Chuck Girard - No, No, You're Not Afraid Lyrics
Lyrics
No, no you're not afraid, there's been some changes made
The consequences weighed, and.....hope is yours now
Your life is different now, you were so wayward then
But Jesus showed you how, to love your neighbor
I knew you long ago, when you walked the side roads
You were quite a photograph,
But you know you never wore a smile
No, no you're not alone, you've got the Holy Spirit
He's there to comfort you, now your heart is open
I knew you then and now, God changed your colors
You went from grey to white
Please try to never let Him down
No, no you're not afraid, .you've learned the joy of giving
You've learned the blessed truth, of Christian living
Of Christian living, of truly Christian living
Video
No, No, You're Not Afraid
Meaning & Inspiration
Chuck Girard's "No, No, You're Not Afraid," released in 1978 on the album *Glow in the Dark*, is a profound testament to the transformative power of faith, specifically the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The song delves into the personal narrative of someone who has undergone a radical change, moving from a life characterized by aimlessness and a lack of joy to one filled with purpose, peace, and selfless love. Girard seems to be addressing an individual, perhaps even himself, reflecting on a past shrouded in darkness, described as "wayward" and walking "side roads." This imagery evokes a sense of being lost, disconnected, and perhaps even carrying a hidden sadness, symbolized by never wearing a smile. The core message is one of liberation from fear and despair, asserting, "No, no you're not afraid," because a fundamental shift has occurred.
The turning point in this transformation is unequivocally attributed to Jesus, who "showed you how to love your neighbor." This highlights the central tenet of Christian teaching, echoing Christ's own commandment to love God and love one's neighbor as oneself, as recorded in Matthew 22:37-39. The consequences of past actions have been carefully considered, and now, "hope is yours now." This newfound hope is not a fragile optimism but a deeply rooted assurance, which is further bolstered by the presence of the Holy Spirit. The lyrics state, "No, no you're not alone, you've got the Holy Spirit. He's there to comfort you." This resonates deeply with scriptural promises of God's constant presence and support for believers, as found in John 14:16-17, where Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as a helper who will be with them forever.
The song beautifully illustrates the concept of divine renewal. Girard observes, "God changed your colors. You went from grey to white." This imagery vividly portrays a spiritual rebirth, a cleansing from sin and the adoption of a new identity in Christ. It's a reflection of the transformation described in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" The advice, "Please try to never let Him down," underscores the responsibility that comes with this gift of grace, a call to live a life that honors the one who brought about such a dramatic change. The song culminates in the recognition of a life lived differently, a life characterized by the "joy of giving" and the "blessed truth, of Christian living." This selfless spirit and adherence to Christ-like principles are the natural outgrowths of a heart truly opened to God, moving beyond mere external conformity to a genuine embrace of the teachings of Jesus. This "truly Christian living" is not about perfection but about a sincere pursuit of a life aligned with divine will, bearing the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23.