Sidewalk Prophets, the acclaimed Christian pop/rock band, released their highly anticipated fifth studio album, Looking Up, on February 14, 2025. This 13-track collection explores themes of loss, rebirth, and the complexities of faith, encouraging listeners to extend grace to themselves and others.
The album features collaborations with notable artists, including Megan Danielle, a former American Idol finalist, on the title track, "Looking Up." This song symbolizes hope, reminding us to look upward during life's lowest moments. The lyrics poignantly express that it is natural to seek divine assistance when we reach rock bottom.
On their socials, Sidewalk Prophets says, "Some things will make you start praying, whether you believe in God or not. If you get low enough, you'll start looking up." I spoke with lead singer Dave Frey about the band’s recent single.
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
“Looking Up” is a meaningful—and convicting—conversation with a homeless man that leads to self-evaluation. The song also explores forgiveness, honesty, loss, and rebirth. It's also about how difficult it can be to forgive and to be forgiven. The song is about being honest about hurt, mistakes, and fears. It calls for less misunderstanding and more empathy. We all fail. God doesn’t leave or forsake us. He has great plans for us. We can always look up at our low points, and God is there for us.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new."
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV): "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart."
Romans 12:2 (VOICE): "Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete."
Psalm 119:105 (NKJV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path."
John 3:30(NKJV): "He must increase, but I must decrease."
1 Corinthians 1:27 (VOICE): "But celebrate this: God selected the world's foolish to bring shame upon those who think they are wise; likewise, He selected the world's weak to bring disgrace upon those who think they are strong."
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV): "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
What is the takeaway message?
God always does more in my life than I've ever dreamed possible for myself. People often need to hear that they must show up, trust, and have faith. More than anything, it's realizing how powerful our God is and that He does care each day, and He hasn't forgotten you. In this song, we explore what it means to be a follower of Christ, encouraging ourselves and others to extend grace and forgiveness to themselves and others. This song extols virtues like humility, kindness, and generosity.
Lyrics
Holes in his jeans Old shoes on his feet With a cardboard sign at a red light Got a few dollars out Rolled my window down Said, "I hope this helps you get by."
He said, "Man, I won't tell my whole story But I'll tell you this much."
There's a long list of roads to rock bottom Just a handful of ways to climb out Yeah, I've been hit with some punches Strong enough to make Superman's knees hit the ground Some things will make you start praying Whether you believe in God or not If you get low enough, you'll start looking up
Took his words with me As the light turned green Started looking back on my life The wrong turns in the rear view And all of my fears, too Rushed to the front of my mind
I've seen more than my share of dead ends So, I can tell you this much
There's a long list of roads to rock bottom Just a handful of ways to climb out Yeah, I've been hit with some punches Strong enough to make Superman's knees hit the ground Some things will make you start praying Whether you believe in God or not If you get low enough, you'll start looking up
Up to the heavens Asking for help Saying Lord, I can't do this by myself Up to the Father Who calls you his own Up to the one who can bring you back home
There's a long list of roads to rock bottom But He is the only way out And yeah, I've been hit with some punches Strong enough to make Superman's knees hit the ground Some things will make you start praying Whether you believe in God or not If you get low enough, you'll start looking up If you get low enough
Closing Thoughts
The message of “Looking Up” is that we don't have to be perfect; God made us the way we are for a reason. The most encouraging part of this song is the message that I don't have to be perfect, but that God knows me and loves me just as I am. That is cause for celebration, as we all have the freedom to be ourselves and know He has great plans for us as His children.
This song is an excellent example of a biblical truth that all listeners can resonate with. Christians are brand-new people on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives us new life, and we no longer have to live with our guilt, fears, perfectionism, or worries. We are called as Christians to believe in our freedom in the cross of Jesus. This song is a personal testimony to the power of walking out of the darkness and into God's marvelous light.
This song celebrates the freedom we are promised in 2 Corinthians 5:17, found in God's Holy Word: "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." The song challenges me to think about what I'm allowing to rule in my heart instead of giving myself entirely to God.
Jesus died on the cross to set us free from the battle of our minds, from sin and death. He wants us to have abundant life in Him. What a wonderful, encouraging truth. God knows us intimately. Because of what Jesus did on the cross, He sees us as holy, righteous, redeemed, chosen, fully known, and forgiven—no matter what we've done. If you've put all your hope and trust in Jesus, nothing can separate you from His love.
This is one of my favorite songs of the year. Sing it to God with all your heart and know: “Some things will make you start praying/Whether you believe in God or not/If you get low enough, you'll start looking up/If you get low enough.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a longtime fan and passionate collector of Christian music. He credits Christian music's message with guiding him to Christ. He resides in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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