Shana Wilson Williams - Alabaster Box Lyrics
Lyrics
All I am is all I have
And all, all I have to give
And I give it all to You
It's my fragrant oil
My costly perfume
I take my Alabaster Box
And I, I break it open
Let the fragrance arise
Lalalala lalalala (repeat)
Every song every spoken word
All of my dance, all of my rhymes
I give it all to you
It's my fragrant oil it's my costly
perfume, and I take my alabaster box
and I break it open.
So I pour out all my worship over You
And I sing my song of worship straight to You
Video
Alabaster Box Acoustic Version Shana Wilson
Meaning & Inspiration
Shana Wilson Williams' "Alabaster Box," released in its acoustic version on March 22, 2017, stands as a profoundly moving and biblically rich anthem of surrender and extravagant worship. The song draws its powerful imagery directly from the New Testament accounts of a woman, often identified as Mary of Bethany, anointing Jesus with expensive perfume from an alabaster jar. This act, recorded in Matthew 26, Mark 14, and John 12, was not merely a gesture of honor but a radical, costly sacrifice, performed in an era where such perfume represented significant wealth and was often a family's heirloom or dowry. To "break open" the box, as the song describes, was to commit to an irreversible outpouring, signifying complete devotion without reservation. This ancient story becomes a timeless template for how believers are called to approach their Creator.
The essence of the song lies in its opening declaration: "All I am is all I have, and all, all I have to give, and I give it all to You." This resonates deeply with the apostle Paul's admonition in Romans 12:1, which urges believers to "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." Shana Wilson Williams translates this theological concept into an intensely personal commitment, inviting each worshipper to present their entire being—their identity, their possessions, their very breath—as a dedicated offering. It is a profound recognition that every facet of one's existence is a gift from God, and therefore, every facet is worthy of being returned to Him in worship.
The central metaphor of the "fragrant oil" and "costly perfume" is skillfully applied, representing not just material wealth but the most precious parts of ourselves. When the song speaks of taking the "Alabaster Box" and breaking it open, it evokes the vulnerability and unwavering commitment required for true worship. It means holding nothing back, pouring out one's very best, regardless of the perceived cost or the judgment of others, just as Mary faced criticism for her "wasteful" act. The subsequent line, "Let the fragrance arise," directly references biblical imagery where spiritual offerings ascend to God as a "pleasing aroma" (Philippians 4:18, 2 Corinthians 2:15). This fragrance symbolizes the beauty and acceptance of a pure offering, a testament to God's delight in wholehearted devotion.
The song further expands the scope of this offering by listing tangible expressions of worship: "Every song, every spoken word, all of my dance, all of my rhymes." This emphasizes that our artistic expressions, our communication, our physical movements, and our creative talents are not separate from our spiritual lives but are integral components of our worship. It aligns with Hebrews 13:15, which calls us to "continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name." The song reminds us that true worship encompasses all our gifts and abilities, dedicating them wholly to God's glory rather than for personal gain or fleeting acclaim. This comprehensive surrender transforms everyday acts into sacred offerings.
"Alabaster Box" is more than just a melody; it is a spiritual blueprint for radical devotion. It challenges us to consider what our "costly perfume" is – what we hold most dear, what we are most reluctant to release – and then, by faith, to willingly break open our own alabaster boxes. It's a call to an uncompromising, unreserved, and unwavering commitment, reminding us that the truest forms of worship often involve significant personal sacrifice, mirroring the example of Mary and ultimately, the ultimate sacrifice of Christ himself. The song beautifully articulates the timeless truth that genuine worship is not about convenience or what is comfortable, but about giving our absolute best, our entire self, as an offering of love and adoration to the One who gave His all for us.