Hillsong Young And Free - Days Gone By Lyrics

Lyrics

VERSE 1:

I walked the world afar

Built up a thousand walls

To try and hide away

I searched to find my soul

A journey far from home

Lost in a life I’d made

And I’d been ‘round in circles

Living for the moment

I know I ran so far

Was acting kind of crazy

Coming up with empty

Felt like I lost my heart

PRE-CHORUS:

Now I’ve found a love that

Is clearer than the deep blue skies

It’s true You were right there

I can see it in the days gone by

CHORUS:

I see You in the days gone by

Your promise never left my side

I know sometimes I tried to give up

Still You caught me when I fell from high

I see You in the days gone by

VERSE 2:

You took my fragile fate

And didn’t hesitate

Your love in every scar

Passion with no restraints

Held back the darkest days

So now my life is Yours

You’ve got me when I’m broken

You’re with me when I’m hopeless

I know You’re never far

Your mercy has no ending

It perseveres unfailing

You’ll always have my heart

BRIDGE:

See You in the days gone by

And I need You everyday ‘cause

Video

Days Gone By (Live at Hillsong Conference) - Hillsong Young & Free

Meaning & Inspiration

Released live from Hillsong Conference on November 2nd, 2018, Hillsong Young & Free’s song "Days Gone By" arrives as an anthem rooted deeply in the practice of remembrance. The core message of this piece is a call to look back at the history of God's faithfulness, both personally and corporately, recognizing His consistent goodness and power as a foundation for trust in the present and future. It captures the energetic and hopeful sound characteristic of Y&F, translating a profound theological concept into a dynamic expression of praise suitable for a large gathering, yet intimately relatable.

The song’s power lies in its ability to connect past experiences of God's intervention and grace with the current realities of life. It doesn't just reminisce; it actively uses those memories as fuel for faith. This echoes a central theme throughout the Bible, where God repeatedly instructs His people to remember His deeds. We see this in passages like Psalm 77:11-12, which urges, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds." Similarly, Deuteronomy 8:2 reminds Israel to remember how God led them through the wilderness, testing and humbling them, demonstrating that remembering the difficult times and God’s provision through them is just as crucial as remembering the easy victories. "Days Gone By" taps into this biblical discipline, prompting us to recount specific moments where God was present, where He provided, protected, or proved Himself faithful, thereby strengthening our conviction that He is the same God yesterday, today, and forever, as Hebrews 13:8 declares.

From a musical perspective, the track builds with typical Y&F intensity, combining electronic elements with strong vocals and an uplifting melodic structure designed for collective singing. This energy serves the message well, creating an atmosphere of confident declaration rather than mere nostalgic reflection. Lyrically, the focus remains steadfast on the unwavering character of God, contrasting it with the passing nature of time and circumstances. The song acts as a reminder that while life changes, God’s promises and His love do not. This aligns with the comforting truth found in Lamentations 3:22-23, which states that the Lord's mercies "never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." By reflecting on the 'days gone by' where His faithfulness was evident, the song encourages a deeper appreciation for God's enduring grace and prepares hearts to face current challenges with renewed hope, much like David recalled defeating the lion and the bear as proof that God would deliver him from Goliath (1 Samuel 17:37). This song, therefore, becomes more than just a tune; it’s a spiritual exercise, a reminder woven into music that our hope is anchored not in fleeting feelings or current circumstances, but in the consistent, unchanging nature of the God we have experienced and read about throughout history. It serves as an invitation to actively call to mind God's goodness, allowing those memories to solidify our trust in His ongoing work in our lives, confirming that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6).