If you’ve stepped foot in a Catholic or contemporary Christian church during the Easter season lately, you’ve heard it. That driving acoustic guitar. The swell of the chorus. Steve Angrisano’s voice—or at least the local version of it—leading a room through a song that has basically become the "Happy" of the liturgical world. I’m talking about Alleluia Love is Alive lyrics and the way they managed to pivot from a simple 2012 release to a global staple.
It’s catchy. Almost too catchy. But there’s a reason it stuck when thousands of other contemporary hymns just... faded out.
The song was a collaboration. You had Steve Angrisano, Jesse Manibusan, and Sarah Hart. These aren’t just random names; in the world of liturgical music, this is the equivalent of a "supergroup." They wrote it specifically for the Easter season, and honestly, they nailed the brief. It’s meant to be a transition. It takes the heavy, somber "He is dead" vibe of Good Friday and flips the switch to "Wait, the tomb is empty."
What the Alleluia Love is Alive Lyrics Actually Say
People often get the words mixed up with older hymns. They hear "Alleluia" and their brain goes to The Hallelujah Chorus or Leonard Cohen. Don't do that. This is different.
The first verse starts with the "People of God." It’s a call to action. It isn't a passive song. It tells the listener to see the morning sun and realize that the darkness has been "vanquished." That’s a strong word choice for a modern pop-style hymn. Vanquished. It implies a fight that's already over.
"People of God, see the morning is new; rise from your sleeping and run to the tomb."
That line is a direct nod to the Gospel accounts of Peter and John racing to the garden. It’s high energy. It’s fast. If your church band plays this like a funeral dirge, they’re doing it wrong. The tempo needs to reflect the literal running mentioned in the text.
The chorus is where the "Alleluia Love is Alive" lyrics really hit home. It repeats the phrase "Love is alive" three times before hitting the "Alleluia" at the end. It’s a rhythmic hook. It’s designed so a five-year-old and a ninety-five-year-old can both participate without needing a hymnal.
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Why This Specific Song Exploded in Popularity
Music in a religious context usually has a shelf life. Most songs written in the 70s or 80s feel like time capsules. You hear them and you think of polyester and shag carpet. But Angrisano and his team did something smart here. They used a folk-rock structure that feels timeless.
It’s easy to play. That matters. If a song requires a pipe organ and a 50-person choir, most small parishes can't do it. But this? You need one person with a decent strumming arm on a Taylor guitar.
There’s also the theological angle. A lot of modern worship music gets criticized for being "Jesus is my boyfriend" songs—too personal, too emotional, lacking substance. The Alleluia Love is Alive lyrics avoid this by grounding themselves in the Resurrection narrative. It talks about the "stone which the builders rejected." It references the "breaking of the bread." These are solid, traditional pillars of faith wrapped in a package that sounds like it could be on a soft-rock radio station.
Breaking Down Verse Two and Three
The second verse shifts the focus. It moves from the tomb to the "People of God" again, but this time it talks about the "breaking of bread." This is a huge deal for Catholic and Episcopal congregations because it links the song directly to the Eucharist or Communion.
It says: "Know that the Lord is within every heart."
It’s an interior move. Verse one was external (running to the tomb). Verse two is internal (Christ in the heart).
Then you hit verse three. This is usually where the bridge or the final buildup happens. It mentions the "Spirit of God." It talks about being "sent forth." This is missional language. The song isn't just about celebrating a miracle; it's about what you do after you leave the building. You’re supposed to take that "Love is alive" energy out into the parking lot and beyond.
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Common Misconceptions About the Song
I’ve seen people argue about whether this is a "Catholic song" or a "Praise and Worship song."
The truth? It’s both.
It was published by OCP (Oregon Catholic Press), which is the powerhouse of Catholic liturgical music. However, its structure is so similar to what you’d hear from Hillsong or Bethel that it has crossed over. You’ll find it in Methodist songbooks and non-denominational setlists.
Another mistake: people think the song is just for Easter Sunday.
Technically, the "Easter Season" in the liturgical calendar lasts 50 days. It goes all the way to Pentecost. This song gets heavy rotation throughout that entire two-month block. If you’re a church musician, you probably have these chords burned into your retinas by May.
Technical Details for Musicians
If you’re looking up the Alleluia Love is Alive lyrics because you have to play it this Sunday, pay attention to the key. It’s usually played in G major or A major.
- Use a 4/4 time signature.
- The "Alleluia" section at the end of the chorus usually has a bit of a syncopated feel.
- Don't overcomplicate the percussion. A simple cajon or a light drum kit works best.
- If you have a violinist, let them go wild on the bridge; it adds a Celtic flair that really brings out the folk roots of the composers.
The bridge is often skipped in shorter services, but I’d argue it’s the best part. It builds that tension. It’s where the "Love is alive" chant really starts to feel like a heartbeat.
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The Impact of the Lyrics on Modern Worship
We’re living in a weird time for church music. There’s a lot of tension between the "smells and bells" traditionalists and the "rock concert" enthusiasts.
This song is one of the few that bridges the gap.
It doesn't feel out of place in a cathedral, but it also works at a youth camp around a bonfire. The Alleluia Love is Alive lyrics provide a common language. They are simple enough to be remembered but deep enough to be meditated on.
Sarah Hart once mentioned in an interview that songwriting for the church is about "giving people a voice for their prayer." That’s exactly what happened here. People weren't just looking for a catchy tune; they were looking for a way to express the specific joy of the Resurrection without feeling like they were stuck in the 1700s.
How to Use This Song Effectively
If you're planning a service or a spiritual event, don't just throw this in as a "filler" song. It’s a "sending forth" song or an "opening hymn." It sets a tone.
- Start strong. If you’re using it as an opener, make sure the intro is energetic.
- Encourage harmony. The chorus is practically begging for a third-interval harmony.
- Watch the tempo. It’s easy to let this song drag. Keep it moving. It’s a celebration, not a slow dance.
The Alleluia Love is Alive lyrics aren't just words on a screen. They represent a specific shift in how modern believers articulate their faith. It’s less about "I hope this is true" and more about a definitive "This is happening now."
Whether you’re a worship leader trying to master the bridge or a listener wondering why that "Love is alive" line is stuck in your head, the song’s staying power is undeniable. It has survived a decade of changing trends and remains a go-to for the most important season in the Christian calendar.
If you want to dive deeper into the performance of this track, check out the original recordings from the Spirit & Song collection. Listening to the way Hart and Angrisano blend their voices gives you a much better roadmap than just reading the sheet music. Focus on the dynamics—the way the song grows from a single voice into a roar. That's where the magic is.
Next Steps for Worship Leaders and Listeners
- Audit your tempo: Use a metronome to ensure you're hitting at least 110-115 BPM to keep the "running to the tomb" energy alive.
- Study the scriptural roots: Read John 20:1-10 alongside the lyrics to see how the songwriters adapted the biblical narrative into poetry.
- Practice the transition: If you’re leading this, practice the transition from the final "Alleluia" into the next part of your service, as the song ends on a high-energy "open" chord that needs a clean resolution.