Lyrics
Lyrics
Once I wandered alone
In blackness of night
Once I struggled along
Far from God and right
Then I saw I was lost
And in my despair
I fell upon my knees in prayer
Chorus:
I was down on my knees
Down on my knees
Praying to my Lord ev'ry day
I was praying to Jesus
To hear me please
And take my heavy burden away
Old Satan tried to tell me
The Bible was a lie
That Jesus did not love me
And I was doomed to die
But I stayed at my knees
Stayed on my knees
Jesus took my burden away
I had fallen so low in sin
And in shame
That it seemed almost hopeless
To trust His name
But I lifted my voice
And cried in despair
And Jesus heard my humble prayer
I was down on my knees
Down on my knees
Praying to my Lord ev'ry day
I was praying to Jesus
To hear me please
And take my heavy burden away
Old Satan tried to tell me
The Bible was a lie
That Jesus did not love me
And I was doomed to die
But I stayed at my knees
Stayed on my knees
Jesus took my burden away
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Down on My Knees tells a conversion story through the language of confession, prayer, and relief. The narrator begins in spiritual darkness, recognizes the weight of sin, and turns to Jesus from a place of despair. Kneeling is both a physical posture and the central image of dependence: the burden cannot be removed by effort alone, so the plea is carried to the Lord.
The chorus sets competing voices beside each other. Accusation and hopelessness insist that divine love is unavailable, while persistent prayer holds to the truth of Scripture and the mercy of Jesus. The second verse returns to shame but does not end there; a humble cry is heard, and the burden is taken away. That movement closely echoes biblical accounts of God hearing those who call from distress and of Christ inviting the burdened to find rest. The repeated chorus gives the testimony the character of classic country gospel, emphasizing repentance, trust, and answered prayer.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 40:1-2 The psalmist says the Lord heard his cry and lifted him from the pit.
- Matthew 11:28 Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to him for rest.
- Luke 18:13-14 Jesus describes a humble prayer for mercy that receives justification.