Verse 1
There's no audition for true love
No matter what, you don't have to earn it
If you've ever felt like an outcast
There's good news if you've never heard it
Pre-Chorus
God so loved the world
God so loved the world, He never left you out of it
Chorus
Whosoever needs a shelter
Needs a Saviour, come in closer
All who wander, every outsider
You are safe here, whosoever
Verse 2
No more of life on the sidelines
There's an open door and you are invited
Come on in and join the song and raise a glass 'cause you belong
No matter what, you're welcome and wanted
Pre-Chorus
God so loved the world
God so loved the world, He never left you out of it
Chorus
Whosoever needs a shelter
Needs a Saviour, come in closer
All who wander, every outsider
You are safe here, whosoever
Bridge
Love looks like this, like a long walk home
Like a Father who runs out to find you
Love looks like this, like a man on a cross
His arms stretching out to remind you
Chorus
Whosoever needs a shelter
Needs a Saviour, come in closer
All who wander, every outsider
You are safe here, whosoever
Whosoever needs a shelter
Needs a Saviour, come in closer
All who wander, every outsider
You are safe here, whosoever
Whosoever
Whosoever Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on August 25, 2022, Rend Collective's song "Whosoever" immediately sets out to deliver a message of radical inclusion and unconditional love. The very title echoes a foundational biblical concept, and the lyrics quickly establish this theme. The song opens by stating that true love requires no audition and is not something that must be earned, directly addressing anyone who has felt like an "outcast" or marginalized. It presents "good news" for those who have never heard or believed in this kind of unwavering acceptance. The existence of a song video contributes to the overall presentation of this message, providing a visual dimension to its themes.
The core of the song's message is powerfully articulated in the pre-chorus and chorus. The pre-chorus directly references the profound truth of John 3:16, stating that "God so loved the world" and emphatically adding, "He never left you out of it." This serves as the bedrock for the invitation extended in the chorus. Here, the song defines the "whosoever" as anyone who "needs a shelter" or "needs a Saviour." It explicitly welcomes "all who wander" and "every outsider," assuring them, "You are safe here." This repeated declaration in the chorus acts as a constant, warm embrace, reinforcing the idea that this welcome is broad and without exception.
Building on this foundation, the second verse expands on the nature of this invitation. It speaks of moving past a life "on the sidelines" because there is an "open door" and everyone is "invited." The imagery encourages participation – "come on in and join the song and raise a glass" – emphasizing a place of belonging where listeners are "welcome and wanted." This verse reinforces the message that this is not just passive acceptance but an active invitation into community and celebration.
The bridge provides poignant illustrations of the love described throughout the song, drawing on powerful biblical metaphors. It portrays love as a "long walk home," reminiscent of the parable of the Prodigal Son, followed immediately by the image of "a Father who runs out to find you." This paints a picture of God's active pursuit and eagerness to welcome back those who have wandered away. It then links this love directly to the cross, describing it as "a man on a cross, His arms stretching out to remind you." This imagery connects the unearned love and safety offered in the chorus to the ultimate act of sacrifice central to Christian faith, signifying love's immense cost and its all-encompassing reach.
Ultimately, "Whosoever" by Rend Collective serves as a powerful and uplifting anthem of divine welcome. It takes the inclusive promise inherent in scripture, particularly the truth of John 3:16, and translates it into a contemporary call for belonging. The song offers a message of hope and security to anyone feeling lost, overlooked, or unworthy, assuring them that God's love is freely given, salvation is available, and in Him, they are not only accepted but deeply desired and safe. It is a reminder that the invitation to find shelter and a Saviour is open to everyone, without exception.
