In the rock (and roll) community, Bill Monroe may be best known via one of Elvis Presley's earliest recordings at Sun Records, that of Monroe's 'Blue Moon of Kentucky'. Patsy Cline also made a highly regarded version of this song.
What Would You Give In Exchange Part 2
Bill Monroe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Risking your soul for the things that decay
Oh if today God should call you away
What would you give in exchange for your soul
[Chorus]
What would you give (in exchange)
What would you give (in exchange)
Oh if today God should call you away
What would you give in exchange for your soul
Mercy is calling you won't you give heed
Must the Dear Savior still tenderly plead
Risk not your soul it is precious indeed
What would you give in exchange for your soul
[Chorus]
More than all silver and gold of this earth
More than all jewels the spirit is worth
God The Creator has given it birth
What would you give in exchange for your soul
[Chorus]
Bill Monroe and The Bluegrass Boys' song "What Would You Give In Exchange" is a contemplation of the worth of one's soul. The song opens with an address to a brother who is far from the savior and is putting his soul at risk by indulging in material pleasures. The song makes a powerful plea to the listener to consider their priorities and to not take their soul lightly. The lyrics express the urgency of the situation, asking the listener to consider what they would give in exchange for their soul if they were to be called away by God.
The chorus of the song repeats the question "What would you give (in exchange) for your soul?" driving home the central message of the track. The song goes on to suggest that nothing on this earth is worth trading for one's soul, not even silver, gold or jewels. The song makes it clear that the human spirit is priceless and that it has been given birth by God himself.
Overall, "What Would You Give In Exchange" is a hymn of great power and depth. It is a reminder of the intangible value of the human soul and the importance of not taking it for granted.
Line by Line Meaning
Brother afar from The Savior today
If you are far from God today
Risking your soul for the things that decay
And gambling your soul for materialistic things that won't last forever
Oh if today God should call you away
If God calls you to him today
What would you give in exchange for your soul
What would you give in return for your soul
[Chorus]
Refrain
Mercy is calling you won't you give heed
God's mercy is calling you, aren't you going to pay attention
Must the Dear Savior still tenderly plead
Do you need Jesus to beg you to come to him
Risk not your soul it is precious indeed
Don't risk your soul, because it is valuable
What would you give in exchange for your soul
What would you give in return for your soul
[Chorus]
Refrain
More than all silver and gold of this earth
The soul is worth more than any earthly riches
More than all jewels the spirit is worth
The spirit is worth more than any precious stones
God The Creator has given it birth
Because God created it
What would you give in exchange for your soul
What would you give in return for your soul
[Chorus]
Refrain
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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