My Ten Favorite Third Day Songs
76In 2000, when I began listening to Christian music, my younger brother introduced me to a Christian rock band called Third Day. At the time, he was attending Bible college and Third Day was a favorite among his classmates and friends. I had always liked rock music which is why I was thrilled to have found a rock band whose first priority was to worship God.
Third Day released their debut album in 1996. The band's major musical influences include: Lynyrd Skynyrd, U2 and the late Rich Mullins. As they began to increase in popularity in the 90's Billboard magazine said that Third Day is "not only one of the best Christian bands of the '90s but one of the best rock bands, period.”
To this day, they are my favorite Christian artist. The band from Georgia, led by Mac Powell, has had 25 number one hits. All of their fantastic music has made it hard for me to narrow it down to my ten favorites. But here they are, in no particular order:
Thief
Why this is one of my favorites:
I have thought about the thief on the cross next to Jesus many times. I am in awe that all he had to do was confess to Jesus that he believed Him to be the Messiah. As reassurance of the thief's salvation, Jesus told him that He would see him in Paradise that day. The thief on the cross did not have to be baptized, he did not have to through any religious ritual, he did not have to go through a priest or pastor, he simply went to Jesus. And by his faith he was saved. I love that!
Some of the lyrics:
Who is this man? This man beside me
They call the King of the Jews
They don't believe that He's the Messiah
But, somehow I know it's true.
And they laugh at Him in mockery,
and beat Him till he bleeds
They nail Him to the rugged cross,
and raise Him, they raise Him up next to me
Creed
Why this is one of my favorites:
This song is basically the words to the Apostle's Creed set to music. Sometimes in church when we're reciting the Apostle's Creed it helps me to think back to the song to remember the words! The words in this Creed are the basis for what Christians believe and why they believe. The song, Creed, was written by the late Rich Mullins. Third Day performs the song in concert and it appears live on their Offerings II CD.
Some of the lyrics:
I believe that He who suffered was crucified, buried and dead.
He descended into hell and on the third day He rose again.
He ascended into heaven where He sits at God's mighty right hand.
I believe that He's returning to judge the quick and the dead of the sons of men.
And I believe what I believe is what makes me what I am.
And I did not make it, no it is making me
It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man.
King of Glory
Why this is one of my favorites:
This song is absolutely beautiful. It starts out with guitar strings playing softly with Mac Powell asking, "Who is this King of Glory that pursues me with His love?" As the song continues, it begins to crescendo and the chorus is sung. It ends with a choir singing along with the band, "He is the king of glory, He's everything to me." It gives me goosebumps and brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.
Some of the lyrics:
Who is this King of Glory with strength and majesty
And wisdom beyond measure, the gracious King of kings
the Lord of Earth and Heaven, the Creator of all things
Who is this King of Glory, He's everything to me
The Lord of Earth and Heaven, the Creator of all things
He is the King of glory, He's everything to me
You Are Mine
Why this is one of my favorites
The message of this song is why I love it. I am God's child. I am His and He is mine, made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus. This song brings good, happy feelings and makes me want to tap my feet and get up and dance. It just makes me want to praise Him!
Some of the lyrics:
It doesn't take much
For my heart to break
And you have done it
For what's seems the millionth time
Whenever I hear
Of your saving grace
And how you gave your life
In exchange for mine
Sometimes I wonder why you even love me
And why you ever chose to call me child
Then I remember
It's by your sacrifice
I can say that
I am yours and you are mine
My Hope is You
Why this is one of my favorites:
Beautiful song, wonderful lyrics, amazing message. This song has it all. Another one to make me fall on my knees and worship Him. I often wonder how people make it without God in their lives? How do they make those tough decisions? Who do they turn to when they or their loved one is very sick? I know no matter what trial comes my way, I will always have hope because I know the One who is hope.
Some of the lyrics:
To you, O Lord, I lift my soul
In you, O God, I place my trust
Do not let me be put to shame
Nor let my enemies triumph over me
My hope is you
Show me your ways
Guide me in Truth
In all my days
My hope is you
Cry Out to Jesus
Why this is one of my favorites:
No one is safe from trials, tribulations, suffering and pain. We go through so many struggles and some of us seem to go through more than others. These hardships can include anything from losing a job to losing a child. And it's in those moments of our darkest hour, when we are in despair we can simply "cry out to Jesus" and know that He hears our cry. We know He will be the calm in the midst of our storm. And He will bring us comfort when we least expect it. It's such a marvelous thing to know He will always be there, just as He promised.
Some of the lyrics:
To everyone who's lost someone they love
Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye
There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus
Saved
Why this is one of my favorites:
It may surprise you to know that this song was written by Bob Dylan after a "born again experience" that he had. I'm not sure where is now with his faith but at one time he was really seeking and searching God. This song epitomizes that experience when you first come to know Jesus or when you find Him again. It's a song that celebrates all that Jesus did for us when He died on the cross.
