The song "Bread And Water" by Vince Gill tells the story of a man who finds himself in a desperate situation. One night, he stumbles into an old mission, seeking shelter and sustenance. He approaches a lady at the mission and expresses his hunger and poverty, explaining that he hasn't had work for a long time and feels ashamed. The woman at the mission welcomes him kindly, offering him a seat at the table. She tells him that he looks like he could use a friend and assures him that he doesn't need to pay for the meal if he is unable to. She mentions that even Jesus himself was once a homeless man, emphasizing the compassion and understanding of their situation. As the woman begins to read from the Bible, specifically mentioning the story of Jesus and the woman at the well, she lets him know that she isn't there to judge his past or choices. She tells him that there are only two things that can save his soul from damnation, which are represented symbolically in the song as "bread and water." Feeling moved by the words and the welcoming atmosphere, the man joins the woman in prayer, reciting the Lord's Prayer. However, unbeknownst to him, he passes away peacefully in that moment. The lyrics suggest that upon his passing, he finds himself in heaven where there is an abundance of bread and water waiting for him. The overall meaning of the song "Bread And Water" conveys the importance of compassion, understanding, and non-judgmental attitudes towards others who may be going through tough times. It emphasizes the idea that everyone deserves a helping hand and that basic needs, represented by "bread and water," should be freely given without any conditions attached.
