Lyrics Page
Magic Words
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Aug 11, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Petra's 'Magic Words' challenges the use of empty religious phrases and the pressure to say the right things to fit in. The song encourages authenticity over performance, emphasizing that true faith is shown through actions and genuine relationship with Jesus, not just words. It critiques the tendency to hide behind clichés and calls for a deeper connection based on spirit and truth. The lyrics reflect a desire for honest community and a warning against superficiality in Christian expression.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
Say the magic words
I won't say the magic words to please you
'Cause you might decide to judge me
By what I say to you and not what I do
Hide behind my words
I won't hide behind my words carefully
Cause I'd rather let you see me
For what I am and not what you hope that I'll be
"I want you to be free,"
Jesus said that to me
Why should things that we say
Have to get in the way
Say the proper words
I won't say the proper words to belong
But I'll speak and then I'll listen
And let Jesus make the tie strong
Play the proper words
I won't play the proper words like a game
Cause we'd better have in common
A lot more than words to call the body our name
Why can't we deal in spirit
Not empty words and phrases
That we've learned to recognize
But barely understand
Designed to reassure us
That if words are in their places
Than our hearts must be there too
We really must understand
Whoa!
That's not the way it should be
Say the magic words
Say the magic words
Don't say the magic words
Please don't say the magic words
Please don't
Please don't say the magic words
Say the magic words
Say the magic words