Larnelle Harris - Cross The Line Lyrics
Lyrics
Do you feel like a stranger
Singing melodies not your own
And trying hard to conquer
The fear that tells your heart
That you're lost with no way home
But there in the distance
Where horizons touch the sky
Is the land where you belong
Will you cross over to the place
Where you can stand for goodness sake
Tell me, who's gonna cross the line
Who'll dare to live a life
That's pleasing in God's sight
Who's gonna cross the line
Who's gonna stand up tall
Who's gonna answer the call
To cross the line
I'll always remember
Being captive and all alone
Like somebody born in prison
The space within four walls
Was all the freedom I had known
But then I heard the music
And the tune I recognized
And that moment I found peace
And with my heart, soul and mind
I walked by faith and crossed the line
Who's gonna cross the line
Who'll dare to live a life
That's pleasing in God's sight
Who's gonna cross the line
Who's gonna stand up tall
Who's gonna answer the call
To cross the line
Who's crossing over
Who's longing to discover
The way from darkness to light
Will you receive it
Will you dare to believe
That life is waiting on the other side
Who's gonna cross the line
Who's gonna cross the line
Who's gonna stand up tall
Who's gonna answer the call
Who's gonna cross the line
Who'll dare to live a life
That's pleasing in God's sight
Who's gonna cross the line
Who's gonna stand up tall
Who's gonna answer the call...
Video
Cross The Line
Meaning & Inspiration
Larnelle Harris’s powerful anthem, "Cross The Line," released on January 1, 1995, as part of his album "Unbelievable Love," serves as a profound call to spiritual decision and a testament to personal transformation. This song transcends mere musical composition, acting as a vivid narrative that challenges and encourages, inviting individuals to reflect on their own spiritual journey. Its message, delivered with Larnelle Harris's signature vocal strength and conviction, speaks directly to the human soul grappling with purpose and belonging.
The song immediately establishes a relatable scenario, painting a picture of someone feeling estranged, humming tunes that don't resonate with their true self, and struggling against an internal fear of being utterly lost. It describes a profound spiritual desolation, a sense of wandering without direction, akin to living a life unaligned with one's divine design. Yet, amidst this despair, the lyrics offer a beacon of hope: a distant "land where you belong," symbolizing the peace, identity, and purpose found in a relationship with God. The pivotal question emerges: "Will you cross over to the place where you can stand for goodness sake?" This initial invitation is not passive but an active challenge, a summons to make a definitive choice for a life of integrity and faith. The chorus then amplifies this inquiry, directly asking who among us will possess the courage to embark on a life "pleasing in God's sight," to "stand up tall," and "answer the call," recognizing that such a commitment requires intentional action and unwavering resolve.
The narrative shifts to a deeply personal testimony in the second verse, where Larnelle Harris shares his own experience of spiritual imprisonment. He describes a life once "captive and all alone," feeling as if he were "born in prison," with the confined space of "four walls" representing the limited freedom and perspective of a life without Christ. This imagery vividly portrays the bondage of sin and spiritual ignorance, echoing the biblical truth that apart from God, humanity is enslaved to its own devices (John 8:34, Romans 6:6). However, a turning point arrives with the recognition of a familiar "music," a melody that resonates deeply, signifying the moment the Gospel truth or the Spirit's prompting became clear. This recognition brought immediate peace, a profound shift from turmoil to tranquility (John 14:27). With a wholehearted commitment of "heart, soul and mind," he made the decisive move, articulating the transformative act of "walking by faith and crossing the line." This speaks directly to the experience of repentance and belief, an act of accepting God's grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The bridge and subsequent choruses reiterate and deepen the invitation, asking not just "who's gonna," but "who's crossing over," highlighting the active process of moving from spiritual darkness into God's glorious light (1 Peter 2:9, Colossians 1:13). It appeals to that innate human "longing to discover" truth, challenging the individual to "receive it" and "dare to believe that life is waiting on the other side." This "life" is not merely existence but the abundant, eternal life promised through faith in Christ (John 10:10, John 3:16). The repetition of the central call in the outro solidifies the song's primary purpose: to stir conviction and prompt a definitive response to God's invitation. It reminds us that living a life that genuinely honors God, as outlined in scriptures like Romans 12:1-2, requires a conscious decision to separate from worldly patterns and embrace a transformed mind. "Cross The Line" ultimately serves as a powerful evangelistic tool, urging every soul to step out of spiritual confinement and into the liberating embrace of faith, boldly declaring their allegiance to God and living a life that reflects His goodness.