Reckless Love, Cory Asbury’s chart-topping Christian hit, is not just a song—it’s a transformative journey through the profound depths of God’s unconditional love.
Released in October 2017 as the lead single from Asbury’s debut album with Bethel Music, Reckless Love has become a touchstone in contemporary worship music, renowned for its poignant lyrics and soul-stirring composition.
But what truly underpins this melodious tune?
From Divine Spark to Worship Anthem: The Genesis of Reckless Love
The genesis of Reckless Love is as stirring as the anthem itself. Asbury describes a profound spiritual awakening to God’s love that predated the song’s inception.
This epiphany kindled a creative blaze, culminating in a 3 AM eureka moment where the chorus’s melody crystallized in his mind.
The ensuing lyrics, penned the next day, cemented Reckless Love as a testament to divine love’s life-altering power.
Asbury wasn’t alone in his creative journey. He collaborated with friend Caleb Culver on the verses, drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Adam.
The concept of God declaring Adam “very good” even before he had done anything to earn it resonated deeply with Asbury, highlighting the unconditional nature of God’s love.
This theme is woven throughout the lyrics, with lines like “When I was Your enemy, still Your love fought for me” and “When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me,” emphasising the unwavering and undeserved nature of God’s love.
The Essence of Reckless Love: A Deep Dive into Its Core
The soaring chorus explodes with the song’s central theme, “reckless love.” This term, though debated by some, becomes a potent metaphor for the boundless nature of God’s love.
The line, “Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine,” directly references the parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3–7).
Just as the shepherd abandons the ninety-nine secure sheep to find the one lost, God relentlessly pursues us, highlighting the lengths He is willing to go to in His unwavering love.
Grace Beyond Merit: The Heart of the Message
The repeated refrain, “I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it; still, You give Yourself away,” acts as a powerful testament to God’s grace.
It serves as a constant reminder that God’s love is not a reward for good deeds but a gift bestowed freely.
This concept of unconditional love stands in stark contrast to human relationships, which are often transactional.
Cory Asbury emphasises that regardless of our shortcomings, God’s love remains a constant, unwavering force.
Illuminating the Dark: The Bridge’s Symbolism
The bridge takes on a more metaphorical approach, employing powerful imagery to depict God’s unwavering presence.
Lines like “There’s no shadow; You won’t light up/ Mountain you won’t climb up/ Coming after me” symbolise God’s relentless pursuit.
No matter the darkness or obstacles we face, God’s love promises to illuminate the path and conquer any difficulty we encounter.
It’s a message of hope, a reassurance that we are never truly alone in the face of life’s challenges.
Visualising the Song: Exploring the Music Videos
Several music videos accompany the track, each offering a unique visual interpretation of the song’s message.
The official lyric video was released in January 2018. A live performance video was filmed at the 2017 Heaven Come Conference.
Jenn Johnson and Brooke Ligertwood join Asbury in delivering a powerful rendition of the song, interspersed with moments of storytelling that offer context and depth to the lyrics.
An acoustic performance video featuring Asbury and his son Gabriel, this stripped-down version offers an intimate look at the song’s core melody and message.
The serene setting and focus on the emotional delivery of the vocals create a contemplative atmosphere.
A Universal Resonance: Reckless Love’s Broad Appeal
The true beauty of Reckless Love is its universal appeal. The message of unconditional love reaches beyond religious confines, offering comfort and insight to anyone seeking a connection with the divine.
It’s a reminder that we are cherished not for our deeds but simply for our existence—a message that strikes a chord with listeners everywhere.
The Debate and Impact of Reckless Love
While the term “reckless” has been a point of contention, Cory Asbury views it as emblematic of God’s fervent and seemingly illogical pursuit of us—a love that sacrifices all for our salvation.
This profound message has made Reckless Love more than a song—it’s a transformative experience that explores the depths of God’s unconditional love, resonating with those who yearn for connection and comprehension.
So, immerse yourself in the song and let the currents of God’s ‘reckless love’ carry you.
Stream Cory Asbury Reckless love:
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Cory Asbury Reckless Love Lyrics
Verse 1
Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me
You have been so, so good to me
Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me
You have been so, so kind to me
Chorus
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
Verse 2
When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me
You have been so, so good to me
When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me
You have been so, so kind to me
Chorus
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
Bridge
There’s no shadow You won’t light up
Mountain You won’t climb up
Coming after me
There’s no wall You won’t kick down
Lie You won’t tear down
Coming after me
There’s no shadow You won’t light up
Mountain You won’t climb up
Coming after me
There’s no wall You won’t kick down
Lie You won’t tear down
Coming after me
There’s no shadow You won’t light up
Mountain You won’t climb up
Coming after me
There’s no wall You won’t kick down
Lie You won’t tear down
Coming after me
There’s no shadow You won’t light up
Mountain You won’t climb up
Coming after me
There’s no wall You won’t kick down
Lie You won’t tear down
Coming after me
Chorus
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
And I couldn’t earn it, I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah