Lyrics
Verse 1
Jesus is my Savior, I shall not be moved;
In His love and favor, I shall not be moved,
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters,
Lord, I shall not be moved.
Chorus (x4)
I shall not be, I shall not be moved;
I shall not be, I shall not be moved;
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters,
Lord, I shall not be moved.
Verse 2
In my Christ abiding, I shall not be moved;
In His love I'm hiding, I shall not be moved,
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters,
Lord, I shall not be moved.
Verse 3
If I trust Him ever, I shall not be moved;
He will fail me never, I shall not be moved,
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters,
Lord, I shall not be moved.
Verse 4
On His word I'm feeding, I shall not be moved;
He's the One that's leading, I shall not be moved,
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters,
Lord, I shall not be moved.
Credits & Song Information
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
In “I Shall Not Be Moved,” Johnny Cash’s rendition from My Mother’s Hymn Book turns a simple plantation metaphor into a confession of rootedness. The repeated line about a tree planted by the waters draws on the psalmist’s picture of stability: a life sustained by a constant source rather than by its own effort. The verses attach that stillness to specific acts—trusting Jesus, abiding in Him, feeding on His word, and being led by Him. The song does not describe an emotion but a posture, something learned and repeated. Each stanza restates the same resolve, which suggests that steadfastness is not a single decision but a continuing orientation. The phrase “I shall not be moved” carries both promise and demand: it speaks of divine keeping, yet it also calls the singer to remain. The tree image keeps the focus on nourishment and placement—stability comes from where one stands, not from inner grit. The result is a quiet, resolute hymn about faith as deep-rooted endurance.