A long time ago, Lazarus died
All hope seemed gone as his sisters cried
Jesus walked to where he laid
He called his name and he came out of the grave
Oh death, where is thy sting? Oh grave, where is thy victory?
you thought you had a hold on me but you were wrong, I've been set free
Oh, jesus hung on a rugged cross, he gave His life for a world once lost
He lay three days in a borrowed grave but when He came out I could hear Him say
Oh death, where thy sting? Oh grave, where is thy victory?
You thought you had a hold on me but you were wrong, I've been set free
One day I'll lay this body down, they'll dress me up and put me in the ground
But when Jesus comes in the sky, just listen close and you'll hear me cry
Oh death, where is thy sting? Oh grave, where is thy victory?
You thought you had a hold on me but you were wrong, I've been set free
Oh death, where is thy sting? Oh grave, where is thy victory?
You thought you had a hold on me but you were wrong, I've been set free
Lyrics Page
Oh Death
1,355 views
Jul 15, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Randy Travis's song reflects on the biblical story of Lazarus and the resurrection of Jesus, celebrating victory over death. The lyrics contrast human despair with divine power, as Jesus calls Lazarus from the tomb and later rises Himself. The song declares that death and the grave have no lasting hold, offering hope to believers who will also be raised. It echoes 1 Corinthians 15:55, asking where death's sting and the grave's victory are. The message is one of triumph, freedom, and assurance that through Christ, death is defeated and believers will one day be set free.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team