Born Again
Keith C. Smith Lyrics


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It was a dark and fateful day
And death had called my name
For my crimes a prison cell
Fashioned for my stay
But I heard the saints a-singin
The sound of amazing grace
I followed them to the river
And I've never been the same
I went down, down, down
Captive bound and chained
I came up from the water
Free and born again
Lord Your forgiveness
Has washed this sinner clean
I came up from the water
Free I'm finally free
Somebody say
Free
Free and born again
Everybody say
Free
Free, I'm finally free
Now grace has called my name
Unshackled all my chains
I left behind that prison cell
And I'll rise up from the grave
I've joined the saints a-singin
The sound of amazing grace
Come follow me to the river
And you'll never be the same
I went down, down, down
Captive bound and chained
I came up from the water
Free and born again
Lord Your forgiveness
Has washed this sinner clean
I came up from the water
Free I'm finally free
Somebody say
Free
Free and born again
Everybody say
Free
Free, I'm finally free
Glory, glory
To the One who redeemed my soul
Glory, glory
To the One who redeemed my soul
Glory, glory
To the One who redeemed my soul
Glory, glory
To the One who redeemed my soul
I went down, down, down
Captive bound and chained
I came up from the water
Free and born again
Lord Your forgiveness
Has washed this sinner clean
I came up from the water
Free I'm finally free
Somebody say
Free
Free and born again
Everybody say
Free
Free, I'm finally free
Somebody say
Free
Free and born again
Everybody say




Free
Free, I'm finally free

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Keith C. Smith's song "Born Again" depict a transformative journey from darkness to liberation and redemption through the power of faith and grace. The singer begins by reflecting on a dark and fateful day, suggesting that they were involved in some sort of wrongdoing that led them to face the consequences, symbolized by being imprisoned. However, amidst this darkness, they hear the saints singing the sound of "amazing grace," a clear reference to the iconic Christian hymn. Intrigued by this hopeful sound, the singer follows the saints to the river, where they undergo a symbolic rebirth and emerge free and born again.


The experience of going "down, down, down" can be interpreted as a metaphorical descent into the depths of despair, while being captive, bound, and chained represents the weight and burden of sin. However, as the singer rises up from the water, they proclaim their freedom and express gratitude for the forgiveness that has washed away their sins. This liberation allows them to leave behind their prison cell, whether metaphorical or literal, and rise up from the grave, symbolizing an overcoming of death and a new beginning.


The lyrics of "Born Again" emphasize the power of grace to redeem and transform a person's life. Through the journey of going down into darkness and being reborn, the singer finds freedom and a renewed sense of purpose. The repetition of the word "free" throughout the song emphasizes the exhilaration and joy that comes with this newfound liberation. The chorus invites others to join in this transformative experience, suggesting that anyone can also find redemption and freedom by following the path of grace.


Line by Line Meaning

It was a dark and fateful day
On a sorrowful and consequential day


And death had called my name
And I was marked for death


For my crimes a prison cell
A prison cell was prepared for me due to my wrongdoings


Fashioned for my stay
Created for my confinement


But I heard the saints a-singin
Yet, I heard the righteous singing


The sound of amazing grace
The melody of extraordinary divine mercy


I followed them to the river
I followed them towards the river


And I've never been the same
And I have been forever transformed


I went down, down, down
I descended, lower and lower


Captive bound and chained
As a prisoner, restrained and shackled


I came up from the water
I emerged from the water


Free and born again
Liberated and spiritually reborn


Lord Your forgiveness
Oh Lord, Your pardon


Has washed this sinner clean
Has cleansed this transgressor


I came up from the water
I emerged from the water


Free I'm finally free
Liberated, I am finally liberated


Somebody say
Let somebody proclaim


Free
Freedom


Free and born again
Freedom and spiritual rebirth


Everybody say
Let everybody declare


Glory, glory
Honor, honor


To the One who redeemed my soul
To the One who saved my soul




Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Joshua Smith, Krista Rouse

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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