Once Again
Matt Redman/Tim Hughes Lyrics

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Jesus christ, I think upon your sacrifice
You became nothing, poured out to death
Many times I've wondered at your gift of life
And I'm in that place once again
I'm in that place once again

And once again I look upon the cross where you died
I'm humbled by your mercy and I'm broken inside

Once again I thank you
Once again I pour out my life

Now you are exalted to the highest place
King of the heavens, where one day I'll bow
But for now I marvel at your saving grace
And I'm full of praise once again
I'm full of praise once again

Thank you for the cross

Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross, my friend

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Matt Redman and Tim Hughes’ “Once Again” focus on reflecting on Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and its meaning. The song’s first stanza opens with the lyrics “Jesus Christ, I think upon your sacrifice”, which acknowledges the weight of Jesus’ decision to sacrifice his life on the cross. The lines following explain how Jesus sacrificed everything, becoming nothing and pouring himself out to death. The second stanza then recounts Jesus’ exalted position as the “King of Heavens” and speculates the day where all will bow before him in worship.

The chorus repeats the phrase “once again”, highlighting the idea of returning to this moment of reflection and giving thanks for the sacrifice. The lyrics “I’m humbled by your mercy and I’m broken inside / Once again I thank you / Once again I pour out my life” encapsulate how powerful and transformational the sacrifice is for those who believe in it. The final lyrics “Thank you for the cross / Thank you for the cross / Thank you for the cross, my friend” serves as a direct expression of gratitude and appreciation for the symbol of divine love and sacrifice.

Overall, “Once Again” is an intimate reflection on what Jesus’ sacrifice means for believers. It’s a reminder of the grace that freely redeems and the beauty of the ultimate sacrifice.

Line by Line Meaning

Jesus christ, I think upon your sacrifice
I am reflecting on your selfless act of sacrificing your own life for us, Jesus Christ.

You became nothing, poured out to death
You gave up your divine status and humbled yourself to the point of death.

Many times I've wondered at your gift of life
I have often contemplated the extraordinary blessing of life that you have given us.

And I'm in that place once again
I find myself in that same contemplative state again.

Once again I look upon the cross where you died
Again, I see the cross where you suffered and died for us.

I'm humbled by your mercy and I'm broken inside
I am brought to my knees by the immense mercy you have shown us, and it touches me deeply.

Once again I thank you
Again, I offer my sincere gratitude to you.

Once again I pour out my life
Again, I give my life fully to you.

Now you are exalted to the highest place
You are now gloriously reigning in the highest of heavens.

King of the heavens, where one day I'll bow
You are the ruler of heaven, and one day I will bow before you in reverence.

But for now I marvel at your saving grace
For now, I stand in awe of your saving grace.