What makes a song great? I think it resonates with and inspires others because it means something. Believe by Cher is one of those songs that has withstood time because it means something to people. This meaning can cross genres, and the style of a song can draw out new meanings to listeners. I have never really considered sitting with this one until JohnMarc Skoch put out his cover of it last week. He pulled the song out of its era and genre, placing it in front of a new background that allows the lyrics’ meaning to stand out.
With that, I gave both versions a good Audio Divina listen, and the meaning that stands out to me is this: finding the strength of love.
Believe by Cher 1998
Cher’s version of Believe is described as “Electro-Pop” with a driving dance beat behind Cher’s powerful vocals. It is clear why many people have loved this song for years, but it definitely sounds like a specific era.
It’s worth noting that this was the first commercial song to be published using AutoTune, which jumps out right away in the first verse in “can’t”, “sad”, and “time”.
While the new technology blew people away at the time, I think it can distract from what is being said. If people weren’t already distracted by the driving disco beat in the song, this new sound my have pulled a 1998 audience more than the lyrics written by Brian Higgins and several others.
JohnMarc’s Cover of Believe
JohnMarc, who some in the Catholic world may recognize from years of leading worship songs with the band at FOCUS conferences, must have listened through the distractions to what Cher is saying in Believe.
His approach was to take the song down to its heart. With the band at almost half time, acoustic instrumentation in the forefront, and a more authentic (at least less edited) vocal, JohnMarc’s cover feels built around the lyrics.
Obviously, Cher’s song has withstood the decades since its release and has touched many people. Yet, I think many who love her version will thoroughly enjoy this cover.
It looks like this is just a start for JohnMarc’s creative covers plus original songs coming out this year. Based on this, I’m looking forward to what he has planned next.
Strength From Belief in Love
“No matter how hard I tryYou keep pushing me asideAnd I can’t break throughThere’s no talking to you
It’s so sad that you’re leavingIt takes time to believe itBut after all is said and doneYou’re gonna be the lonely one, oh”Cher – Believe
Love is vulnerable. It’s putting yourself out there. If someone you love and care about isn’t reciprocating or even receiving that affection, it hurts.
You can fight for love, but it won’t succeed if the other doesn’t want it. So there is a time to let go, trust God, and believe that there is life and better love that awaits. Yet, to let go requires faith. You have to believe that once you let go, something strong will catch you, whether it is another relationship that He wills for you or to be caught by Love Himself.
Doubting Your Strength for Love
In the first chorus, “I really don’t think you’re strong enough.” feels like the self doubt of talking to oneself while mustering up the courage to let go.
“Do you believe in life after love?I can feel something inside me sayI really don’t think you’re strong enough, no”
I Need Love to Feel Strong
“What am I supposed to do?Sit around and wait for you?Well, I can’t do thatAnd there’s no turning backI need time to move onI need a love to feel strong‘Cause I’ve had time to think it throughAnd maybe I’m too good for you, oh”
Verse and chorus round two are getting more confident. There is a recognition that “I need a love to feel strong”. That is what made the letting go so hard. You were depending on that person’s love for strength, but it was weak. In fact, that love could only exist because of a stronger love.
With time the narrator is seeing that Love can come from somewhere else.
Flipping the Chorus
Now, “you’re not strong enough” is the same line but I think it’s directed at the other. The unreceptive one is not strong enough to be in my life anymore.
This leads into the bridge where the budding confidence becomes full knowledge.
“Well, I know that I’ll get through this‘Cause I know that I am strongAnd I don’t need you anymore”
Now we know we’re strong. We see a way through after a newly discovered love. This newfound strength in love allows us to fully rest in it. Any remaining weight of the past is nothing and not needed any more.
How to Find Strength in Love
It’s a temptation to put the weight of our lives on other people and relationships. I’ve been there.
The problem with that approach is that humans have a tendency to be broken and have faults.
Picture two columns side by side. One is severely cracked. The other is solid. You have three choices.
- Lean your full weight on the broken one. If they go down, you do too. This isn’t good for anyone.
- Try to balance with a foot on each column. You lean on another sometimes but you also have God to turn to in emergencies. If the other fails to hold you (which they will at times) you have to try to balance your life on the one foot while holding that other up. Better, but risky.
- Lastly, there is the best way. That is to plant both feet firmly on the solid column, Jesus and His Church, the rock. Here you have the strength to continue no matter what happens around you.
The concept is simple, but the practice is difficult. If you can master it though, you could be unwaveringly strong in life and in love. You would love and trust God entirely which would free you to give of yourself in love to others. The fear of rejection and hurt wont worry you because your already have all of the love you need from the Lord.
With strength in God’s love, God will make you a better spouse, parent, friend, etc. For anyone in your life who doesn’t have Jesus to stand on, you will be able to show them what it looks like to have a solid foundation when carrying life’s crosses.
In the Love of God, we find strength.
“My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.“
If you like this kind of music review, check out these songs I’ve also reviewed:
Read more Formed by a Flame or Subscribe to the Newsletter!
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In