I’m the one who held the nail
it was cold between my fingertips
I’ve hidden in the garden
I’ve denied You with my very lips
God, I fall down to my knees with a hammer in my hand
You look at me, arms open
Forgiven, forgiven
Child, there is freedom from all of it
Say goodbye to every sin
You are forgiven
I’ve done things I wish I hadn’t done
I’ve seen things I wish I hadn’t seen
just the thought of Your amazing grace
And I cry, “Jesus, forgive me”
God, I fall down to my knees with a hammer in my hand
You look at me, arms open
I could’ve been six feet under
I could’ve been lost forever
Yeah, I should be in that fire
But now there’s fire inside of me
Here I am a dead man walking
No grave gonna hold God’s people
All the weight of all our evil
Lifted away, forever free
Who could believe
Who could believe
Forgiven, forgiven
You love me even when I don’t deserve it
Forgiven, I’m forgiven
Jesus, Your blood makes me innocent
So I will say goodbye to every sin
I am forgiven, I am forgiven
Forgiven
Forgiven Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released in 2017, the song "Forgiven" by Crowder offers a powerful exploration of guilt, confession, and the profound grace found in faith. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the human condition, acknowledging personal responsibility for wrongdoing through stark imagery like holding the nail and denying truth. It speaks to the deep regret over past actions and the weight of choices made, leading to a posture of humility and brokenness before a higher power.
Despite the acknowledgement of sin and unworthiness, the central theme revolves around a transformative encounter. The song contrasts the individual's self-perception of being burdened and deserving of punishment with the image of divine response – open arms and the declaration of freedom. This highlights the core message of liberation from the past and the power of forgiveness to break the chains of guilt.
The song delves into the concept of undeserved grace, emphasizing that acceptance and cleansing come not from merit but through a redemptive act. It speaks to the idea of a spiritual transformation, moving from a state of spiritual death ("dead man walking") to one imbued with a new life ("fire inside of me"), suggesting resurrection and victory over the finality of death and the power of evil. This liberation is presented as a gift, lifting the heavy burden of sin and offering eternal freedom.
Central to the song's message is the cleansing power attributed to Jesus. It asserts that through a sacrificial act, innocence is restored, allowing one to move forward and leave past sins behind. This transformative forgiveness is the foundation for a new beginning, enabling the individual to fully embrace the state of being "forgiven." The song ultimately serves as both a confession of human failing and a celebration of divine mercy and the resulting freedom.
