P.O.D -- "Sleeping Awake"

"Sleeping Awake" Lyrics:

Reveal to me the mysteries
Can you tell me what it means?
Explain these motions and metaphors
Unlock these secrets in me
Describe the vision, the meaning is missing
Won't anybody listen?

Define the riddles of my mind
Nothing is really what it seems

[chorus]
Dreaming of Zion, awake
Sleeping Awake
Dreaming of Zion, awake
Can't stop sleeping awake

Do you see what I see?
And can you hear what I hear?
Do you feel what I feel?
Can't stop sleeping Awake
Do you see what I see?
And can you hear what I hear?
Do you feel like I feel?
Can't stop sleeping...

Can you see it? The writing,
Can you tell me what it means?
Translate the symbols, enigma
Expressions keep questioning me
The message is written,
The meaning is missing
Won't anybody listen?

Prophesy, interpretate the signs
Nothing is really what it seems

***


This is song is reminiscent of Creed's song, "Higher" ("When dreaming, I'm guided to another world..."). Both "Sleeping Awake" and "Higher" speak of a staying awake while desiring a certain kind of sleep or sober other-consciousness... whatever it takes to tear apart from the death and corruption of this present world.

We should acknowledge this present dying world and do our best to function herein, yet it is appropriate that we should desire the perfect rest that comes from being reunited with Christ.

A citizen of God's kingdom embraces reality more than one who does not, yet, to the one who does not, God's kingdom is imperceptible. "The kingdom of God is in your midst," Jesus said (Luke 17:21), which is true in general. But He also says to His disciples specifically, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that 'seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.'" (Luke 8:10) This means, if He wants you to understand the mysteries of God's kingdom, then He will make that happen.

Not to get too far off track, we are talking about embracing the reality of God's kingdom right now. Christ-followers have eternity to look forward to; at the same time we are embracing eternity right now.

God's Spirit teaches not only by imparting new information but, more importantly, by transforming the way we perceive information. He acts like a sieve or a filter to help us know, see and hear for real. This isn't as mystical or highfalutin' as most people tend to imagine. God's Spirit simply transforms hearts and minds to think more like God, more like Christ. The fruits of this better sight and understanding are purity of mind, greater ability to love, greater faith, a sense of purpose and a sturdier sense of hope.

3 comments:

Marie said...

This is a good song, with a catchy hook phrase.. it's kind of "figuring out where you are". I like the band. Not only for the fact that P.O.D is a Christian band.

Josh said...

That is an awesome post... that song is like true poetry. It is neat to see God in this way... really cool stuff.

Anonymous said...

This the best lyrical song connected to The Matrix, and one of the group's best. I was glad that the score came with this song, and the music video is probably the most enjoyable of any I've seen by a Christian artist. I enjoyed Reloaded more than the original movie, but Revolutions is in many ways my favorite. Interestingly, Pillar uses the phrase sleeping awake in their latest album.