Story Behind The Song
This song was recorded mostly at Todd's parents' house. The backing vocals were recorded in Todd and Josiah's apartment, and the piano was recorded in the sanctuary of University Lutheran Church.
Song Description
The arpeggiated intro to "Open" begins with Todd Hoover on guitar, Josiah Kilduff on drums, Ellen Tollefson on violin, Ingrid Wells on clarinet and Aiko Yamada on piano. The first verse introduces Hoover's vocals and bass, and details Hoover's realization that he must return to God after getting more than a little distracted. Backup singer Molly Molenhouse is introduced just before the chorus, which repeats a simple hook ("I forgot who I gave myself to/It was you") before returning to the introductory arpeggio. The song picks up to half-time for the second verse, which features more pronounced vocals from Molenhouse and words expressing Hoover's endurance through life's frustrations with God's help. A tambourine (played by Hoover) enters for the chorus, which repeats twice; the second repeat features handclaps from Hoover, Kilduff, Beth Draeger, Kristen Fournier, Sam Gerhard, Aaron Goddard, Zack Horne, Chase Kamp, Jenn Kittleson, Phillip Kuhlman, Vince Mellody and Celeste Sepessy. Tollefson and Wells' violin and clarinet parts reach a climax before the song returns once more to that introductory arpeggiated figure and concludes with something God always deserves: Applause.
| Song Length |
3:48 |
Genre |
Pop - Rock, Unique - Gospel |
| Tempo |
Multiple Tempos |
Lead Vocal |
Mixed Vocals |
| Mood |
Exultant, Gracious |
Subject |
Making Up, God |
| Similar Artists |
R.E.M., Amy Grant |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
I was lost in my impatience, but two wrongs never make a right. So I'll stop and change myself again if you'll help me. Are you still here? Looking back, I hope that you'll be there with open eyes and open ears so I can admit I forgot who I gave myself to. I forgot who I gave myself to. I forgot who I gave myself to -- it was you. So much stress over imperfections. So much anger with so little reason. Well, that's just fine -- I know that I will endure through this if you'll help me. Are you still here? Looking back, I hope that you'll be there with open arms and open ears. I've just got to admit I forgot who I gave myself to. I forgot who I gave myself to. I forgot who I gave myself to -- it was you. I forgot who I gave myself to. I forgot who I gave myself to. I forgot who I gave myself to -- it was you. It was you. It was you.
(c) 2007 Made to Make Music