[Verse 1]
We're passengers aboard the train
Silent little lambs amidst the pain
That's no longer good enough
And when it's time to speak our faith
We use a language no one can explain
That's no longer good enough
[Pre-Chorus]
And God knows it's a shame
'Cause if we look to pass the blame
We are not the worthy bearers of his name
[Chorus]
For the world to know the truth
There can be no greater proof
Than to live the life, live the life
There's no love that's quite as pure
There's no pain we can't endure
If we live the life, live the life
Be a light for all to see
For every act of love will set you free
[Verse 2]
There's something beutiful and bold
The power of a million human souls
Come together as one
And each, in turn, goes out to lead
Another by his word, his love, his deed
Now the circle is done
[Outro]
It all comes back to one
For it is He and He alone
Who has lived the only perfect life we've known
Live The Life
Song Meaning
Michael W. Smith opens "Live The Life" with an image of passivity rather than rebellion — "we're passengers aboard the train, silent little lambs amidst the pain, that's no longer good enough" — treating quiet non-involvement, not open opposition, as the actual problem being addressed.
"When it's time to speak our faith, we use a language no one can explain" extends that same critique to unclear speech, and "if we look to pass the blame, we are not the worthy bearers of His name" ties credibility directly to accountability. The chorus answers both failures with one plain alternative: "for the world to know the truth, there can be no greater proof than to live the life."
"There's no love that's quite as pure, there's no pain we can't endure if we live the life" pairs the song's two costs, love and endurance, as inseparable from each other. "The power of a million human souls come together as one" scales the idea outward before the closing line pulls it back to a single reference point: "it is He and He alone who has lived the only perfect life we've known."