Jennifer Knapp - No Regrets Lyrics
Lyrics
(music)
Should I be bold enough to speak,
In this moment
A reverent heart will surely be,
Unbroken
With no regrets
Should I be,
Lost in forgetfulness
With no regrets
In my head
Faithfully shed
Should I be rich or poor and scattered,
In my dreams
While all figures that surround me,
live unguarded with no regrets
Should I be
lost in forgetfulness
With no regrets
In my head
Faithfully shed
And I am free from the worry
Free from the dark that lives in me
free to embark on the passion
you favorably fashioned in me
With no regrets should I be
lost in forgetfulness
With no regrets
In my head
Faithfully shed (X3)
(music)
Video
No Regrets
Meaning & Inspiration
Jennifer Knapp's "No Regrets," released on November 20, 2001, as part of her album *The Way I Am*, serves as a profound meditation on living a life unburdened by fear or doubt, rooted deeply in an unwavering faith. The song immediately establishes a posture of spiritual resolve, opening with a contemplation of courage and integrity. The initial lines, which speak to being bold enough to articulate truth and maintaining an "unbroken" heart, set the stage for a narrative of steadfastness. This isn't merely a call for personal bravery, but a reflection of the confidence found in divine assurance. A heart yielded in reverence to God naturally finds itself resilient against the world's assaults, a truth echoed in Scripture that assures us God has given us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). The sentiment of having "no regrets" here is not an arrogant declaration of flawlessness, but a surrender to God’s will, trusting that even in moments of perceived inadequacy or forgetfulness, His grace covers all, aligning with the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
The song then broadens its scope, considering life's fluctuating circumstances, whether one is "rich or poor and scattered." This acknowledgment of life's unpredictable nature underscores a core Christian principle: our identity and peace are not tied to worldly success or comfort. The pursuit of spiritual treasure over material wealth is a recurring theme in biblical teaching, reminding us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, where moth and rust destroy (Matthew 6:19-21). The desire to live "with no regrets," irrespective of these external conditions, speaks to a freedom from attachment and a contentment found solely in Christ, mirroring the Apostle Paul’s declaration that he learned to be content in every situation (Philippians 4:12). The notion of being "lost in forgetfulness" isn't a plea for amnesia, but perhaps a desire to shed the weight of past failures, anxieties, or the world's expectations—a deliberate act of letting go in faith. This "faithfully shed" burden signifies a trust in God to carry what we cannot, to release the anxieties that entangle us, as advised in Hebrews 12:1, to "lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us."
The most powerful declarations arrive in the song's bridge, where a profound liberation is articulated. The singer declares freedom from worry, from the "dark that lives" within, and the ability to "embark on the passion" that has been "favorably fashioned" by God. This passage resonates deeply with the transformative power of the Gospel. Freedom from worry is a direct promise from Christ, who teaches us not to be anxious about anything (Matthew 6:25-34). The release from the "dark that lives in me" speaks to the deliverance from sin and its oppressive weight, echoing Romans 8:1, which states there is "no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This freedom isn't merely an absence of burdens, but an active empowerment to fulfill a divine calling. The "passion you favorably fashioned in me" points directly to Ephesians 2:10, reminding us that we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. It’s an embrace of one’s God-given purpose, lived out with intentionality and joy.
Ultimately, "No Regrets" is a powerful anthem of spiritual surrender and purposeful living. It invites a commitment to faith that transcends life's uncertainties, finding a profound sense of peace and direction in God's unwavering presence. To live with "no regrets" is to choose to continually release fears and worldly attachments, embracing the freedom and divine purpose offered through a relationship with the Creator. The repetition of "faithfully shed" throughout the song serves as a reminder of the continuous, active role of believers in letting go of what hinders, allowing God to shape a life lived fully and authentically, confident in His benevolent design.