MercyMe - You Are I Am Lyrics
Lyrics
I've been the one to shake with fear
And wonder if You're even here
I've been the one to doubt Your love
I've told myself You're not enough
I've been the one to try and say
I'll overcome by my own strength
I've been the one to fall apart
And to start to question who You are
You're the one who conquers giants
You're the one who calls out kings
You shut the mouths of lions
You tell the dead to breathe
You're the one who walks through fire
You take the orphan's hand
You are the one Messiah
You are I am
You are I am
I've been the one held down in chains
Beneath the weight of all my shame
I've been the one to believe
That where I am You cannot reach
You're the one who conquers giants
You're the one who calls out kings
You shut the mouths of lions
You tell the dead to breathe
You're the one who walks through fire
You take the orphan's hand
You are the one Messiah
You are I am
You are I am
The veil is torn
And now I live with the Spirit inside
The same one, the very same one
who brought the Son back to life
Hallelujah, He lives in me
Hallelujah, He lives in me
Hallelujah, He lives in me
Hallelujah, He lives in me
You're the one who conquers giants
You're the one who calls out kings
You shut the mouths of lions
You tell the dead to breathe
You're the one who walks through fire
You take the orphan's hand
You are the one Messiah
You are I am
You are I am
Video
MercyMe - You Are I Am (Official Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on May 22, 2012, as part of the deluxe edition of *The Hurt & The Healer*, MercyMe's "You Are I Am" stands as a powerful declaration of divine strength and redemptive love, resonating deeply with anyone who has wrestled with doubt and perceived limitations. The song opens with a raw and honest acknowledgment of human frailty, of moments when fear grips us, and we question God's presence or the depth of His affection. The lyrical narrative is one of personal struggle, where the singer confesses to relying on their own strength, only to fall and begin to question the very identity of God. This internal conflict, this wrestling with faith when faced with personal shortcomings and the overwhelming nature of life's challenges, is depicted with striking vulnerability.
However, the song dramatically shifts its focus from the singer's perceived inadequacies to the unshakeable attributes of God. The core of "You Are I Am" lies in its powerful chorus, which enumerates divine capabilities that far surpass human comprehension. The imagery of conquering giants, calling out kings, silencing lions, and commanding the dead to breathe draws directly from profound biblical narratives that showcase God's supreme power and authority. These declarations are not mere poetic flourishes; they are echoes of the awe-inspiring acts recorded throughout Scripture. For instance, the concept of conquering giants immediately brings to mind David and Goliath, a testament to how God equips the seemingly weak to overcome insurmountable odds, as detailed in 1 Samuel 17. Similarly, the silencing of lions is a direct allusion to Daniel's miraculous deliverance from the lion's den, as found in Daniel 6, underscoring God's protection over the faithful. The command for the dead to breathe is a powerful reminder of Jesus' own miracles, such as raising Lazarus from the dead, as recounted in John 11, demonstrating His ultimate power over life and death.
The lyrical assertion that God "walks through fire" and "takes the orphan's hand" speaks to His intimate presence in suffering and His boundless compassion for the vulnerable. This reflects the divine promise of being with us in our trials, as stated in Isaiah 43:2: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." The act of embracing the orphan is a direct embodiment of God's command to care for the marginalized and fatherless, a theme woven throughout the Old and New Testaments, notably in Deuteronomy 10:18 and James 1:27. The climactic phrase, "You are I am," is the most profound statement, referencing God's self-revelation to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3:14, where He declared, "I AM WHO I AM." This declaration signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His unchanging essence, providing a bedrock of certainty for believers.
The bridge of the song introduces a pivotal theological concept: the tearing of the veil and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This imagery refers to the spiritual liberation that occurred at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, when the veil in the temple was torn in two (Matthew 27:51), signifying direct access to God. The assurance that "He lives in me" connects to the New Testament teaching of the Holy Spirit dwelling within believers, empowering them and transforming them from within, as articulated in Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." This indwelling Spirit is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, a promise of resurrection and renewed life for those who follow Him. Ultimately, "You Are I Am" serves as a robust testament to the unwavering faithfulness and omnipotence of God, reminding listeners that in their moments of weakness and doubt, the divine strength and love they need are eternally present and accessible.