Lyrics Page
Screen Door
508 views
Aug 26, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Rich Mullins' 'Screen Door' is a folk-rock song that challenges listeners to live out their faith through actions, not just words. The lyrics use the vivid metaphor of a screen door on a submarine to illustrate the uselessness of faith without works. Mullins emphasizes that genuine faith, which comes from God, must be active and practical, comparing it to a song that must be sung. He warns against mere pretense and encourages believers to take real steps of obedience, even risky ones, to demonstrate their trust in God. The song is a straightforward call to authentic Christian living, rooted in the biblical idea that faith and works go hand in hand.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
It's about as useless as a screen door on a submarine
Faith without works baby
It just ain't happenin'
One is your left hand one is your right
It'll take two strong arms to hold on tight
Some folks cut off their nose just to spite their face
I think you need some works to show for your alleged faith
Well there's a difference you know
'Tween having faith and playing make believe
One will make you grow the other one just make you sleep
Talk about it
But I really think you oughtta take a leap off of the ship
Before you claim to walk on water
Faith without works is like a song you can't sing
It's about as useless as a screen door on a submarine
Faith comes from God and every word that He breathes
He lets you take it to your heart so you can give it hands and feet
It's gotta be active if it's gonna be alive
You gotta put it into practice
Otherwise
It's about as useless as a screen door on a submarine
Faith without works baby it just ain't happenin'
One is your right hand one is your left
It's your light your guide your life and your breath
Faith without works is like a song you can't sing
It's about as useless as a screen door on a submarine