Wanna Be Saved

The song centers on a battle with inner demons and the desire for salvation while feeling trapped. The singer grapples with addiction and the pain of life, often unsure if he truly wants to be saved. This conflict creates a raw and honest portrayal of someone caught between their vices and the hope for better days.

Verse 1

'Tween the liquor and them pills
Cold sweats having chills
I can't even tell
If I'm living these days
I'm so broken, I'm a wreck, eyes bloodshot red
Yeah, I'm starting to think that there ain't no way
To outrun this pain
Feels like I fell off the train
I think I'm going insane
I'm heading south down a Northbound Highway
Won't make it out of this life living my way

This verse sets the stage for the turmoil the singer is experiencing. The mention of liquor and pills highlights a real struggle with addiction. The imagery of cold sweats and bloodshot eyes paints a vivid picture of the physical effects of substance abuse. The feeling of being lost and broken is palpable, suggesting a deep sense of hopelessness. The phrase “heading south down a Northbound Highway” cleverly captures the idea of moving in the wrong direction, further emphasizing the internal chaos.

Chorus

Got the devil on my shoulder
Hell's only getting closer
Heaven's never felt so far away
I'm losing this game called life at the moment
There's no way out right now and it's showing
If I had to choose between the bible or the bottle today
Maybe I don't wanna be saved

In the chorus, the struggle intensifies. The devil on the shoulder symbolizes temptation and the constant pull towards destructive choices. The contrast between hell getting closer and heaven feeling distant deepens the sense of despair. It’s like the singer is caught in a game he feels he’s losing. The mention of choosing between the "bible or the bottle" starkly presents the conflict between seeking salvation or succumbing to addiction. This line perfectly captures the essence of the song, an inner battle that many face.

Verse 2

All the lies that you would tell got me lying to myself
Every morning in the mirror saying, I'm okay
Still got bourbon on my breath begging praying for some help
Looking up at the sky but all I find is rain

This verse highlights the theme of denial. The singer acknowledges the lies he tells himself, which is a common coping mechanism for those in addiction. Saying “I’m okay” in the mirror shows the disconnect between reality and what he wants to believe. The bourbon on his breath suggests he’s still caught in his habits, and the plea for help is heart-wrenching. The rain symbolizes sadness and perhaps a lack of hope, reinforcing the emotional heaviness of his situation.

Chorus

Got the devil on my shoulder
Hell's only getting closer
Heaven's never felt so far away
I'm losing this game called life at the moment
There's no way out right now and it's showing
If I had to choose between the bible or the bottle today
Maybe I don't wanna be saved

This reprise of the chorus reinforces the internal conflict present throughout the song. The repetition emphasizes how trapped he feels in this cycle of addiction. It’s a reminder that the struggle isn’t just a one-time thing; it’s ongoing. The choice between salvation and self-destruction looms large, and the uncertainty about wanting to be saved adds a deeper layer of complexity to his feelings.

Bridge

But maybe then again I do
'Cause I can't take what I'm goin' through
With the hell as hell gonna be like
Can't take it here on Earth
Maybe I should hit my knees and take Him on His word

In the bridge, we see a glimmer of hope and a shift in perspective. The singer contemplates the idea of wanting to be saved, realizing that the pain of his current situation might be too much to bear. The line about hitting his knees suggests a willingness to seek help and turn to faith, which is a powerful moment. It shows that even in despair, there’s a thought of redemption, hinting at a possible change.

Chorus

I'm heading south down a Northbound Highway
Won't make it out of this life living my way
Got the devil on my shoulder
Hell's only getting closer but Heaven's never too far away
I'm losing this game called life at the moment
There's no way out right now and it's showing
If I had to choose between the bible or the bottle today
I know I should open that book and turn to the page where He's sitting

This chorus repeats but adds a layer of realization. The singer acknowledges that there’s a choice to be made. The recognition that heaven’s not too far away hints at a turning point. He’s still in the struggle, but there’s a sense that he’s ready to confront it. The idea of opening the bible shows he’s considering a different path, suggesting a shift towards seeking help and hope.

Outro

I don't wanna be saved
Maybe I don't wanna be saved

The outro echoes the song's main theme, leaving us with a sense of unresolved tension. The repetition of not wanting to be saved highlights the complexity of his feelings. It’s a powerful moment of honesty, showing that sometimes, the desire for change conflicts with the comfort of familiar pain.

Closing Thoughts

"Wanna Be Saved" is a raw exploration of addiction and the search for redemption. Austin Williams captures the struggle of wanting help while feeling stuck in destructive habits. The song reflects a common battle many face, making it relatable and impactful. The honesty in the lyrics makes it clear that while the journey is tough, there’s always a flicker of hope for those willing to seek it.