'Shine' was written awhile before Mindsize was recorded and, in fact, had no ties (musically) to any other songs that we had written. It was set apart in that it featured piano, something we hadn't had much of before. In retrospect, naming the song 'Shine' wasn't the brightest idea (no pun intended)... since every band out there seems to have a 'Shine' song. Oh well.
This song's meaning can really be wrapped up in the chorus, "In a simple way, though I be so wrong, though I turn away, I know where I belong". Sometimes we turn to the right or to the left looking for what we think is needed in our lives, but we can only be fulfilled in Christ.
What is it like when it's gone?
All the day and the night and the song
And what seems so real
Is what keeps us from the dawn
Truly I know it sometimes
I see the reasons and signs
That this world can only
turn so many times
In a simple way
Though I be so wrong
Though I turn away
I know where I belong
Feelings all around in me
Do this, do that, and you'll see
That it's hard to find
Just what we need where we seek
I'll say it again that I've tried
To find the right ways on this ride
Where we're upside down
And we still will try to hide
In a simple way
Though I be so wrong
Though I turn away
I know where I belong
And the Son will shine
And the reign won't fall
And I know inside
How He loves us all
Our hands will get so that they
Can't pull us up all the day
We need to find that
now we have to say