Lyrics Page
Ten Simple Rules
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Sep 14, 2026 updated
10 album
Verified editorial review
Song Meaning
MercyMe frames this song almost like a children's lesson before it becomes anything more — "here's a little tune you'll be happy to know," something small enough to "keep close to you wherever you may go." The simplicity is the point, not a limitation.
Rather than paraphrase or update the content, the band just recites it: "have no other gods but God... be careful with the way you use God's name... honor your parents, don't take any lives... do not steal or lie." MercyMe trusts the list to carry its own weight instead of dressing it up with commentary.
Those instructions are Exodus 20:1-17's Ten Commandments in miniature, given "to get us through" rather than to burden anyone further, and Jesus promises in John 8:32 that knowing the truth is what actually sets people free — the same freedom MercyMe claims for these ten rules: "if you follow these rules, then they will set you free." The song's whole case is that something this old and this short still holds up.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
Here's a little tune
You'll be happy to know
Keep it close to you
Wherever you may go
God gave us ten simple rules
To get us through
A little something
Just for us to live by
So now hide them in your heart
And you will be fine
[CHORUS:]
And Lord said
Have no other gods but God
To worship idols just won't do
Be careful with the way you use God's name
And keep Sunday special too.
Honor your parents, don't take any lives.
And when you're old enough to marry, be true.
Do not steal or lie
Or want those things that don't belong to you
These are ten simple rules God gave to me and you
Now the good Lord said
You better listen to me
If you follow these rules
Then they will set you free
Because I want you to live
A happy life
And help others
To be happy too
So when things go wrong
These words
Will get you through