Kristian Stanfill - Wake Up Lyrics

Wake Up

Wake Up Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Kristian Stanfill's song "Wake Up," released on February 17, 2017, is a powerful anthem designed to stir listeners into spiritual awareness and action. The song immediately sets a tone of urgency and hope, addressing the listener directly as a "sleeper" and urging them to "rise and awake." This initial call establishes the central metaphor of spiritual dormancy contrasted with vibrant life and readiness, suggesting a divine invitation is at hand and that the present moment holds significance, leaving "no time to waste." The focus is directed upwards and forwards, towards the "skyline" and watching "for the Son," a clear reference to the anticipated return of Christ and the manifestation of divine "glory."

The repeated refrain "Wake up" serves as the song's driving pulse, an insistent call to break free from inertia. This is expanded upon in subsequent verses, urging listeners to "wake from your slumber" and "see the display" of divine glory and passion. The lyrics encourage active participation – to "move to the rhythm, join in the song," indicating that this awakening is not passive but involves joining a larger movement. The song identifies this movement with singing "of freedom, and unfailing love," fundamental themes of faith and redemption, implying that true awakening leads to experiencing and proclaiming liberation and God's steadfast love.

The core message of the song aligns strongly with biblical exhortations for believers to remain alert and watchful, especially in anticipation of Christ's return and to live purposefully in the present. The call to "wake up" echoes passages like Ephesians 5:14, which encourages rising from spiritual sleep, and Romans 13:11, which speaks of the time being ripe for awakening from slumber. The imagery of watching for "the Son" and His coming "glory" directly relates to New Testament teachings on the Second Coming and the hope associated with that event, as found in scriptures like Matthew 24, Titus 2:13, and Revelation 1:7. The concept of living in "freedom, and unfailing love" reflects the liberty found in Christ (Galatians 5:1) and the foundational nature of God's steadfast love described throughout scripture (Psalm 136, 1 John 4:8).

A deeply personal dimension is introduced with the lines, "I hear Your voice in the morning light, You call my name, You're calling me to rise." This shifts from a corporate call to an individual response, depicting a moment of intimate connection where the divine voice is heard and recognized as a personal invitation to ascend and live intentionally. Standing in "perfect love" describes finding security, identity, and purpose within a relationship defined by divine love, a theme central to Christian faith. The affirmation "I lift my voice, Because the word is out to rise" signifies a response of worship and active participation in the mission stemming from this personal awakening and the understanding that this call to rise is a message for everyone.

The parenthetical additions accompanying the repeated "Wake up" emphasize the tangible results and benefits of this spiritual awakening: "Your life awaits," "Leave your wasted days," "Feel the rush of life," and "Open up your eyes." These phrases translate the spiritual call into practical terms, highlighting the potential for a meaningful, vibrant existence freed from past regrets and characterized by openness and vitality. The song video released alongside the track visually complements these themes, utilizing imagery that supports the narrative of breaking free from darkness or dormancy and moving into light, community, and purposeful living, reinforcing the song's message through visual elements consistent with the themes of hope, resurrection, and active faith. Ultimately, "Wake Up" serves as an inspiring call to embrace spiritual alertness, live with purpose rooted in faith and love, and actively anticipate the unfolding of God's plan.