“Reckless Love” is one of the most recognized worship songs of its generation. It turned a single idea (God’s love chasing people down no matter how lost they feel) into an anthem sung well beyond church walls.
Asbury’s own path to worship music started in his teenage years, and that grounding shows in the song’s storytelling, which borrows the image of a shepherd leaving the ninety-nine to find the one who wandered off.
That’s why listeners still search for the Reckless Love lyrics today. Below is the story behind the song, the full lyrics, and where it fits in Asbury’s catalog.
About the Song
Here’s a quick look at the key details behind “Reckless Love,” including its release, songwriting credits, production, and place in Cory Asbury’s worship catalog.
|
Detail |
Info |
|---|---|
|
Song |
Reckless Love |
|
Artist |
Cory Asbury |
|
Album |
Reckless Love |
|
Release Date |
October 27, 2017 |
|
Songwriters |
Cory Asbury, Caleb Culver, Ran Jackson |
|
Producer |
Jason Ingram, Paul Mabury |
|
Genre |
Contemporary Christian, worship |
|
Label |
Bethel Music |
|
Length |
5:32 (Official Video) |
|
Billboard Hot Christian Songs Peak |
No. 1 |
|
RIAA Certification |
3× Platinum |
These details show how “Reckless Love” grew from a worship song into one of Cory Asbury’s most recognized recordings, with its message of persistent and unconditional love resonating far beyond its original release.
“Reckless Love” Lyrics by Cory Asbury
Verse 1
Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me
You have been so, so good to me
Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me
You have been so, so kind to me
Chorus
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
Verse 2
When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me
You have been so, so good to me
When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me
You have been so, so kind to me
Chorus
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it; still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
Bridge
There’s no shadow You won’t light up
Mountain You won’t climb up, coming after me
There’s no wall You won’t kick down
Lie You won’t tear down, coming after me
There’s no shadow You won’t light up
Mountain You won’t climb up, coming after me
There’s no wall You won’t kick down
Lie You won’t tear down, coming after me
There’s no shadow You won’t light up
Mountain You won’t climb up, coming after me
There’s no wall You won’t kick down
Lie You won’t tear down, coming after me
There’s no shadow You won’t light up
Mountain You won’t climb up, coming after me
There’s no wall You won’t kick down
Lie You won’t tear down, coming after me
Chorus
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
And I couldn’t earn it, I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
Live Performance and Version of “Reckless Love”
Cory Asbury has performed “Reckless Love” in several styles, each bringing a distinct mood and emotional depth to its message.
“Reckless Love” at Heaven Come Conference 2017
Before singing, Cory Asbury explains the personal story behind “Reckless Love.” His introduction adds emotional weight to the live performance and helps listeners understand the song’s message of pursuing love.
Live At Gaither Studios, Alexandria, IN/2020
In this acoustic rendition, Cory Asbury performs with gentler instrumentation and a more intimate mood. Without the full production of the recorded release, his voice and the words carry the performance, making the song feel reflective, personal, and especially suited to quiet listening or a smaller worship setting at home.
Michael W. Smith – Reckless Love (Live Concert Video)
Michael W. Smith brings his seasoned vocals and worship-leading style to “Reckless Love” in this live concert performance. Backed by a full band and a gathered audience, his rendition gives the song a warm, communal energy while preserving its message of God’s persistent love.
“Reckless Love” Featuring Tori Kelly
Cory Asbury released a version featuring Tori Kelly on January 10, 2020. The collaboration gives the song a different vocal texture while retaining the central arrangement and worship message of the original. Apple Music lists the collaboration as a separate 2020 single released through Bethel Music
Awards and Recognition for “Reckless Love”
“Reckless Love” became one of the most commercially and critically successful songs of Cory Asbury’s career.
At the 49th Annual GMA Dove Awards, the song won Song of the Year and Worship Song of the Year. It was also nominated for the 2019 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song, with Cory Asbury, Caleb Culver, and Ran Jackson credited as the songwriters.
The song spent 18 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart and was named Christian Song of the Year by ASCAP and BMI; it also ranked among Billboard’s top Christian songs of the year/decade.
Asbury’s official website states that the recording has been certified Triple Platinum, while the RIAA database records a certification for the single dated February 9, 2021.
These achievements helped establish “Reckless Love” as more than a successful Christian single. It became one of the defining songs associated with Asbury’s career.
Similar Songs to “Reckless Love”
If you connect with the sound or message of “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury, these four songs offer similar contemporary worship styles and themes of God’s love, grace, and faith.
- Goodness of God: This worship song shares the focus on God’s goodness and faithfulness, making it a natural choice for listeners drawn to the uplifting message of “Reckless Love.”
- How He Loves: “How He Loves” explores the overwhelming nature of God’s love through emotional and personal songwriting, much like Asbury’s worship style.
- No Longer Slaves: With its themes of freedom, faith, and overcoming fear, “No Longer Slaves” offers a similarly powerful worship experience and message of security in God.
- What a Beautiful Name: This song blends an expansive contemporary worship sound with a strong focus on Jesus, making it a good match for fans of the emotional, congregational quality of “Reckless Love.”
Together, these songs offer a similar mix of heartfelt vocals, contemporary worship production, and faith-centered messages. They are great next listens for anyone who connects with the emotional, uplifting qualities of “Reckless Love.”
Similar Artists to Cory Asbury
If you enjoy Cory Asbury’s heartfelt worship style, these five artists offer a similar blend of contemporary Christian music, emotional vocals, and faith-centered songwriting.
|
Artist |
Why They’re Similar |
|---|---|
|
Bethel Music |
Asbury’s connection with Bethel Music makes them a natural comparison; both are known for emotional, contemporary worship music. |
|
Brandon Lake |
His powerful vocals, congregational worship style, and themes of faith and God’s presence appeal to listeners who enjoy Asbury. |
|
Phil Wickham |
Wickham pairs uplifting Christian production with memorable worship melodies that share the expansive feel of Asbury’s music. |
|
Pat Barrett |
His intimate songwriting often focuses on God’s love, grace, and character, making him a strong match for Asbury’s emotional approach. |
|
Cody Carnes |
Carnes blends modern worship production with personal expressions of faith, creating a sound that overlaps with Asbury’s catalog. |
Together, these artists provide a strong starting point for listeners who want more music with the emotional, worship-focused sound and faith-centered themes found in Cory Asbury’s songs.
Conclusion
The lasting appeal of Reckless Love comes from its simple but powerful central message: God’s love continues to pursue people even when they feel distant, lost, or undeserving.
Its biblical imagery gives that message a memorable shape, while its emotional worship arrangement makes it easy for listeners to connect with personally.
For Cory Asbury, the song became a defining moment in his career and helped establish Reckless Love as a major contemporary Christian album.
Its continued presence in worship and Christian music reflects how strongly its message of grace and persistent love has resonated with listeners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Did Cory Asbury Choose the Word “Reckless” for the Song?
The word describes God’s overwhelming, extravagant love, not careless or irresponsible behavior.
Is “Reckless Love” Based on a Bible Verse?
The song draws from several biblical themes, especially Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:3–7, which is echoed in the ‘leaves the ninety-nine’ line.
What Does the Number 99 Represent in “Reckless Love”?
The 99 represent the sheep left safely behind while the shepherd searches for the one that has wandered away.
Was “Reckless Love” Written Specifically for Cory Asbury?
Yes, Cory Asbury co-wrote the song with Caleb Culver and Ran Jackson before recording his own version.
Why is “Reckless Love” Popular in Church Worship?
Its memorable melody, repeated sections, and message of God’s unconditional love make it easy for congregations to sing.
