Well, I was lost inside confusion and a nightmare of a dream,
I did not know which god to turn to or if it were up to me,
Until some simple words were spoken that I gratefully received,
And just one prayer sprang up within me and I started whispering,
I need Jesus.
Oh, I need Jesus.
I need Jesus.
Oh, I need Jesus.
But soon I found that sweet salvation just uncovered all my need.
That sin and me, like blood and ink, were all mixed up inseparably,
And that it's not my deeds or branches but the roots of my whole tree,
That are so rotten full of hatred, that for me to merely breath,
I need Jesus.
Oh, I need Jesus.
I need Jesus.
Oh, I need Jesus.
See, I had thought, one day, more holy or mature that I would be,
That I'd lead others on to righteousness and teach the blind to see.
Instead, I've found each day I'm frightened just how evil I can be,
And now I feel the most at home with all the perverts and unclean 'cause
I need Jesus.
Oh, I need Jesus.
I need Jesus.
Oh, I need Jesus.
I keep on looking for some reason I should raise my self-esteem,
'Cause all my gifts and all my efforts must sure add up to something,
But then again, again with tears of joy, I'm brought down to my knees,
Here at the foot of him who died for me I'm stripped of everything and,
I need Jesus.
Oh, I need Jesus.
I need Jesus.
Oh, I need Jesus.
Now I say, "Glory! Hallelujah!", I'm so glad to be redeemed!
To be so desperate for Jesus and so gloriously weak,
I do not ever want to stray from the Community of Need,
O may I never leave dependence or forsake my Food and Drink,
I need Jesus.
Oh, I need Jesus.
I need Jesus.
Oh, I need Jesus.