Why the Lyrics to Worship Songs Are Important Funny
I love music. While no one wants to hear me sing – a good rockin' worship tune is one of my favorite parts of Sunday School. But if you are anything like me, you know it can be difficult to find great Sunday School songs.
Particularly when you want to go beyond the 'usual' songs you always sing. Even the most amazing tune, after it has had its time in the spotlight, just begins to feel old.
So I've put together a list of songs that are a rocking good time and have the message of Jesus at the center of them.
For this list I did have one additional requirement for the songs…they had to be fun to sing. There is certainly a place for the slower more reflective songs in worship, but for this particular list I am only interested in the upbeat ones!
Lastly, to make the list I wanted songs that SOUND like songs kids listen to today. The songs need to still present the same Gospel truth, but in a more modern-sounding style .
The Song List:
TIPS & TRICKS +
PRINTABLE SONG LIST
Get the latest Sunday School tips & tricks, plus a free printable list of every song listed below!
1. I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
I still love the old classics we used to sing in church. But when I discover a team of people that have put a modern twist on old Sunday School songs to make them sound new and fresh again, I get so excited!!!
So take a moment to listen to this:
Lyrics:
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
(2x)
He gives me hope for each new day
I'm gonna follow Jesus
He lights my path all along the way
I'm gonna follow Jesus
I will go wherever He leads
I'm gonna follow Jesus
No turning back
2. Jesus Loves Me
Again, here's another classic song that sounds nothing like the original.
I was thrilled to find this updated tune because the message of this song is SO important. If kids believed that God truly and deeply loved them, it would change their lives forever. We so often think God loves us the way we love others, with conditions attached. But our Heavenly Father loves us NO MATTER WHAT.
Ok, don't get me started!
Here's the rocking version of Jesus Loves Me: (the singing starts at about 0:21)
Lyrics:
Na-na-na-na na na-na-na
Na-na-na-na na na-na
Na-na-na-na na na-na-na
Na-na-na-na na na-na
Na-na-na-na na na-na-na
Na-na-na-na na na-na
Na-na-na-na na na-na-na
Na-na-na-na na na-na
Jesus loves me
This I know
For the Bible tells me so
Complete Lyrics: https://www.letssingit.com/go-fish-lyrics-jesus-loves-me-p1zg7rr
3. My God Is So Big (So Strong and So Mighty)
Another classic, with another modern update. I think the first time I used this song was for a lesson about Elijah challenging the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. After we talked about Elijah's soaking wet altar and God raining down fire from heaven we sang this song as a class together a couple times.
I'll never forget that Wednesday night! Check it out:
Lyrics:
My God is so big
And so strong
And so mighty
There's nothing my God cannot do
(4x)
In the beginning
God made everything
God simply spoke
And the world came to being
He sent a flood
And made everything new
He parted the sea
And let His people walk through
He helped a boy
To bring a giant right down
Joshua marched
The walls fell to the ground
These acts of power
Are worthy of praise
But if you want to question
My God and His ways
(I'll look you in the eye and say:)
Complete Lyrics: https://www.letssingit.com/go-fish-lyrics-my-god-vx122wf#axzz4urPUupm5
4. This Little Light of Mine
The original version of this song is so….precious. If you teach preschoolers or little kids in some form or fashion I suppose the sing-songy original is great under those circumstances.
But otherwise…get a hold of THIS version:
Lyrics:
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
Everywhere I go I'm gonna let it shine
Everywhere I go I'm gonna let it shine
Everywhere I go I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
Even when I'm afraid I'm gonna let shine
Even when I'm afraid I'm gonna let shine
Even when I'm afraid I'm gonna let shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine (x3)
5. I've Got Peace Like a River
This song barely qualifies for the list. You'll recognize the melody instantly and it sounds fairly similar to the song we grew up with as kids. The difference for me is the melody sounds more modern, the end of the song sounds better to me, and if I'm honest…I think the lyric video is cool.
