Lyrics Page
I Hope You Dance
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Aug 15, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Song Meaning
Mandisa's rendition of "I Hope You Dance" is an uplifting pop song that encourages listeners to embrace life with wonder, courage, and faith. The lyrics urge people to take risks, keep their sense of awe, and never settle for a passive existence. It emphasizes giving faith a chance and choosing to engage fully in life rather than holding back. The song's message is broadly inspirational and resonates with Christian themes of trusting God and living boldly, though it does not explicitly mention Jesus or Scripture. Mandisa's version brings a soulful, gospel-infused energy to the familiar anthem, making it a heartfelt call to live with purpose and hope.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin'
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin'
Don't let some careless heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin' out reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along
Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder where those years have gone)
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance, dance, dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along
Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder where those years have gone)