Lyrics
Verse 1
There's a step that we all take alone
An appointment we have with the great unknown
Like a vapor this life is just waiting to pass
Like the flowers that fade, like the withering grass
But life seems so long and death so complete
And the grave an impossible potion to cheat
But there's One who has been there and still lives to tell
There is One who has been through both Heaven and hell
And the grave will come up empty-handed the day
Jesus will come and steal us away
Chorus
Where is the sting, tell me where is the bite
When the grave robber comes like a thief in the night
Where is the victory, where is the prize
When the grave robber comes
And death finally dies
Verse 2
Many still mourn and many still weep
For those that they love who have fallen asleep
But we have this hope though our hearts may still ache
Just one shout from above and they all will awake
And in the reunion of joy we will see
Death will be swallowed in sweet victory
Bridge
When the last enemy is done from the dust will come a song
Those asleep will be awakened - not a one will be forsaken
He shall wipe away our tears - He will steal away our fears
There will be no sad tomorrow - there will be no pain and sorrow
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Graverobber treats the resurrection as a rescue of the dead rather than a loss. The opening verse admits that every person walks toward death alone, comparing life to a vapor and to fading flowers, before turning to the One who has been through the grave and still lives. The image of Jesus coming to steal people away from the grave gives the song its title and its surprise.
The chorus borrows from Paul's taunt in 1 Corinthians 15, asking "Where is the sting" and "Where is the victory" when death finally dies. The second verse speaks to those who mourn and promises that a single shout from above will wake the sleeping. That language echoes Paul's description of the trumpet call in 1 Thessalonians 4.
The closing lines look ahead to the last enemy being defeated, tears wiped away and no more pain or sorrow. The tone is hopeful, and the theme fits times of grief as well as celebration.
Related Scripture
- 1 Corinthians 15:55 Paul asks where death's victory and sting are after the resurrection.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16 The dead in Christ rise at the Lord's descent with a shout.
- Revelation 21:4 God wipes away every tear, and death and pain are no more.