Lyrics
Now brother, have you heard the news?
About a Man who died for you?
When they took Him from the cross, they thought that he'd been lost
But death couldn't keep Him in the tomb
Chorus:
Now death couldn't keep my Jesus down
When they laid Him in the ground
The Spirit of God that raised Him from the sod
No, death couldn't keep Him in the tomb
When Jesus died on Calvary
He gave His life for you and me
He took away our sins, then He rose to live again
Now death was swallowed up in victory
Chorus
Hey, get on and trust in Him
He'll break those chains that live in sin
As he rose to live again, so we'll rise to live with Him
Now singing "Glory to the Lamb."
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Death Couldn’t Keep My Jesus Down” centers on the death and resurrection of Christ with direct, celebratory language. Each verse moves through the cross, the tomb, forgiveness, and new life, while the chorus repeatedly declares that death could not hold Jesus. The song treats the resurrection not only as a past event but also as the basis for freedom from sin and hope of life with Christ.
The phrase about death being “swallowed up in victory” directly recalls 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, where victory over death is given through Jesus Christ. The line about the Spirit raising Jesus also closely follows Romans 8:11. By linking the empty tomb with trust, broken chains, and future resurrection, the song presents salvation as Christ’s victory shared with those who belong to him. Its repeated “Glory to the Lamb” closes the account in praise rather than leaving the resurrection as a bare statement of doctrine.
Related Scripture
- 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 Paul declares that death is swallowed up in victory through Jesus Christ.
- Romans 8:11 The Spirit who raised Jesus is promised as the giver of life to believers.