Come out of sadness
From wherever you've been
Come broken hearted
Let rescue begin
Come find your mercy
Oh sinner come kneel
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can't heal
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can't heal
So lay down your burdens
Lay down your shame
All who are broken
Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home
You're not too far
So lay down your hurt
Lay down your heart
Come as you are
There's hope for the hopeless
And all those who've strayed
Come sit at the table
Come taste the grace
There's rest for the weary
Rest that endures
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can't cure
So lay down your burdens
Lay down your shame
All who are broken
Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home
You're not too far
So lay down your hurt
Lay down your heart
Come as you are
Come as you are
Fall in his arms
Come as you are
There's joy for the morning
Oh sinner be still
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can't heal
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can't heal
So lay down your burdens
Lay down your shame
All who are broken
Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home
You're not too far
So lay down your hurt
Lay down your heart
Come as you are
Come as you are
Come as you are
Come As You Are
Come As You Are Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Crowder's song "Come As You Are" serves as a deeply compassionate and direct invitation, articulating a core message of unconditional acceptance and divine grace. The lyrics reach out to those who are burdened by sadness, brokenness, shame, or sin, offering a clear path towards hope and healing. It acknowledges the state of being a "sinner" or a "wanderer" but frames these conditions not as barriers, but as the very reasons to respond to the call. The repeated assurance that "Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal/cure" provides a powerful promise of ultimate restoration, suggesting that no pain or regret is beyond the reach of divine comfort and intervention.
Released with an accompanying official video on November 18, 2014, the song quickly resonated with listeners through its simple yet profound message. The core sentiment aligns with numerous biblical themes, particularly the invitation extended to the weary and heavy-laden found in scripture, promising rest and relief from life's struggles. It echoes the concept of God's mercy freely given to those who acknowledge their need, emphasizing that one does not need to attain a state of perfection before approaching the divine. The idea of the "wanderer come home" reflects the biblical narrative of God seeking the lost and welcoming them back with open arms, much like the parable of the Prodigal Son. The call to "come sit at the table" evokes imagery of fellowship, communion, and the abundant grace offered to all who accept the invitation.
The song's central refrain, urging the listener to "Lay down your burdens, Lay down your shame," acts as a release, encouraging vulnerability and surrender. It contrasts the weight of earthly struggles with the lightness offered through divine acceptance. The repeated emphasis on "Come as you are" is a powerful statement against self-sufficiency or attempts to clean oneself up before seeking help; it underscores that acceptance precedes transformation. Falling into "his arms" signifies finding a secure place of belonging and rest. The promise of "joy for the morning" speaks to the biblical concept of enduring through difficult nights with the assurance of dawn bringing renewed hope and gladness. Ultimately, the song is an anthem of radical grace, asserting that healing, hope, and home are available to everyone, exactly as they are, when they respond to the call.
