Review of “What You Want” by Tenth Avenue North

Tenth Avenue North’s brand of storytelling continues to push the band forward into new territory. Their new single “What You Want” is yet another example of lead singer Mike Donehey’s distinct brand of truth-telling. The song features a fresh, new pop sound we haven’t heard from Tenth Avenue North. Check out the new lyric video below.

“What You Want” is a reminder to us all that our journey could be so much easier if we just remember to follow the Leader. It is the story of our life -- the daily pressure, the fatigue, all the stuff that we think we can do with no help at all.  It’s about giving in, surrendering to an agenda other than our own. Here are some of the lyrics and what I found as I was listening and learning:

Know the Plan

The Scripture: “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:5-6 NIV)

The Lyrics: Every day I’ve been feelin’ the pressure. I always gotta know the plan. It’s a weight that I’ve tried to shoulder. I thought I could but I can’t.

This Acts 9 passage is the beginning of the account where we learn of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus (later the Apostle Paul). He was a very powerful man in the Jewish community and he thought he had is all under control. He always knew the plan -- until he met Jesus.

A New Heart

The Scripture: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalms 61:10)

The Lyrics: You’re changing my heart. To want what You want. To love how You love and that is enough

When we meet Jesus and believe what He did for us on the cross something supernatural happens. God gives us His Holy Spirit and a new heart. Walking with the Spirit makes us want what He wants and makes us love what He loves. We just need to choose to follow.

Burden is Lifted

The Scripture: Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29)

The Lyrics: Oh I’m feelin’ this surrender. I feel myself come alive. And the burden feels like a feather, when I let my agenda die

When you trust Jesus as your Savior first and then let Him be your Lord too your agenda falls by the wayside. You begin to realize how selfish you have been and look for opportunities to share the great truth of the gospel that has set you free. Your faith comes alive!

Follow Me

The Scripture: And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (Luke 9:23

The Lyrics: There’s no greater plan that I need to know, You only ask me to follow.

Jesus wants us to follow Him. He wants us to be what we were created to be. He wants us to be changed into His image and when we are we can say, “Yes Lord I know exactly What You Want”.

Final Thoughts

“What You Want” is a simple tune with a big message. Listen to it again, it is just one of those songs that lifts your spirit and one that you want to run out and buy.

Sources: All Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, King James Version unless otherwise noted. Some biographical information gleaned from tenthavenuenation.com. Video used by permission Tenth Avenue North performing What You Want (Official Lyric Video). (C) 2016 Provident Label Group LLC, a division of Sony Music Entertainment

Article by Pamela Rose Williams

Pamela Rose Williams is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She and her Pastor-husband, Dr. Michael Williams, serve together at Selah Mountain in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA (www.selahmountain.org) where their main focus is to provide Biblical Counseling to all that seek it. She has been involved in music ministry all of her Christian life and loves to lead worship. Pamela is also a longtime freelance writer, editor and educator. Learn more about Pamela at her ministry website ChristianityEveryDay.com.