Some people say, that this old time religion
Is just a thing of the past
But in this modern age that we're livin'
It's the only thing that will last
Now you may think I'm a little old fashioned
Well friend, that's alright with me
'Cause I'm so glad that I am a Christian
And from sin I have been set free
I know, I know, there's no doubt about it
He's real in my heart, and I'm gonna shout it
I know, I know, my sins are forgiven
And I'm on my way to a place that's called heaven
Not long ago, at an old fashioned meeting
I knelt on my knees there in prayer
He lifted my burdens and shackles fell from me
And his presence was so real everywhere
Now that the load I carry is lighter
And He's changed the grey skies to blue
My steps are now higher for I have this assurance
That His sweet love will carry me through
Come go with me to that land over yonder
He's prepared for the pure and the true
It's a place where sickness and death can not enter
I'm going, brother, how about you?
Maybe today, maybe tomorrow
He'll return in robes of pure white
I'm packing up now, getting my things together
Gaither Vocal Band - Yes, I Know (Official Live)
I Know Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"I Know," performed by the Gaither Vocal Band, is a song firmly rooted in the affirmation of Christian faith and experience, directly addressing skepticism about traditional religious beliefs in the contemporary world. The lyrics contrast perceived "old time religion" with the "modern age," asserting the enduring relevance and transformative power of faith. The central message revolves around the personal assurance of salvation – knowing that Christ is real in the heart, sins are forgiven, and the believer is destined for heaven. This knowing is not presented as a mere intellectual assent but a deeply felt reality, prompting the desire to share it.
The narrative progresses by describing a personal encounter with faith, likened to an "old fashioned meeting" where the singer knelt in prayer. This experience is depicted as one of liberation, where burdens were lifted and "shackles fell," signifying freedom from the weight of sin or life's struggles. The tangible sense of Christ's presence is highlighted as a transformative force, changing despair ("grey skies") into hope and joy ("blue"). This personal transformation leads to increased confidence and buoyancy ("steps are now higher"), with the assurance that divine love provides strength and guidance through life's journey.
The song extends an invitation to others, speaking of a future, perfect dwelling place prepared for the faithful – a "land over yonder" where suffering and death are absent. This heavenly destination is presented as a certainty for the believer. The conclusion looks towards the future return of Christ, described as coming "in robes of pure white," and expresses a readiness and anticipation for this event, emphasizing preparedness for departure to this promised place.
Further context for the song includes the official live video release titled "Gaither Vocal Band - Yes, I Know (Official Live)" on September 7, 2012. The lyrical themes find parallels in various scripture passages. For instance, the concept of being set free from sin and having sins forgiven aligns with verses like Romans 6:18 and Acts 10:43. The assurance of going to heaven and the preparation of a place there resonates with Jesus' words in John 14:2-3. The lifting of burdens is reminiscent of invitations found in Matthew 11:28, and the promise of a place without sickness or death is depicted in Revelation 21:4. The anticipation of Christ's return in glory is a core theme in Christian eschatology, reflected in passages such as Acts 1:11 and Revelation 1:7.
