Verse 1
Give me a clean heart
To see You like I should, hey
To walk the path that's right
To do the thing You would
Give me a clean heart and I will serve nobody, but You
Verse 2
Give me a clean heart
To lose the double mind
To believe You when You tell me
Everything will be just fine
Just lay Your hands on me Lord
And I will be brand new
Chorus A
And I am calling out to You for a strength exchange
I will gladly take Your joy for my weakness
Give me a clean heart and I will serve nobody, but You
(Give me a clean heart and I will serve nobody but You)
Hey, yeah let the band play for two now, come on now
Verse 3
Give me a clean heart
A better one I pray
To stay on the path You've chosen
And stick with it all the way
Give me a clean heart and I will serve nobody, but You
Verse 4
Give me a clean heart
I'm coming now to You
To keep my heart from fainting
This is all I know to do
Just lay Your hands on me Lord
And I will be brand new
Chorus B
And I am worshiping Your great and holy name
I'm determined to have life with no chains
Give me a clean heart and I will serve nobody but You
(Give me a clean heart and I will serve nobody but You)
Noel won't you play now, won't you play now, now, now
Repeat Chorus B w/ parentheses
Repeat Chorus A w/ parentheses
Repeat Chorus B w/ parentheses
Repeat Chorus A w/ parentheses
Vamp
Give me a clean heart and I will serve nobody, but You
Repeat Vamp 2x-Out
Give Me A Clean Heart
Give Me a Clean Heart Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Fred Hammond's song "Give Me a Clean Heart" is a heartfelt and powerful prayer set to music, resonating deeply with the desire for spiritual purification and undivided devotion. Released with a video in 2015, the song quickly became a source of inspiration for many seeking a closer walk with their faith. At its core, the track is a direct address, a humble plea for divine intervention to transform the inner self. It lays bare the vulnerability of the human spirit recognizing its need for renewal and alignment with a higher purpose.
The verses articulate specific aspects of this crucial need for a clean heart. The petitioner desires clarity of spiritual vision ("To see You like I should"), the ability to follow the right path, and the strength to act according to divine will. There is also an acknowledgment of internal conflict, a "double mind," which the clean heart is intended to resolve, fostering steadfast belief even in the face of uncertainty ("Everything will be just fine"). The physical act of seeking divine touch ("Just lay Your hands on me Lord") is invoked as a catalyst for this complete inner transformation, leading to a state of being "brand new." The recurring affirmation, "Give me a clean heart and I will serve nobody, but You," underscores the ultimate purpose of this cleansing: absolute and exclusive service.
The choruses elevate the prayer into a declaration and a powerful exchange. Chorus A introduces the concept of a "strength exchange," willingly trading personal weakness for divine joy. This highlights the grace-based nature of the desired transformation, where human insufficiency is met with divine abundance. Chorus B shifts to an act of worship, praising the "great and holy name" and articulating a determined pursuit of a life free from spiritual bondage ("life with no chains"). Both choruses powerfully reiterate the central commitment flowing from a clean heart: singular devotion and service. The musical cues mentioned in the lyrics hint at a dynamic, perhaps live or live-feeling, performance setting which enhances the worshipful atmosphere.
The song's power lies in its directness and universal theme of seeking spiritual purity. It taps into a deep-seated desire for righteousness and an unwavering commitment to faith. It is a song about surrender, acknowledging the inability to achieve this state alone and thus relying on divine action. The lyrics beautifully capture the journey from recognizing internal flaws and struggles to a hopeful declaration of renewed purpose and singular focus. The repeated plea and subsequent declaration create a meditative yet powerful call to reflection and recommitment for the listener, aligning with scriptural principles of seeking a pure heart as essential for drawing near to the divine and living a life dedicated to higher service. The song serves as both a personal prayer and a corporate anthem, inviting listeners to join in the request for transformation and the subsequent pledge of exclusive devotion.