Inspired by Christian outreach to prisoners in the Kairos ministry, this song tells how we all are chained by sin -- and how Jesus can bring salvation.
Christian singer and songwriter living in Raleigh, NC
Al Boyce is a Christian singer/songwriter living in Raleigh, NC.
Story behind the song
I had a dream that I performed this song during a Kairos weekend. The words were in my head after the dream and the melody came two weeks later.
Five years after the dream, a friend of mine became the leader of a Kairos weekend. She asked if she could use this song and whether I would be willing to perform it at a women's Kairos (usually men are not allowed in).
In April 2007, the dream became a reality and I performed the song at Kairos. Several women were in tears as they described how the song spoke to them and made them feel truly free for the first time -- free in Jesus.
The lyrics were printed out for the inmates, including those on Death Row, where they were allowed to hear the song on a CD player.
The song is being considered for inclusion in the official Kairos songbook, which would make it available to about 50,000 prisoners worldwide every year.
Isn't God amazing?!
Lyrics
Chains upon our hands and chains upon our feet
If we give our lives to Jesus, we'll be free when we two meet
We may not have our freedom, but God, you let us know
Man can bind our bodies, but the Lord will let us go.
The world of man surrounds us, from the time that we are born
In our search for consolation, new allegiances are sworn
We worship at the alter of the handiwork of man
And gaudy trinkets blind us to God's eternal plan.
Chains upon our hands and chains upon our feet
If we give our lives to Jesus, we'll be free when we two meet
We may not have our freedom, but God, you let us know
Man can bind our bodies, but the Lord will let us go.
In truth, we are in bondage, though we think that we are free
But nothing that this world can give will ever be the key
Quiet desperation? Yes, that's how life can go
When we turn our eyes from Jesus, and focus on his foe.
Chains upon our hands and chains upon our feet
If we give our lives to Jesus, we'll be free when we two meet
We may not have our freedom, but God, you let us know
Man can bind our bodies, but the Lord will let us go.
God in his compassion, understands our sinful state
And by the blood of Jesus, he opened up a gate
If we accept his promise, and let go of worldly things
We will find eternal freedom, in the Lord our King of Kings.
Chains upon our hands and chains upon our feet
If we give our lives to Jesus, we'll be free when we two meet
We may not have our freedom, but God, you let us know
Man can bind our bodies, but the Lord will let us go.
Oh, I may not have my freedom ... but somehow I don't mind
Cause the promises of Jesus are the only ties that bind.
