I've been changed
Healed
Freed
Delivered
I've found joy
Peace
Grace
And favor
[Verse 1]
[William McDowell]
I've been changed
[Choir]
I've been changed
[William McDowell]
In the presence of the lord, I have been:
Healed
[William McDowell]
Freed;
[Choir]
freed
[William McDowell]
Delivered;
[Choir]
delivered
[William McDowell]
In your presence of the lord:
I've found joy
Peace
[William McDowell]
Grace;
[Choir]
Grace
[William McDowell]
And favor;
[Choir]
and favor
[William McDowell]
And right now;
[Choir]
right now is the moment
[William McDowell]
Today; Today is the day
[William McDowell]
I've been changed;
[Choir]
I've been changed
[William McDowell]
I've been changed;
[Choir]
I've been changed
[William McDowell]
And I have waited;
[Choir]
I have waited for this moment to come
And I won't let it pass me by...
[Chorus]
[William McDowell]
So we say
[Choir]
I won't go back, can't go back, to the way it used to be
Before your presence; came and changed me
[William McDowell]
Say I won't
[Choir]
I won't go back, I can't go back, to the way it used to be
Before your presence came and changed me
[Verse 2]
[Choir]
All my shame
Guilt
Sins
[William McDowell]
They've been forgiven,
[Choir]
Forgiven
No more chains
Fear
[William McDowell]
My past
[Choir]
My past
[William McDowell]
is over
[Choir]
is over
[William McDowell]
Say right now;
[Choir]
right now is the moment
[William McDowell]
Today; Today is the day
[William McDowell]
I've been changed;
[Choir]
I've been changed
[William McDowell]
Come on someone declare that, I've been changed;
[Choir]
I've been changed
[William McDowell]
I have waited;
[Choir]
I have waited for this moment
[William McDowell]
this moment right here I have waited all my life
[Choir]
to come
And I won't let it pass me by...
[Chorus]
[William McDowell]
So we say
[Choir]
I won't go back, can't go back, to the way it used to be
Before your presence came and changed me
[William McDowell]
Would you lift up your voices as loud as you can and say?
[Choir]
I won't go back, can't go back, to the way it used to be
Before your presence came and changed me
[William McDowell]
Come on, somebody, lift your voice and declare it and say
[Choir]
I won't go back, can't go back, to the way it used to be
Before your presence came and changed me
[William McDowell]
Somebody say... I won't go back, say
[Choir soft]
I won't go back, can't go back, to the way it used to be
Before your presence came and changed me
I Won't Go Back
I Won't Go Back Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
William McDowell's song "I Won't Go Back" is a powerful declaration of personal transformation experienced through divine presence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life dramatically altered, moving from a state of brokenness to one of wholeness and freedom. The opening lines immediately establish the core theme, enumerating the tangible effects of this change: healing, freedom, and deliverance. These are not abstract concepts but presented as real and felt experiences in the presence of the divine.
The song further elaborates on the positive outcomes of this encounter, listing the acquisition of joy, peace, grace, and favor. These elements represent the positive dimensions of the transformation, highlighting not just the removal of negatives but the infusion of profound spiritual and emotional blessings. The repetition and call-and-response structure, particularly between William McDowell and the choir, emphasize the communal aspect of this testimony and the shared reality of this changed state. The focus on "right now" and "today" underscores the immediacy and present reality of this transformation, dismissing it not as a past event but a current, living truth.
A significant part of the narrative delves into what has been left behind. The lyrics mention the forgiveness of shame, guilt, and sins, and the breaking of chains and fear. The declaration that "My past is over" is a poignant statement of liberation, suggesting that the burdens and failures of the former life no longer hold sway. This renunciation of the past provides the crucial context for the central refrain, making the refusal to "go back" not merely a preference but a necessary stance following such a profound deliverance.
The recurring chorus encapsulates the song's ultimate message and commitment. The simple yet resolute statement, "I won't go back, can't go back, to the way it used to be before your presence came and changed me," serves as a powerful anthem. It acknowledges the irreversible nature of the change brought about by divine presence and firmly rejects any return to the former state of being. This declaration is not just personal but is framed as a collective affirmation, inviting listeners to embrace their own transformation and stand firm in their newfound freedom and identity. The song, through its structure and lyrical content, thus becomes both a personal testimony and a corporate anthem of liberation and commitment to a transformed life.
