Ernie Haase & Signature Sound - What a Savior Lyrics
Lyrics
Once I was straying
In sin's dark valley
No hope within could I see
They searched through Heaven
And they found a Savior
To save a poor, lost soul like me
Oh, what a Savior
Oh, hallelujah
His heart was broken on Calvary
His hands were nail scarred
His side was riven
He gave His life's blood for even me
Death's chilly waters
I'll soon be crossing
But His hand will lead me safe o'er
Then I'll join the chorus
In that great city
I'll sing up there forever and evermore
Oh, what a Savior
Oh, hallelujah
His heart was broken on Calvary
His hands were nail scarred
His side was riven
He gave His life's blood for even me
He gave His life's blood
Oh, what a Savior
Oh, hallelujah
His heart was broken on Calvary
His hands were nail scarred
His side was riven
He gave His life's blood for even me
Yes, He gave His life's blood
He gave His life's blood
Jesus, He gave His life's blood for even me
Oh, what a Savior!
Video
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound - Oh, What a Savior [Live]
Meaning & Inspiration
The song "What a Savior" as performed by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound is a profound declaration of Christian faith, centering on the themes of human sinfulness, divine redemption, and eternal hope. It opens with the stark image of a soul lost and directionless, "straying in sin's dark valley," feeling utterly devoid of hope. This paints a relatable picture of the human condition apart from divine intervention, setting the stage for the introduction of the central figure. The narrative shifts to a cosmic search, asserting that Heaven itself sought and found a Savior specifically for those in such a desperate state, highlighting the personal and intentional nature of salvation for "a poor, lost soul like me."
The heart of the song resides in its powerful chorus, an exclamation of worship and gratitude: "Oh, what a Savior, Oh, hallelujah!" This outburst of praise leads into a contemplation of the sacrificial act on Calvary. The lyrics poignantly detail the suffering endured for humanity: a broken heart, hands scarred by nails, a side riven. These are vivid references to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the physical and emotional cost of atonement. The core message is solidified with the declaration that "He gave His life's blood for even me," underscoring the substitutionary nature of Christ's death – a sacrifice made personally for the listener.
Moving beyond the present life, the second verse looks towards the future, specifically the moment of death, described poetically as crossing "Death's chilly waters." Yet, this transition is faced with assurance, not fear, because of the promise of His guiding hand leading safely through and across. This verse transitions from the redemptive work accomplished on earth to the future promise of eternal life. The destination is depicted as joining a heavenly chorus in a "great city," singing praises "forever and evermore," offering a vision of eternal worship and fellowship in the presence of God.
The repetition of the glorious chorus reinforces the central message of gratitude for Christ's sacrifice. The final lines further emphasize the magnitude of this act, repeating "He gave His life's blood" and adding the name "Jesus," driving home the identity of the Savior and the intensely personal nature of His atoning work. The song culminates in a final, emphatic "Oh, what a Savior!" leaving the listener contemplating the immeasurable grace demonstrated on the cross.
This song's message resonates deeply with numerous biblical passages. The concept of humanity being lost in sin is found in scriptures like Romans 3:23, stating that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," and Isaiah 53:6, which says "all we like sheep have gone astray." The search for a Savior aligns with Christ's mission described in Luke 19:10, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost," and John 3:16 about God's love in sending His Son. The imagery of Calvary, the suffering, and the shedding of blood directly relates to accounts of the crucifixion (e.g., John 19:34) and the theological understanding of atonement through blood sacrifice found in passages like Hebrews 9:22 and Romans 5:8-9. The hope of being led through death and joining a heavenly chorus echoes themes in Psalm 23:4 ("I will fear no evil, for you are with me") and the worship described in Revelation 7:9-10 and Revelation 21:4 concerning the eternal city and the end of suffering. The popularity of performances like the 2012 live recording showcases Ernie Haase & Signature Sound's ability to deliver this powerful message with vocal excellence and genuine conviction, amplifying its inspirational impact on listeners.