Matt Redman - Gospel Song Lyrics

Gospel Song

Gospel Song Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Matt Redman's "Gospel Song," released on July 5, 2012, stands as a clear and compelling declaration of the foundational truths of Christian faith. The opening verses establish the central theme: the unwavering commitment to proclaiming the good news, described as having "no higher hope, no greater love." This love is embodied in the person of Jesus, a "King who came, a life laid down," a sacrifice made "for the world." The repetition of this concept underscores its supreme importance, highlighting the divine initiative – "Heaven sent, here to save" – emphasizing grace as the basis of salvation. The song immediately sets a tone of firm conviction and profound gratitude for God's action on humanity's behalf.

The chorus encapsulates the core message, referencing key elements of the gospel narrative: "A rugged cross, an empty grave." These two powerful images represent Christ's atoning death and His victorious resurrection. The lyric directly quotes John 3:16, stating, "For God so loved the world that He gave / To us His one and only Son." This foundational biblical verse serves as the theological bedrock of the song, explaining *why* the cross and empty grave are central to the "gospel song." The repeated assertion, "I'll always sing this gospel song," followed by the insistent call to "Sing on," acts as both a personal vow and an encouragement to others to join in this declaration of faith.

Verse two shifts focus slightly to the impact of the gospel on individual lives and its universal applicability. It speaks to a narrative of transformation: "The storyline has always been / How broken lives can rise again." This points to the redemptive power of Christ's work, enabling spiritual rebirth and healing. The line, "What I could not do You have done for me," articulates the understanding that salvation is not achieved through human effort but is a gift received through God's grace. The message is explicitly global, applicable to "the world, all the world," reinforcing the universal scope of the gospel.

The bridges further enrich the song's expression. Bridge one employs the traditional and powerful phrase "Glory, glory, hallelujah," an expression of profound worship and adoration for Jesus. The repetition builds an atmosphere of praise, culminating in the affirmation "Jesus, forever, hallelujah," anchoring the praise to the eternal nature of Christ. Bridge two, featuring Guvna B, adds a personal and contemporary dimension. It speaks of the physical reality of Christ's suffering ("Those wounds in Your hands and feet") as the source of life and freedom ("Are the reason that I can breathe"). The empty tomb is described as the place of personal spiritual awakening ("The empty tomb is where I came alive in You"), leading to a transformed reality ("And because of that everything's new"). This bridge powerfully transitions from personal experience to an urgent call for evangelism: "I'm gonna tell it to my whole world / 'Cause You did it for the whole world."

The repetition of the chorus and the intertwining of the bridges in the later parts of the song, particularly Chorus 2, create a powerful crescendo of worship and commitment. The inclusion of the lines from Guvna B's bridge ("I'm gonna tell it to my whole world / 'Cause You did it for the whole world") layered over the chorus reinforces the interconnectedness of personal faith and the mission to share it globally. The outro simplifies, returning to the "Glory, glory, hallelujah" motif and the core commitment to singing the gospel song, culminating in the simple yet profound statement, "Everything within / I'll always sing this gospel song." The song effectively combines theological depth with personal conviction and a call to action, making it a powerful anthem for believers.