Lyrics
Verse 1
In these days of confused situations
In these nights of restless remorse
When the heart and the soul of a nation
Lay wounded and cold as a corpse
Verse 2
From the grave of the ancient Adam
Comes a song bringing joy to the sad
Oh Your cries have been heard and the ransom
Has been paid up in full be glad
Chorus
Be glad oh be glad
Every debt that you ever had
Has been paid up in full
By the grace of the lord
Be glad, be glad, be glad
Verse 3
From the dungeon a ruler is stirring
You have heard it again and again
Oh but this time the cell keys are turning
And outside there are faces of friends
Verse 4
Though your body lay weary from wasting
And your eyes show the sorrow they've heard
The love that your heart is now tasting
Has opened the gates be ye glad
Chorus
Be glad oh be glad
Every debt that you ever had
Has been paid up in full
By the grace of the lord
Be glad, be glad, be glad
Verse 5
So be like lights on the rim of the water
Giving hope in a storm sea of night
Be a refuge amidst the slaughter
For these fugitives in their flight
Verse 6
For you are timeless and part of a puzzle
You are winsome and young as a lad
And there is no disease or no struggle
That can pull you from God be glad
Chorus
Be glad oh be glad
Every debt that you ever had
Has been paid up in full
By the grace of the lord
Be glad, be glad, be glad
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Be Ye Glad” answers social confusion, private remorse, and physical weariness with the announcement that a ransom has been paid by grace. Images of Adam’s grave, a dungeon opening, and debts settled give the song a clear movement from captivity to freedom. Gladness is therefore not denial of suffering; it grows from the conviction that God’s saving love is stronger than guilt, illness, and struggle.
The paid-debt language closely aligns with Colossians 2:13–14, where the record of debt is canceled through Christ. Its assurance that no struggle can pull a person from God recalls Romans 8:38–39, while the call to shine as lights and offer refuge resembles Matthew 5:14–16. These biblical echoes connect personal rescue with public responsibility. Those who have received hope are pictured as lights beside troubled waters, offering shelter to others in danger. The chorus gathers these themes into a direct celebration of grace, release, and durable belonging to God.
Related Scripture
- Colossians 2:13-14 God forgives and cancels the record of debt through Christ.
- Romans 8:38-39 Nothing in creation can separate believers from the love of God in Christ.
- Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus calls his followers the light of the world and tells them to let their light shine.