Verse 1: Cory Asbury
Lord, I confess
That I've been a criminal
I've stolen Your breath
And sang my own song
And Lord, I confess
That I'm far from innocent
These shackles I wear
Oh, I bought on my own
Chorus: Cory Asbury
These scarlet sins had a crimson cost
You nailed my debt to that old rugged cross
An empty slate, at the empty grave
Thank God that stone was rolled away
Verse 2: Cory Asbury, Gable Price & Cory Asbury
Lord, I confess
I've been a prodigal
Made for Your house
But I walked my own roads
Then Jesus came3
He tore down my prison walls
Death came to life
When He called me by name
Chorus: Gable Price & Cory Asbury
Scarlet sins had a crimson cost
You nailed my debt to that old rugged cross
An empty slate, at the empty grave
Thank God that stone was rolled
Scarlet sins had a crimson cost
You nailed my debt to that old rugged cross
An empty slate, at the empty grave
Thank God that stone was rolled away
Interlude: Cory Asbury
And I can see it now
Smiling in Heaven, You and I, You and I
Bridge: Cory Asbury, Gable Price & Cory Asbury
And I see bright, crimson robes draped over the ashes
A wide, open tomb where there should be a casket
The children are singing, and dancing, and laughing
The Father is welcoming
This is our homecoming
Roses in bloom pushed up from the embers
Our rivers of tears flow from good times remembered
Families are singing, and dancing, and laughing
The Father is welcoming
This is our homecoming
Heaven joins in with a glorious sound
And the great cloud of witnesses all gather 'round
'Cause the ones that were lost are finally found
The Father is welcoming
This is our homecoming
Chorus: Gable Price & Cory Asbury
Scarlet sins had a crimson cost
You nailed my debt to that old rugged cross
An empty slate, at the empty grave
Thank God that stone was rolled
Refrain: Gable Price & Cory Asbury
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
The Father is welcoming
This is our homecoming
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
The Father is welcoming
This is our homecoming
Interlude: Cory Asbury
Can you see it now?
Standing on the shores of Heaven
You and I, and our families
Singing, and dancing, and laughing
There's truly no place like home
Yeah
Jesus, You're so beautiful
Haha, see Him face to face
Can we sing that bridge together one last time?
"I see bright, crimson robes"
Bridge: Cory Asbury, Gable Price & Cory Asbury, Gable Price
I see bright, crimson robes draped over the ashes
A wide, open tomb where there should be a casket
The children are singing, and dancing, and laughing
The Father is welcoming
This is our homecoming
Roses in bloom, they pushed up from the embers
Our rivers of tears flow from good times remembered
Families are singing, and dancing, and laughing (Let's go)
The Father is welcoming (Come on)
This is our homecoming
And Heaven joins in with a glorious sound
And the great cloud of witnesses all gather 'round
'Cause the ones that were lost are finally found
The Father is welcoming
This is our homecoming
Chorus: Gable Price & Cory Asbury
Scarlet sins had a crimson cost
You nailed my debt to that old rugged cross
An empty slate, at the empty grave
Thank God that stone was rolled
Outro: Gable Price & Cory Asbury
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
The Father is welcoming
This is our homecoming
Homecoming
Homecoming Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on September 10, 2021, Bethel Music’s song "Homecoming" arrived as a heartfelt invitation, resonating deeply with listeners navigating the complexities of life while yearning for a true sense of belonging. The song speaks to a fundamental human desire for a place of rest, safety, and unconditional love—a place that, for the believer, finds its ultimate fulfillment in God's presence. It captures the essence of returning, not just to a physical location, but to a spiritual state of being fully accepted and known by our Creator. This theme taps into the profound biblical narrative of humanity’s journey away from God and the glorious path He has provided for our reconciliation and return to Him.
The core message of "Homecoming" beautifully articulates the Christian understanding of salvation and redemption as a journey back to our spiritual home. It echoes the timeless story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, who, after wandering far from his father, finds overwhelming grace and celebration upon his return. The song doesn't just describe a physical return, but a soulful turning towards the One who has always been waiting with open arms. It paints a picture of finding rest for the weary soul, of shedding burdens, and stepping out of exile into a place of true peace and identity. This mirrors the promise in Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him and find rest for their souls, taking His yoke which is easy and His burden which is light.
Analyzing the song further reveals its rich theological layers, woven into its moving melody and earnest performance. The concept of homecoming is intrinsically linked to the promise of eternity, where believers will finally dwell fully in God's presence. Revelation 21:3 speaks of God's dwelling place being among the people, and He will dwell with them, wiping every tear from their eyes. "Homecoming" anticipates this ultimate reality, offering a foretaste of the peace and security found in being fully present with God. It reminds us that even in our current journey, we are not homeless wanderers; we are children with a Father who has prepared a place for us (John 14:2-3) and whose presence is our true dwelling place, as the Psalmist declares in Psalm 91:1, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."
Furthermore, the song resonates with the biblical truth that God’s grace is the active force enabling this return. It’s not through our own effort or merit that we find our way home, but through His relentless love and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:13-19 powerfully describes how those who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ, breaking down the wall of hostility and making us fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. "Homecoming" captures this transformative grace, highlighting the journey from being outsiders to welcomed family members. The song encourages the listener to embrace this identity, recognizing that in God, they are not only accepted but celebrated. It’s a powerful musical expression of the joy and relief found in surrendering to God's love and stepping into the security of His enduring faithfulness. The hopeful nature of the music itself supports this message, building towards a sense of arrival and belonging that beautifully complements the spiritual theme of finding our way back to the heart of God.