Lyrics
Verse 1
Make it count, leave a mark, build a name for yourself
Dream your dreams, chase your heart, above all else
Make a name the world remembers
But all an empty world can sell is empty dreams
I got lost in the light but it was up to me
To make a name the world remembers
But Jesus is the only name to remember
Chorus
And I, I don't want to leave a legacy
I don't care if they remember me
Only Jesus
And I, I've only got one life to live
I'll let every second point to Him
Only Jesus
Verse 2
All the kingdoms built, all the trophies won
Will crumble into dust when it's said and done
'Cause all that really matters
Did I live the truth to the ones I love?
Was my life the proof that there is only One
Whose name will last forever?
Chorus (Repeat)
And I don't want to leave a legacy
I don't care if they remember me
Only Jesus
And I've only got one life to live
I'll let every second point to Him
Only Jesus
Bridge
Jesus is the only name, Jesus is the only name
Jesus is the only name to remember, ooh
Jesus is the only name, Jesus is the only name
Jesus is the only name to remember
Chorus (Repeat)
And I don't want to leave a legacy
I, I don't care if they remember me
Only Jesus
And I've only got one life to live
I, I'll let every second point to Him
Only Jesus
Outro
I, I don't want to leave a legacy
I don't care if they remember me
Only Jesus
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Only Jesus” by Casting Crowns is a song about choosing a lasting name over a famous one. The first verse describes the usual advice to make it count, leave a mark, and build a name, and notes that an empty world can sell only empty dreams. The singer says the name worth remembering is Jesus.
The chorus is a personal decision: “I don’t want to leave a legacy, I don’t care if they remember me, only Jesus.” With only one life to live, the singer wants every second to point to Him. The second verse adds that kingdoms and trophies will crumble to dust and asks whether life proved the truth to those loved.
The themes are close to Matthew 6:19-20 on treasures that last, Psalm 115:1 on glory given to God’s name rather than to people, and Acts 4:12 on the one name that saves. The bridge repeats that Jesus is the only name to remember. The song asks listeners to measure a life by faithfulness and witness rather than recognition.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 115:1 Not to us, but to Your name give glory
- Matthew 6:19-20 Treasures in heaven rather than on earth
- Acts 4:12 Salvation in no other name