Oh, God, please help me now, I wanna leave
> And I, I just wanna leave
> Oh, God, please help me now, I wanna leave
>
> Oh, I wanna get out of here
> Oh, God, help me now, I really wanna leave,
>
> (oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, ooh)
>
> **And I, just wanna leave
> Oh, God, please help me now, I wanna leave
> Oh, but I, I just wanna believe
> Oh, God, please hear me now, I wanna believe
> I just need to know, that You’re really out there
> Tell me if You’re really out there, ’cause I believe.**
### You may also want to read:
1. The Gift of Prophesy
2. It’s My Birthday!!! 🙂
3. BEST! WORSHIP! EVER!
4. The God of All Comfort
Categories : Music, Thoughts and Reflections
Tags : abuse, church, compassion, Leave, lyrics, Michael W. Smith, suffering
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