Leeland - Via Dolorosa Lyrics
Lyrics
He traded His crown for a crown of thorns,
He picked up His cross and laid down His sword.
He stumbled down the road, bruised and beaten for me,
Jesus walked the way of grief, hallelujah.
On the Via Dolorosa
All my sin was carried away.
And the power of Hell was broken
As He gave His life away.
He knew it was to come from the very start,
But His love for all the world beat inside His heart.
He climbed the road of suffering to the hill of Cavalry,
Where the saints would be redeemed, hallelujah.
On the Via Dolorosa
All my sin was carried away.
And the power of Hell was broken
As He gave His life away.
Jesus fixed His eyes upon the new horizon,
Soon He would rise and the world would be forgiven.
x2
Hallelujah, Jesus rose again.
On the cross He shed His blood on Calvary,
And I'm thankful for the journey of my King.
On the Via Dolorosa
All my sin was carried away.
And the power of Hell was broken
As He gave His life away.
Oh, as He gave His life away.
He traded His crown for a crown of thorns.
Video
Leeland - Via Dolorosa
Meaning & Inspiration
Leeland’s powerful anthem, "Via Dolorosa," released on August 21, 2009, as part of their album *Love Is On the Move*, plunges the listener into the profound depths of Christ's sacrifice, moving far beyond mere melody to offer a compelling theological reflection. The song’s title itself, "Via Dolorosa," is Latin for "Sorrowful Road," immediately evoking the historical path Christ walked carrying His cross to Calvary. This choice of title sets the stage for a lyrical journey that is both somber and ultimately triumphant, rooted deeply in the narrative of redemption. The core message of "Via Dolorosa" centers on the unfathomable cost of salvation, presenting Jesus not as a passive figure but as an active participant in His own suffering, driven by an all-consuming love for humanity.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Christ’s willingness to exchange earthly glory for unimaginable pain. The imagery of trading a crown of royalty for a crown of thorns, and laying down His sword in favor of bearing the cross, speaks directly to the subversion of worldly power and the embrace of sacrificial love. This act is a direct fulfillment of prophecy and a testament to His divine purpose. The song emphasizes that Jesus was not taken by surprise; He knew from the outset what lay before Him. This foreknowledge, coupled with His enduring love for the world, is presented as the driving force behind His journey. Scripture frequently speaks of this predetermined plan. In Acts 2:23, Peter states, "this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men." Similarly, Revelation 13:8 refers to "the Lamb who has been slain from the foundation of the world," underscoring the eternal nature of God’s redemptive plan. The lyrics powerfully articulate that this arduous journey was undertaken "for me," making the personal impact of Christ’s sacrifice palpable for every listener.
The recurring chorus, "On the Via Dolorosa, All my sin was carried away. And the power of Hell was broken, As He gave His life away," serves as the song’s theological anchor. This is a profound declaration of the efficacy of Christ’s atonement. The weight of sin, which separates humanity from God, was symbolically and spiritually borne by Jesus. This is echoed in Isaiah 53:6, which states, "we all like sheep have gone astray; each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." Furthermore, the breaking of "the power of Hell" speaks to the victory over sin and death that Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection achieved. 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 triumphantly proclaims, "Death is swallowed up in victory... Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Leeland captures this decisive triumph, highlighting that Christ's sacrifice was not a defeat but the ultimate victory for all who believe.
The song’s progression towards the resurrection offers a crucial element of hope and completion. The repeated lines, "Jesus fixed His eyes upon the new horizon, Soon He would rise and the world would be forgiven," point towards the promise of Easter. The resurrection is not an afterthought but an integral part of the redemptive narrative, confirming the Father's acceptance of the sacrifice and the fulfillment of Christ's mission. The jubilant declaration, "Hallelujah, Jesus rose again," celebrates this ultimate victory over death. The concluding stanza, expressing gratitude for "the journey of my King," underscores a deep personal connection and thankfulness for the entire sweep of Christ’s redemptive work, from the agonizing journey to the glorious resurrection. "Via Dolorosa" is more than a song; it's a theological journey set to music, a powerful reminder of the immense love and sacrifice that underpins Christian faith.