The lyrics of John Mark McMillan's song "Setting Suns" convey themes of reliance on a loved one, finding strength in difficult times, and recognizing the beauty in chaos. The song tells a story of finding solace and comfort in a person during challenging moments of life. The opening lines, "When everything's said and done, you're all I really have," suggest that the singer's support system and emotional anchor is this particular person. Amidst the chaos represented by the setting suns and city lights, the singer finds that their friends cannot completely heal or make up for the mess in their life. The chorus, "So I will float on every word you said, when the water of my ghosts rise above my head," reflects the idea that the person's words and presence give the singer strength and help them rise above their inner turmoil. They rely on the support of this person, figuratively standing on their back in the midst of a metaphorical sea. The lyrics acknowledge the presence of uncertainty and debts in life. The line, "When collectors of my debts, they come to sink their teeth," implies that the singer is facing consequences for mistakes or choices they have made. However, the emphasis remains on the power and goodness of the person they rely on, as they think about how good this person is to them. The lines, "This body is a hole, my flesh one shallow grave, I am six feet below myself," reflect a sense of despair or feeling lost within oneself. The singer may feel that they deserve to die, yet they find hope or redemption in the realization that they will be glorified even amidst the messiness of life. Overall, the song "Setting Suns" expresses the singer's gratitude and reliance on a loved one during challenging times. It portrays a journey of finding strength and being lifted up by the presence and words of this person, even when faced with chaos and personal struggles.
