Songwriter Ginny Owens has been one of the most consistent and heartfelt voices in Contemporary Christian music for over twenty years. Born in Jackson, Mississippi, and blind since age 2, Ginny has built a career characterized by honesty, faith, and beautifully crafted songs that connect on a deeply personal level. After graduating from Belmont University, she embarked on a songwriting and recording career, earning three Dove Awards, including New Artist of the Year (2000), and establishing herself as a trusted voice in the genre.
Ginny is back with her new EP, Different Kind of Water, which features the standout song “On Repeat.” The EP and song focus on the need to change the “song” playing in our minds—replacing anxious, negative thoughts with truth, faith, and hope. It’s a message that feels both timely and deeply personal, encouraging listeners to train their hearts to hope, even in uncertain moments, and to find lasting peace by seeking God daily. Instead of chasing temporary satisfaction, these songs point to the deeper fulfillment that comes from trusting Him and allowing His truth to shape our identity and perspective. I had the chance to speak with Ginny about “On Repeat.”
Please share the personal message behind the song.
“On Repeat” addresses the need to change the "song" playing in our minds to one that is true and beautiful, encouraging perseverance through life's challenges. This song is about breaking free from negative, repetitive thought patterns by replacing them with truth, faith, and hope. It explores the human tendency toward unhealthy mental loops, aiming to redirect that energy toward spiritual, lasting fulfillment.
The song grew out of a desire to replace negative, anxious thoughts with ones that bring joy and peace. As time passes, I understand that wisdom and peace from anxious thoughts come only from placing one foot in front of the other, moment after moment, day after day, seeking the face of God.
Please tell me about any Bible verses that you used to write the song.
Psalm 37:23-24 (NKJV): “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.”
Romans 8:28 (VOICE): “We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.”
Philippians 1:6 (NKJV): “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV): But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Psalm 46:10 (NKJV): "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
What is the takeaway message of the song and album?
My EP, Different Kind of Water, centers on themes of longing, faith, and finding true satisfaction in God rather than fleeting achievements. It contains songs about how we deal with our endless restlessness and desires. This EP and my song, “On Repeat,” are about training our hearts to hope, even in darkness.
The EP explores forgiveness, brokenness, and what it means to live life fully—to dive into a different kind of water. I fall; I fly; and as God’s truth becomes more real in my life, the highs and lows of the journey gain deeper meaning. Life is filled with joys and tragedies, and holding tightly to our Heavenly Father’s hand is the only way to get through.
Lyrics
I was born in a place where pain has left a legacy. And climbing out from underneath was a hard thing you did. And I learned long ago the darkness that surrounded me didn't have to be my enemy. With God as my friend, everybody told me. You don't have to know what's coming to get to where you're going. You just have to know how to get through.
Sing through the hurt you hold. Sing of the hope you know. It's the song on repeat, building who you will be. Sing of the gift you got. Sing when it's good and it's not the song on repeat. It'll break you or set you free.
What were you sing now? We live in between the heartache and the harmony. The silence and the symphony. There is beauty in both. And when the thoughts in your head are telling you to be afraid. Don't forget you know the way to keep moving on. Keep moving on.
Sing to God. Sing everything to God. You will set you free. Oh. What will you see? Find the joy in the middle of your suffering. Feel the peace when you don't understand. Yeah, it's time to get a new song and say it loud and louder Over and over. And you don't understand. It's time to get a new song ready and sing it loud. Louder over and over.
Sing through the hurt you hope. Sing of the hope you know. It's the song on repeat, building who you will be. Sing of the gifts you got. Sing everything to God. It's a song on a praise you. What will you say? Oh, the song on repeat.
Closing Thoughts
“On Repeat” highlights God’s character and your identity in Him. Many people find comfort and hope in the song’s messages, reminding them that God offers an unlimited number of second chances. Let the song fill you with hope and trust that He can use any situation for His glory.
Sing with confidence as you reflect on His words, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Trust in Jesus and don’t forget that you are never alone. This truth provides comfort during uncertain times and reminds you not to worry about things beyond your control.
God has a plan for you, even when it seems like everything is uncertain. It’s easy to fall into despair, but trust in His presence and know that He’s always with you. Trusting Him can be a struggle, but it’s doable. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Trust in God's Word. Have confidence in His ability to work all things together for your good. Spend time with Him and allow Him to redeem and restore you. Your story isn't over yet. God is still writing your redemption story. He desires for you to have a deeper understanding and stronger relationship with Him, filled with faith and security. This song encourages you to strive for that in your own walk with God.
Remember that God is always there to support you—even in the face of sadness and brokenness. I no longer read the news or use social media. Instead, I read God’s Word every day. I write my thoughts in a gratitude journal to fill my mind with His truth. This is what God desires for you: to have a mind filled with truth and peace.
When you follow Jesus, know that you have the power to accomplish great things through faith in Him. This song is a powerful reminder of that truth, with lyrics that speak directly to your heart and fill you with comfort. By listening to it, you can let your thoughts and worries fade and instead focus on worshiping God and surrendering to His will. By seeking God’s Spirit, you can deepen your relationship with Him and experience His peace and power in your life.
Strive to know God, and He will come to you. You have the privilege of knowing Him intimately. He lives in you and has made you His dwelling place. He’s constantly making all things new in your life. And He wants to take your thoughts captive and renew your mind.
In Get Out of Your Head, author Jennie Allen highlights the importance of recognizing toxic thinking and taking action to change it. She says that toxic thinking creates an alternate reality where distorted reasoning seems to make sense. What you think about, your brain becomes. If you want to break the patterns of toxic thinking, you must be mindful of your thoughts and take action to change them.
God loves you deeply. When you feel overwhelmed by emotions, turn to Him, and He’ll give you the strength you need. When you follow Jesus, you can have confidence that God is always with you and will never leave your side. Embrace these lyrics as a reminder: “It's time to get a new song ready and sing it loud. Louder over and over. Sing through the hurt you hope. Sing of the hope you know. It's the song on repeat, building who you will be. Sing of the gifts you got. Sing everything to God. It's a song of praise to you. What will you say? Oh, the song on repeat.”
Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a passionate enthusiast and dedicated collector of Christian music. He believes the message of Christian music has deepened his understanding of Christ.
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