I’ve been anxiously awaiting the release of the new album from Jason Gray, Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue, which hit shelves September 1, 2009. Gray’s previous project, All The Lovely Losers, dealt with brokenness and now he takes the subject a step further, dealing with brokenness that begins with confession.

Jason’s story of redemption begins as a child who suffered from chronic stuttering, yet despite this handicap he eventually discovered his calling as a singer. Fueled with a passion to serve God, Jason knows firsthand that his weaknesses are nothing to hide. In fact, because of our weaknesses, God’s grace and strength are perfectly revealed. His first single, “For The First Time Again,” is my favorite song on the album and just like “Blessed Be” and “Grace” from Jason’s last album, you won’t be disappointed with the melodic style of the song.

I had the great opportunity to interview Jason about "For The First Time Again." You can listen to the entire interview here.

Please tell me about the inspiration behind the album title Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue.

The inspiration for the title songs came from a quote from "The Lord Of The Rings" and the beauty and truth of the words captured my imagination. I worked on the songs for over a year and the title songs (there are 2 versions) are melancholy songs that list several examples of earthly tragic events and sin areas that we all struggle with including “every father helpless and angry, every mother with her heart on the shelf, every daughter whose innocence was stolen, every son who couldn’t help himself.” Each verse ends with the question: “Could it be that everything sad is coming untrue?” I am moved by the Gospel message in that quote. Nothing is beyond God’s reach.

Regarding "For The First Time Again," what's the main message of the song?
“For The First Time Again” explores the excitement of when we first accepted Christ and how we lose that enthrallment when burdened down by our life experiences and tight regulations within the church. The song was written because I watched kids respond to an altar call, and I wanted to experience my first love and the excitement of what it was like to fall in love with Jesus for the very first time, to be born again.

What verses did you use in writing the song?
Lamentations 3:22-24:

Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
24 “ The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,

“ Therefore I hope in Him!” (NKJV)

Lyrics to the song:

I’m tired of the sound of my own voice
And I’m weary of adding to the noise
And I’m fearful of missing the point of it all

I remember the way it used to be
The way this love felt like the first day of spring
And I want this back more than anything in the world

It’s as cold as winter in my veins
And I long to feel the summer rain
Can you take me back to where it all began?

Jesus I come, come to you again
Just like it was the first time
I came to you for new life
I need you now, as much as I did then
I need a new beginning
So Jesus I am coming
For the first time again

I’m jaded from all that I have seen
I’m bitter, but I don’t want to be
I’m believing, can you help my unbelief?

Sometimes I think I know too much
But even then it’s not enough
Can you take me back so I can move ahead?

Chorus

take me deep inside the grace that forgets
Instead of down the well worn path of my regrets
I’m older than I’ve ever been
Can you take me back and make me new again?

Cause I need you now, as much as I did then…

Chorus

The bridge of this great song is the cry of my heart, “take me deep inside the grace that forgets... I’m older than I’ve ever been, can you take me back and make me new again?”

I was saved 10 years ago next month, and I don’t ever want my faith to grow cool or “lukewarm” as Jesus warns the church of Laodicea in Revelation. Instead, like Jason, I want to experience my first love and the excitement of what it was like to fall in love with Jesus for the very first time, to be born again.

You can listen to the song here.