Elevation Worship + Maverick City Music - Mercy Lyrics
Lyrics
I’m living proof
Of what the mercy of God can do
If You knew me then
You’d believe me now
He turned my whole life upside down
He took the old and He made it new
That’s just what the mercy of God can do
Now I’m alive to tell the story
How I’ve overcome
It’s His goodness and mercy
And the power of His blood
I’m so glad that my freedom
Wasn’t based on what I’ve done
But His goodness and mercy
And the power of the blood
Thought I deserved
To be six feet beneath the earth
For all the things I’ve done
The things I’ve said
The choices made that I regret
Oh I would still be lost
But for the mercy of God
Was the cross meant for me
That my Savior carried
Now I’ve been made free
By the mercy of God
Was the grave meant for me
Where my sin lay buried
Now I stand redeemed
By the mercy of God
Video
Mercy | Elevation Worship & Maverick City
Meaning & Inspiration
"Mercy," from Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music's collaborative album *Old Church Basement*, released in April 2021, is a powerful declaration of God's inexhaustible grace and the profound transformation it brings. This track is far more than a catchy tune; it’s a deep dive into the essence of God’s mercy, presenting it not as a mere abstract concept, but as a tangible, life-altering force. The song’s central theme resonates deeply with the biblical narrative of redemption, where God's boundless compassion constantly reaches out to humanity, even in our brokenness. It speaks to the overwhelming realization that we are not defined by our failures or shortcomings, but by the unmeriting favor of God.
The message of "Mercy" finds its roots in the very fabric of Scripture, where mercy is consistently portrayed as an enduring attribute of God. We see this powerfully in Psalm 136, which repeatedly declares, "His mercy endures forever," a refrain that echoes the song's unwavering focus on God's persistent goodness. The song beautifully captures the spirit of the prodigal son's story in Luke 15, where the father's immediate, unrestrained forgiveness and celebration upon his son's return vividly illustrate the depth and breadth of divine mercy. It’s a reminder that no sin is too great, no distance too far, for God’s embrace. The lyrics convey a profound understanding of Ephesians 2:4-5: "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved." This verse, in particular, encapsulates the song’s core message: salvation is entirely a work of God’s mercy, born out of His immeasurable love.
The compelling nature of "Mercy" lies in its direct confrontation with the human condition and its offering of a divine solution. It acknowledges the struggles and imperfections that often lead us to question our worth, yet it steadfastly anchors our hope in God's unfailing compassion. The song invites listeners to experience this mercy, to believe in its power to heal, restore, and empower. It’s a testament to the truth found in Lamentations 3:22-23: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." This ancient promise is brought to life through the modern expression of "Mercy," reminding us that each new day offers a fresh encounter with God's grace. The song encourages a posture of surrender, allowing God’s mercy to wash over us, breaking the chains of guilt and shame and ushering in a newness of life, just as it is described in Romans 8:1: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Through its passionate delivery, "Mercy" serves as an anthem of hope, a vibrant proclamation that in Christ, we are perpetually enveloped in God's boundless and transformative mercy.