Lyrics:
Motions:
Lyrics:
I've got peace like a river
I've got peace like a river
I've got peace like a river
In my soul
I've got peace like a river
I've got peace like a river
I've got peace like a river
In my soul
I've got love like an ocean
I've got love like an ocean
I've got love like an ocean
In my soul
I've got love like an ocean
I've got love like an ocean
I've got love like an ocean
In my soul
I've got joy like a fountain
I've got joy like a fountain
I've got joy like a fountain
In my soul
I've got joy like a fountain
I've got joy like a fountain
I've got joy like a fountain
In my soul
I've got peace, love and joy like a river
I've got peace, love and joy like a river
I've got peace, love and joy like a river
In my soul
I've got peace, love and joy like a river
I've got peace, love and joy like a river
I've got peace, love and joy like a river
In my soul
6. I Sing the Mighty Power of God
Sometimes I play Lifetree Kids songs when I'm by myself in the car. This is one of them.
This is a great worship tune that they made just a little more fun than I remembered it being:
Lyrics:
There's no greater power than the power of our God (x2)
I sing the mighty pow'r of God that made the mountains rise
That spread the flowing seas abroad and built the lofty skies
I sing the wisdom that designed the sun to rule the day
The moon shines full at his command
And all the stars obey
There's no greater power than the power of our God (x2)
Complete Lyrics: https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/GroupMusic/I-Sing-the-Mighty-Power-of-God-Vbs-2015
7. The Fruit of the Spirit's Not a Coconut
Alright, confession time.
I have listened to this (semi-ridiculous) song WAY too much in the car by myself. It's catchy, it's fun, and it's pretty stinkin' educational too.
(It will probably get stuck in your head if you listen to this…fair warning)
This Sunday School song is a fun way to instill the fruit of the Spirit into a kid's brain.
Plus…today my 5-year old was with my wife in the grocery store when he spots some coconuts.
He immediately says, "Stop Mom!" Then he walks over to the coconut, taps it, and says, "The fruit of the spirit's not a coconut."
That's a HUGE win in my book, and just one more reason I love this song:
Lyrics:
The Fruit of the Spirit's not a coconut
The Fruit of the Spirit's not a coconut
If you want to be a coconut
You might as well hear it:
You can't be a fruit of the Spirit
Cause the fruit is
Love, joy, peace, patience,
Kindness, goodness, faithfulness
Gentleness and self-control
Love, joy, peace, patience,
Kindness, goodness, faithfulness
Gentleness and self-control
Ohhhh!
Complete Lyrics: https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Uncle-Charlie/Fruit-Of-The-Spirit
8. Let's Get a Little Crazy
This tune is one of those fun 'opener' type of Sunday School songs. It doesn't have a ton of Scripture in it, but it's a great way to get kids singing and moving, while reinforcing the idea that we are here to spread God's love to everyone.
Also, LifeTree Kids filmed this at what appears to be a fair or something….so, that's fun!!
Lyrics:
C'mon, clap your hands!
Here we go!
That's it!
We're all in this together and we're having fun
We're here to spread the love of God to everyone
Gonna get a little crazy and a little wild
here we go now, come give it a try!
Move it to the left now
Move it to the right
Find someone you don't know
Give them a hi-5
Stomp your feet louder (yeah, you guys are doin' awesome!)
Wave your hands up higher (c'mon!)
Find somebody else now
And give them a hi-5 (let's go!)
oh… oh… oh… oh… oh…
oh… oh… oh… oh… oh…(whoo!)
We're all in this together and we're having fun
We're here to spread the love of God to everyone
Gonna get a little crazy and a little wild
here we go now, come give it a try!
Complete Lyrics: https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/GroupMusic/Let-s-Get-a-Little-Crazy
9. Nothing Is Impossible
This is a super-duper fantastic song about having faith in God. It talks about living life not by what we can see or what we feel, but by knowing the One who is with us and has our best interest in mind.
We have sung this one quite a bit at my church, so it's really familiar to me. But I bet for many of you this is a fun new song. Add it to your repertoire to get your kids moving and singing about faith in our Savior!
Lyrics:
Through You
I can do anything
I can do all things
Cause it's You who give me strength
Nothing is impossible
Through You
Blind eyes are opened
Strongholds are broken
I am living by faith
Nothing is impossible!
I'm not gonna live by what I see
I'm not gonna live by what I feel
Deep down I
Know that You're here with me
I know that, You can do anything
Full Lyrics: https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/planetshakers/nothingisimpossible.html
10. Wake
Whoever created the look for this lyric/motion video did a nice job. I like the black and white treatment of the people doing the motions.
