Lyrics Page
Dying To Live
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Aug 21, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Steven Curtis Chapman's song 'Dying to Live' explores the Christian paradox of finding true life by surrendering one's own desires. The lyrics acknowledge the ongoing struggle with sin even after conversion, describing a daily choice to die to self in order to live for Jesus. Chapman contrasts temporary earthly pursuits with eternal treasures, emphasizing that giving up what cannot be kept leads to gaining what cannot be lost. The chorus repeats the central theme of dying to live for Jesus, presenting surrender as the path to genuine life.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
Another case of I wish I wouldn't have;
Another promise not to let Him down again.
Fighting battles in a war I thought was over;
The old man of sin died a long time ago,
But left behind a sinful nature deep within,
So if I want to win this fight,
There's a part of me that must die,
But I'm not gonna cry.
[Chorus]
'Cause I'm dying to live,
Live for Jesus.
Dying to give myself to Him,
And the life that He gives will be mine
If I am dying to live.
Dying to live,
Live for Jesus.
I want to give myself to Him;
Gonna give up - from now on I'm dying to live.
Giving up what I can't keep anyway,
To gain something that I know I'll never lose,
Trading in the temporary for the eternal,
And though it's settled, I'm reminded everyday;
To live or die to self - it's up to me to choose,
So if I want to win the fight there's a part of me
That must die.
Well I've said my goodbyes.
[Chorus]