The City Harmonic - Confession Lyrics
Lyrics
Christ, what have we done?
Oh, my God, what have we become?
We're like the priest that passes by
The broken and bruised on the other side
We clang our cymbals, sing our hymns
But turn a blind eye to our sin
Christ, have mercy on us
Lamb of God
Who takes away the sin of the world
We are sinners, gone astray
Have mercy, Lord
Proud, we have played God
Arrogant rebels from the start
Dying to kill who You let live,
Eager to judge who You forgive
Mad for the glitter of our gold,
But we can't buy or sell the soul
Though we confess, You take the blame
Lamb of God, we plead, we pray
Redeemer of the world
Forgiveness is divine
In Christ the risen Son
There is no sin too great to reconcile
Lamb of God
Who takes away the sin of the world
We are sinners, saved by grace
Make peace with us
Video
”Confession” by The City Harmonic (OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO)
Meaning & Inspiration
The City Harmonic’s track "Confession," released in 2015 as part of their album *We Are*, stands as a stark and powerful declaration of spiritual reckoning. This isn't a song that seeks to entertain with lighthearted melodies; instead, it confronts listeners with a profound and unflinching look at the human condition in relation to divine grace. The song’s genesis seems rooted in a deep contemplation of hypocrisy within the church and the broader human tendency to fall short of the ideals they profess. It’s a confession not just from the band, but a call for collective introspection, urging listeners to examine their own lives against the backdrop of Christ’s sacrifice.
The core message of "Confession" is an exploration of our fallen nature and our desperate need for God's mercy. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of religious observance – "clang[ing] cymbals, sing[ing] hymns" – contrasted with a turning away from genuine compassion and a turning a blind eye to personal failings. This echoes the condemnation leveled against the religious elite in Matthew 23, where Jesus calls them "hypocrites" for meticulously observing outward rituals while neglecting "the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness." The song directly addresses the Lamb of God, the ultimate sacrifice for sin, acknowledging our straying from His path and pleading for His mercy. This directly references John 1:29, where John the Baptist proclaims Jesus as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."
Furthermore, "Confession" boldly tackles the arrogance that often accompanies human endeavor, describing humanity as "proud" and "arrogant rebels." It speaks of a desire to usurp divine authority, "dying to kill who You let live, eager to judge who You forgive." This resonates with the cautionary tales found throughout Scripture about pride preceding destruction, as famously stated in Proverbs 16:18. The song points out our futile pursuit of worldly wealth, noting that "we can't buy or sell the soul," a potent reminder of Jesus' words in Mark 8:36: "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" The act of confession itself is presented not as a means to earn salvation, but as a desperate plea for the grace that is found only in Christ. The lyrics emphasize the divine act of reconciliation, that "In Christ the risen Son, There is no sin too great to reconcile," a testament to the boundless scope of God’s forgiveness as described in 1 John 1:9 and Romans 8:1. The song concludes with a humble plea for peace, recognizing our identity as "sinners, saved by grace." This captures the essence of Ephesians 2:8-9, which states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." "Confession" is a vital musical and theological statement, urging a humble and honest assessment of our spiritual standing before a merciful God.