The lyrics to songwriter Matthew West’s hit song “Unashamed” are directly inspired by Bible stories of believers who are unashamed in their faith, and Matthew West references their stories in the verses of this song.
He sings about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3, who refused to worship a false god, despite being thrown into a fiery furnace. Because of their faithfulness, God rescued them from the fire and spared their lives, demonstrating to everyone who witnessed this miracle that God is the true God.
He also sings about the story of Daniel in Daniel 6, where his enemies targeted him for his faith in God. They deceived the king into issuing a decree that no one could pray to anyone but him for three days, or face being thrown into a den of lions. Naturally, as a devoted follower of God, Daniel refused to stop praying, continued to pray daily, and accepted the consequences of being cast into the lion’s den. God protected Daniel from the lions and spared his life, which even became a testimony to the king that Daniel’s God, the God of Israel, is the true and living God.
Reflecting on these stories, the lyrics of “Unashamed” prompt us with a thought-provoking question: “What will be said about me?”
The lesson? Sometimes we must stand for our beliefs and be bold about our faith in Jesus, even when facing awkwardness, pressure, and opposition. Being bold in your faith takes courage, but God can provide that courage, and your courage can make a difference in the lives of others. Who knows how God might bring about powerful testimonies of His goodness in your life or use you to introduce others to Jesus because you lived out your faith unapologetically? That’s what He did for Daniel and his friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and He can do the same for you.
Romans 1:16 (NLT): “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.”
Lyrics
[Verse 1] Three brothers in a fire Willing to die for their faith But you were with them in the fire And they walked out the next day And Daniel met a lion Because he chose to pray But you shut the mouth of that lion And he walked out the next day
[Pre-Chorus] So what’s gonna be said of me when it’s all said and done? Will I stand for my beliefs, or will I turn around and run? Well, let the whole world hear me say
[Chorus] I’m unashamed Of the gospel of Jesus Christ And the truth that changed my life For the name above all names I’m unashamed And I will live my faith out loud Take a stand and stand my ground For the One who took my shame I’m unashamed
[Verse 2] I don’t answer to the crowd I answer to a king So the louder they shout Oh, the louder I sing, yeah
[Pre-Chorus] So what’s gonna be said of me when it’s all said and done? Will I stand for my beliefs, or will I turn around and run? Well, let the whole world hear me say
[Chorus] I’m unashamed Of the gospel of Jesus Christ And the truth that changed my life For the name above all names I’m unashamed And I will live my faith out loud Take a stand and stand my ground For the One who took my shame I’m unashamed
[Bridge] At the name of Jesus Every knee will bow And every tongue confess So let it start right now Before you come back, Lord Before the rocks cry out I will lift my praise Let it start right now
[Chorus] I’m unashamed Of the gospel of Jesus Christ And the truth that changed my life For the name above all names I’m unashamed, yeah And I will live my faith out loud Take a stand and stand my ground For the One who took my shame I’m unashamed (I’m unashamed) Oh, I’m unashamed (I’m unashamed) I want the world to hear me say I’m unashamed (I’m unashamed) Oh, I’m unashamed For the One who took my shame I’m unashamed
[Outro] Lord, I will stand for you I tell the world about you I’m unashamed
Jasmin Patterson is a lifelong Christian music fan passionate about helping others connect with Christ. Serves in college ministry and loves to write for seekers and believers, helping them discover and live biblical Christianity.
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