I'd Rather Have Jesus
George Beverly Shea Lyrics
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I'd rather be His than have riches untold
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land,
Yes, I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand.
Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin's dread sway
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
I'd rather have Jesus than worldly applause,
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause
I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame,
I'd rather be true to His holy name.
Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin's dread sway
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today
The lyrics of George Beverly Shea's song "I'd Rather Have Jesus" describe a deep longing for a life centered around a relationship with Jesus Christ. The singer declares that they would rather have Jesus than any of the material possessions or accomplishments that the world has to offer. Even if they were offered the position of king over a vast empire, they would still choose to be led by Jesus' "nail-pierced hand." This line emphasizes the singer's commitment to following Jesus, even when it means sacrificing wealth, power, or status.
The second verse emphasizes the singer's dedication to Jesus' "dear cause" and to being true to His holy name. The lyrics suggest that this dedication may come at the cost of worldly applause or fame, but the singer is willing to make that sacrifice in order to remain faithful to Jesus. The chorus is repeated between each verse, emphasizing the central message of the song: that a life spent following Jesus is the most valuable thing we can pursue.
Overall, "I'd Rather Have Jesus" is a powerful expression of devotion to Jesus Christ. It captures the idea that true fulfillment comes not from worldly things, but from a life spent in relationship with God. The song has resonated with many people over the years and continues to be a popular hymn today.
Line by Line Meaning
I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold,
The love and grace of Jesus is worth more than any material wealth.
I'd rather be His than have riches untold
Being a faithful follower of Jesus is more fulfilling than possessing every possible possession.
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land,
The comfort and security of having Jesus in one's life is more important than earthly property.
Yes, I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand.
Allowing Jesus to lead and guide one's life, despite the hardships he faced on the cross, is an honor.
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Being a king or ruler of a land is meaningless in comparison to submitting to Jesus.
And be held in sin's dread sway
Living a life full of sin and temptation does not bring true happiness or fulfillment.
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
Nothing in this world is more important than having a deep relationship with Jesus.
This world affords today.
No matter what worldly possessions and achievements one may accumulate, they are nothing in comparison to the love and grace of Jesus.
I'd rather have Jesus than worldly applause,
Being accepted and celebrated by the world is insignificant when compared to being loved and known by Jesus.
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause
Serving Jesus and fulfilling his divine purpose is more significant than chasing after worldly success.
I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame,
Gaining admiration and popularity across the globe is nothing compared to having a personal relationship with Jesus.
I'd rather be true to His holy name.
Being authentic and faithful to one's relationship with Jesus is of the utmost importance.
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Reiterating that worldly success and power is insignificant compared to Jesus.
And be held in sin's dread sway
Living in sin and temptation only leads to destruction.
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
Once again emphasizing that nothing in this world is more important than a relationship with Jesus.
This world affords today.
No matter what the world may offer, the love and grace of Jesus is more valuable.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEORGE BEVERLY SHEA, RHEA MILLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Wonders in the Wasteland
I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand.
Than to be a king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway,
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than world-wide fame,
I’d rather be true to His holy name.
He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out of the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs,
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.
AMEN
Andrew Margrave
One time I was bored senseless by a bad sermon at a Baptist service I was attending. In a successful attempt to relieve the boredom, I wrote out the words to "I'd Rather Have Jesus" in Italian phonetics so that they would come out as if the great Italian bass Ezio Pinza were singing the hymn.
"Aid raser av Gisus danssilver or gold,
Aid raser bi is dan av rices antold,
Aid raser av Gisus dan auses or lanz,
Aid raser bi led bai is neil-pirced anz.
Dantu bi de king av a vast domein,
Or bi eld inssins dred suei,
Aid raser av Gisus dan eniting
Dis uarld afforz tudei.
Heather Jephcott
This makes tears come to my eyes - besides loving the song and becoming now aware that the tune comes from George Beverly Shea, it reminds me of when I came to Christ 52 years ago in Melbourne Australia at the Sydney Myer Music Bowl and I came down to the front to accept Jesus as my Lord. Billy Graham had preached and George Beverly Shea was singing.
Brady Smale
Praise God!
VCB Home of Gospel Music
Hallelujah
budsodalsky
I cry every time I play it!
Ptr. Bertram Lavalas PhD
Yes! I rather have Jesus.
Lena K
I am Australian & I remember very clearly as a young girl hearing Beveley Shea sing this beautiful song.. although I was a Christian, I made up my mind then that whatever came my way, I would rather follow Jesus than anything else. Now @ 81 yrs I can truely say Jesus has never failed me, He has helped & guided my family & I through some tough times...what a wonderful Saviour..🙏🙏
Wonders in the Wasteland
I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand.
Than to be a king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway,
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than world-wide fame,
I’d rather be true to His holy name.
He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out of the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs,
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.
AMEN
VCB Home of Gospel Music
Thank you
Jilly Warom
After my parents became Christians, out of great darkness He plucked them in His Mercy, they used to play George Beverly Shea on their record player. As a little girl, these words CAPTIVATED my heart and at 66 years old that has not changed. If you are in darkness - come to HIS LIGHT! If you are heavy laden - ask for HIS REST. IF YOU WANT TO KNOW W.H.Y YOU ARE BREATHING, OPEN THE DOOR OF YOUR HEART AND ASK THE LORD JESUS IN. THE LORD OF GLORY, THE CREATOR OF HEAVEN AND EARTH, THE I AM, THE ETERNAL, HOLY ONE, IN HIS UNBELIEVABLE LOVE, GRACE AND MERCY, WILL STOOP AND ENTER YOUR HEART! O WHAT A TREASURE IS JESUS MY LORD! Shalom! Love jillian
Candy Peterson
I had exactly the same experience! My parents used to play George Beverly Shea on their record player. As a little girl these words captivated my heart too! This song in particular spoke to me and today, at 70 years old, I can say AMEN to this song- I'd rather have Jesus than anything!! He is EVERYTHING to me.