Ever had that feeling where you've messed up so badly you're pretty sure you've hit a point of no return? Like, you've exhausted every bit of patience anyone could possibly have for you. Most of us have been there. It’s that heavy, gut-punch realization that you’ve tripped over the same stone for the tenth time.
That’s exactly where the lyrics to God of a Second Chance Hezekiah Walker hits. It doesn't live in the "I'm perfect" space. It lives in the "I'm a wreck, please help" space.
Honestly, the song—officially titled "Second Chance"—is a staple in Black gospel music for a reason. Released back in 1995 on the album By Any Means Necessary, it features the powerhouse vocals of Monique Walker. If you haven't heard her belt out the bridge of this song, you're missing out on a masterclass in raw, spiritual emotion.
The Heart of the Lyrics to God of a Second Chance Hezekiah Walker
The song starts with a plea. It’s not a demand. It’s a quiet, desperate request for a connection.
"Lord I need to feel the touch of Your hand / Your will for my life I want to understand."
The songwriter, David Frazier, didn't use flowery, complex theological jargon here. He went for the jugular of human experience. You want to understand why your life feels like a chaotic loop, and you're asking for directions.
The chorus is the part everyone knows. It’s the part that gets people standing up in the pews or crying in their cars on the way to work.
Lord forgive me like only You can
For You're the God of a second chance
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Simple. Direct.
But here’s what’s interesting about the structure: it moves from "forgive me" to "show me."
Why This Song Hits Different in 2026
We live in a "cancel culture" world. You make one mistake, and the internet tries to delete your entire existence. There’s very little room for growth or redemption in the public square.
Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir (LFC) lean into the opposite. The lyrics suggest that the "second chance" isn't just about escaping punishment. It’s about restoration.
The song says:
Show me—All of my wrongs
Forgive me—And make strong
Oh Save me—Restore my song
That "restore my song" line is huge. It implies that when we mess up, we lose our joy, our voice, our "melody." God doesn't just say "it's fine"; He gives you your music back. That's a deep concept.
Misconceptions About the Song
A lot of people think Hezekiah Walker wrote every song he recorded. He’s a visionary and a legendary choir leader, but David Frazier is the pen behind this specific masterpiece. Frazier is a giant in the gospel industry, and he knew exactly how to capture the "everyman" struggle.
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Another common mistake? Thinking this is just a "sad" song.
Sure, it starts in a place of repentance. But by the time Monique Walker is done with it, the song has shifted into a celebration. It’s a "praise break" waiting to happen. It acknowledges that the second chance has already been given.
The Monique Walker Factor
You can't talk about the lyrics to God of a Second Chance Hezekiah Walker without talking about Monique. Her performance on the Live in New York by Any Means Necessary album is legendary.
There's a specific grit in her voice when she sings "I'm tired of the way that I am." It sounds like she’s actually lived it. It’s not just a performance; it’s a testimony. When she riffs at the end, repeating "You gave me... a second chance," she’s pulling the audience into that same realization.
Basically, the choir provides the foundation, but the lead vocal provides the fire.
Breaking Down the Verse Structure
Let’s look at the second verse. It’s often overlooked because everyone is waiting for the chorus.
Lord I'm tired of the way that I am
In Your love I want to live and stand
To adhere to Your every command
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This is the "turning" point. In theological terms, it’s repentance. It’s the "I’m done with my own BS" moment.
The rhyme scheme is tight—"am," "stand," "command"—which makes it incredibly easy for a congregation to sing along. It’s designed for collective worship. You don’t need a lyric sheet after the first time you hear it.
Impact on the Gospel Genre
Before this era, a lot of choir music was very "call and response" with heavy traditional vibes. Hezekiah Walker brought a "street" sensibility to the church. He was the "Hip-Hop Pastor."
He dressed differently. He brought in secular influences. But the message remained traditional. "Second Chance" bridged that gap. It was a song that a teenager in Brooklyn and a grandmother in Alabama could both feel in their souls.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Playlist
If you’re adding this to your "Sunday Morning" or "Healing" playlist, here’s how to get the most out of it:
- Listen to the Live Version First: The studio versions are fine, but the Live in New York recording has an energy that cannot be replicated. You can hear the crowd. You can hear the atmosphere shift.
- Read the Full Lyrics: Don't just hum the chorus. Look at the transition from "forgiving" to "restoring." It’s a blueprint for personal growth.
- Check out David Frazier's Other Work: If you love the writing style, look up "I Need You to Survive" (also performed by Hezekiah Walker). Frazier has a knack for writing songs that define an era of the church.
- Forgive Yourself: The song isn't just about Divine forgiveness. It's an invitation to stop beating yourself up. If the "God of a second chance" is over it, maybe you should be too.
The reality is that we all need more than just a second chance. We need a third, a fourth, and a hundredth. Hezekiah Walker’s classic reminds us that those chances are available, provided we’re honest enough to ask for them.
Next, you might want to look up the sheet music or chord progressions if you're a musician, as the song uses a classic 2-5-1 progression that's essential for any gospel pianist to master.