Asleep In The Light

Keith Green's song 'Asleep In The Light' is a powerful and poignant critique of complacency within the Christian community. The lyrics serve as a wake-up call, urging believers to recognize and respond to the suffering and needs around them. Green begins by highlighting the indifference of people who are metaphorically 'asleep' while others are 'sinking down.' This imagery of drowning people represents those in spiritual or physical need, and the song questions how one can remain numb and uncaring in the face of such dire circumstances.

The song criticizes the superficiality of some religious practices, where people focus on seeking blessings for themselves while ignoring the pain and suffering of others. Green contrasts this self-centered attitude with the compassion of Jesus, who 'cries, weeps, and bleeds' for humanity. The repeated refrain 'Oh bless me lord, bless me lord' underscores the irony of seeking divine favor while neglecting the call to help others. The song suggests that true faith requires action and empathy, not just passive piety.

Green also draws a parallel between the listeners and the biblical figure Jonah, who initially ran from God's call. He emphasizes that ignoring the needs of others and failing to act on God's instructions is a 'sin.' The metaphor of the church being 'asleep in the light' is particularly striking, as it suggests that even in the presence of divine truth and enlightenment, believers can still be inactive and indifferent. The call to 'open up and give yourself away' is a plea for genuine, selfless action. The song ends with a powerful exhortation to wake up and engage with the world, echoing the resurrection of Jesus as a symbol of renewal and active faith.