Matt Redman is a British Christian songwriter, and was one of the main wors… Read Full Bio ↴Matt Redman is a British Christian songwriter, and was one of the main worship leaders associated with the Soul Survivor organization. He is now with Passion Conferences and an artist for Six Steps Records. He has authored and edited multiple books on Christian worship, including "The Unquenchable Worshipper" and the book Facedown which accompanied the album. Some of his most popular songs include Heart Of Worship, Let Everything That Has Breath, Once Again, and Blessed Be Your Name, the latter winning the "Worship Song of the Year" award in the 2005 GMA music awards.

He has since launched another album, Beautiful News, and continues to write many more popular songs such as You Never Let Go and Shine.

Songfacts states that Redman's eighth album 10,000 Reasons, was co-written with several of his friends. He then recorded the songs live in Atlanta, leading worship for over 1,000 worship leaders during LIFT: A Worship Leader Collective, put on by Passion City Church and sixstepsrecords on February 18 and 19, 2011. It sold nearly 7,000 units its first week in the US, almost doubling Redman's previous album release We Shall Not Be Shaken. The LP entered the Billboard 200 at #66, his biggest debut to date.

If I Have Not Love
Matt Redman Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Jesus, I could sing
In the tongues of men and angels
But if I have not love
I am just a clanging cymbal, an empty sound

Jesus, I could sing
In the tongues of men and angels
But if I have not love

I am just a clanging cymbal, an empty sound

This is a love song
This is a love song
Jesus, a love song to You
A song of devotion, a reverent passion
Savior, a love song to You

Jesus, I could pray
With a faith that moves a mountain
But if I have not love
It is just a noise resounding, an empty sound

Jesus, I could pray
With a faith that moves a mountain
But if I have not love
It is just a noise resounding, an empty sound

This is a love song
This is a love song
Jesus, a love song to You
A song of devotion, a reverent passion
Savior, a love song to You

This is a love song
This is a love song
Jesus, a love song to You
A song of devotion, a reverent passion
Savior, a love song to You

Yes, this is a love
This is a love song to You
Hear our devotion
Sing it to You

This is a love song
This is a love song
Jesus, a love song to You
A song of devotion, a reverent passion
Savior, a love song to You

It's the overflow of hearts
As we gaze upon Your beauty

A reflection of Your worth
For we've seen a glimpse of You in Your glory, Lord

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Matt Redman's song, If I Have Not Love, speak of the importance of love in our faith and relationship with God. The song begins with the idea that we could have the ability to sing or even pray with great eloquence, but without love, these actions become meaningless. It's not about the physical act of singing or praying, but rather the motive and sentiment behind it. If love is not present, then we are simply making noise that doesn't serve a purpose.

As the song continues, it becomes clear that the focus is on Jesus - this is a love song dedicated to Him. The lyrics emphasize that our love for Jesus should be the basis of all our actions and worship. With the repetition of the phrase "this is a love song," the message of the song is driven home. It's a reminder that everything we do should be out of love and devotion to our Savior.

Towards the end of the song, the lyrics speak of how our love for Jesus is a reflection of His worth. As we gaze upon His beauty and see glimpses of His glory, our hearts overflow with love for Him. This love then becomes the driving force behind everything we do.

In summary, the lyrics of If I Have Not Love highlight the crucial role that love plays in our faith and relationship with Jesus. The song emphasizes that it's not just about the words we say or the actions we take, but the motive and sentiment behind them. If our love for Jesus is not at the heart of all we do, then it becomes meaningless.

Line by Line Meaning

Jesus, I could sing
Acknowledging the ability to sing proclaiming His name.

In the tongues of men and angels
Even in perfect communication, the worthlessness of such a thing without love is highlighted.

But if I have not love
Emphasizes that having love is what truly matters.

I am just a clanging cymbal, an empty sound
If there is no love then any good deed, preaching or singing is just an empty message or noise.

This is a love song
The song is about love and how important it is.

Jesus, a love song to You
The specific audience of the song is Jesus himself.

A song of devotion, a reverent passion
The song describes a devotion to a higher power that is important and all-encompassing.

Savior, a love song to You
The repeated chorus emphasizes how much love is being sung to Jesus.

Jesus, I could pray
Acknowledging the ability to pray to a higher power.

With a faith that moves a mountain
Having the kind of faith that is capable of amazing things.

It is just a noise resounding, an empty sound
Without love, prayer and faith is just an empty noise.

Yes, this is a love
Reinforces the theme of love that permeates the song.

Hear our devotion
The desire to be heard by a divine power is emphasized.

Sing it to You
The desired outcome of the song is to be heard and appreciated by Jesus.

It's the overflow of hearts
Emphasizes that the song is coming directly from heart and that the song is an overflow of the emotion within.

As we gaze upon Your beauty
Describes the moment in which the song is being sung and the feelings behind it.

A reflection of Your worth
The song is intended as a tribute to a higher, divine entity.

For we've seen a glimpse of You in Your glory, Lord
The theme of the song is a manifestation of a divine being and the desire to express love and devotion towards that entity.

Contributed by London S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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