Caedmon's Call - I Will Sing - Hope to Carry On Lyrics
Lyrics
I can see Jesus hanging on the cross
I can see Jesus hanging on the cross
Well, I can see Jesus hanging on the cross
He came looking for the lost and
Love has come
Love has come
Love has come
And it's giving me hope to carry on
I can hear Jesus saying, "Father forgive"
I can hear Jesus saying, "Father forgive"
Well, I can hear Jesus saying, "Father forgive"
What a thing He did
Love has come
Love has come
Love has come
And it's giving me hope to carry on
I can see love
Love is all I want to see
Love can make a beggar rich and set a prisoner free
I know He can do it for you
And God knows He did it for me
I can see love
Love is all I want to show you love
Love's the only way to go
And love, love is all a man might need to know
Yes, I know
You know Peter put away his sword
I can see Peter puttin' away his sword
Well, I can see Peter, he put away his sword
He won't fight no more
Love has come
Love has come
Love has come
And it's giving me hope to carry on
Video
Caedmon's Call - Hope To Carry On With Rich Mullins Tribute
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on March 7, 2007, as part of the "Hope To Carry On With Rich Mullins Tribute" album, Caedmon's Call's rendition of "I Will Sing" (though more commonly known by its prominent refrain) delves into the profound narrative of Christian redemption with a powerful, focused intensity. The song’s genesis, situated within a tribute to the beloved songwriter Rich Mullins, imbues it with an extra layer of reverence, connecting a contemporary expression of faith to a legacy of deeply personal and scripturally rich songwriting. At its core, the song is not merely a collection of verses, but a meditative journey through the pivotal moments of Christ’s sacrifice and the transformative power of divine love.
The lyrical journey begins with the stark, unembellished imagery of the crucifixion, a deliberate and arresting starting point. The repeated invocation, "I can see Jesus hanging on the cross," serves as a visual anchor, drawing the listener into the visceral reality of His suffering. This isn't abstract theology; it’s a raw depiction designed to evoke empathy and understanding of the immense cost of salvation. The immediate follow-up, "He came looking for the lost," frames this sacrifice not as an arbitrary act, but as a purposeful mission rooted in compassion, echoing the parable of the lost sheep found in Luke 15:3-7, where Jesus emphasizes the shepherd’s joy over one lost sheep. The subsequent refrain, "Love has come, and it's giving me hope to carry on," acts as the song's central thesis, directly linking the act of love demonstrated on the cross to the enduring strength and resilience of faith. This connection between sacrificial love and the ability to persevere through hardship is a recurring theme in Scripture, perhaps most powerfully articulated in Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
The narrative progresses to the compassionate words spoken from the cross: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). The repetition of "I can hear Jesus saying, 'Father forgive'" highlights the radical nature of this intercession. It’s a divine act of mercy extended even to those perpetrating the ultimate injustice, a profound illustration of unconditional love and grace. The statement, "What a thing He did," is an understated yet potent acknowledgement of the magnitude of this forgiveness. This echoes Jesus' teachings on loving one's enemies and praying for those who persecute you, as found in Matthew 5:44. The refrain, "Love has come, and it's giving me hope to carry on," reinforces that this extraordinary act of forgiveness is the very foundation of the hope that sustains believers.
The song then shifts its focus to the broader impact of this divine love, asserting, "I can see love. Love is all I want to see." This desire to perceive and experience love is presented as a fundamental human need, and the lyrics articulate its restorative power: "Love can make a beggar rich and set a prisoner free." This resonates with the spiritual riches and liberation offered through Christ, far surpassing material wealth or earthly freedom. The assurance, "I know He can do it for you, and God knows He did it for me," serves as a personal testimony, inviting the listener to embrace this same transformative experience. The declaration, "Love’s the only way to go, and love, love is all a man might need to know," elevates love to the ultimate principle for living, a sentiment deeply aligned with the Apostle John’s declaration, "God is love" (1 John 4:8).
The final lyrical vignette draws from the biblical account of Peter’s denial and subsequent repentance, with the line, "You know Peter put away his sword." This refers to Peter’s impulsive defense of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he drew his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant (John 18:10). Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword" (Matthew 26:52). Peter’s subsequent act of putting away his sword signifies a profound shift – a rejection of violence and a commitment to a path of peace and love, mirroring the transformation that comes from encountering Christ’s forgiving love. He "won't fight no more," not out of defeat, but out of a newfound understanding of love’s power to overcome. This episode serves as a potent example of how divine love can lead to a fundamental change in disposition and action, a testament to the enduring power of God's grace to reshape lives and inspire hope for continued perseverance.