I first discovered Tow’rs back in 2017 or 2018, and while it is a toss up which of their first two albums is my favorite this is easily my favorite song of theirs. On top of their smooth instrumentality and vocals with a solid base in an indie/folk song, the lyrics are what win the day. I know you’re shocked.
Many songs have been made regarding the crucifixion of Christ and many hymns I love fall in this category, but there is something refreshing about hearing a truth from a new point of view. While this is not a perfect representation of the crucifixion a new perspective is what Tow’rs does for us in Belly of Deepest Love. The references to the cross are seen throughout, from clouds hanging low over a king and thieves to the dawn ending the power of the grave. Songs like these help me emotionally connect with truths of Scripture as they take them from the abstract and academic to the passion and feeling of music.
Hearing “the beats of hammers felt like drums of war” reminded me of what many people were saying in 2004, when The Passion of the Christ came out and many were considering the cruelty and horror that a Roman crucifixion was meant to be. The lyric reminds me of the suffering my Savior went through to glorify the Father and save sinners.
I hope you have enjoyed this as much as I have. I want to not only give you my take on music, but also maybe introduce you to some along the way. I’m by no means a hipster, but I am known to wade into the lesser tested musical waters and I hope to share some of the gems I find. In the future, there is a decent chance I’ll write about more Tow’rs songs, but in the meantime I would heartily recommend Vanilla Pines, Helm, and Revere by them. Enjoy!
Lyrics:
I remember when I was young
I was fickle you were so strong
I remember trees as they called your name
Mother told me listen up close
There’s a story they have composed
Look how they’re clapping arms are a swaying high
Do you remember back on that day
When the trees swayed in the same way
How the clouds hung low over kings and thieves
How your mother stayed by your side
Watch the curtain tear in your eyes
All the heavy hearts could’ve cracked the ground
The beats of hammers felt like drums of war
Killed for the words you swore
From the belly of the deepest love,
The hills trembling throats sing hallelujah
Like the flowers on a dogwood tree
Blush with blame you took for me
Oh how you wish to be with me
Oh how you wish to be with me
Do you remember seeing the man
Covered by the same blood he damned
Join the song with the sky in the darkest hour
I need something to hold on to
Stronger than the iron that held you
Louder than the roar of the crowd that day
The beats of hammers felt like drums of war
Killed for the words you swore
From the belly of the deepest love,
The hills trembling throats sing hallelujah
Like the flowers on a dogwood tree
Blush with blame you took for me
Oh how you wish to be with me
Oh how you wish to be with me
I tried to get to you
But you came to me instead
With the dawn the grave is gone
Oh how you wish to be with me
haveyouheard 