Lyrics Page
The First Time
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Aug 20, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
MercyMe's song "The First Time" reflects on the endless discovery of God's grace and mercy. The lyrics express how human understanding of God is limited, comparing Him to an ocean and us to the shoreline. The singer admits that even after searching and reaching, nothing we do earns His love. Each new experience of His mercy feels fresh, like the first time. The song celebrates God's beauty, majesty, and healing love, emphasizing that His grace is always new and overwhelming. It's a worshipful reminder that God's love is beyond comprehension and continually renews our faith.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
Day after day
I try to explain You
Like I can contain You in so many words
You are the ocean
And I'm on the shoreline
Thinking I know You like You could be learned
It's so amazing that You'd ever save me
I thought I knew Your face
I thought I tasted grace
But I had never felt anything close to this
Just when I'd seen it all
New mercy breaks the dawn
With my eyes open wide
It feels like the first time, first time
It feels like the first time, first time
After all of my searching
All of my reaching
I'm left with nothing
Nothing of worth
You treasure the broken
Over and over
Give me a hope that could never be earned
It's still amazing that You'd ever save me
I thought I knew Your face
I thought I tasted grace
But I had never felt anything close to this
Just when I'd seen it all
New mercy breaks the dawn
With my eyes open wide
It feels like the first time, first time
It feels like the first time, first time
Your beauty no eye has seen
Your majesty overwhelming
Your love for me is healing oh God
I thought I knew Your face
I thought I tasted grace
But it was nothing like this
Just when I'd seen it all
New mercy breaks the dawn
With my eyes open wide
I feel alive for the first time, first time
Just like the first time, first time
I can see for the first time, first time
Feels just like the first time