Crowder - Red Letters Lyrics
Lyrics
There I was on death row
Guilty in the first degree
Son of God hanging on a hill
Hell was my destiny
The crowd was shouting crucify
Could've come from these lips of mine
The dirty shame was killing me
It would take a miracle to wash me clean
Then I read the red letters
And the ground began to shake
The prison walls started falling
And I became a free man that day
Felt like lightning hit my veins
My dead heart began to beat
Breath of God filled my lungs
And the Holy Ghost awakened me
Yeah, the Holy Ghost awakened me
Then I read the red letters
And the ground began to shake
The prison walls started falling
And I became a free man that day
For God so loved the whole wide world
Sent His only Son to die for me
Arms spread wide for the whole wide world
His arms spread wide where mine should be
Jesus changed my destiny
Thank You, God, for red letters
When the ground began to shake
The grace of God started falling
And I became a free man that day
The prison walls started falling
And I am a free man... today
Video
Crowder - Red Letters
Meaning & Inspiration
Crowder's "Red Letters," released as a single in September 2018, dives deep into the transformative power of Jesus' spoken words, particularly those highlighted in red ink in some Bibles. The song centers on the profound, life-altering impact of Christ's direct teachings, presenting them not as mere historical accounts but as living, breathing commands and promises that reshape our reality. The message is fundamentally about encountering the truth of God through the very words He spoke, echoing the sentiment found in John 6:63, where Jesus states, "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life." This isn't just about a nice melody; it’s an invitation to engage with the divine instruction that offers salvation and guidance. The core of "Red Letters" seems to be the assertion that these specific pronouncements from Jesus are the bedrock of faith, the foundation upon which genuine spiritual growth is built. It speaks to the idea that by internalizing and living by Christ's words, we experience a profound shift, moving from a state of spiritual slumber to one of active, vibrant faith. This resonates with the call in Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." The song encourages a focused, almost devotional attention to Jesus’ direct pronouncements, suggesting they hold a unique authority and potency. This can be understood as a call to meditate on His teachings, as commanded in Joshua 1:8, which promises success and prosperity to those who keep God's Word constantly on their lips and meditate on it day and night. By placing such emphasis on "Red Letters," Crowder highlights the direct, personal nature of Jesus’ interaction with humanity, reminding us that His words are not abstract concepts but life-giving directives, precisely as He Himself stated in Matthew 7:24-25, where He compares those who hear His words and put them into practice to a wise builder who built his house on the rock. The song serves as an anthem for those seeking to anchor their lives in the unshakeable truth of Christ’s own voice, finding renewal and purpose in His unwavering message.