Jon Thurlow - Fairer Than the Sons of Men Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
And I can hear the angels singing
"Glory, glory to God in the highest"
And I can hear the angels singing
"Glory, glory to God in the highest"
Chorus
There's never been a man whose more alive
There's never been a man whose more alive
There's never been a man whose more alive
More alive in You, Jesus
There's never been a man whose more alive
There's never been a man whose more alive
There's never been a man whose more alive
More alive in You, Jesus
Verse
(I can hear)
And I can hear the angels singing
"Glory, glory to God in the highest"
And I can hear the angels singing
"Glory, glory to God in the highest"
And I can hear the angels singing
"Glory, glory to God"
Chorus
There's never been a man whose more alive
There's never been a man whose more alive
There's never been a man whose more alive
More alive in You, Jesus
There's never been a man whose more alive
There's never been a man whose more alive
There's never been a man whose more alive
More alive in You, Jesus
There's never been a man whose more alive
There's never been a man whose more alive
There's never been a man whose more alive
More alive in You, Jesus
Interlude
Verse
And I can hear the angels singing
"Glory, glory to God in the highest"
And I can hear the angels singing
"Glory, glory to God in the highest"
And I can hear the angels singing
"Glory, glory to God in the highest
Oh, glory, glory to God in the highest
Glory, glory to God in the highest"
Video
Fairer Than the Sons of Men
Meaning & Inspiration
Jon Thurlow's "Fairer Than the Sons of Men," released on October 22, 2013, as part of the "Stand in Awe" album, immediately establishes a profound devotional atmosphere, drawing us into a heavenly scene of worship. The song opens with the iconic image of angels declaring "Glory, glory to God in the highest," a direct echo of the angelic host's proclamation at Christ's birth in Luke 2:14. This imagery serves to elevate the listener's perspective, framing the entire piece within an eternal, awe-filled context where the majesty of God is the central focus. It invites us to join this celestial chorus, acknowledging a truth so magnificent it resounds through the heavens.
At its core, the song is a resounding declaration of Jesus Christ's unparalleled life and supremacy. The recurring chorus, "There's never been a man whose more alive / More alive in You, Jesus," is a theological cornerstone, asserting a unique vitality that transcends mere existence. This isn't simply about physical resurrection, but about an intrinsic, divine life that sets Jesus apart from every other human being. The title itself, "Fairer Than the Sons of Men," drawn from Psalm 45:2, prophetically describes the Messiah as possessing an unmatched excellence, beauty, and grace, underscoring the very reason He is "more alive." He is the image of the invisible God, the source and embodiment of life itself, as John 1:4 proclaims, "In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind." His life is not contingent or temporal; it is eternal, self-existent, and the very definition of being.
This concept of being "more alive" is deeply rooted in Scripture, revealing Jesus as the ultimate manifestation of life. He declared Himself "the resurrection and the life" in John 11:25, emphasizing that true life, eternal life, is found solely in Him. Colossians 1:15-17 further elaborates on His preeminence, describing Him as the one through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together. He is the pulsating heart of creation and redemption, eternally vibrant. For those who believe, this message carries a profound implication: our own life, in its truest and fullest sense, is found "in Him." As Galatians 2:20 asserts, believers can declare, "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me," signifying a spiritual rebirth and a sharing in His unending vitality. Our spiritual existence is hidden with Christ in God, making His life our life (Colossians 3:3-4).
The intentional repetition throughout the song, particularly of the angelic chorus and the declaration of Jesus' unique aliveness, is not a stylistic simplification but a spiritual technique. It serves to deepen contemplation, allowing the foundational truths about Christ's supremacy to sink from the mind into the spirit. It creates a meditative space, encouraging a profound sense of adoration and focus on the Living One. This constant affirmation builds an atmosphere where the preeminence of Jesus is not just intellectually acknowledged but experientially embraced. The song, therefore, functions as a powerful spiritual anthem, inviting us to gaze upon the unmatched excellence of Christ and find our own deepest vitality within His unending, glorious life. It is a compelling call to recognize Jesus not just as savior, but as the eternally vibrant, incomparably alive core of all existence.