I really can't think of a lot to say about this song, so instead of me typing a bunch of nonsense that most you won't read anyway, let me just put the video here for you to watch:
Lyrics:
At break of day, in hope we rise
We speak Your Name, we lift our eyes
Tune our hearts into Your beat
Where we walk, there You'll be
With fire in our eyes, our lives a-light
Your love untamed, it's blazing out
The streets will glow forever bright
Your glory's breaking through the night
You will never fade away, Your love is here to stay
By my side, in my life, shining through me everyday
You will never fade away, Your love is here to stay
By my side, in my life, shining through me everyday
You wake within me, wake within me
You're in my heart forever
You wake within me, wake within me
You're in my heart forever
Complete Lyrics: https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/hillsongyoungfree/wake.html
11. We Lift You Higher
No other God is higher, and no other God reigns but our God.
What more do you need for your kids to understand than that? Play this song and let them enjoy praising God!
Lyrics:
Stay close to me, Oh Lord
and lay me down
down by the waters
Your love abounds
Strengthen these wings, Oh Lord
So I can soar
Above the tempest
Straight through the storm
Straight through the storm
Woah oh oh oh
We lift you higher
Woah oh oh oh
We lift you higher
Complete Lyrics:https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/FEARLESS-BND/We-Lift-You-Higher
12. Brighter
This song is about the light and the love of Jesus. Listening to it as I type this in the middle of fall, it seems like a great song to go along with a Christmas message about Jesus being the light of the world, or the wise men following the light, etc…
Hillsong Kids is another publisher I love that really does some great stuff for kids. Many of you are probably super familiar with Hillsong Kids, but perhaps some of of you have never heard a song of theirs called "Brighter":
Lyrics:
You shine brighter
Than any star in the sky
Your light shining
Through the dark of the night
Jesus forever
I find all that I am
In Your love, love, love
You are with me
In every step that I take
Your love for me
You have called me by name
Jesus forever
I find all that I am
In Your love, love, love
Let the music play
Hear us praise Your name
See the darkness fade
Dance the night away
We have found our place
In the Savior's grace
Dance the night away
Your light is taking over me
Complete Lyrics: https://www.google.com/search?q=brighter+lyrics&oq=brighter+lyrics
13. Alive
We've pretty much worn this song out at my church. Although I still couldn't do the motions if my life depended on it, I do know the words really well. 🙂
The chorus of this song is magical: "You are alive in us…Your love has set us free!"
I want nothing more than for a group of kids to have tons of fun singing a song about how Christ is alive in His children and that His love is what sets us free from the bondage of sin.
Love it!!!
Lyrics:
I was lost with a broken heart
You picked me up, now I'm set apart
From the ash I am born again
Forever safe in the Savior's hands
You are more than my words could say
I'll follow You Lord for all my days
I'll fix my eyes, follow in Your ways
Forever free in unending grace
'Cause You are, You are, You are my freedom
We lift You higher, lift You higher
Your love, Your love, Your love never ending
Oh oh oh
Complete Lyrics: https://www.google.com/search?q=alive+hillsong+lyrics&oq=alive+hilllyrics
14. Give it Away
Have you ever loved a gift so much that you wanted to tell all your friends about it? Kids LOVE to talk about their new toys…but it's time to get them talking about sharing the greatest gift of all– God's love!
This song will do the trick. Not only is it upbeat and fun, but it encourages kids to share God's word with others! You won't find too many upbeat Sunday School songs that talk about witnessing, so I would say this one is a rare find.
Check it out!
Lyrics:
I'm feeling good good good in a crazy way
God's love changed me more than I can say
Cant keep this in, gotta let it out
Gonna tell the whole world that
Your love is spinning me round and round
Yeah, it's turning me upside down
I can't believe the way you love me more than i can contain
I'm gonna turn around and give, give, give it away
Oh-oh-oh-Oh
I'm gonna give it away
Oh-oh-oh-Oh
I'm gonna give it away
See the full lyrics here: https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/VBS/Give-It-Away
15. Freedom
I can't get enough of songs that take their lyrics directly from scripture. This song by Bethel Music really makes 2 Corinthians 3:17 hit home in a fun, meaningful way:
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (NIV)
I also love the fact that it's catchy, yet has lyrics that are deeper than the rain puddle of depth we get from a lot of other kids Sunday School songs.
It might even make your students forget everything that's bothering them, and feel truly "free" to just get up and praise God!
