Lyrics Page
Think On These Things
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Oct 1, 2026 updated
No Doubt album
Verified editorial review
Song Meaning
Petra cites Philippians 4:8 directly as the song's entire basis, then sets the verse to music with almost no paraphrase: "whatever things are pure and true... whatever things are filled with virtue, think on these things." Paul's own list — things honest, just, lovely, of good report — becomes the song's structure rather than a summary of it.
"The vain imaginations that long to be set free" names the actual struggle the instruction is meant to address — not a general call to positivity, but a specific fight against intrusive, unwanted thoughts. "I will put my trust in the things that never cease, to keep my heart in perfect peace" closes the song by connecting the discipline of focused thought directly to the peace Isaiah 26:3 promises those whose minds are "stayed" on God.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
[Based on Philippians 4:8]
In solitary time the thoughts run through my mind
Some from the very throne some origins unknown
I know there's a danger waiting
Thoughts held in captivity
The vain imaginations that long to be set free
I hold the key
With thoughts of purity
Whatever things are pure and true,
(I want to)
Think on these things
Whatever things are filled with virtue
Think on these things
When my mind begins to stray
I want to think the other way
Think on these things
Think on these things
Into the conscious flow the tributaries go
The source from which they start
Abundance of the heart
My mind has a mind of its own
choosing negativity
Only the thoughts of virtue
Withhold the raging sea
I turn the tide
By choosing to abide
Whatever things are honest
Whatever things are just
Whatever things are lovely
I will put my trust
In the things that never cease
To keep my heart in perfect peace