Come to the Table: An Interpretation of the Song’s Lyrics
Music is a powerful tool for conveying messages and emotions. Songs can inspire us, make us feel intense emotions, and help us find hope, among other things. One such song is “Come to the Table” by Sidewalk Prophets. A piece of Christian music, “Come to the Table” carries an inspiring message about how we should come together despite our differences to share a meal or communion. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the lyrics of “Come to the Table,” exploring its themes, meanings, and effects.
“Come to the Table”: An Overview
“Come to the Table” is a song from the Sidewalk Prophets’ third studio album, Something Different. The song was written by Ben Glover, David Frey, and Ben McDonald, and released in 2016. It quickly became one of the band’s most popular songs, and its message continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.
The song’s main theme is that of unity, hope, and love. The title itself implies an invitation for everyone to gather around the table, regardless of their backgrounds, beliefs, or differences. “Come to the Table” invites us to commune with each other and with God, to share a meal or a moment of fellowship.
In the following sections, we’ll go through the song’s lyrics, line-by-line, to gain a deeper understanding of its message and implications.
“Come to the Table”: The Lyrics
Verse 1:
We all start on the outside
Looking in on this love
This love that finds us
In the first verse of the song, the narrator sets the scene: we are all outsiders, looking in on a love we don’t yet fully understand. The love that the narrator speaks of is likely the love of God or the love of community, which may elude us if we are not willing to come to the table.
Verse 2:
For everyone across the nation
Who’s looking for a deeper understanding of grace
We long for it, but it’s hard to find in this place
Oh, yeah, there’s a better life
The second verse speaks to the yearning we all feel for grace and redemption in our lives. The narrator mentions that it’s hard to find grace “in this place,” implying that we live in a world that often lacks compassion and forgiveness. However, the narrator reassures us that there is a better life available to us, one where we can find the love and understanding we crave.
Chorus:
We’re all invited to the table
The greatest feast of all time
A place of endless grace
Where you don’t have to hide
Bring all of your friends and family
All of the broken and ashamed
Come eat with the hungry and the thirsty
Come to the table, come to the table
The chorus of “Come to the Table” is the most important part of the song. Here, the narrator extends an open invitation to everyone to come to the table, a place where grace, love, and hope abound. The table is described as a “place of endless grace,” where all are welcome and accepted, no matter how broken or ashamed they may feel. The narrator encourages us to bring our loved ones to the table, to share this feast of love and hope with those who need it most.
Verse 3:
Everyone is welcome here
You’re not alone anymore
We’re all sons and daughters now
With a father who adores us
The third verse builds on the theme of acceptance and inclusion. The narrator reminds us that we are not alone and that we are all part of a larger family, with a loving father who adores us. The tone here is one of comfort and reassurance, as if the narrator is holding us close and telling us that everything will be okay.
Chorus:
We’re all invited to the table
The greatest feast of all time
A place of endless grace
Where you don’t have to hide
Bring all of your friends and family
All of the broken and ashamed
Come eat with the hungry and the thirsty
Come to the table, come to the table
Bridge:
Lift up your head
Open your eyes
Come to the feast
There’s no need to hide
Lift up your head
Open your eyes
Come to the feast
We’re gonna dine, dine, dine
The bridge of “Come to the Table” is more upbeat and energetic, encouraging us to lift our heads and open our eyes to the possibilities of love and acceptance. The phrase “We’re gonna dine, dine, dine” is particularly catchy, as it invites us to come together and share a meal. The repetition of the “lift up your head” and “open your eyes” lines also implies that we may have been hiding or avoiding the table before, but now is the time to be brave and take a chance.
Chorus (x2):
We’re all invited to the table
The greatest feast of all time
A place of endless grace
Where you don’t have to hide
Bring all of your friends and family
All of the broken and ashamed
Come eat with the hungry and the thirsty
Come to the table, come to the table
FAQs About “Come to the Table”
Q: What is the message of “Come to the Table”?
A: The message of “Come to the Table” is one of unity, hope, and love. The song invites us to come together, regardless of our differences, to share a meal or communion. The table in the song represents a place where grace, love, and acceptance abound, and where we can find the redemption and connection we seek.
Q: What inspired sideway Prophets to write “Come to the Table”?
A: Sidewalk Prophets have written extensively about their Christian faith and hope to spread a message of love and hope through their music. The inspiration for “Come to the Table” likely came from the idea of communal sharing and the importance of breaking bread together.
Q: What is the significance of the table in the song?
A: The table in the song represents a place of communal sharing, where grace, love, and acceptance abound. It also represents a physical and metaphorical space where we can come together as a family, regardless of our differences, and share a meal or a moment of fellowship.
Q: Who is “Come to the Table” for?
A: “Come to the Table” is for anyone who seeks love, hope, and acceptance. The song speaks to those who may feel like outsiders, longing for grace and redemption in their lives. Anyone who wants to come together with others, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs, is invited to the table.
Q: How has “Come to the Table” impacted its listeners?
A: “Come to the Table” has resonated with listeners worldwide, as it speaks to universal themes of acceptance and unity. The song’s message of grace, love, and hope has inspired many to come together with others, regardless of their differences, and to seek out communal sharing and fellowship. Some fans of Sidewalk Prophets have even started their own communal dining initiatives as a result of the song’s message.
Conclusion
“Come to the Table” is a powerful Christian song that speaks to our universal need for acceptance, love, and grace. The song’s lyrics invite us to come together, despite our differences, to share a meal or a moment of fellowship. Sidewalk Prophets has crafted a message of hope that speaks to people of all backgrounds, and listeners have responded by embracing the song’s call to communal sharing and connection.
The lyrics of “Come to the Table” remind us that we are all part of a larger family, and that acceptance and love are available to us all. By sharing this message of hope, Sidewalk Prophets has given us all a reason to come together and embrace the beauty of community.
