Watch the story behind the song here: Behind The Song — Were You There
Chord charts:
Numbered | (A) | (B) | (C) | (F) | (G) |
If you are positively impacted by this song or choose to lead it in worship, please take 18 minutes of your time to watch this personal appeal on revival and racial justice. The anonymous author(s) of the classic spiritual that this song is based on were sufferers of institutionalized racial oppression. Their story matters and is relevant to wounds and division in the body of Christ today.
Lyrics:
WERE YOU THERE (SING GLORY)
by Andrew C. Romanowitz (Andrew Micah), verses derived from a traditional African-American spiritual
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
O-o-oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble
I was there when they crucified my Lord
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
All my sin was nailed with Him to the tree
O-o-oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble
I was there when they nailed Him to the tree
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
I was there when they laid Him in the tomb
O-o-oh, sometimes I feel like shouting glory, glory
‘Cause all my shame was laid with Him in the tomb!
CHORUS 1
Oh glory, sing glory
For Jesus has freed us and death is in disgrace
Sing glory, oh glory,
You’re my glory, oh glory
Were you there when He rose up from the grave,
Raised to life with the One who lives to save?
O-o-oh, sometimes, my joy, it sets me shaking
‘Cause I was there when He rose up from the grave!
CHORUS 2
Oh glory, sing glory
For Jesus has freed us and death is in disgrace
Oh glory, sing glory
Redeemer, forever, we live to see Your face
Sing glory, oh glory
You’re my glory, oh glory
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
O-o-oh, sometimes my eyes are wet with wonder
‘Cause I was there when they crucified my Lord