Vertical Worship - Broken Vessels Lyrics
Lyrics
All these pieces
Broken and scattered
In mercy gathered
Mended and whole
Empty handed
But not forsaken
I've been set free
I've been set free
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost
But now I'm found
Was blind but now I see
Oh I can see you now
Oh I can see the love in Your eyes
Laying yourself down
Raising up the broken to life
Video
Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace) [Official Lyric Video] - Hillsong Worship
Meaning & Inspiration
Vertical Worship's "Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)" emerges as a profound musical testament to the transformative power of divine grace, released on August 15, 2014, with its official lyric video. The genesis of this song draws deeply from the timeless hymn "Amazing Grace," penned by John Newton, a former slave trader who found redemption and became an influential clergyman. Newton's own life story, marked by sin and subsequent profound spiritual renewal, serves as the bedrock for the message that no soul is too broken or too far gone for God's mercy. This interpretation by Vertical Worship skillfully breathes new life into that ancient narrative, aligning perfectly with the biblical understanding that God often uses the weak and fractured to display His strength. Paul’s writings in 2 Corinthians 4:7 beautifully capture this sentiment: "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." The song itself resonates with this concept, portraying believers not as perfect specimens, but as "broken vessels" through whom God's light and love shine. The musical arrangement, characterized by its soaring melodies and building intensity, mirrors the journey from despair to hope. The lyrical content artfully explores the paradox of finding strength in weakness, of being made whole not by erasing our imperfections, but by allowing God to fill the cracks. This isn't about self-sufficiency; it's a surrender to God's sovereign plan, a recognition that our emptied and wounded states are precisely where His abundant grace can most powerfully manifest. The song’s persistent theme of redemption and restoration directly echoes Jesus’ teachings, such as His parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), where reconciliation and celebration await even those who have strayed the furthest. In essence, "Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)" is more than just a worship song; it’s an anthem of radical acceptance and the relentless pursuit of the lost, reminding all who listen that in our fragilities, God’s perfect love finds its most radiant expression.