Lyrics:
You came to set the captives free
You came to bring us liberty
My sin and my rejection met
Your blood and my acceptance
Now I'm alive to bring You praise
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom
Every chain is broken through You, Jesus
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom
Whoa oh, oh, oh
Your blood has covered every sin
Your grace empowers me to win
My pain and my oppression met
Your blood and my acceptance
Now I'm alive to bring You praise
I'm free I'm free, I'm free to dance and sing
I'm free, I'm free, I'm free to shout it out
Complete lyrics: https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/bethelmusic/freedom.html
16. There is Power in the Blood
Back to those good ol' hymns again. They're good for a reason– they're brimming with sound doctrine, and are completely focused on God and His works.
This one is an awesome upbeat twist on a hymn (with hand motions!) that your kids probably already know by heart…or at least you do.
Lyrics:
There's power, there's power
There's wonder workin' power
There is power, power, wonder-working power
In the blood of the Lamb
There is power, power, wonder-working power
In the precious blood of the Lamb
Would you do service for Jesus your King?
There's power in the blood, power in the blood
Would you live daily His praises to sing?
There's wonderful power in the blood
There is power, power, wonder-working power
In the blood of the Lamb
There is power, power, wonder-working power
In the precious blood of the Lamb
(repeat from the beginning)
17. No, Not One
Ok…while we're on the subject of hymns… here's another one for 'ya (sorry, couldn't resist!)
Here's an incredible country-rock-ish version of a song that reminds us that there's NO ONE like Jesus!
Oh
There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus.
No, not one! No, not one!
No one else could heal all our soul's diseases.
No, not one! No, not one!
Jesus knows all about our struggles.
He will guide us till the day is done.
There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus.
No, not one! No, not one!
Hey! Oh
There's not an hour that he is not near us.
No, not one! No, not one!
No night is so dark but his love can cheer us.
No, not one! No, not one!
(sing chorus 2 times)
No, not one! No, not one!
Hey! Oh
18. Ask, Seek, Knock
Here's a clever tune about prayer— a subject that is pretty much ignored in the average teacher's repertoire of Sunday School songs.
I love this catchy tune because it's all about reading the Bible and talking with God– those things aren't just for adults, ya know!
Here's an awesome video that you can use in Sunday School:
Lyrics:
I'm reading my B-I-B-L-E
And this is what it says to me
It tells me that I'm never ever alone
I'm learning how J-E-S-U-S
Came down to us and gave His best
Without a doubt the best friend you'll ever know
Pre-Chorus: Our God knows exactly what I need
So I remember this
Chorus: When you ask He cares
When you seek He's there
When you knock knock knock knock knock
God opens up the door
19. Pharaoh Pharaoh
Here's another "silly" type of Sunday School song that would go perfect with a lesson about Moses leading his people out of Egypt.
The motions below are great even for little kids, or you can use this link for a lyric video.
Lyrics:
I say Pharaoh, Pharaoh
Oh baby let my people go!
Huh! Yeah, yeah, yeah
I say Pharaoh, Pharaoh
Oh baby let my people go!
Huh! Yeah, yeah, yeah
Well, the burning bush told me just the other day
That I should come over here and say
Got to get my people out of Pharaoh's hand
And lead them on over to the Promised Land
Complete lyrics: https://genius.com/Various-artists-pharaoh-pharaoh-standard-version-lyrics
20. My Best Friend
Every kid wants a best friend… and every kid has one. Help kids celebrate their unchangeable, perfect friendship with Jesus with this song!
Lyrics:
Have you heard of the One called Saviour?
Have you heard of His perfect love?
Have you heard of the One in Heaven?
Have you heard how He gave His Son?
'Cause I have found this love
I believe in The Son
Show me Your way
Jesus You are my best friend
And You will always be
And nothing will ever change that
I believe in the One called Saviour
I believe He's the Risen One
I believe that I'll live forever
I believe that my King will come
Nothing will ever change that
Nothing will ever change that
Nothing will ever change that
21. Made For This
No doubt, I'm hooked on LifeTree kids music…and you and your kids will be too once you hear this song.
I love the subject matter of this song, since it answers some important questions that EVERY kid has: Why am I here on earth? What's my purpose?
The answer is that God has made each of us for a reason. Forget all those so-called "self-esteem" building exercises– kids need to find their purpose in God. This song does an incredible job at reminding them of that, in a super-modern, hyped-up way:
Lyrics:
I was made for this
I live for this
God has a reason
Reason for my life
I'm gonna shout it out
Without a doubt
I was born for this
Built for a purpose
See full lyrics and guitar chords here: https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/lifetree_kids/made_for_this_chords_2084481
22. Let's Praise the Lord
Here's a current twist on the king of old Sunday School songs: "Hallelujah".
