Meaning and Lyrics of He Woke Me Up Again by Sufjan Stevens

“He Woke Me Up Again” by Sufjan Stevens is a deeply spiritual and contemplative song, rich with imagery and emotional depth. Let’s delve into a detailed interpretation of the song’s lyrics.

The opening lines, “He was, he was in the churchyard / My father was in the first part,” introduce a figure who seems to be a spiritual or religious presence, potentially alluding to Christ or a divine being. The mention of the churchyard and a “father” situates the narrative within a religious context, possibly indicating a sermon or a spiritual gathering.

“He came, he came to my bedroom / But I was asleep / He woke me up again to say: / Halle, Halle, Hallelujah / Holy, holy is the sound,” describes a divine visitation in a deeply personal space — the bedroom. The act of being awakened from sleep signifies a call to consciousness, awareness, or enlightenment. The repetition of “Halle, Halle, Hallelujah” emphasizes a holiness and reverence, signifying an important message or awakening that transcends ordinary experience.

In the following lines, “And I hope, I hope you are tired out / And I know, I know there is joy endowed,” there is a sense of exhaustion and the promise of joy. The speaker appears to be in a state of weariness, both physically and spiritually. This exhaustion contrasts with the divine joy that is promised, implying a journey or transformation that is both challenging and rewarding.

“But I was asleep / And he woke me up again,” reiterates the theme of being woken from a somnolent state. This repeated awakening suggests an ongoing process of spiritual consciousness and growth, rather than a single moment of revelation.

“Hold on, hold on to your old ways / Or put off, put off every old face,” presents a dichotomy between clinging to familiar, possibly outdated beliefs and behaviors, or embracing transformation and change. This struggle between past habits and new ways of being is a common human experience, highlighting the difficulty of true spiritual or personal growth.

“And I know, I know you are changed now / I hope, I hope you’re arranged out,” acknowledges that change has occurred, albeit imperfectly or incompletely. The phrase “arranged out” could imply finding one’s place or harmony within this new state of being. It suggests a wish for the changes to be properly integrated and balanced within the person’s life.

“But I’m still asleep / And you woke me up again,” underscores the recurring nature of this awakening. It implies that spiritual awakening is not a one-time event, but a continuous process requiring repeated calls to awareness.

“And I’m still asleep / But you woke me up to be holy,” concludes the song on a powerful note. Despite feeling unready or unawakened, there is an impetus towards holiness, towards a higher state of being. This final line encapsulates the tension between human imperfection and the divine call towards holiness.

In summary, “He Woke Me Up Again” is a poignant exploration of spiritual awakening, the struggle between old habits and new growth, and the continuous, often tiring journey towards a higher state of consciousness and holiness. It speaks to the human condition of being in a state of perpetual transformation, constantly called upon to wake up, be conscious, and move closer to the divine.