Hillsong Worship - You Are Life Lyrics

You Are Life

You Are Life Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Released on April 6, 2018, Hillsong Worship's song "You Are Life" delves into the transformative power found in encountering God. The opening lines paint a picture of a profound arrival, suggesting a divine presence has entered the human experience, leading to the discovery of "everlasting life." This new existence is characterized by an awakening, becoming "now alive," and experiencing a "never ending" freedom, highlighting a liberation that transcends temporal limitations and circumstances.

The pre-chorus underscores the exclusivity of this life source, declaring that "You alone have made a way for us." This speaks to the Christian belief that salvation and true life are uniquely found through God's initiative, specifically "In Your love." The simple yet powerful statement, "You are life," serves as the core theological assertion and the central theme of the song.

The chorus bursts forth with the resulting joyful response of the believer. "Living in the light of my Saviour" signifies dwelling in truth, holiness, and God's presence, illuminating existence. The vivid imagery of "Dancing in the arms of forever" conveys a sense of secure, unbridled joy and intimacy within God's eternal embrace. "Singing like I’m walking on water" evokes faith that overcomes the impossible, a bold declaration of praise grounded in supernatural capability. The repetition of "You are life / Alive in me" solidifies the concept of God's indwelling presence as the source of this vibrant, new life, echoing themes of Christ living within the believer. This transformation from a state of spiritual death or emptiness to abundant life is a central promise found in scriptures such as John 10:10, where Jesus states He came that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Verse two expands on this transformation, describing a shift "From greyest skies / To living colour." This metaphor powerfully illustrates the change from a dull, lifeless, or despairing existence to one full of vibrancy and purpose brought about by God's presence. "You have called us" indicates divine initiation, and "In Your life / Your light uncovered / The world to see now" suggests that this life and light, once hidden or unseen, are now revealed and evident, not just to the individual believer but potentially to the wider world observing the transformation. The believer's life becomes a testament to God's work, reflecting the light spoken of in passages like John 8:12, where Jesus declares Himself the light of the world, and those who follow Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.

Following the dynamic chorus, the post-chorus reveals the tangible response birthed from this experience: commitment. "I give my life to follow" signifies surrender and dedication, a willingness to align one's path with God's. The motivation behind this surrender is expressed simply and profoundly: "'Cause Your love is all I want now." This speaks to a reordering of desires, where God's love becomes the ultimate pursuit, superseding worldly ambitions. The reaffirmation "You are life / You are life / Alive in me" reinforces the source and nature of this transformative love and the reason for the wholehearted devotion. This commitment mirrors the call to take up one's cross and follow Jesus, as mentioned in Matthew 16:24, indicating that true life is found in discipleship.

The bridge lifts the perspective from the personal experience to a universal hope and declaration. "For all the world to find Your love / For all the world to see that You are God" expresses a yearning for global revelation and recognition of God's nature and sovereignty. This expands the scope of the song's message, moving from personal testimony to a corporate and missional cry. The declaration "Forever be lifted high" is a call for God's exaltation, acknowledging His supreme position. The following lines further solidify this by identifying God as "The One who holds the universe / And every beating heart across the earth," emphasizing His immeasurable power, control, and intimate knowledge of creation. The bridge culminates in the specific exaltation of "Jesus be lifted high," connecting the source of this life and love directly to Jesus Christ, aligning with scriptures like John 12:32 where Jesus says that when He is lifted up from the earth, He will draw all people to Himself, and Philippians 2:9-11 which speaks of God exalting Jesus and every knee bowing before Him. This powerful concluding section reinforces that the life celebrated in the song is found through Jesus and is meant to be a light for the entire world.