Washed Away

Michael W. Smith's song 'Washed Away' delves deeply into themes of guilt, redemption, and divine mercy. The opening lines, 'Guilty, I'm guilty / It was all that I could say,' immediately set a tone of confession and acknowledgment of one's sins. This admission of guilt is met with a powerful response of mercy, described as crashing in 'like the waves.' The imagery of waves suggests an overwhelming and cleansing force, symbolizing the transformative power of divine forgiveness.

The chorus reinforces this theme of redemption, with the repeated phrase 'washed away' emphasizing the complete removal of sin. The lyrics, 'You took them all, there's not a trace / I stand here free, with every stain / Forever washed away,' highlight the totality of this cleansing process. The use of the word 'forever' suggests a permanent state of grace, free from the burden of past transgressions. This idea is further supported by the imagery of being 'whiter than the snow,' a common biblical metaphor for purity and renewal.

The song also makes a direct reference to the Christian sacrament of communion with the lines, 'Your blood, Your blood / Covers me I'm whole.' This alludes to the belief in the redemptive power of Jesus' sacrifice, a central tenet of Christian faith. The concluding lines, 'Oh precious is the flow / That makes me white as snow / No other fount I know / Nothing but the blood of Jesus,' reiterate the exclusivity and sufficiency of this divine grace. The repetition of 'nothing but the blood of Jesus' underscores the belief that true redemption and purification can only be achieved through faith in Christ.

'Washed Away' is a powerful testament to the themes of guilt, redemption, and divine mercy, encapsulating the essence of Christian faith in a deeply personal and evocative manner.