If perfect was a race with a finish line
I?d be in last place every single time
Anyone who knows me, knows it?s no surprise
I need Jesus
My strong?s never been quite strong enough
My past ain?t ever been quite gone enough
My prone to wander yeah it always likes to trip me up
Aye, I need Jesus
But ain?t no weakness
In being weak
Ain?t no secret
What I need
I need mercy
I need grace
I need a second chance
Every second of the day
I need a Savior who calls me redeemed
There ain?t nothing in this world that my heart needs
Like I need Jesus
Like I need Jesus
The enemy never seems to wanna let me go
Says you got what it takes to make it on your own
But I?ve been there and I came back just to let you know
I need Jesus
Ain?t no weakness
In being weak
Ain?t no secret
What this sinner needs
I need mercy
I need grace
I need a second chance every second of the day
I need a Savior who calls me redeemed
There ain?t nothing in this world that my heart needs
Like I need Jesus
Oh, I need Jesus
Like The woman at the well (I need Jesus)
Like David when he fell (I need Jesus)
Like Jonah when he ran (I need Jesus)
Like Daniel in the den (I need Jesus)
Like Peter on the water (I need Jesus)
Like Thomas the doubter (I need Jesus)
Like all your sons and daughters (I need Jesus)
Every minute of every hour (I need Jesus)
I need mercy
I need grace
I need a second chance every second of the day
I need a savior who calls me redeemed
There ain?t nothing in this world that my heart needs
Like I need Jesus
I need Jesus (I can?t make it without You Lord) I need Jesus
Lyrics Page
I Need Jesus
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Aug 5, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Matthew West's song "I Need Jesus" is a heartfelt confession of human weakness and the constant need for a Savior. The lyrics acknowledge personal failures and the inability to be perfect, while celebrating the strength found in admitting dependence on Christ. West references biblical figures like the woman at the well, David, Jonah, Daniel, Peter, and Thomas to illustrate that even the faithful stumble and need grace. The song emphasizes the necessity of mercy, grace, and redemption, declaring that nothing in the world compares to the need for Jesus. It's an honest and encouraging anthem for anyone who feels inadequate, reminding listeners that weakness is not a flaw but an opportunity to rely on God's strength.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team