Before I Knew

The song was written in 2002 for the youth group at New City Fellowship in Chattanooga. They were not impressed. A few years later in St Louis, I added a nice solo section that really tied it together. It’s become a favorite of my congregation. A good lesson that sometimes you have to believe in the quality of a song despite a luke-warm first response.

1.Before I knew what freedom was Jesus set me free
with no control, a  slave to sin God was my enemy
But then He broke my rusty chains to share eternity
Before I knew What freedom was Jesus set me free

Hallelujah, Hallelujah,
Hallelujah, Jesus set me free.

2.Before I knew what loving was He showed His love for me
He knew me in my mother’s womb He knew my sinful tendencies
Adopted by His saving grace into His family
Before I knew what loving was He showed His love for me

Hallelujah, Hallelujah,
Hallelujah, He showed His love for me.

3.Before I knew what living was He gave His life for me
I was defeated in my sins; Death had the victory
Then all my guilt was placed on Him that day on Calvary
Before I knew what living was He gave His life for me.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah,
Hallelujah, He gave His life for me.

“Before I Knew”
Words and Music by Kirk Ward
© 2002 Kirk Ward Music