Song Meaning

The lyrics present a stark, urgent choice, framed around the central question: "What shall I do with Jesus?" This isn't a passive inquiry; it's a direct challenge to the listener, demanding a decision with profound consequences. The immediate emotional texture is one of high stakes and personal accountability, pushing the listener into the role of an active participant in a timeless dilemma. The core tension lies in the contrast between the listener's agency and the ultimate power of Jesus. The narrator repeatedly deflects the initial question by posing another: "What will He do with me?" This suggests a deep-seated uncertainty about the outcome, even while acknowledging the gravity of the decision. The lyrics imply that the choice isn't just about accepting or rejecting Jesus, but about how that choice will define one's own fate. The most striking craft element is the dramatic framing of the situation as a trial. The narrator declares, "You are the judge and the jury," positioning the listener as the ultimate arbiter in a cosmic court. This is amplified by the introduction of opposing counsel: "Satan's the lawyer for sin," while "Christ is on trial before you." This theatrical setup makes the abstract concept of salvation intensely personal and immediate. This lyrical approach is effective because it bypasses theological debate and focuses on the raw, human experience of decision-making. By casting the listener as judge and jury, the lyrics create a sense of immense responsibility. The repeated refrain acts as a persistent drumbeat, ensuring the listener cannot escape the weight of the question and the implied "awful cost" of a wrong answer.