Acappella - Long Way to Go Lyrics
Lyrics
I'm seeing lots of people looking sure of themselves
Never seem to say much
Feeling mighty cozy with their righteousness
But their Bible's still gathering dust
They've got a long way to go, such a long way to go
They've got a long way to go, such a long way to go
I see a lot of people working over time
Defining what grace can afford
Working at a standard they could never attain
Trying to gain their reward
They've got a long way to go, such a long way to go
Earning grace through manufactured rules
They've got a long way to go, such a long way to go
Chorus:
Till we understand the message of Christ
Till we learn to let Him work in our lives
We've got a long way to go, such a long way to go
Till we understand what love is about
Till we follow Him with never a doubt
We've got a long way to go, such a long way to go
I heard about a baby down in Galilee
Heard he had his own star
Everybody said that he was sure to succeed
But nobody knew how far
He had a long way to go, such a long way to go
Who'd of thought it'd start with swaddling clothes
He had a long way to go, such a long way to go
I heard about the garden of Gethsemane
Time to pull out and pray
They say that he was crying out in agony
"Father please take this cup away"
He had a long way to go, such a long way to go
Pure love hanging on a tree
He had a long way to go, such a long way to go
Repeat Chorus
Dreaming of the day when He will come again
See Him eye to eye
Looking for the dawning of eternity
Forever and ever with Jesus Christ
We'll have a long way to go, such a long way to go
We'll have a long way to go, such a long way to go
Scriptural Reference:
"Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Matthew 26:39
Video
Acappella - Long Way To Go
Meaning & Inspiration
Released in 1993 as part of the album *Set Me Free*, Acappella's "Long Way to Go" presents a profound and deeply theological reflection on the spiritual journey, both for individuals and for humanity as a whole. The song eschews a focus on intricate vocal arrangements to deliver a message that is both challenging and ultimately hopeful, urging a deeper understanding of true faith beyond superficial displays. The lyrics open by critiquing those who present a façade of certainty and self-righteousness while neglecting the core tenets of their beliefs, their Bibles gathering dust – a poignant observation echoing the denunciation of hypocrisy found in Matthew 23:27-28, where Jesus describes the Pharisees as whitewashed tombs, outwardly beautiful but inwardly full of dead men's bones. The song further dissects the human tendency to quantify grace, to work for divine favor through manufactured rules and unattainable standards, a concept directly at odds with the Apostle Paul's teachings in Ephesians 2:8-9, which clearly state that salvation is a gift received through faith, not earned by works, lest anyone should boast.
The chorus serves as the spiritual lynchpin of the song, articulating the essential transformation required: a profound understanding of Christ's message, allowing Him to actively work within our lives, and grasping the true nature of love while following Him with unwavering conviction. This call to a deeper, more active faith resonates with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, which mandates discipleship and obedience, not mere intellectual assent. The narrative then shifts to a powerful recounting of Jesus’ earthly journey, beginning with His humble birth in Galilee. The lyrics touch upon the initial perception of a destined success, yet underscore the profound mystery of how such a momentous mission would commence in the simplicity of swaddling clothes, a testament to God’s sovereignty working in ways beyond human expectation, as described in Isaiah 55:8-9. The agonizing moments in the Garden of Gethsemane are also highlighted, referencing Jesus’ prayer for deliverance as recorded in Matthew 26:39, yet His ultimate submission to the Father's will. This profound act of obedience, culminating in the sacrifice on the tree, is presented as the ultimate expression of pure love, a sacrificial act that redeems humanity. The song concludes by looking forward to Christ's promised return, envisioning a future where believers will see Him face to face, forever in His presence. This longing for eternity and the ultimate reunion with Christ is a central theme in Christian eschatology, as spoken of in John 14:1-3 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, offering a glorious hope that makes the present spiritual journey, however long, a worthwhile pursuit. "Long Way to Go" is not just a song; it's a spiritual compass, guiding listeners toward a more authentic and Christ-centered existence.