David Koo – Job’s Song

David Koo is an enigma.  The only information I found on this person is that he wrote Job’s Song.  That’s it.  If anyone has any leads, I would be happy to update this introduction and give you credit!

Lyrics can be found at http://www.ap0s7le.com/list/song/1156/David_Koo/Job’s_Song.  Though these lyrics are slightly misaligned from the lyric-video posted at the bottom of this review, it will not impact my assessment.  They are the best I could find in written format.

Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site!  Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review.

1. What message does the song communicate?

David Koo has been through something hard.  He doesn’t tell us the details of his hell; However, it left him in a state of brokenness.  Focused on his issues, he cries out to God for help. He is unable to feel God’s Presence or see his reward for passing the test. He desires to avoid falling away from God and for the Father to strengthen him. 

Given the song’s title, I can only assume that Koo draws inspiration from the lament of Job in Job 3:1-26 and lengthened conversation with God in Job chapters 29 through 42.

Score: 10/10

2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?

All lines are in agreement with God’s inspired Word.

Since the lyrics posted do not contain a Verse/Chorus/Bridge format, I will assign stanzas to each paragraph.

[Stanza 1]

Lines 1-4: Koo experienced many trials and tribulations (Romans 5:3-5 and James 1:2-4), burnt out and exhausted from testing.  Much like Jesus did on the cross in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34, quoting from Psalm 22:1, Koo feels abandoned by his Heavenly Father.

[Stanza 2]

Lines 1-4: The Scriptures are full of examples of people who cry out to God, desiring not to fall away.  Some of my favorites include 2 Samuel 24:14, Psalm 34:6, Psalm 40:17, Psalm 70:5, Isaiah 41:17, Matthew 11:28-30, and 1 Peter 5:7.

[Stanza 3]

Line 1: The world is difficult because the ground is cursed (Genesis 3:17-19) and we’re full of sin (Genesis 3:22, Genesis 8:21, Job 15:14-16, Psalm 14:2-3, Psalm 51:5, Proverbs 22:15, Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 3:10-18, Romans 5:12, Romans 6:23, and Ephesians 2:2-3).

Line 2: Koo is correct.  God does not promise us a “healthy and wealthy” life, free of pain and suffering.  Rather, He warned us not to be surprised when we face various trials, including persecution on account of Christ (John 15:18-19, John 16:33, John 17:14, Romans 8:7, 2 Timothy 3:12, 1 John 3:13).

Lines 3 and 4: Koo is having an “I believe, but help me overcome my unbelief” moment (Mark 9:23-25) regarding Hebrews 12:4:11.  He knows that testing will help him, but finds it difficult to see how it plays out.

[Stanza 4]

Lines 1:4: Koo admits that he’s focused on his problems instead of Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), hence, his prayer to God for strength in his weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-11).

Score: 10/10

3. How would an outsider interpret the song?

Those outside the camp of Christ will find this song easy to grasp:  Koo has been through much and needs God.  They will also learn important truths that, perhaps, they were misinformed about Christianity.  For example:

• While many unbelievers think that praying to God results in a guaranteed affirmative, Koo reminds us that God does not promise a pain-free life.
• Though Christians may appear that we have it all together, this honest outlook on Koo’s inner-struggle should help unbelievers see that we don’t.

Score: 10/10

4. What does this song glorify?

Koo’s honest outlook on himself, showing his complete dependence on God brings Him glory.

Score: 10/10

Closing Comments

David Koo’s Job’s Song is a great song for the brokenhearted.  It teaches us realistic expectations on the life of Christians, that we will go through trials that better us, even if we don’t fully understand it.  Koo’s dependence on God through his testing brings glory to the Father.  Unbelievers should easily comprehend its core message, perhaps walking away with a better understanding of the Christian life.

Worship leaders looking for an impactful lament that will stir the inner-deep groanings of their congregants should consider this song for corporate worship.  I expect very few dry eyes, including mine.

On second thought, contacting David Koo to gain permission might prove more difficult than it’s worth.

Final Score: 10/10

Artist Info

Track: Job’s Song (listen to the song)

Artist: David Koo

Album: N/A

Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)

Release Year: 1995

Duration: 3:55

Agree?  Disagree?  Don’t be shy or have a cow!  Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.

Updates:

03/23/2021 – Updated per repetition announcement.