Clear the Stage

One of my latest favorites is this thought-provoking song called “Clear the Stage.”

Though it’s originally performed by Jimmy Needham, I love the version that’s been rendered carefully, thoughtfully, and beautifully by the Rasmussen Family.

They modified the arrangement as well as some of the original lyrics, making their version more personal and even fit for struggling believers like you and me.

The song is available on Spotify. You can play it from this embedded music player while going through the lyrics I’ve typed in just below.

“Clear the Stage” | Version by the Rasmussen Family under the album, My Soul Restored

Clear the Stage Lyrics

[based on the version of the Rasmussen Family]

Clear the stage, set the sound and lights ablaze
If that's the measure that it takes to crush the idols.
Jerk the pews and all the decorations, too
Until the congregation's few and has revival.

Tell your friends that this is where the party ends
Until you're broken for your sin, you can't be social.
Then seek the Lord and wait for what He has in store
And know that great is your reward, so just be hopeful.

'Cause you can sing all you want to
You can sing all you want to
You can sing all you want to
And still get it wrong—
Worship is more than a song...

Take a break from all the plans that you have made
And sit alone at home and wait for God to whisper.
Beg Him please to open up His mouth and speak
And pray for real upon your knees until they blister.

Shine the light on every corner of your life
Until the pride and lust and lies are in the open.
Then read the Word and put to test the things you've heard
Until your heart and soul are stirred and rocked and broken  

 'Cause anything I put before my God is an idol
 And anything I love with all my heart is an idol
 And anything I can't stop thinking of is an idol
 Anything that I give all my love is an idol .

[Transition to Personal Prayer]

I'll take a break from all the plans that I have made
I'll sit alone at home and wait for You to whisper.
I'm begging please, Lord, open up Your mouth and speak
I'll pray for real upon my knees until they blister.

Please shine Your light on every corner of my life
Until my pride and lust and lies are in the open.
I'll read Your Word and put to test the things I've heard
Until my heart and soul are stirred and rocked and broken.

Oh, I could sing all I want to
And still get it wrong—
Worship is more than a song...  

Clear the Stage Lyric Video

Did the song lyrics also touch you? It’s truly a thought-provoking song—just like the song, “Where Is Jesus?”

Here’s a lyric video of the “Clear the Stage,” prepared by Mark Rasmussen himself.

What do you think of the “Clear the Stage” lyrics? How about the version of the Rasmussen Family?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.