Lyrics Page
On The Banks
534 views
Aug 23, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Chris Renzema's "On The Banks" is a reflective worship song that draws on imagery from the Israelites' journey and baptism in the Jordan River. The lyrics speak of passing through wilderness and night, laying down old life, and finding redemption and rest in God. The repeated chorus emphasizes water as the way to redemption and blood as the power that breaks shackles and ends battles. The song incorporates the traditional spiritual "Wade in the Water," reinforcing themes of cleansing and God's transformative work. It's a meditative piece about surrender, renewal, and trust in God's saving power.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
We've been through the wild, through desert and hollow
We've been through the night lead by pillars of flame
We've stood on the banks of that wide Jordan River
And heard, "Come all believers, come wash, come be clean"
'Cause Your water's the way
To my redemption
Into Your Kingdom
Your heart, God Most High
And Your blood is the power
That breaks off my shackles
Ends all my battles
I find rest in You, Most High
We've laid down our nets, left our mothers, our fathers
Spoke in tongues of angels beneath tongues aflame
Baptized on the banks of that wide Jordan River
Where You've called all believers, "Come wash and be clean"
'Cause Your water's the way
To my redemption
Into Your Kingdom
Your heart, God Most High
And Your blood is the power
That breaks off my shackles
Ends all my battles
I find rest in You, Most High
Wade in the water
Wade in the water
Children, wade in the water
'Cause God's gonna trouble the water
Wade in the water
Wade in the water
Children, wade in the water
'Cause God's gonna trouble the water
Wade in the water
Wade in the water
Children, wade in the water
'Cause God's gonna trouble the water
Your water's the way
To my redemption
Into Your Kingdom
Your heart, God Most High
And Your blood is the power
That breaks off my shackles
Ends all my battles
I find rest in You, Most High