Bethel Music + Emmy Rose - Inheritance Lyrics
Lyrics
I'd rather have the wilderness with You right by my side
Than wander in the promised land alone
So I will watch the cloud by day and follow fire by night
Wherever You go I will go
Your presence is my inheritance
What more could I want
And Your Spirit is my portion, Lord
What more could I want
I'd rather be a vagabond with You inside my heart
Than dwell in all the mansions of the world
I'd lay down all my treasure, I'd give up all I own
To follow wherever You go, oh-oh-oh
And Your presence is my inheritance
What more could I want
And Your Spirit is my portion, Lord
What more could I want
You are my home
Where else would I go
I wanna walk with You, Jesus
Dwell in Your nearness
Lord, where else would I go
I wanna walk with You, Jesus
Dwell in Your nearness
And dwell in Your nearness
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Your presence is my inheritance
What more could I want
And Your Spirit is my portion Lord
What more could I want
Written by Emmy Rose, Kristene DiMarco, Austin Johnson, and Hank Bentley
Video
Inheritance - Bethel Music, Emmy Rose
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on March 27, 2023, "Inheritance" by Bethel Music and Emmy Rose is a profound declaration of faith, masterfully weaving a tapestry of devotion that redefines what it means to possess true riches. This powerful anthem immediately grounds the listener in a spiritual paradigm shift, inviting a radical re-evaluation of life's priorities from a divine perspective. At its core, the song articulates a deeply held conviction that God’s presence far surpasses any earthly gain, proposing a counter-cultural truth: that spiritual intimacy is the ultimate inheritance.
The lyrical narrative plunges straight into this theme, painting vivid contrasts that highlight the song’s central message. The opening lines, suggesting a preference for "the wilderness with You right by my side" over "the promised land alone," immediately echo the ancient journey of the Israelites. This imagery directly recalls the book of Exodus, where God’s people were led through the desert by a "cloud by day and a fire by night" (Exodus 13:21-22). More profoundly, it brings to mind Moses’ poignant plea in Exodus 33:15, declaring, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here." The song embraces this sentiment, elevating divine companionship and guidance above even the most desired destination, stressing that God’s presence transforms any desolate place into a sanctified dwelling. This sets the stage for a spiritual journey where the relationship with the Divine is the sole compass and true north.
The chorus then crystallizes this foundational truth with an unwavering declaration: "Your presence is my inheritance / What more could I want." This statement challenges the conventional understanding of inheritance as tangible assets or land. Instead, it asserts that the very being of God – His active, indwelling presence – is the believer's most treasured possession. This concept finds rich biblical resonance in the Old Testament, particularly with the Levites, who were uniquely instructed that they would "have no inheritance... The LORD is their inheritance" (Numbers 18:20, Deuteronomy 10:9). For the New Covenant believer, this inheritance is further manifested through the indwelling Holy Spirit, becoming a personal, intimate portion of the divine. The rhetorical question, "What more could I want," isn't a sign of lack but an expression of profound contentment and ultimate satisfaction, implying that all other desires pale in comparison to the fullness found in God.
The song further intensifies this commitment in the second verse, presenting an even more stark contrast: "I'd rather be a vagabond with You inside my heart / Than dwell in all the mansions of the world." Here, the imagery of a homeless wanderer, enriched by an internal spiritual treasure, is pitted against the allure of worldly luxury and stability. This powerfully reflects Jesus’ teachings on true wealth, encouraging His followers to "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-21) and to recognize that "a person’s life does not consist in the abundance of their possessions" (Luke 12:15). The subsequent vow, "I'd lay down all my treasure, I'd give up all I own," solidifies this radical devotion, aligning with the call to discipleship where following Christ often necessitates relinquishing earthly attachments for a greater spiritual reward. It’s a complete surrender, valuing Christ above comfort, security, or material gain.
The bridge serves as a heartfelt affirmation, where God is declared as "my home." This powerful metaphor conveys a sense of ultimate belonging, security, and peace that transcends physical locations. It’s a direct response to the earlier imagery of wilderness and vagabondage, asserting that wherever God is, there is true home. The longing to "walk with You, Jesus / Dwell in Your nearness" echoes the deep yearning for intimacy found throughout the Psalms, such as Psalm 27:4, "One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life." This segment of the song is a beautiful prayer for sustained fellowship and abiding presence, making it clear that proximity to the divine is not merely a preference but a fundamental necessity for the soul.
Overall, "Inheritance" stands as a poignant reminder in a world often consumed by ambition and acquisition. It inspires a shift in perspective, calling us to value the invisible and eternal over the visible and temporal. It is a song that deeply challenges and encourages, affirming that in God’s presence and Spirit, we possess everything we could ever truly desire. Its message is a beacon of hope and reorientation, urging a deeper pursuit of the One who is our ultimate home and everlasting portion.