Lyrics
Verse 1
This is the story of a brother
Who slept and woke up in Forever land
He looked around, nothing's familiar
He wondered how he got to be there
He took a walk around the city
And saw this brick house with a small door
He walked into the room and saw a man in white
Must be an angel so he said:
"Mr. Angel I'm a stranger, don't know what's going on
The last thing I remember was I slept last night"
Verse 2
This is a border town that takes you where you get a crown
Must have heard of Heaven where you came from
Only those whose name I find
Written in this book of life
Will forever be in paradise
Chorus (Repeat x2)
Is your name in this book of life?
Is your name in this book of life here?
Verse 3
Flipping the pages of this great book
This brother gave a cursory gaze
He saw the names of prophets, saints and martyrs
Who kept the faith and won the race
But he said "Mr. Angel, where is my name?
Can you tell me what is going wrong?
I'm a pillar in my local church
Give the offerings and the tithes
Feed the poor and have myself a good name"
Chorus (Repeat x2, first person)
Is my name in this book of life?
Is my name in this book of life here?
Verse 4
Unforgiveness lurks within your heart
Some folks that you will never let go
Little foxes and secret faults
Will spring surprises on that final day
Verse 5
So much for this wonder brother
What about you? What about me?
Let him who thinks that he stands
Let him take heed lest he falls
Only the pure in heart will see Jesus
Those whose garment glow with purity
Chorus (Repeat x2, closing)
Is your name in that book of life?
Is your name in that book of life there?
Tell me is your name in that book of life there?
Think about it
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
"Book of Life" opens with a narrative, describing a man waking in an unfamiliar afterlife and encountering an angel who leads him toward a great book, framing the entire song as parable rather than direct address. That storytelling approach lets the song's central question, is your name written there, arrive gradually through someone else's experience first.
Its narrative turns uncomfortable when the man cannot find his own name despite listing religious credentials, giving offerings, feeding the poor, serving as a pillar in his church, naming works that prove insufficient on their own. The angel's response names unforgiveness and hidden faults as the deeper issue, shifting the song from external religious performance toward internal spiritual condition.
Rooted in contemporary gospel's narrative, exhortational style, the song functions as a cautionary parable urging genuine self-examination, its closing verses turning the story's question directly outward, asking listeners to consider their own standing rather than remaining comfortable observers of someone else's story.
Related Scripture
- Revelation 20:12 Describes the dead judged according to what is written in the books, including the book of life, directly echoed in the song's central image.
- Matthew 5:8 Describes the pure in heart seeing God, directly echoed in the song's closing verse.