VERSE 1:
Come now
As you are
Or as you want to be
Are you ready
Are you ready
Come now
Tired broken
Scared or just in need
Ready or not
It’s alright
Take your time
If nothing else just come
TAG:
Are you ready
Are you ready
VERSE 2:
Come now
Bring your hopes
Your dreams
Your doubts
Your scars
Are you ready
Are you ready
Come now
Bring your hurts
Your fears
Your faith
Your heart
Are you ready
Are you ready or not
CHORUS 1:
There’s no place like His presence
There’s no time like the now
Every one two or three of us
Count Him in here and now
He welcomes the broken
He’s alright with your past
He’s not mad at any one of us
But He waits with open arms
Says come
TAG:
Are you ready
Are you ready
VERSE 3:
Come now
Leave your inhibitions
At the door
Are you ready
Are you ready
Come now
Lay your burdens down
He’s got them all
Are you ready
Are you ready or not
CHORUS 2:
He’s still faithful to deliver
Mighty as ever to save
He’s still good on His promises
And His love still never fails
He’s not moved by perfection
Or how well we look the part
But He’s wild about the hidden stuff
Like He’s wild about the heart
VERSE 4:
Come now
For all we’ve seen
We ain’t seen nothing yet
Are you ready
Are you ready
Come now
Bring Him praise
For what He might do next
Are you ready
Are you ready or not
CHORUS 3:
He’s already bought our freedom
He’s already paid our debt
He’s already done the miracle
He’s already conquered death
He’s our light and salvation
He’s our rock solid hope
He’s already done enough for us
He’s already doing more
CHORUS 4:
He’s already seen the ending
He’s already seen us through
He’s already breaking out in us
He’s already on the move
He’s already won our battles
He’s already paved the way
He’s already gone ahead of us
And He is ready when we are
VERSE 5:
Come now
For all we’ve seen
We ain’t seen nothing yet
Are you ready
Are you ready
Come now
Bring Him praise
For what He’s gonna do next
Are you ready
Are you ready or not
Come
Ready Or Not
Ready Or Not Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on April 26, 2019, Hillsong UNITED's song "Ready Or Not" quickly resonated with many who long for something beyond the present. At its core, the song captures the ancient hope of the church: the anticipation of Jesus Christ's return. It doesn't delve into specific timelines or eschatological debates but rather focuses on the spiritual posture and longing that should characterize believers while waiting for the King to appear. It's a musical expression of a truth central to Christian faith – that the story isn't over, and the One we follow is coming back to make all things new, and our lives now should reflect that ultimate reality.
The song unfolds as a stirring call to wakefulness and preparation, echoing the biblical injunctions to be alert because we do not know the day or hour of Christ’s coming (Matthew 25:13, Mark 13:33). Musically, it builds with a sense of expectant energy, mirroring the growing anticipation described in the lyrics. It speaks to the heart’s yearning for the fulfillment of God’s promises, the moment when faith will become sight, and we will see Jesus as He is (1 John 3:2). This longing is not passive waiting but an active hope that shapes our present living, aligning our desires and actions with the eternal kingdom. The song encourages us to live with purpose, remembering that our citizenship is in heaven, from which we await a Savior (Philippians 3:20).
Through its layered sound and direct lyrical themes, "Ready Or Not" impresses upon us the importance of spiritual readiness. It brings to mind the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), where some were prepared with oil for their lamps while others were not. The song is a reminder that true readiness isn't just intellectual assent to the doctrine of the Second Coming, but a consistent, vigilant walk with God, ensuring our "lamps are full" – that our lives are marked by faith, obedience, and love as we occupy until He comes (Luke 19:13). It challenges any complacency, gently urging us to live in light of eternity, knowing that the King is on His way (Revelation 22:12, 20). The message is a powerful encouragement to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), living each day with intentionality, rooted in the certainty of His imminent arrival and the promise of a glorious future where we will be with Him forever (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This hope does not diminish the significance of our earthly lives but imbues them with profound meaning and urgency, calling us to faithful stewardship and witness as we wait for the day when the trumpet sounds and the dead in Christ rise first, followed by those who are still alive (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). The song is ultimately an anthem of hope, grounded in the assured return of Jesus, motivating us to live ready, demonstrating our love for Him through lives consecrated to His will.
