Lift your head weary sinner, the river's just ahead
Down the path of forgiveness, salvation's waiting there
You built a mighty fortress 10,000 burdens high
Love is here to lift you up, here to lift you high
If you're lost and wandering
Come stumbling in like a prodigal child
See the walls start crumbling
Let the gates of glory open wide
All who've strayed and walked away, unspeakable things you've done
Fix your eyes on the mountain, let the past be dead and gone
Come all saints and sinners, you can't outrun God
Whatever you've done can't overcome the power of the blood
If you're lost and wandering
Come stumbling in like a prodigal child
See the walls start crumbling
Let the gates of glory open wide
If you're lost and wrecked again
Come stumbling in like a prodigal child
See the walls start crumbling
Let the gates of glory open wide
(Ooh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)
(Ooh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)
(Let the chains fall)
(Ooh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)
(Let the chains fall)
(Let the chains fall)
(Let the chains, the chains, the chains,
The chains, let the chains fall)
If you're lost and wandering
Come stumbling in like a prodigal child
See the walls start crumbling
Let the gates of glory open wide
If you're lost and wrecked again
Come stumbling in like a prodigal child
See the walls start crumbling
Let the gates of glory open wide
Let the gates of glory open wide
Let the gates of glory open wide
Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)
Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains) Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Passion's song "Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)" offers a powerful message of hope and redemption. Drawing heavily on themes of grace and forgiveness, the lyrics invite listeners burdened by sin and past failures to find solace and salvation. The opening lines immediately address the listener directly, offering direction towards a path of forgiveness and highlighting the availability of salvation. This sets a compassionate and welcoming tone for the entire piece.
The song paints a picture of the weight of sin being like a "mighty fortress 10,000 burdens high," acknowledging the heavy load many carry. However, it quickly contrasts this with the power of love, presented as capable of lifting and elevating. A central and recurring image is the invitation to come "stumbling in like a prodigal child," a clear reference to the biblical parable found in Luke 15. This reinforces the message that one is welcomed regardless of their state or past actions, emphasizing unconditional acceptance.
Furthermore, the lyrics speak directly to those who feel lost or have committed "unspeakable things." They urge listeners to fix their gaze forward, allowing the past to be left behind. The assurance that "whatever you've done can't overcome the power of the blood" points to the Christian belief in the atoning sacrifice and its ability to cleanse and redeem, highlighting the immense power attributed to this concept. The imagery of walls crumbling and gates of glory opening wide reinforces the idea of barriers to God being removed and access to divine presence being granted.
The song culminates in the repeated plea to "Let the chains fall." This phrase symbolizes freedom from the bondage of sin, guilt, shame, or any burdens that hold one captive. It acts as a release and an affirmation of the liberty found through forgiveness and grace. The vocalizations associated with this part add an emotional layer to the breaking of these symbolic chains. The song's video, released on October 16, 2015, provides a visual context for this powerful message of breaking free and finding open welcome. Biblical references that resonate with the song's themes include the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), the concept of atonement and redemption through blood (Hebrews 9, 1 John 1), and the freedom found in Christ (Galatians 5).
