Biblical Truth Hidden in a Secular Song?

I play secular music on my school bus radio for my high school students in the morning. It is a mix of songs and I enjoy the talk of the hosts between songs too. A song came on that has lyrics that made me wonder if it is a Christian song. But it is not. It is a secular love song titled, One Call Away, by Charlie Puth. I will show you the similarities in the the words and phrases but first off I thought of the title, One Call Away, and immediately my mind went to Jeremiah 33:3, which has been referred to as God's telephone number: Jere33:3 – “Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”

I will print the complete song at the bottom of this blog and give a link to the song. The song phrases will be in bold: “I'm only one call away; I'll be there to save the day”. Deuteronomy 31:8, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” It is God who will rescue you.

“Call me, baby, if you need a friend, I just wanna give you love.” The words, call me, make me think of prayer. We can talk to Jesus anytime. I Thessalonians tells us, “Pray without ceasing.” Jesus says in John 15:15 “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” And God loves us so much He gave His son to die for us on the cross. John 3:16. But His love continues on into eternity. I John 4:16 “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”

“Come along with me and don't be scared, I just wanna set you free.” Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” In Galatians 5:1 we read, "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” God will set you free if you ask Him!

“No matter where you go You know you're not alone.” Hebrews 13:5 tells us, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” God will never leave us alone.

“And when you're weak I'll be strong.” God says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” It is when we are weak that Christ's power is easily recognized in us and it also brings glory to Him.

“And when it you feel like hope is gone Just run into my arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27 tells us, “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Also, Proverbs 18:10, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” There is a contemporary Christian song that I like; Forever Reign by Hillsong. The chorus says, “Oh, I'm running to your arms, I'm running to your arms, the riches of your love will always be enough. Nothing compares to your embrace, Light of the world forever reign.” Listen to it here.

Throughout this secular song Superman is referenced. No person or figment of a person's imagination who created Superman for a television program could ever compare to our Almighty God. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Rev 1:8. Psalm 62:11, “Once God has spoken; Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God.” Psalm 65:6, “Who establishes the mountains by His strength, being girded with might.”

So for a secular love song, One Call Away, is a good song with a nice melody. But knowing these Biblical truths makes it even better! So think upon the blessings that God has provided for us and realize that He is only one call away; He loves us and wants to be our Friend; He wants to set us free; He will never leave us alone; He will be our strength; we can run into His arms when we feel hope is gone; and He is our Almighty God!

You can listen to One Call Away here.

One Call Away

By Charlie Puth



I'm only one call away
I'll be there to save the day
Superman got nothing on me
I'm only one call away
Call me, baby, if you need a friend
I just wanna give you love
Come on, come on, come on
Reaching out to you, so take a chance
No matter where you go
You know you're not alone
I'm only one call away
I'll be there to save the day
Superman got nothing on me
I'm only one call away
Come along with me and don't be scared
I just wanna set you free
Come on, come on, come one
You and me can make it anywhere
For now, we can stay here for a while, ay
'Cause you know, I just wanna see you smile
No matter where you go
You know you're not alone
I'm only one call away
I'll be there to save the day
Superman got nothing on me
I'm only one call away
And when you're weak I'll be strong
I'm gonna keep holding on
Now don't you worry, it won't be long, Darling
And when you feel like hope is gone
Just run into my arms
I'm only one call away
I'll be there to save the day
Superman got nothing on me
I'm only one, I'm only one call away
I'll be there to save the day
Superman got nothing on me
I'm only one call away
I'm only one call away


Songwriters: MAUREEN MCDONALD, SHY CARTER, JUSTIN FRANKS, BREYON PRESCOTT, MATT PRIME, CHARLIE PUTH
© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.