Cory Asbury - I Hope You Dance Lyrics
Lyrics
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty-handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin'
Lovin' might be a mistake, but it's worth makin'
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin' out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
Video
I Hope You Dance - Cory Asbury
Meaning & Inspiration
Cory Asbury’s single, "I Hope You Dance," released on November 8, 2024, as part of the *I Hope You Dance - Single* album, resonates deeply with a timeless encouragement to embrace life with courage and a spirit of hopeful resilience. The song’s narrative isn't tied to a specific biographical event for Asbury but rather functions as a universal benediction, a fervent wish for listeners to live fully, even amidst life’s inevitable challenges. The core message is a powerful call to action, urging individuals to actively choose engagement over passivity, to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, and to prioritize faith and love when faced with difficult decisions.
The lyrical tapestry of "I Hope You Dance" weaves together themes that echo profound biblical truths about navigating the human experience. The aspiration that one "never lose your sense of wonder" is reminiscent of Jesus’ admonition to be like children, emphasizing a receptive and amazed heart towards God’s creation and His kingdom (Matthew 18:3). The wish to "get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger" speaks to a healthy spiritual appetite, a constant yearning for more of God, mirroring the psalmist’s cry, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God" (Psalm 42:1). Furthermore, the plea to "never take one single breath for granted" directly aligns with the scriptural reminder to live each day with purpose, recognizing that our time is a gift from the Lord (Psalm 90:12). The poignant hope that "love ever leave you empty-handed" is a profound prayer for enduring, sacrificial love, reflecting the divine love described in 1 Corinthians 13, which is patient, kind, and never fails.
Asbury’s message powerfully encourages facing adversity with faith and action. The idea that "when one door closes, I hope one more opens" is a comforting affirmation of divine provision and redirection, echoing the promise that God works all things for the good of those who love Him, even when the path ahead is unclear (Romans 8:28). The directive to "give faith a fighting chance" is a bold invitation to actively exercise belief, acknowledging that faith is not passive but a dynamic force, as Scripture states, "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). The central theme, of choosing to "dance" when given the option to "sit it out," is a metaphor for actively embracing life’s opportunities, facing fears, and engaging with passion and joy. This resonates with the biblical call to live with an abundance of life, as Jesus declared, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). The encouragement to "never fear those mountains in the distance" and "never settle for the path of least resistance" directly calls for courage and perseverance, mirroring the biblical exhortations to be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9). The acknowledgment that "livin’ might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin’" and "lovin’ might be a mistake, but it's worth makin’" reflects a mature understanding of the risks inherent in a life lived fully, a willingness to venture out in obedience and love, trusting in God’s guidance and grace. Finally, the warning "Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter" and to "reconsider when you come close to sellin' out" speaks to the importance of protecting one's spiritual and emotional well-being from corrosive influences and remaining true to one's values and convictions. The aspiration to "give the heavens above more than just a passing glance" is a profound encouragement to acknowledge and actively seek God’s presence and will in all aspects of life, recognizing that our ultimate purpose is found in Him. "I Hope You Dance" is a beautiful anthem of encouragement, a spiritual guide encouraging a life of active faith, enduring hope, and radical love, all grounded in the unwavering truth of God’s faithfulness.