Mississippi Children's Choir - Twelve Gates Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
*Have you heard of a city,
streets are paved with gold'
(3x)
Chorus
Twelve gates to the city, hallelu.
Verse 2
Tenors Three gates in the east
Altos Three gates in the west
Sopranos Three gates in the north
All Three gates in the south
Bridge
Sopranos Living just enough for the city I'm
Altos I'm gonna view that holy city,
I'm gona sing and never get tired.
Tenors Living just
Chorus 2
Twenty-four elders in the city
Angels throughout the holy city
Vamp
Joy in the city
Peace
Love
Shout
Shout hallelujah
Video
Mississippi Children's Choir - His Eye Is On the Sparrow
Meaning & Inspiration
The Mississippi Children's Choir's rendition of "Twelve Gates" is a powerful testament to hope and the promise of a heavenly dwelling. Released on December 5, 2017, this song transcends mere musical performance; it serves as a vibrant proclamation of faith, drawing its imagery and message directly from biblical prophecy. The opening verses immediately transport the listener to a vision of a city with streets paved with gold, a description echoed in Revelation 21:18, which states, "The wall was made of jasper, while the city was of pure gold, as pure as gleaming glass." This initial imagery establishes the song's core theme: the glorious destination prepared for the faithful.
The central metaphor of the "Twelve Gates" is rich with meaning, referencing the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:12-13. Here, it is explained that twelve gates stand at the four cardinal directions, named after the twelve tribes of Israel, and guarded by twelve angels. The song thoughtfully assigns these gates, with three in the east for the tenors, three in the west for the altos, three in the north for the sopranos, and three in the south also for the tenors, creating a harmonious representation of God's inclusive love for all His people, regardless of their earthly station or vocal range within the choir. This organization beautifully reflects the inclusiveness of God's kingdom, where all are welcomed through His grace. The chorus, with its joyful exclamation of "Hallelu," is a direct echo of praise to God, a fitting response to the anticipation of entering such a magnificent city.
The bridge introduces a personal aspiration, with the choir members expressing their desire to live "just enough for the city" and to "view that holy city" and "sing and never get tired." This speaks to a life lived with eternal perspective, focusing on spiritual riches rather than temporal ones, a sentiment found in passages like Matthew 6:19-20: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven..." The second chorus broadens the vision, mentioning the "twenty-four elders" and "angels throughout the holy city," further solidifying the song's connection to the celestial realm described in Revelation. These elders, often interpreted as representatives of both Old and New Testament believers, and the omnipresent angels, underscore the grandeur and divine order of this eternal city. The vamp, with its simple yet profound pronouncements of "Joy," "Peace," and "Love," culminates in a resounding "Shout hallelujah," encapsulating the ultimate experience awaiting believers: an unceasing celebration of God's presence and provision. "Twelve Gates" by the Mississippi Children's Choir is therefore more than just a song; it is a vibrant spiritual mural, painting a picture of heavenly bliss and inspiring listeners to live lives worthy of such a glorious inheritance, reminding us through its energetic delivery of the ultimate triumph and joy found in God's eternal kingdom.