You know… the one where the teacher made you stand up and sit down repeatedly? Last time I sang it, my knees sounded like popcorn in a microwave.
But don't worry…this version is a LOT more fun to sing, so much so that you'll probably forget all about your creaky knees and join right in with the kids!
Lyrics:
Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah
Let's praise the Lord
Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah
Let's praise the Lord
Let's praise the Lord, Hallelujah
Let's praise the Lord, Hallelujah
Let's praise the Lord, Hallelujah
Let's praise the Lord!
And while we're at it…here's another version that includes a rapping cat and animation that your kids will probably find hilarious:
23. John 14:27
Here's a great way to get your kids to memorize Bible verses— sing some groovy Scripture-based Sunday School songs!
Here's one of my favorites, of one of the most beloved and well-known verses about putting our faith in God to overcome fear.
Lyrics:
Whoa, Whoa, Whoa
Peace I leave with you
My peace I give, I give to you
I do not give to you
As the world gives
Peace I leave with you
My peace I give, I give to you
I do not give to you
As the world gives
Do not, do not, let your hearts be troubled
Do not, do not, don't be afraid
Do not, do not, let your hearts be troubled
And do not be afraid
24. When I Look
I love the simple but powerful lyrics in this song– it's perfect for little kids who have the wiggles! But that doesn't mean you can't use it with the older ones too.
This is one of those Sunday School songs that has easy-to-remember actions that go perfectly with the lyrics (i.e. up, down, etc).
So if you're one those coordination-challenged people (like me!) this is one choreographed worship tune that won't make you feel like newborn Bambi…
Lyrics:
God made me, He made everything
God loves me, He can do anything
If I run over here, if I run over there
God is everywhere, and He loves me
When I look up, up, up
I know He's real
When I look down, down, down
I believe what I've found
When I look in God's Word
And I search for Him
He rewards me, because He loves me
25. I'm All In
Here's a groovy tune that will help your students decided to go "all in" to follow God and obey Him.
Sunday School songs don't have to be sung from a chair! The simple actions in this song will get your class up and moving.
Ok…so the title promised 25, but who doesn't love extra credit? Here's a couple more!
26. Light of the World
Who is Jesus? He's the light of the world!
This song is super catchy and fun to sing.
Lyrics:
The world is searching for an answer
A ray of hope in a hopeless world
Who can we turn to?
Where is our rescue?
There is someone. He's the answer
He's the light and He'll light the way
His name is Jesus,
And He came to save us
He is the light, light, light
Light of the world
And He shine, shine, shines
All over the earth
Shining bright, bright, bright
He is the light of the world.
See the full lyrics here: https://www.smule.com/song/light-of-the-world-karaoke-lyrics/4195299_4195299/arrangement
27. Every Move I Make
Honest moment…if a worship tune starts with a bunch of "na na na" lyrics I'm probably down..lol
This one is no different.
I love the words of this song because it reminds both our kids and us that God is our everything. Without Him we could not even exist.
Lyrics:
Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Na
Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Na
Every move I make, I make in you
You make me move, (Jesus)
Every breath I take I breathe in you
Every step I take, I take in you
You are my way (Jesus)
Every breath I breathe in you
Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Na
Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Na
See the full lyrics here: https://genius.com/Christ-music-kids-every-move-i-make-lyrics
28. Perfect
When things are a mess…
I don't have to know the way.
Because God is perfect!
Lyrics:
God you are the best
You don't make mistakes
Yeah, You don't make mistakes
And when things are a mess
You always know the way
You always know the way
You are perfect
Every single day
In every single way
I don't have to worry
You are per, per, per, per, perfect
When I don't know what to do
Yes, I know it's true
I don't have to worry
You are per, per, per, per, perfect
Yeah I know you are
Now It's Your Turn…
What are some of your favorite ROCKIN' good time Sunday School songs for kids? Let me know in the comments section below! I'll keep this list updated with all the best suggestions!!
(your comments won't appear immediately as I moderate them first…sometimes the comment spam I get can be…CRAZY)
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Source: https://betterbibleteachers.com/2019/05/childrens-sunday-school-songs-that-are-upbeat-and-tons-of-fun-to-sing/
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