Jeff Deyo (pronounced DEE-yo) was the lead singer of the pioneering modern … Read Full Bio ↴Jeff Deyo (pronounced DEE-yo) was the lead singer of the pioneering modern worship band SONICFLOOD, who were partially responsible for the worship music explosion within the Christian music industry in the late nineties. After one studio record and one live album SONICFLOOD imploded and later resurfaced with an entirely new line-up led by former touring bassist Ric Heil.

Deyo continued on as a solo artist honing the style he made famous in SONICFLOOD, and to date he has released 3 solo studio records: Saturate, Light, and Unveil, and one live record: Surrender. His music can be described as sunny pop-rock worship with some emotional ballads as well.

I'd Rather Have Jesus
Jeff Deyo Lyrics

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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 land
I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sins dread sway
Oh I'd rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords today

I'd rather have Jesus than vain 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
Or be held in sins dread sway
Oh I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords

Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sins dread sway
Oh I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today

Today, today, today
Today, today, today
I'd rather have Jesus
I'd rather have Jesus
I'd rather have Jesus

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

Oh than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sins dread sway
Just to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sins dread sway

Oh I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords
To be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sins dread sway

Oh I'd rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords, this world affords
This world affords today, today

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Jeff Deyo's song "I'd Rather Have Jesus" are a testimony to the singer's devotion and commitment to Jesus Christ. The song expresses a profound message about what truly matters in life and what the ultimate priority should be for any believer. The lyrics emphasize the fact that Jesus is more valuable and desirable than any material possession or human achievement. The chorus declares that the desire for Jesus should be greater than anything this world has to offer.

The first verse expresses the belief that Jesus is more valuable than wealth, even vast amounts of silver or gold. The second verse emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to Jesus rather than seeking worldly recognition or fame. The bridge describes Jesus as fairer than lilies, sweeter than honey and the only thing the singer’s spirit needs. The chorus is repeated several times, emphasizing the message that having Jesus is the ultimate goal.

The song communicates a message that speaks to the human experience of realizing that the things we often strive for in life do not bring ultimate fulfillment. Material possessions, wealth, and fame do not satisfy the longing of the human spirit for something deeper and more meaningful.

Line by Line Meaning

I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold
I value Jesus more than material wealth

I'd rather be His than have riches untold
I desire to be in a relationship with Jesus more than I desire wealth beyond measure

I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land
I prefer the company of Jesus over a collection of estates and real estate

I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand
I'd rather have Jesus guide me through life than go it alone

Than to be the king of a vast domain
I'd rather have Jesus than be royalty with a lot of land

Or be held in sins dread sway
I'd rather have Jesus than be under the control of sin

Oh I'd rather have Jesus than anything
Jesus is my greatest desire

This world affords today
In this world of options, today, I would still prefer Jesus

I'd rather have Jesus than vain applause
I'd prefer to have Jesus than be praised for something pointless

I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause
Being loyal to Jesus's mission is more important to me than worldly recognition

I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame
Jesus means more to me than being known on a global scale

I'd rather be true to His holy name
I'd rather have a life that is truthful to Jesus's divine name than anything else

He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom
Jesus is the epitome of beauty in all creation

He's sweeter than honey from out of the comb
Jesus is a source of delight that is unmatched

He's all that my hungering spirit needs
Jesus is my sole satisfaction and my soul's insatiable need

I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead
I would rather have Jesus in my life so that he can guide it for me

Or be held in sins dread sway
I'd rather have Jesus than be under the control of sin

Just to be the king of a vast domain
I have no desire to be king or ruler of a lot of land

Oh I'd rather have Jesus than anything
Jesus is my greatest desire

This world affords
In contrast to all that is offered in the world, Jesus is the only thing I want

Oh I'd rather have Jesus than anything
Because Jesus is the only thing that truly matters to me

This world affords, this world affords
Apart from Jesus, nothing in this world has true lasting value or importance

This world affords today, today
Even in this immediate moment, Jesus is still my greatest treasure and desire

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: George Beverly Shea, Rhea Miller

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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