SONGS OF HOPE: Matthew West “Unashamed”

Matthew West’s latest single can now be heard in rotation on 89.5 KTSY!

These lyrics are directly inspired by Bible stories of believers being unashamed in their faith, and Matthew West mentions their stories in the verses of this song.

He sings about Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 who refused to worship a false god, even though they would be thrown into a fire furnace. Because of their faithfulness, God rescued them from the fire and spared their lives, and it showed everyone who saw this miracle that God is the true God. 

He also sings about the story of Daniel in Daniel 6, where his enemies targeted him for his faith in God. They tricked the king into making a decree that no one could pray to anyone but him for three days or be thrown into a den of lions. Of course, as a loyal follower of God, Daniel refused, continued to pray everyday, and faced the consequences of being thrown in the lion’s den. God protected Daniel from the lions and spared his life, and that even became a testimony to the king that Daniel’s God, the God of Israel, is the true and living God. 

Reflecting on these stories, the lyrics of “Unashamed” prompt us with an application question: “What will be said about me?”

The lesson? Sometimes we’ll have to stand for our beliefs and be bold about our faith in Jesus while facing awkwardness, pressure, and opposition. Being bold in your faith takes courage, but God can give you that courage and your courage makes a difference in other people’s lives! Who knows how God might bring about powerful testimonies of His goodness in your life or use you to introduce other people to Jesus because you lived out your faith unashamed? That’s what He did for Daniel and his friends, Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego and He can do the same for you.

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. (Romans 1:16 NLT)

Lyrics

[Verse 1]

Three brothers in a fire

Willing to die for their faith

But You were with them in the fire

And they walked out the next day

And Daniel met a lion

Because he chose to pray

But You shut the mouth of that lion

And he walked out the next day

 

[Pre-Chorus]

So what’s gonna be said of me when it’s all said and done?

Will I stand for my beliefs or will I turn around and run?

Well, let the whole world hear me say

 

[Chorus]

I’m unashamed

Of the gospel of Jesus Christ

And the truth that changed my life

For the name above all names

I’m unashamed

And I will live my faith out loud

Take a stand and stand my ground

For the One who took my shame

I’m unashamed

 

[Verse 2]

I don’t answer to the crowd

I answer to a king

So the louder they shout

Oh, the louder I sing, yeah

 

[Pre-Chorus]

So what’s gonna be said of me when it’s all said and done?

Will I stand for my beliefs or will I turn around and run?

Well, let the whole world hear me say

 

[Chorus]

I’m unashamed

Of the gospel of Jesus Christ

And the truth that changed my life

For the name above all names

I’m unashamed

And I will live my faith out loud

Take a stand and stand my ground

For the One who took my shame

I’m unashamed

 

[Bridge]

At the name of Jesus

Every knee will bow

And every tongue confess

So let it start right now

Before you come back, Lord

Before the rocks cry out

I will lift my praise

Let it start right now

 

[Chorus]

I’m unashamed

Of the gospel of Jesus Christ

And the truth that changed my life

For the name above all names

I’m unashamed, yeah

And I will live my faith out loud

Take a stand and stand my ground

For the One who took my shame

I’m unashamed

(I’m unashamed)

Oh, I’m unashamed (I’m unashamed)

I want the world to hear me say

I’m unashamed

(I’m unashamed)

Oh, I’m unashamed

For the One who took my shame

I’m unashamed

 

[Outro]

Lord, I will stand for You

I tell the world about You

I’m unashamed