Brian And Jenn Johnson - After All These Years Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
After the pride
After the fall
The hands of mercy opened wide
After the rain
After the flood
You set Your promise in the sky
Pre-Chorus
The God, who was, and is to come
Has been, the same, for me
Chorus
After all these years
You've never given up
After all these years
You're constant with Your love
It amazes me
After all You've done
It amazes me
You're still running after us
Verse 2
After the Cross
After the shame
No power of hell could ever take
Your perfect life
Your gift of grace
That testifies beyond the grave
Still testifies beyond the grave
Chorus
After all these years
You've never given up
After all these years
You're constant with Your love
It amazes me
After all You've done
It amazes me
You're still running after us
Bridge
The God, who was, and is to come
Has been, the same, for me
The God, who was, and is, to come
Has been, the same, for me
You've always been, the same, for me
Chorus
After all these years
You've never given up
After all these years
You're constant with Your love
It amazes me
After all You've done
It amazes me
You're still running after us
It amazes me
After all You've done
It amazes me
You're still running after us
After all these years ...
Video
After All These Years (Official Lyric Video) - Brian & Jenn Johnson | After All These Years
Meaning & Inspiration
"After All These Years" by Brian and Jenn Johnson, released on January 27, 2017, stands as a profound testament to the enduring faithfulness of God, a theme woven intricately through its powerful lyrical tapestry. The song's essence unfolds as a narrative of divine constancy, beginning with humanity's profound weaknesses and culminating in God's unyielding pursuit and unchangeable nature. It captures the very heart of the Gospel, inviting individuals to reflect on a God who remains steadfast through every season of life and every human failing.
The story behind the song, deeply embedded in its lyrical progression, explores the vast expanse of God's mercy and covenant. The opening verse, "After the pride, After the fall, The hands of mercy opened wide," immediately evokes the Genesis account of human sin and the subsequent unfolding of God's redemptive plan. It speaks to both the collective fall of humanity and the personal moments of brokenness we all experience, reminding us that even in our lowest points, grace is abundantly available. This resonates with passages like Lamentations 3:22-23, which declare the Lord’s great love and mercies are new every morning. The line "After the rain, After the flood, You set Your promise in the sky" then draws a direct parallel to Noah's Ark and the rainbow covenant in Genesis 9, symbolizing God's unwavering commitment to His promises, even after judgment and purification. These initial verses establish a foundational truth: God’s character is defined by mercy and covenant-keeping.
The pre-chorus and subsequent bridge, "The God, who was, and is to come, Has been, the same, for me," serve as a powerful theological anchor. This echoes the declaration in Revelation 1:8, where God identifies Himself as the Alpha and Omega, the one who is, and who was, and who is to come. It also mirrors Hebrews 13:8, which states that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. This affirmation of God’s immutable nature is not just a theological statement but a deeply personal one, emphasizing that His unchanging character applies directly to each individual’s experience. This personal touch transforms a grand theological concept into a source of intimate comfort and assurance.
The recurring chorus, the emotional core of the song, highlights God's relentless love. "After all these years, You've never given up, After all these years, You're constant with Your love" is a profound declaration of perseverance, echoing Romans 8:38-39, which assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. The phrase "You're constant with Your love" speaks to the enduring quality of divine affection, reminiscent of Psalm 136's repetitive declaration, "His love endures forever." The astounding realization, "It amazes me, After all You've done, It amazes me, You're still running after us," offers a vibrant image of God's active pursuit. This imagery powerfully recalls the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:20, where the father runs to embrace his returning child, illustrating a God who doesn't wait passively but actively seeks out and welcomes His creation.
Verse two brings the focus to the pivotal event of Christian faith: "After the Cross, After the shame." This points to Christ's sacrificial death, where He bore the ultimate shame and suffering, as depicted in Philippians 2:8 and Hebrews 12:2. The song asserts that "No power of hell could ever take Your perfect life, Your gift of grace," celebrating the triumphant victory of Christ over sin and death. This is reinforced by Colossians 2:15, which speaks of Him disarming the powers and authorities. The resurrection, the ultimate proof of His perfect life and the foundation of our hope, is encapsulated in the declaration that His sacrifice "testifies beyond the grave," a truth echoed in 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, which speaks of Christ as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, guaranteeing our own resurrection.
Ultimately, "After All These Years" is more than just a song; it's a profound declaration of unwavering faith in an unchanging God. It serves as a spiritual anchor, reminding believers that regardless of their past mistakes or present struggles, God's mercy, love, and promises remain constant. It’s an inspiring call to remember the breadth of God's redemptive journey, from the earliest covenants to the cross, and to rest in the amazing truth that the Creator of the universe is still actively, lovingly pursuing His children. The simple, yet profound, message encourages a deeper trust and a profound sense of gratitude for the God who was, and is, and is to come, and has always been the same.