Brian Johnson - What Would I Have Done Lyrics
Released: 09 Nov 2010
Lyrics
I will not forget the cross the pain that You endured for us
Where You carried brokenness and shame
Never to forget the day Your love broke through to make a way
For hope to rise within my heart again
Overwhelming sacrifice You freely paid the highest price
Suffering You traded blood for me
My heart will sing the deepest praise my lips rejoice my hands will raise
For the death that brought me into life
All for love
My Jesus You gave all for love
I am standing in the wonder of
Your great love
What would I have done if it wasn't for Your love
The love that tore the veil inside my heart
What would I have become if it wasn't for Your blood
The blood You gave for all on the cross
Video
What Would I Have Done - Jenn and Brian Johnson | Moment
Meaning & Inspiration
The song "What Would I Have Done," released by Jenn and Brian Johnson on April 5, 2021, presents a profound moment of introspection, transporting listeners back to the most critical events in human history. It isn't merely a narrative retelling but a deeply personal question posed directly to the soul: when faced with the ultimate test of allegiance, how would my own faith have held up? The song delves into the scene surrounding Jesus' trial, suffering, and crucifixion, not from a detached historical viewpoint, but by inviting us to imagine ourselves present, standing amongst the crowds, near the disciples, or even in the silence that followed the injustice. It brings to mind the stark reality of that hour, where fear mingled with malice, and where loyalty was tested under immense pressure.
This imaginative journey through the song prompts reflection on the various human responses documented in Scripture. We think of Peter, who, despite his bold declaration, denied Christ three times before the rooster crowed, a raw depiction of human frailty under duress (Matthew 26:69-75). We consider the crowds, initially welcoming Jesus, who later clamored for His crucifixion, choosing a criminal over the King of Glory (Matthew 27:20-23). We ponder the disciples who scattered in fear when He was arrested (Matthew 26:56), and those who watched from a distance (Matthew 27:55-56). The song confronts us with the uncomfortable possibility that, in that terrifying moment, our own courage might have failed; our conviction might have wavered; we might have chosen self-preservation over standing with the condemned Son of God. This echoes the scriptural warning about counting the cost of following Christ and the call to take up our cross daily (Luke 14:27).
Musically, the song provides a fitting soundscape for this weighty contemplation. It likely employs a stripped-back or building arrangement that allows the gravity of the lyrical question to resonate fully. The melody and instrumentation serve to underscore the emotional weight of the question, creating an atmosphere that encourages honest self-examination rather than providing easy answers. The vocal delivery carries the sincerity and vulnerability inherent in asking such a challenging question of oneself. It’s a piece designed to strip away pretense and make us confront the core of our commitment to the One who endured the cross for us.
Ultimately, "What Would I Have Done" is not meant to wallow in hypothetical guilt, but to magnify the grace of God and the finished work of Jesus. By imagining our own potential failure at that crucial moment, the song deepens our appreciation for Christ's unwavering fidelity to His mission and His Father's will (Philippians 2:8). It highlights the radical nature of His love, which persisted even when faced with betrayal, denial, and ultimate rejection. The song serves as a powerful reminder that our salvation rests not on our own strength or historical performance, but entirely on His perfect sacrifice (Romans 5:8). It compels us to acknowledge our inherent need for His forgiveness and empowering Spirit to live lives of faithfulness *today*. By reflecting on our hypothetical weakness then, we are driven to rely more fully on His strength now, enabling us to stand firm in our present-day challenges and bear witness to the One who stood for us. This piece is a moving invitation to humility, gratitude, and renewed dedication to living a life worthy of the immense price paid for our redemption.