Because He Lives

Grade Level 2

Year: 2001

Type: Rock/Pop

Composer: Robert Redhead

Program Notes:

Written by Bill and Gloria Gaither over three decades ago, this song has become a standard favorite around the world.  Bill Gaither recalls the circumstances of its writing: 

“At the end of the 1960s, our country was going through some great turmoil with the height of the drug culture, the “God is dead” theory, and the peak of the Vietnam War.  During that time, our son was born.  I can remember at the time we thought, “This is really a poor time to bring a child into the world.”  At times, we were even quite discouraged by the whole thing.  This was our first son, and that lyric came to us,

How sweet to hold our new-born baby

And feel the pride and joy he gives,

But better still the calm assurance

That this child can face uncertain days because Christ lives.

It gave us courage to say, “Because Christ lives, we can face tomorrow” and keep our heads high.”

American Instrumental Ensemble Series (AIES/ABES)