Gaither Vocal Band - I Bowed on My Knees Lyrics
Lyrics
I dreamed of a city called Glory,
So bright and so fair.
When I entered the gates I cried, "Holy"
The angels all met me there:
They carried me from mansion to mansion,
And oh the sights I saw,
But I said, "I want to see Jesus,
The One who died for all."
Then I bowed on my knees and cried,
"Holy, Holy, Holy."
I clapped my hands and sang, "Glory,
Glory to the Son of God."
I bowed on my knees and cried,
"Holy, Holy, Holy."
Then I clapped my hands and sang, "Glory,
Glory to the Son of God."
As I entered the gates of that city,
My loved ones all knew me well.
They took me down the streets of Heaven;
Such scenes were too many to tell;
I saw Abraham, Jacob and Isaac
Talked with Mark, and Timothy
But I said, "I want to see Jesus,
'Cause He's the One who died for me."
Then I bowed on my knees and cried,
"Holy, Holy, Holy."
I clapped my hands and sang, "Glory,
Glory, Glory."
I clapped my hands and sang, "Glory"
I clapped my hands and sang, "Glory"
I clapped my hands and sang, "Glory"
"Glory to the Son of God"
I sang, "Glory to the Son of God."
Video
Michael English, Gaither Vocal Band - I Bowed On My Knees (Live)
Meaning & Inspiration
"I Bowed on My Knees," a profound and moving selection from the Gaither Vocal Band, was released on January 1, 2004, as part of their album *The Best of the Gaither Vocal Band*. This song immediately immerses the audience in a vivid, first-person dream narrative of entering Heaven, beginning with a striking depiction of "a city called Glory, so bright and so fair." The initial awe at the celestial beauty and the welcoming presence of angels and loved ones quickly culminates in a singular, overwhelming desire to see Jesus, shifting the focus from the wonders of the place to the Person who makes it glorious. The song masterfully builds anticipation for this ultimate encounter, portraying a pilgrim’s journey through the magnificent streets of paradise, yet highlighting that all these wonders pale in comparison to the Savior Himself.
The lyrical journey unfolds like a biblical vision, resonating deeply with Scriptural promises of the afterlife. The imagery of entering "the gates" and crying "Holy" upon arrival evokes the sanctity of God's presence, reminiscent of Revelation 21, where John describes the New Jerusalem with its radiant gates and foundations. The notion of angels meeting the newcomer and being carried "from mansion to mansion" echoes Jesus' comforting words in John 14:2, "In my Father's house are many rooms." However, the turning point comes swiftly and powerfully: despite the breathtaking sights, the narrative voice declares, "But I said, 'I want to see Jesus, The One who died for all.'" This declaration firmly establishes the song's core message: while Heaven's amenities and fellowship are glorious, the true prize, the ultimate fulfillment, is direct communion with Christ. This resonates with Philippians 1:21, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain," underlining that the goal of faith is not just a place, but a relationship with the Risen Lord.
The ensuing chorus, where the individual bows on their knees and cries, "Holy, Holy, Holy," is a powerful act of worship, directly referencing the seraphim's adoration in Isaiah 6:3 and the heavenly elders' continuous praise in Revelation 4:8. Kneeling signifies profound reverence, humility, and submission before divine majesty. The subsequent action of clapping hands and singing "Glory, Glory to the Son of God" adds an element of exuberant, unreserved joy and triumph. This uninhibited praise reflects the joyful worship described throughout the Psalms, such as Psalm 47:1, which calls all people to "clap your hands" and shout to God with triumph. The second verse expands on the heavenly tour, detailing heartwarming reunions with "loved ones" and encounters with biblical patriarchs like Abraham, Jacob, and Isaac, along with New Testament figures such as Mark and Timothy. These encounters reinforce the Christian hope of eternal fellowship among the saints, a truth taught in passages like Hebrews 12:22-24, describing the "assembly of the firstborn" in the heavenly Zion. Yet, even these cherished moments do not distract from the central longing. The refrain returns with renewed fervor: "But I said, 'I want to see Jesus, 'Cause He's the One who died for me.'" This poignant repetition underscores the intensely personal nature of Christ's sacrifice, reminding us that salvation is not merely a collective act but a deeply individual redemption. It's a powerful affirmation of Acts 4:12, declaring that "there is salvation in no one else." The song culminates in an extended, repeated declaration of bowing, crying "Holy," clapping, and singing "Glory," creating an immersive, unending symphony of praise that mirrors the eternal worship described in Revelation 5:13, where every creature in heaven and on earth praises the Lamb. This composition thus serves as a deeply inspiring reminder of the believer's ultimate hope and priority: to behold and worship the Savior who gave everything for our redemption, making Him the supreme focus of our eternal aspiration.