When Lyrics Linger

Hearing God Through Music

Lately, I’ve been inspired by the music that seems to follow me everywhere. It plays on UCB Radio in my car, fills my home, and hums quietly through the halls of our head office. Over the past week, a few song lyrics have lodged themselves firmly in my mind. You know the feeling—lines you can’t shake, melodies that linger long after the song ends. Why do certain lyrics stay with us? What are they trying to tell us? And more importantly, could God be using them to speak something deeper into our lives?

This blog series is an invitation to slow down and listen. Together, we’ll take a closer look at some of these lyrics, exploring the stories behind them and the deeper messages God may be revealing through music.

Black Sheep, Ben Fuller (2025)

Last year, Ben Fuller released Black Sheep, a song that somehow both haunts me and heals my heart. It’s raw and honest, and every time I hear it, it stirs something deep within me. How can a song do both at once?

The Story Behind The Song

To truly understand the lyrics, we need to understand the story behind them.

Ben Fuller grew up on his family’s dairy farm in southern Vermont, singing old country songs as he worked alongside his father. Somewhere between farm life and college, he picked up a guitar—and music became part of who he was. His journey wasn’t without pain. Generational hurt led Ben toward cocaine and alcohol at a young age, and in 2017, the loss of his best friend to a heroin overdose deeply changed his life.

In 2018, Ben moved to Nashville to pursue music, and not long after, an invitation to church marked a turning point. From that moment on, he knew he wanted to make music that pointed people toward hope. Today, Ben lives sober and shares his story of mercy and grace through the songs he writes. (Source www.benfullerofficial.com)

What are Lyrics?

When we look up a song’s lyrics online, they often appear as nothing more than a simple list of lines on a screen. But lyrics are so much more than this. They are words set to music. They carry stories, emotions, and truths that have a way of reaching us right where we are. Lately, I’ve noticed certain lyrics lingering with me—staying long after the song has ended. They feel like quiet invitations to pause, reflect, and listen more closely. In those moments, I can’t help but wonder if there’s a deeper message being shared.

That’s what’s been happening for me with Ben Fuller’s Black Sheep, and it’s a message I’d love to explore and share with you.

Black Sheep Lyrics

You broke through a thousand fences
Been rescued from a thousand ditches
You still swear you don’t fit in
So you kick and scream and you’re gone again
Wandering off into the devil’s wind

Guess the good news is He’ll never leave you be
Jesus loves you black sheep (ooh, ooh, ooh)

Even with confidence, there are days when we still feel like we don’t quite fit in. That “less than” feeling can sneak up on us, and before we know it, negative thoughts start taking over. If we’re not careful, they can shape how we see ourselves. Something a therapist once told me really stuck: feelings aren’t facts. They’re just emotions. And while they matter, they don’t always tell the whole truth. Sometimes the best thing we can do is simply notice how we’re feeling instead of trying to fix it or push it away. When we do that, the weight often feels a little lighter—and that’s where healing can begin.

What does the Bible say about suffering?

God views suffering as a temporary, broken part of a fallen world that He ultimately uses to develop character, endurance and hope in believers, while providing comfort and promising ultimate restoration.

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-5, 1 Pet 5:6-7

This is exactly what Ben Fuller is doing through his relationship with Jesus. He writes his music to “share what God did to turn his life around”. This is proof that “He’ll never leave you be...Jesus loves you black sheep”. Isn’t this amazing? We all have our own unique stories to share with the world. We are all wrestling with the devil on some level. Isn’t it heartwarming to know that God will “never leave you be”?

Hope for Every Heart

But how’s it going out there?
Acting like you ain’t scared
And how’s that heart of stone?
It ain’t so hard when you’re alone
Crying tears you hope nobody sees

Guess the good news is He’ll never leave you be
Jesus loves you black sheep (ooh, ooh, ooh)

When life feels heavy, it can be tempting to protect ourselves by closing off our hearts. It can feel like a lonely road sometimes, doesn’t it? These lyrics remind us that God is always near, gently inviting us to remain open—to Him, and to the love He offers so freely. God cares deeply about the heart, and He meets us there, even in our hardest moments.

As February draws our attention to love, UCB Radio is sharing a free monthly PDF filled with hope and encouragement for our listeners. Hope for Every Heart, is an invitation to pause, take a breath, and remember the love that doesn’t fade or fail. Take a quiet moment for yourself and download the PDF today—a simple pause, a gentle breath, and a reminder of a love that truly lasts.

Give thanks to the lord, for He is good: His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

Wherever you find yourself today, God’s love has not changed. It is steady. It is personal. And it meets you exactly where you are, like Ben sings “He’ll never leave you be, Jesus loves you black sheep”.

When Lyrics Connect

As I spent some time reading through the YouTube comments on this song, a few really stood out to me, proof that Ben’s music is touching hearts:

I first heard this song for the very first time 3 days ago while I was driving and I literally had to pull over because the tears were flowing and I was sobbing. I’m sharing it worldwide ...with everybody I know ...the world needs to hear this song.

 

Remember: if you’re hanging on by a thread, make sure it’s the thread of His garment

 

Been a black sheep for most of my life. Here I rest in sober living for the 9th time...feeling the Devil just wrecking me with all the Shame and Embarrassment I carry. But deep down, I feel Jesus hasn’t given up on me. He still coming for me as a Black Sheep...Beautiful song

 

Stories like this remind us that when lyrics connect, they can offer comfort, hope, and the reassurance that none of us are truly alone.

Movement through Music

I wouldn’t say I’m especially musically gifted. I can’t always carry a tune, and reading music has never been my strong suit. And yet, working at a radio station devoted to faith and hope, I still find myself singing softly in the car or humming without even realizing it while I move around the kitchen—something my husband is quick to point out with a smile. Maybe that’s God meeting me right where I am, in ordinary moments and familiar melodies, gently speaking through them. I think so. And it’s a reminder that Black Sheep is more than just a song—it’s a shared space of honesty, healing, and hope.

Wherever you find yourself today, we encourage you to pay attention to the lyrics in the songs you hear. Often, they carry gentle reminders that can warm your heart and offer steady reassurance when you’re feeling alone. Thank you for spending this time with UCB Radio in the first post of this lyric-focused series. We hope it’s been a meaningful pause in your day. There’s more to come very soon, stay tuned!

Inspired source: www.benfullerofficial.com