Acappella - I Have a Friend Lyrics
Lyrics
I have a friend, they call Him Jesus
I have a friend, the angels praise His name
When I was down He lifted all of my burdens
He touched my life and now I'm not the mine
Oh Master may our voices
Ascend beyond the stars to thee
We thank You with our lives
And praise You with the songs we sing
I have a friend who'll solve your problems
Don't worry 'bout paying Him, to love Him is His fee
And when life's road seems rough and gloomy
He said don't worry my child, just put your trust in Me
Lord like the gentle breezes,
Please let Your Spirit comfort me
With You I'm not alone-
You're everything I'll ever need
I have a friend who went to Calvary
He said I'll die
But I'll sure enough rise again
I have a friend thay call Him Jesus
I have a friend
And the angels praise His name (Repeat line x3)
Scriptural Reference:
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
Video
Acappella - I Have A Friend
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on January 1, 1990, as part of their album *Rescue*, Acappella's "I Have a Friend" immediately establishes a foundational Christian truth with both profound simplicity and spiritual depth. This song isn't just a musical piece; it's a testimony, a declaration of faith centered on the unique relationship believers share with Jesus Christ. From its very core, the track articulates the intimate, unwavering friendship offered by the Savior, echoing the scriptural promise of a bond unlike any other. The group's signature a cappella style inherently focuses the listener's attention directly on the lyrics, allowing the message to resonate without instrumental distraction, ensuring the spiritual weight of each word is fully felt.
The narrative unfolds by painting a picture of Jesus as a personal, accessible friend, a concept that immediately disarms and invites. The opening lines swiftly move to a place of personal experience, recounting how this Friend, whom "angels praise His name," steps in during moments of despair, lifting burdens and transforming lives. This reflects the profound comfort found in passages like Matthew 11:28, where Jesus invites the weary and burdened to find rest in Him, and Psalm 55:22, which encourages us to cast our cares upon the Lord. The transformation described, "He touched my life and now I'm not the same," beautifully aligns with 2 Corinthians 5:17, declaring that in Christ, we become a new creation. The song then shifts to a posture of worship, a collective prayer where voices ascend "beyond the stars to thee," a sacrifice of praise and gratitude offered for such a monumental gift, much like the call in Hebrews 13:15 to continually offer a sacrifice of praise through Jesus.
As the song progresses, the invitation extends to others, presenting Jesus as the ultimate solution to life's complexities. It promises a "friend who'll solve your problems," highlighting His capacity to meet every need, as Philippians 4:19 assures us that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. Crucially, the song emphasizes that the "fee" for this friendship is simply love, underscoring the gracious nature of God’s gift of salvation, which is freely given and not earned by works (Romans 3:24). When life's journey becomes difficult and "rough and gloomy," the message of trust shines through, reminding us of Jesus' calming words: "don't worry my child, just put your trust in Me." This counsel mirrors Proverbs 3:5-6, which urges complete trust in the Lord rather than reliance on our own understanding, promising guidance for our paths. The yearning for the Holy Spirit's comfort, described as "gentle breezes," further emphasizes dependence on divine presence, fulfilling the promise of a Helper in John 14:16, ensuring that "With You I'm not alone—You're everything I'll ever need," aligning with the shepherd's provision in Psalm 23:1.
Ultimately, "I Have a Friend" culminates in the foundational truth of the Christian faith: the redemptive act on Calvary. The declaration, "I have a friend who went to Calvary," immediately brings to mind the ultimate sacrifice, the greatest demonstration of love where "He lay down his life for his friends," as quoted from John 15:13. This powerful image is coupled with the victorious promise of resurrection—"He said I'll die but I'll sure enough rise again"—affirming the hope and power found in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. This song is a profound reminder that this Friend, Jesus, is not just a historical figure but a living, present, and transforming presence in the lives of those who embrace Him. It encourages a deeper connection with the divine, fostering a sense of security and purpose that transcends worldly circumstances, compelling anyone who listens to consider the depth of such an unparalleled friendship.