The Perrys - The One Who Is Unworthy Lyrics
Lyrics
A pair of dirty sandals
On the feet of someone special
Made their way down to Jordan's banks
The One who was arriving
Was here for His baptizing
This was not an ordinary day
John the Baptist saw Him coming
Stopped what he was doing
And with joy, started point to the crowd
Says, "Heaven's door has opened
Behold the Lamb of glory
We've never seen the face of God 'til now"
I'm unworthy to approach Him
Even with a true devotion
His purpose far it sees the calm and kind
He'll overcome temptation
And all the tricks of Satan
He'll never taste of sin like you and I
I tell you, I'm unable
To bow and loose His sandal
He and I are different, can't you see
One of us is holy
The other is unworthy
The one who is unworthy is me
Even though I've asked forgiveness
And of His grace, I am a witness
I still could never fathom who He is
Why He would bother coming
To a world so undeserving
And die upon a cross, it makes no sense
To say that I'm unworthy
Is the way that best describes me
No other word can tell my helpless state
Only by its crucifixion
And the precious grace He's given
Can I face my Savior unashamed
I'm unworthy to approach Him
Even with a true devotion
His purpose far it sees the calm and kind
He's overcome temptation
And all the tricks of Satan
He's never tasted sin like you and I
I tell you, I'm unable
To bow and loose His sandal
He and I are different, can't you see
One of us is holy
The other is unworthy
The one who is unworthy is me
One of us is holy
The other is unworthy
The one who is unworthy is me
Video
The One Who Is Unworthy
Meaning & Inspiration
The Perrys' powerful rendition, "The One Who Is Unworthy," featured on their 2009 album *Almost Morning*, delves into a profound theological truth that resonates deeply with the human experience of faith. The song masterfully captures the moment of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist, setting a scene where the divine presence is palpable. John's exclamation upon seeing Jesus approaching, "Heaven's door has opened, Behold the Lamb of glory, We've never seen the face of God 'til now," immediately establishes Jesus' unparalleled holiness and divinity, mirroring the awe described in scripture like John 1:14, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, the glory of the only Son from the Father." The core message of the song, however, shifts to the speaker's own realization of utter inadequacy in the face of such perfection. This sentiment is beautifully articulated in the repeated declaration, "I'm unworthy to approach Him... I tell you, I'm unable to bow and loose His sandal." This reflects the humility and fear that holy men in scripture often experienced in God's presence, such as Isaiah's cry in Isaiah 6:5, "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!" The song emphasizes the stark contrast between Jesus' sinless nature, His triumph over temptation and Satan as noted in the lyrics, and the speaker's own fallen state. The lyrics acknowledge Jesus' purpose in coming to a "world so undeserving" and dying on the cross, a sacrifice that seems incomprehensible from a human perspective. The repeated phrase, "The one who is unworthy is me," isn't a statement of despair, but rather a raw and honest confession that serves as the necessary foundation for experiencing God's grace. It underscores the paradoxical nature of salvation: it is not earned by merit or worthiness, but freely given to those who recognize their own need. The song concludes with the understanding that only through the crucifixion and Christ's "precious grace" can one stand "unashamed" before the Savior. This echoes the Apostle Paul's teachings on justification by faith, as stated in Ephesians 2:8-9, "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." "The One Who Is Unworthy" thus serves as an inspiring anthem for believers, reminding them that their worthiness is not a prerequisite for God's love, but a consequence of His boundless, undeserved mercy.