Newsboys – I am Second

I am thrilled to do yet another Newsboys review! I chose this song specifically because of the oversaturation of the CCM genre.  This site lacks rock, rap, and heavy metal songs and chose to artificially balance things out with this review.

My first three reviews of God’s Not Dead, We Believe, and Hallelujah For The Cross all contain glowing reviews.  I hope that I am Second also does well!

I have been an avid fan of DC Talk back when my parents introduced them to me as a young boy.  Hearing Toby Mac, Michael Tait, and Kevin Max back in the 1990’s is a source of joy when growing up.  I am still holding out for that ominous DC Talk album two decades in the making!  Until then, I’ll have to “settle” for the Newsboys, TobyMac, and whatever Kevin Max has been up to lately.

Lyrics can be found at https://genius.com/Newsboys-i-am-second-lyrics.

Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site!  Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review.

1. What message does the song communicate?

It communicates the daily grind that is warring against the flesh, ultimately surrendering to God’s ways.

I appreciate the clarity to which Newsboys brings their message, focusing on the truths of God’s Word rather than our own feelings, consistent with the writings of the Psalmists who wrote about their own struggles.

Though the name of God or Jesus is not specifically named, the terms “savior”, “redeemer”, and especially “foot of the cross” are signposts towards Christ.

Score: 10/10

2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?

All lyrics align with the inspired Word of God.

Since there is no verse/chorus/bridge structure, I designated stanza’s for each paragraph.

[Stanza 1]

Lines 1-3: In other words, pride.

Lines 4-5: Describes the daily struggle of internal warfare (Romans 7:21-25, Ephesians 6:12-17, and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

Lines 6-8: The singer may not understand his behavior, but the Scripture does!  The Scriptures decbribe a righteous man who falls down seven times and gets back up seven times (Proverbs 24:16).  However, this is not a license to sin (Romans 6:1-7).  The place described is an allusion to the cross (1 John 2:1-2).

[Stanza 2]

Lines 1-9: That is, I play second fiddle, I am the co-pilot, or I am in the passanger’s seat while Christ rules, reigns, and directs my life.  We submit ourselves to God and surrender to His ways (Isaiah 64:8, Matthew 10:38, Matthew 11:28-30, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34-38, Mark 10:28, Luke 9:23, Luke 14:27, John 15:1-11, Romans 6:13, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 11:6, James 4:7-10, and 1 Peter 5:6).

Line 10: God bows to no one as He is soverign over all creation (Genesis 1:1, Deuteronomy 4:39, Deuteronomy 10:14, Joshua 2:11, Nehemiah 9:6, Psalm 29:10, Psalm 45:6, Psalm 50:7-15, Psalm 93:1-2, Psalm 115:3, Psalm 135:6, Isaiah 43:13, Isaiah 45:9-10, Isaiah 46:10, Lamentations 5:19, Daniel 4:35, Romans 9:19-21, Ephesians 1:11, Hebrews 1:8, James 4:15, Revelation 4:11, and Revelation 20:11).

[Stanza 3]

Lines 1 and 2: That is, a new self (Ezekiel 11:19, Romans 6:1-7, Romans 8:12-13, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 2 Corinthians 4:16, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 5:16-18, Ephesians 4:22-24, Ephesians 2:14-16, Colossians 3:10, and 1 Peter 2:24).

Line 3: This peace comes from Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30).

Lines 4 and 5: When we live for Christ, we die to self (Luke 9:23, Luke 14:27, Luke 14:33, Romans 6:6, and Galatians 2:20).

Line 6-9: See commentary on Stanza 1, lines 6-8.

[Stanza 4]

Lines 1 and 2: As quoted in Matthew 10:39 and Matthew 16:25.

Lines 3 and 4: See Stanza 2.

Score: 10/10

3. How would an outsider interpret the song?

The language chosen by the Newsboys is down-to-earth, with little christianese lingo.  This makes it easy for unbelievers to ponder, comprehend, and digest their message.  Most (if not all) will come to the same conclusions as I.

Score: 10/10

4. What does this song glorify?

It glorifies Christ with its message of surrender.

Score: 10/10

Closing Comments

The Newsboys’ I Am Second is a great song.  It probably won’t stand the test of time, but our generation can enjoy its great message of surrender, use it to evangelize to the lost, and bring glory to God through its power.

Worship leaders can decide if they wish to use this one for worship.  If their congregants love testimonial songs, this is a great fit.  If not, then perhaps not.

Final Score: 10/10

Artist Info

Track: I am Second (listen to the song)

Artist: Newsboys

Album: God’s Not Dead

Genre: Rock

Release Year: 2011

Duration:  3:19

Agree?  Disagree?  Don’t be shy or have a cow!  Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.

Updates:

03/25/2021 – Updated per repetition announcement.