Newsboys - Restart Lyrics
Lyrics
I was finished, game over
Couldn't carry the weight on my shoulders
At my end, in trouble
Knocked down on the ground seein' double
But then Your love, love opened my eyes
Lifted me up, up, now I'm alive
I raise my hands, hands to the sky
Singing “Oh oh oh oh oh oh” “Oh oh oh oh oh”
Oh Lord, I'm a different man
You gave me a second chance
I was lost, I was fallin' apart
But You came along, and You hit the restart
You, You, You hit the restart
You, You, You hit the restart
You, You, You hit the restart
You came along, and You hit the restart
I was twisted, like bad religion
Fully committed to my way of livin'
I heard the preacher, but never listened
On a dead end road without a mission
Restart, Restart, Oh Oh Oh
Restart, Restart, Oh Oh Oh
I was lost, I was fallin' apart
But You came along, and You hit the restart
You make all things new
That's just what You do
You're making me new
Video
Newsboys - Restart (Official Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Newsboys’ 2013 release, "Restart," from the album of the same name, is a powerful declaration of transformation and new beginnings, deeply rooted in the core tenets of Christian faith. The song paints a vivid picture of a life adrift, burdened by the weight of personal failure and straying from a righteous path. Lines like "I was finished, game over" and "Knocked down on the ground seein' double" articulate a profound sense of despair and helplessness, a feeling many can relate to when facing the consequences of their choices. This sense of being lost and broken resonates with the biblical narrative of humanity's fallen state, as described in Romans 3:23, which states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." The song masterfully captures the turning point, the moment when divine intervention shifts the trajectory of a life. The lyrics describe a liberating experience: "But then Your love, love opened my eyes / Lifted me up, up, now I'm alive." This speaks directly to the redemptive power of God's grace, a concept central to Christian theology. It echoes the sentiment found in Ephesians 2:4-5, which beautifully states, "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved."
The central metaphor of a "restart" is incredibly potent. It signifies a complete overhaul, a clearing of past mistakes, and the opportunity to begin anew. This aligns perfectly with Jesus' promise of a new life for those who follow Him. The message is undeniably Christian, emphasizing a divine intervention that is not earned but freely given. The line "You came along, and You hit the restart" is a direct acknowledgment of God's active role in salvation. This theme is mirrored in passages like 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" The song continues to explore the idea of surrender and renewed purpose, with the protagonist proclaiming, "Oh Lord, I'm a different man / You gave me a second chance." This transformation is not merely cosmetic; it's a profound internal shift driven by faith. It reflects the teachings of Jesus in John 3:3, where He tells Nicodemus, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." The repeated emphasis on God making all things new underscores the ongoing work of sanctification in a believer's life, a continuous process of growth and conformity to Christ, as outlined in Philippians 1:6: "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." "Restart" serves as an inspiring anthem for anyone seeking liberation from past burdens and a fresh start grounded in the unshakeable foundation of divine love and forgiveness.