Lyrics
[Verse 1]
I have wandered through the ages
And flipped through all your pages
Every stage of life I've run through
I've refused to compromise
I've been locked up in your cages
And my sins became contagious
But when I got right with Jesus Christ
I found peace, took money and buy
[Chorus]
Jesus is King and for his glory I will sing
So pray for my salvation
And to do the righteous thing
Baptize me in the water
Give glory to our Father)
Let freedom ring, spread your wings
Jesus is King
[Verse 2]
I have begged for your forgiveness
For all my blasphemies
I tried to walk up the river
But it was hard from way downstream
Then it hit me like a freight train
It was a light I'd never seen
I called His name and He took aim
[Chorus]
Jesus is King
And for His glory I will sing
So pray for my salvation
And to do the righteous thing
Baptize me in the water
Give glory to our Father
Let freedom ring, spread your wings
Jesus is King
[Chorus]
Jesus is King
And for His glory I will sing
So pray for my salvation
And to do the righteous thing
Baptize me in the water
Give glory to our Father
Let freedom ring, spread your wings
Jesus is King
[Outro]
Jesus is King
And for His glory I will sing
So pray for my salvation
And to do the righteous thing
Baptize me in the water
Give glory to our Father
Let freedom ring, spread your wings
Jesus is King
Let freedom ring, spread your wings
Jesus is King
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“James 1:17 (Jesus Is King)” frames Christian conversion as a decisive turn from wandering, confinement, and sin toward peace in Jesus Christ. The repeated declaration that Jesus is King gives the song its central confession, while the requests for salvation, righteous living, and baptism present faith as a changed direction rather than a passing feeling. Images of cages, a river, water, light, and freedom reinforce the movement from bondage into new life.
The title recalls James 1:17, where every good and perfect gift comes from above, though the lyrics focus more directly on repentance and Christ’s kingship. The baptism language also aligns with the New Testament picture of identifying with Christ in death and resurrection. By returning to “Let freedom ring” and “spread your wings,” the chorus links divine forgiveness with release from the weight of former choices. Its testimony remains plain: peace and freedom are found by calling on Jesus, giving glory to the Father, and seeking what is right.
Related Scripture
- James 1:17 The verse identifies every good and perfect gift as coming from God above.
- Romans 6:4 Paul connects baptism with walking in newness of life through Christ.