Some of the lyrics:
I was blinded by the devil, born already ruined
Stone-cold dead as I stepped out of the womb
By His grace I have been touched
By His word I have been healed
By His hand I've been delivered
By His spirit I've been sealed
Now I've been saved by the blood of the Lamb
And I'm so glad, Yes, I'm so glad
Call My Name
Why it's one of my favorites
God loves me. He always has and He always will. No matter how much I mess up and no matter how much guilt I have, He will never condemn me. Instead, He is there to wrap His loving arms around me no matter how I feel, no matter what I've done. He does not want me to ever doubt His love for me.
Some of the lyrics:
It's been so long since you felt like you were loved
So what went wrong
But do you know there's a place where you belong
Here in my arms
Call my name, say it now
I want you to never doubt
The love I have for you is so alive
Your Love Oh Lord
Why it's one of my favorites
One thing I like about Third Day and Christian music in general is that in their songwriting, they are influenced by words in the Bible. This song is taken from Psalm 36 and is a song of worship. It's set to such beautiful music and when I hear it, my eyes well up with tears as I remember God's faithfulness and all that He has done for me.
Some of the lyrics:
Your love, oh Lord
Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness stretches to the sky
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains
Your justice flows like the ocean's tide
I will lift my voice
To worship You, my King
I will find my strength
In the shadow of your wings
Slow Down
Why it's one of my favorites:
In this fast-paced world, it's easy to get off track and allow the things of the world to distract us from the path God wants for us. We need to have accountability to others and to have people around us who can let us know when we may be getting off track. This song is a good reminder of that, plus it is just a good rock song (complete with background vocals by Chris Daughtry).
Some of the lyrics:
Tell me to slow down
If you think that the road that I'm on is going nowhere
Tell me to slow down
If you know that I'm going too fast for my own good
Tell me to slow down
If the way is leading to a dead end
Tell me to slow down
Turn around, let me change the way I'm going
- Jammin with Jesus Bumper Sticker from Zazzle.com
Do you rock out or worship while you're driving and listening to your favorite Christian music? This bumper sticker is a great way to let everyone around you know that you're Jammin' with Jesus!
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Music is such a window to the soul and such a way to express some of those deepest things that live in us. When the music gives glory to God, as does this music..it is even better..and even healing, I believe. thanks for sharing
CS
This group is a favorite of many of the youth in our church. Great review.
I have never heard of them but thank you for intoducing me to that band and their music.
Thank you for in intro to this group and their music. Oddly to me they sound sort of like a country western band instead of rock, but as a music lover,I still enjoy the music.
Brother Dave.
Cari, I have loved Third Day since they started. They have stayed one of my favorite Christian bands. I like Casting Crowns really well also. There are a lot of good bands now and I feel really good when listening to Christian praise music. Thanks for a great hub.
Awesome list. One of my favorites is You Are Beautiful and another is Consuming Fire. Of course as you stated, it is hard to nail down only 10.
I am in a band and we do a lot of Third Day songs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-6YpZYmDFk is a video I made with one of the songs mentioned in your hub. We recorded it during a practice session and it isn't perfect but still pretty good.
I am the bass player Cari. The lead singer is Jason Smith. He wrote the song below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5jJ15zsj3o
His dad has written many songs over the years also.
First time I've heard of them and will definitely be checking them out. They have such beautiful lyrics.
Slow down is lovely - seems like a prayer asking for direction/guidance.
Thanks and Best Wishes.
Omg Third Day is one of my favorite christian bands since I started listening, I have to say Casting Crowns is my number one. My 2nd is Third Day I love "Revelation" that song is awsome, great hub and God Bless:) ge
Hey Cari Jean, You are a true Christian Rocker at heart. While everyone younger than us is getting caught up in the new sounds (Hip Hop,Rap,or alternative) you appreciate the gutsy genre of all time- Rock. I grew up in the 70's listening to Grand Funk, Jethro Tull and Deep Purple.
Christian Rock is definitely a better choice and Third Day does it well!
Wonderful! You have motivated me to go to YouTube and look up some more of their music. Thank you ... I love the sincerity and heart in their music, all to glorify the LORD. Take care!
Third Day is the best 4 ever...
We can just say "We love you!"
But missing Brad :'(
Such a great guitar player!
Mark is a great guitar player too ;)
























swosugrad09 23 months ago
I really like Show me Your Glory too. Third Day is just amazing! Their songs have such genuine passion and clearly demonstrate their love for the Lord. Nice hub!