Song Information

“He’s Alive” is a gospel song written by Don Francisco in 1980. Originally performed and recorded by Francisco himself, the track quickly became a cornerstone of contemporary Christian music. The song gained renewed attention when Dolly Parton performed her own powerful version at the 1999 Country Music Association Awards, a performance that moved audiences worldwide. Dolly later included “He’s Alive” on her 1999 gospel album Testify and has performed it at several live events, especially around Easter. Her rendition is notable for its emotional storytelling and the way she brings the biblical narrative to life with both sincerity and vocal power.


Song Content

“He’s Alive” is told from the perspective of the Apostle Peter after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The lyrics take listeners through Peter’s feelings of guilt, fear, and loss after denying Christ three times, as foretold. In the verses, he reflects on the darkness and despair that followed Jesus’ death, capturing the weight of hopelessness.

The narrative shifts dramatically when Peter hears from the women that the tomb is empty. His doubt turns into desperate curiosity, leading him to run to the burial site. There, instead of finding a body, he is overwhelmed with the realization that Christ has risen from the dead. The chorus bursts with triumph as Peter declares with conviction, “He’s alive, and I’m forgiven; Heaven’s gates are open wide.”

Dolly Parton’s version builds from a tender, almost trembling opening to a soaring climax, mirroring Peter’s emotional journey—from shame and sorrow to uncontainable joy. It’s more than a retelling of the resurrection—it’s an invitation for the listener to feel the miracle personally.


Explanation of the Intriguing Point

The most compelling aspect of “He’s Alive” lies in its deeply human portrayal of a biblical event often told in a purely reverent tone. Instead of focusing solely on the grandeur of the resurrection, the song zeroes in on Peter’s vulnerability—his guilt for betraying Jesus, his fear of persecution, and his struggle to believe again.

This perspective is rare in gospel storytelling because it allows the audience to identify with Peter’s human flaws before leading them into the hope of redemption. The “moment of truth” is not just Christ’s resurrection—it is Peter’s realization that despite his denial, he is still forgiven.

Dolly Parton’s delivery enhances this moment. Her voice trembles during the confessional verses, making the listener feel the weight of Peter’s regret. When the music swells into the victorious chorus, it feels like an emotional breakthrough, almost as if Dolly herself is discovering the empty tomb for the first time.

This intimate connection between the artist, the character, and the listener turns “He’s Alive” from a simple gospel song into a deeply personal testimony. It’s this emotional arc—from brokenness to renewal—that makes the performance unforgettable.


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Lyrics

The gates and doors were barredAnd all the windows fastened downI spent the night in sleeplessnessAnd rose at every sound
Half in hopeless sorrowAnd half in fear the dayWould find the soldiers breakin’ throughTo drag us all away
And just before the sunriseI heard something at the wallThe gate began to rattleAnd a voice began to call
I hurried to the windowLooked down into the streetExpecting swords and torchesAnd the sound of soldiers’ feet
But there was no one there but MarySo I went down to let her inJohn stood there beside meAs she told me where she’d been
She said they’ve moved him in the nightAnd none of us knows whereThe stone’s been rolled awayAnd now his body isn’t there
So we both ran towards the gardenThen John ran on aheadWe found the stone and empty tombJust the way that Mary said
But the winding sheet, they wrapped him inWas just an empty shellAnd how or where they’d taken himWas more than I could tell
Oh, something strange had happened thereJust what I did not knowJohn believed a miracleBut I just turned to go
Circumstance and speculationCouldn’t lift me very high‘Cause I’d seen them crucify himThen I saw him die
Back inside the house againThe guilt and anguish cameEverything I’d promised himJust added to my shame
When at last it came to choicesI denied I knew his nameAnd even if he was aliveIt wouldn’t be the same
But suddenly the air was filledWith a strange and sweet perfumeLight that came from everywhereDrove shadows from the room
And Jesus stood before meWith his arms held open wideAnd I fell down on my kneesAnd I just clung to him and cried
Then he raised me to my feetAnd as I looked into his eyesThe love was shining out from himLike sunlight from the skies
Guilt in my confusionDisappeared in sweet releaseAnd every fear I’d ever hadJust melted into peace
He’s alive, yes he’s aliveYes, he’s alive and I’m forgivenHeaven’s gates are open wide
He’s alive (he’s alive), yes he’s alive (he’s alive)Oh, he’s alive and I’m forgivenHeaven’s gates are open wide
He’s alive, he’s aliveHallelujah, he’s aliveHe’s alive and I’m forgivenHeaven’s gates are open wide
He’s alive (he’s alive), he’s alive (he’s alive)He’s aliveI believe it, he’s aliveSweet Jesus