Meaning and Lyrics of A Four Chord Protest by Chris Renzema

Song Lyrics meaning ofย A Four Chord Protest by Chris Renzema

About Chris Renzema

Chris Renzema is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter who has been making waves in the indie folk and Christian music scenes since his debut in 2018. Known for his raw, emotive vocals and introspective lyrics, Renzemaโ€™s music blends elements of folk, rock, and worship music to create a unique sound that resonates with listeners across genres.

Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Renzema began writing songs in his teens, drawing inspiration from artists like Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, and John Mark McMillan. His breakout came with the release of his independent album โ€œIโ€™ll Be The Branchesโ€ in 2018, which garnered attention for its honest approach to faith and everyday struggles.

Renzemaโ€™s signature style is exemplified in tracks like โ€œA Four Chord Protest,โ€ which showcases his ability to craft poignant, introspective narratives within simple musical frameworks. This approach has earned him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim, leading to a deal with Centricity Music in 2019.

His subsequent releases, including โ€œLet The Ground Restโ€ (2020) and โ€œGet Out of the Way of Your Own Heartโ€ (2021), have further cemented his reputation as a rising star in the indie-Christian music crossover space. Renzemaโ€™s live performances are known for their intimate, passionate energy, often described as a cathartic experience for both the artist and his audience.

Meaning of A Four Chord Protest by Chris Renzema

โ€œA Four Chord Protestโ€ by Chris Renzema delves into the theme of living out the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ in our daily lives. The lyrics convey a sense of introspection and a call to action, challenging the listener to embody the love, compassion, and humility demonstrated by Jesus.

In the first verse, the singer reflects on Jesusโ€™ willingness to be present with the marginalized and the overlooked, emphasizing that Jesus always made time for those in need, regardless of their status or background. This sets the tone for the songโ€™s message of highlighting the importance of extending grace to others, just as Jesus did.

The chorus serves as a declaration of protest against the notion that the world does not affect or break the heart of Jesus. It implies a desire to push back against indifference or apathy, urging for a deeper understanding of how the brokenness and struggles of the world impact the heart of God.

Moving into the second verse, the singer questions their own reluctance to follow in Jesusโ€™ footsteps actively. The lyrics express a struggle with pride and a lack of initiative in being the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. There is a realization of the disconnect between the singerโ€™s actions and the example set by Jesus, prompting a sense of conviction and a desire for change.

The bridge of the song emphasizes the belief that Jesus would embody qualities that the singer may be afraid or uncomfortable to embrace. It highlights the radical inclusivity and unconditional love of Jesus, suggesting that being present in places of discomfort or vulnerability is where true compassion and grace are most needed.

The outro brings the song full circle, reiterating the idea that Jesus always took the time to be present with those in need. It serves as a reminder of the importance of intentional connection and compassion in following the example of Jesus.

Overall, โ€œA Four Chord Protestโ€ is a poignant and thought-provoking song that challenges listeners to reflect on their own actions and attitudes towards others, inviting a deeper commitment to embodying the love and grace of Jesus in a broken and hurting world.

Lyrics of A Four Chord Protest by Chris Renzema

Verse 1
Well Jesus, you always took the time to
Be with all the lowest and the last in the line
No matter what they were like or on which side
In the middle of the night
Jesus, you always took the time

Chorus
This is a four chord protest
To the idea this world doesn't break your heart
Mhm, mm-mhm

Verse 2
So why do I find it so hard each time to
Stop and ask if I'm your hands and feet, why don't I
Do the things that you do? I lay down my pride
For those the Father calls His child
Why do I find it so hard each time?

Chorus
This is a four chord protest
To the idea this world doesn't break your heart
Mhm, mm-mhm

Bridge
'Cause I believe
You'd be what I am scared to be
Oh and I believe
You'd be with the prostitute, the houseless
The destitute, the hopeless
The places that I'd get so uncomfortable to be
You always seem

Outro
To take the time
You always took the time

Discography Chris Renzema

Manna

Release: 2024-03-13
Label: Centricity Music
Popularity: ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
1. Not Giving Up On You
2. Hereditary (feat. Jess Ray)
3. Holy Ghost
4. God & Prozac
5. Square One
6. My Heart Is A Stranger
7. Faith!?
8. A Four Chord Protest
9. Narrow Road
10. Manna (After All These Years)
11. All My Worst Ideas
12. โ€ฆI Still Love Youโ€ฆ
Tracklist Collapse

Manna Pt.1

Release: 2023-08-25
Label: Centricity Music
Popularity: ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
1. Not Giving Up On You
2. Hereditary (feat. Jess Ray)
3. Holy Ghost
4. God & Prozac
5. My Heart Is A Stranger
6. Faith!?
7. Manna (After All These Years)
Tracklist Collapse

Get Out of the Way of Your Own Heart (Deluxe Edition)

Release: 2021-09-03
Label: Centricity Music
Popularity: ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
1. Hope Or Nostalgia
2. Get Out of the Way of Your Own Heart
3. Old Dreams
4. Just As Good (feat. Ellie Holcomb)
5. No Room For An Anxious Heart
6. Without You
7. No Body (feat. Matt Maher)
8. Stronger Love (feat. Leeland)
9. Old Friend
10. Heart Soul Blood Bone
11. The Right Things
12. Blessed Are Those Who Follow You
13. Leave A Light On
14. Only The Good Die Young
15. Hard Drugs
Tracklist Collapse
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Manna

Release: 2024-03-13
Label: Centricity Music
Popularity: ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
1. Not Giving Up On You
2. Hereditary (feat. Jess Ray)
3. Holy Ghost
4. God & Prozac
5. Square One
6. My Heart Is A Stranger
7. Faith!?
8. A Four Chord Protest
9. Narrow Road
10. Manna (After All These Years)
11. All My Worst Ideas
12. โ€ฆI Still Love Youโ€ฆ
Tracklist Collapse

Manna Pt.1

Release: 2023-08-25
Label: Centricity Music
Popularity: ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
1. Not Giving Up On You
2. Hereditary (feat. Jess Ray)
3. Holy Ghost
4. God & Prozac
5. My Heart Is A Stranger
6. Faith!?
7. Manna (After All These Years)
Tracklist Collapse

Get Out of the Way of Your Own Heart (Deluxe Edition)

Release: 2021-09-03
Label: Centricity Music
Popularity: ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
1. Hope Or Nostalgia
2. Get Out of the Way of Your Own Heart
3. Old Dreams
4. Just As Good (feat. Ellie Holcomb)
5. No Room For An Anxious Heart
6. Without You
7. No Body (feat. Matt Maher)
8. Stronger Love (feat. Leeland)
9. Old Friend
10. Heart Soul Blood Bone
11. The Right Things
12. Blessed Are Those Who Follow You
13. Leave A Light On
14. Only The Good Die Young
15. Hard Drugs
Tracklist Collapse
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