Kari Jobe - We Are (Acoustic) Lyrics

Lyrics

Every secret, every shame
Every fear, every pain
Live inside the dark
But that's not who we are
We are children of the day

So wake up, sleeper, lift your head
We were meant for more than this
Fight the shadows, conquer death
Make the most of the time we have left

We are the light of the world
We are the city on a hill
We are the light of the world
We gotta, we gotta, we gotta let the light shine
We are the light of the world
We are the city on a hill
We are the light of the world
We gotta, we gotta, we gotta let the light shine, let the light shine, let the light shine

We are called to spread the news
To tell the world the simple truth
Jesus came to save, there's freedom in His name
So let His love break through

We are the light
We are the light
We are the light
So let your light shine brighter
We are the light
We are the light
We are the light

Jesus, you are the light
You are the light
You are the light
We will lift you high and shine, shine, shine

We gotta shine, we gotta shine (let the light shine) [4x]

Video

Kari Jobe: We Are (Acoustic)

Meaning & Inspiration

Kari Jobe's "We Are (Acoustic)" stands as a powerful anthem of identity and purpose, released on October 21, 2011. This acoustic rendition strips away instrumental complexities, allowing the raw, compelling message to resonate with profound clarity. The song confronts the darkness that can grip individuals, acknowledging every secret, shame, fear, and pain that may dwell within. However, it immediately pivots from this acknowledgment to a declaration of truth: "that's not who we are." This foundational understanding draws directly from biblical themes of redemption and transformation, echoing passages like 2 Corinthians 5:17, which states, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" The lyrics then issue a stirring call to awaken from spiritual slumber, to "wake up, sleeper, lift your head," and to realize a destiny far grander than being consumed by negativity. This exhortation mirrors the urgency found in Ephesians 5:14, which proclaims, "Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." The song's core message, "We are the light of the world" and "the city on a hill," directly references Jesus' words in Matthew 5:14 and 5:16, urging believers not to hide their faith but to let it shine as a beacon for others, prompting them to glorify God. The recurring emphasis on "let the light shine" is an active imperative, a call to tangible expression of the grace received, emphasizing that our identity in Christ demands an outward manifestation of His love and truth. The lyrics further expand on this mission, stating, "We are called to spread the news. To tell the world the simple truth." This commission is the Great Commission itself, as commanded by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, to go and make disciples of all nations. The ultimate source of this light and freedom is identified as Jesus, who "came to save, there's freedom in His name." This central tenet is the very heart of the Gospel, highlighting the redemptive power available through faith in Him. The song culminates in a fervent declaration of Jesus as the ultimate light, and a commitment from believers to "lift you high and shine." The acoustic arrangement amplifies the sincerity and vulnerability of this declaration, creating an intimate yet expansive experience that encourages listeners to embrace their calling and radiate the light of Christ in every aspect of their lives.