I had a dream that I was walking
Middle a nowhere on my own
I didn't care where I was goin’
I never knew a place called home
Out in the desert I was waiting
I’d never wandered here before
There in the silence I heard you say it
Went from a whisper to a roar
You said rise up, You said rise up
I didn’t know I was sleeping
And I didn’t know I was lost
You put the skeleton key in
And opened the door to my heart
I’m wide awake
I’m wide awake
You overwhelmed me like an ocean
You took my hand just like a child
There’s not one thing I did to earn it
But you gave me back my life
When You said rise up, You said rise up
Wake up all you sleepers
Walk in freedom
Feel it in your bones
Wake up all you sleepers
Walk in freedom
Let him lead us home
Songwriters: Ben Fuller, David Spencer, Molly Reed
Wide Awake
Wide Awake Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Kelsy Kerubo’s song “Wide Awake,” released on January 24, 2025, arrives as a stirring call to spiritual attentiveness, immediately setting a tone of urgent clarity. The core narrative feels like a personal testimony of transitioning from a state of spiritual slumber or unawareness into a vibrant, active recognition of God’s presence and purpose. It captures that profound moment when the fog lifts, and one begins to see truth with startling vividness, no longer walking through life half-asleep to the realities of faith. This isn't merely about staying physically alert, but about the soul being roused from apathy or distraction, becoming acutely aware of divine truth and the unfolding of God's plan in one's life and the world. The music itself complements this theme beautifully; it builds in intensity, moving from perhaps a more introspective beginning to a powerful, declarative sound that mirrors the journey from quiet dawning to full, awakened clarity. The instrumentation and vocal delivery possess a quality that encourages participation, urging the spirit to rise alongside the music's swell, fostering a sense of being called out of the shadows into the light. Analyzing the message through the lens of Scripture, “Wide Awake” strongly echoes passages that speak to the need for believers to be vigilant and sober-minded. The Apostle Paul urges in Romans 13:11-12, "And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here." This passage directly correlates with the song's title and theme, highlighting the urgency of the spiritual times. Similarly, Ephesians 5:14 calls out, "Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." This isn't just a suggestion but a divine imperative, reflecting the song’s potent energy and message that to be truly alive is to be awake in Christ. The song resonates with the idea found in 1 Peter 5:8, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith." Being “wide awake” is presented not just as a state of blessing but as a necessary posture for navigating the spiritual landscape with wisdom and resilience. Kelsy Kerubo’s work here feels like a musical exhortation, a reminder that there is too much at stake – both the beauty of God’s presence and the challenges of spiritual opposition – to live passively or unaware. It inspires a proactive faith, one that is engaged, observant, and ready, much like the wise virgins in the parable of Matthew 25 who were prepared and watching. This song serves as a powerful anthem for anyone seeking to break free from spiritual lethargy and embrace the vibrant, attentive walk that the Gospel calls us to.
