The Canton Spirituals - Glad I've Got Jesus Lyrics
Lyrics
Glad I've got Jesus, down in my heart
Glad I've got Jesus, down in my heart
I'm glad I got Jesus, down in my heart
Church I'm glad I got Jesus, yes I do, in my heart
Glad that I've got a friend, down in my heart
I'm glad that I've got a friend, y'all, down in my heart
I'm glad I got a friend, down in my heart
Anybody glad I got Jesus, yes I am in my heart,
Glad that I've got peace, down in my heart
Glad that I've got peace tonight, down in my heart
How many know you've got peace
Glad that I've got peace, down in my heart
I'm glad that I've got Jesus, down in my heart
You know what church, let me tell you something
I got Jesus, I got Jesus,
I got Jesus, I got Jesus,
I got Jesus, I got Jesus,
I got Jesus, I got Jesus,
Is anybody got Jesus, I got Jesus
Is anybody got Jesus, I got Jesus
Is anybody got Jesus, I got Jesus
Is anybody got Jesus, I got Jesus
I said if you got Jesus, you got a mighty good doctor
If you got Jesus you got a mighty good friend
If you got Jesus you got a lawyer in a court room
Can I ask y'all a question, Can I ask y'all a question
Is anybody got Jesus, I got Jesus
Is anybody got Jesus, I got Jesus
Is anybody got Jesus, I got Jesus
Is anybody got Jesus, I got Jesus
If you know you got Jesus let me hear you clap your hands
If you know you got Jesus, help me praise the Lord
Let me hear you clap your hands
If you know you got Jesus, don't, don't don'tcha be ashamed
C'mon and help me lift Him
Video
Glad I ve Got Jesus Canton Spirituals
Meaning & Inspiration
"Glad I've Got Jesus," from The Canton Spirituals' 1997 album, *Living In a Dream: Live In Washington D.C.*, released on July 15th, is not merely a song; it is a profound declaration, a joyous affirmation, and an invitation to deeply rooted faith. This live recording captures the raw energy and conviction characteristic of true gospel music, channeling a timeless message that resonates with the core experience of Christian belief. The song’s narrative unfolds as a powerful testimony, articulating the transformative impact of Jesus’s presence within the individual heart. It's a journey from personal gratitude to communal celebration, spotlighting the multifaceted roles Jesus plays in the life of a believer.
The song’s central theme—having Jesus "down in my heart"—speaks to an internalized, personal relationship that goes beyond mere intellectual assent. It echoes the promise of God’s Spirit dwelling within believers, transforming them from the inside out. This profound indwelling is a cornerstone of Christian experience, as referenced in scriptures like Romans 8:9-11, which assures us that the Spirit of God lives in us, giving life to our mortal bodies. To declare "Glad I've Got Jesus" is to affirm the reality of Galatians 2:20, where Paul proclaims, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." This foundational truth sets the stage for all the subsequent blessings articulated in the song.
The Canton Spirituals expand upon this foundational joy by testifying to Jesus as a trusted friend. This isn't a casual acquaintance but a bond of unwavering loyalty and deep understanding. John 15:13-15 beautifully illustrates this intimacy, where Jesus elevates His disciples from servants to friends, demonstrating the ultimate love by laying down His life. Furthermore, Proverbs 18:24 reminds us of a "friend who sticks closer than a brother," a description that perfectly encapsulates the steadfast companionship Jesus offers. This friendship provides solace, guidance, and an ever-present source of comfort, transforming loneliness into a blessed communion.
Beyond friendship, the song highlights the profound peace found in Jesus. This is not a superficial calm dependent on external circumstances, but an inner tranquility that anchors the soul amidst life's storms. Philippians 4:7 speaks of "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding," guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This peace is a divine gift, distinctly different from the world's fleeting offerings, as Jesus Himself declared in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives." Having Jesus means possessing an unshakeable serenity, a spiritual anchor that holds firm no matter the tempest.
The song then powerfully portrays Jesus as a "mighty good doctor," a vivid metaphor for His healing power. This isn't limited to physical ailments, though certainly He is capable of that, but extends to the deepest spiritual and emotional wounds. Isaiah 53:5 foretells, "by His stripes we are healed," referring to the ultimate spiritual healing from sin. Jeremiah 30:17 further proclaims, "I will restore health to you and heal your wounds." Jesus, the Great Physician, ministers to our brokenness, mends our sin-sick souls, and restores us to wholeness, offering a balm for every hurt that humanity experiences.
Adding another layer of profound assurance, Jesus is declared a "lawyer in a courtroom." This imagery powerfully conveys His role as our advocate and intercessor. In moments of spiritual challenge or accusation, we are not left defenseless. 1 John 2:1 assures us, "If anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." Moreover, Hebrews 7:25 confirms His continuous intercession, stating that "He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." This divine legal representation offers complete peace, knowing that our case is eternally secured by His perfect righteousness and grace.
The repeated rhetorical question, "Is anybody got Jesus?", and the subsequent calls to clap hands and praise, transcend mere performance; they are an invitation for corporate worship and a public declaration of faith. This interactive element fosters a communal bond, encouraging believers to audibly affirm their shared experience and joy. Hebrews 10:24-25 admonishes us to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together... but encouraging one another." The song culminates in a powerful exhortation: "If you know you got Jesus, don't, don't don'tcha be ashamed." This directly challenges any hesitancy or fear in expressing one's faith, echoing Romans 1:16, where Paul boldly states, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes." It’s a call to unbridled, unapologetic praise, recognizing the immense privilege and blessing of having Jesus Christ as Lord, friend, peace, healer, and advocate, deeply ingrained in the very fabric of one’s being.