Lyrics
I was dead in my transgressions, wandering in sin
I went searching for redemption down the road that had no end
I was walking through this fire, I was living on the run
With my flesh lost in desire, I was drowning in the flood
[Chorus]
But God
Rich in mercy
You came to save me
Now I'm alive
But God
Strong and mighty
You reached down for me
So I could rise
Now I'm alive
[Verse 2]
I am far from being perfect, there are days that I regret
On this battlefield, I struggle with the lies that I have lived
I have fallen short of glory, I can't make it on my own
If You kept record of my past, I'd been sinking like a stone
[Chorus]
But God
Rich in mercy
You came to save me
Now I'm alive
But God
Strong and mighty
You reached down for me
So I could rise
[Bridge]
Now I'm breathing in, I'm breathing out
I was in the grave, but God You called me out
I'm breathing in (I'm breathing in)
I'm breathing out (I'm breathing out)
I was in the grave, but God You called me out
[Chorus]
But God
Rich in mercy
You came to save me
Now I'm alive
My God
Strong and mighty
You reached down for me
So I could rise
[Outro]
Now I'm breathing in (I'm breathing in)
I'm breathing out (I'm breathing out)
I was in the grave, but God You called me out
Now I'm breathing in (I'm breathing in)
I'm breathing out (I'm breathing out)
I was in the grave, but God You called me out
Now I'm alive
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Alive tells a clear movement from death in sin to life through divine mercy. The opening verse describes wandering, failed attempts at redemption, destructive desire, and an inability to escape by personal effort. Against that condition, the chorus places its emphasis on God: rich in mercy, strong to save, and willing to reach down. The repeated declaration of being alive therefore functions as a confession of rescue rather than personal achievement.
The wording closely echoes Ephesians 2, where people dead in transgressions are made alive with Christ because God is rich in mercy. Later lines retain an honest awareness of regret and falling short, yet they do not make failure the final identity. The bridge uses the image of being called out of a grave to portray new life with vivid simplicity. Breathing in and out becomes evidence of restoration, and the final repetition keeps attention on the God who calls, raises, and gives life.
Related Scripture
- Ephesians 2:4-5 God, rich in mercy, makes those dead in transgressions alive with Christ.
- Romans 3:23 Paul states that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
- Psalm 130:3-4 The psalm says that no one could stand if God kept a record of sins, yet forgiveness is with him.