A few years ago, I wrote about one of my favorite Holy Week hymns: “Were You There.” Many of us sing this song annually but don’t stop to realize that it is a question we must answer. If we are in Christ, we were there. Rather than restating myself, I encourage you to visit my earlier post.
Last year, I co-wrote the following song based on this idea with songwriter Karin Simmons. You can check out Karin’s demo track here. I’ve found myself humming it lately as I prepare for Holy Week and thought I’d share the lyrics with you here:
Were You There (Answer)
Verse 1
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, I the scoffer, I the stripes he bore;
I was there when they crucified my Lord.
Verse 2
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Oh, I the thorns, the crown that bid Him bleed;
I was there when they nailed Him to the tree.
CHORUS
I was there, I was there,
I was there when my Lord was crucified.
As I died in His death,
In His life, I will rise;
I was there when my Lord was crucified
Verse 3
Were you there when the sun refused to shine?
Were you there when the sun refused to shine?
Oh, I, in darkness, walked without the light.
I was there when the sun refused to shine.
CHORUS
Verse 4
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Oh, I was dead and buried with Him too;
I was there when they laid Him in the tomb.
Optional Final Verse (for Easter):
Were you there when He rose up from the grave?
Were you there when He rose up from the grave?
Oh, we will rise and live with Him who saves;
We’ll be there when He calls us from the grave.
Ryanne Molinari 