FM Static, composed of Thousand Foot Krutch singer Trevor McNevan, and drummer Steve Augustine, returns with
Dear Diary, a concept album where every lyric is the innermost thought of a soul-searching teenager. “This is the first concept album I’ve worked on, and it was a ton of fun,” says McNevan. “It felt theatrical from the start. I imagined this high school boy, new in town, writing through life’s big questions about faith and fitting in as he grows up toward college.
“The Voyage of Beliefs” is Dear Diary’s crossroads, a gripping indie rock duet between McNevan and Superchick’s Tricia Brock where the characters both step up in faith, proclaiming a belief in God that is their own, not just the one their families have handed down. And, oh, how they need it for what happens next. Up to this point, FM Static’s
Dear Diary would already be unique enough for its concept and catchiness, but the next arc of songs turns the album into something truly remarkable. Without warning, the girl’s dad kills himself, an event that leaves our boy asking why everyone we love still lets us down in the cinematic quietness of “Her Father’s Song.”
Although the boy tries to shake off his new beliefs as well amidst his devastation, he feels this strange, warm feeling come over himself--a simple peace letting him know he was okay that fuels the message of
Dear Diary’s first single, “Take Me As I Am.” A poignant, piano-driven song, this revelation that faith can still grow even amidst struggle will resound to all ages.
I got the chance to ask Trevor McNevan some questions about “Take Me As I Am” and this is what he shared with me.
Please tell me about the background in writing this song.
This record is the story of a boy (Aero) growing up through high school, and the songs are his diary entries. "Take Me As I Am" is an introspective song, where the boy in the story is exhausted from battling life's questions and has come to a place of "on his knees" honesty. He's ready to admit he doesn't have all the answers, and taking a leap of faith by talking to God about it.
Is there a personal story for you about the message of that song?
All of the songs are part of the story/concept album but are based on either my personal experiences or others close to me. I've definitely been at that place in my life where you just have to say, "God, I'm not perfect, but I'm trying. Take me as I am."
What's the takeaway message for listeners regarding the song?
Life's twists aren't always easy, and neither is using your faith, but no matter where we're at, we can always come to God and say, "Here I am--imperfect--can You help me?"
Here are the lyrics to “Take Me As I Am”:
This time I finally see the reason why
I can't do this alone
It took some time and concentration
To believe it, this I know
I need to build my faith sometimes
But I am so comfortable in line
I'm up, there's no more time
To try to mess with this design
Tonight's complete
Everyone's asleep
And I wanna say these words to You
I'll be Your hand
Take me as I am
I just wanna be with You
Take me as I am
'Cause I'm going
I was too scared to start
Now I'm too scared to let go
Take me as I am
'Cause I'm growing
But it's so hard to tell
When I'm not used to this, so
Take me as I am
'Cause I'm going
I was too scared to start
Now I'm too scared to let go
Take me as I am
'Cause I'm growing
But it's so hard to tell
When I'm not used to this, so
I lift my voice to sing now
Let the sound of my heart ring out
These hands aren't holding me down
Never again will I be without
I need to build my faith sometimes
But I am so comfortable in line
I'm up, there's no more time
To try to mess with this design
Tonight's complete
Everyone's asleep
And I wanna say these words to You
I'll be Your hand
Take me as I am
I just wanna be with You
Take me as I am
'Cause I'm going
I was too scared to start
Now I'm too scared to let go
Take me as I am
'Cause I'm growing
But it's so hard to tell
When I'm not used to this, so
Take me as I am
'Cause I'm going
I was too scared to start
Now I'm too scared to let go
Take me as I am
'Cause I'm growing
But it's so hard to tell
When I'm not used to this, so
My life verse is
Isaiah 6:8:
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!".
“Take Me As I Am” is a great song from one of my favorite albums of the year. FM Static has also written a devotional guide for this song and here are some questions to consider: “Why do some people have a hard time giving up control of things? Do you think God will take you as you are?"
Here’s another scripture passage that goes with the song,
Hebrews 11:6-7:
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
Do these verses speak to where you are now? You can
listen to the song here.
