Listen>https://youtu.be/bfwFH6tQTmQ?si=RR1lqaTlgIrejf5Y
Forgive and Let Live
I’ve carried every bruise like a badge,
held tight to every word that cut too deep,
dragged that weight farther than I should,
learned to loosen my grip
and let the past breathe out.
I’m learning slow,
I’m learning true —
mercy’s not a moment,
it’s a way of moving through the world.
Forgive and let live,
not once, not twice, not thrice
but seventy‑seven glorious times,
how peace and freedom chimes.
I’ve seen a second chance
turn a man back toward the light,
a quiet word of grace
break chains he forged himself
and give him room to rise again.
I’m learning slow,
I’m learning true —
mercy’s not a ledger,
it’s the rhythm of a freed heart.
Forgive and let live,
not once, not twice, not thrice
but seventy‑seven glorious times,
how peace and freedom chimes.
Every time I fall short,
you lift me like it’s the first time.
Every time I turn away,
you call me back without counting the cost.
I see it now —
forgiveness isn’t weakness,
it’s the strongest thing a man can carry.
Forgive and let live,
not once, not twice, not thrice
but seventy‑seven glorious times,
how peace and freedom chimes.
STORY BOARD
SONG OVERVIEW
Written and produced by Tasmanian Songwriter Jason Bresnehan, Forgive and Let Live is a guitar-driven contemporary Christian soft rock song that comfortably passes the Keith Urban radio test. Inspired by Christ's teaching in Matthew 18:22, where Jesus tells Peter to forgive not seven times but seventy-seven times, the song explores forgiveness as a way of living rather than an occasional act.
The lyric moves from carrying old hurts and disappointments to discovering the freedom that comes through mercy. Rather than keeping score, seeking payback or replaying past grievances, the song encourages a different path. Forgiveness becomes a deliberate choice that creates peace, restores relationships and allows people to move forward. The repeated chorus transforms one of Christ's most famous teachings into a practical principle for everyday life.
MUSICAL DIRECTION
Forgive and Let Live carries the uplifting energy, strong melodic hooks and accessible modern sound associated with Keith Urban's more inspirational material. The guitar-driven arrangement supports the lyric without overwhelming it, allowing the message to remain front and centre.
The chorus provides the emotional lift of the song, with the repeated phrase "Forgive and let live" serving as both a memorable hook and the central message. The result is a contemporary Christian soft rock song that feels positive, hopeful and radio friendly while remaining firmly grounded in faith.
THE ARTWORK
The artwork features the number seventy-seven carved into weathered timber, framed by fishing netting draped across the wooden surface. The image immediately draws attention to the biblical teaching that inspired the song while creating a subtle connection to the Gospel tradition.
The weathered timber suggests wisdom gained through experience, while the fishing net recalls the fishermen who became Christ's disciples. Together, these elements create a simple but powerful visual representation of forgiveness, grace and spiritual maturity. The artwork reflects the song's message that mercy is not about keeping count of offences but about learning to release them.
PERSONAL CONNECTION TO JASON BRESNEHAN SONGWRITER AND PRODUCER
The inspiration for Forgive and Let Live came from reflecting on Matthew 18:22 and the challenge of applying that teaching in ordinary life. Most people understand forgiveness in theory. Living it consistently is a far greater challenge.
For Jason Bresnehan, the song also connects with themes that appear throughout his writing, including faith, recovery, humility and personal growth. Experience has shown that resentment often becomes a burden carried by the person holding onto it. Forgiveness does not change the past, but it can change the future by creating room for peace, healing and growth.
Forgive and Let Live ultimately presents forgiveness as one of the strongest choices a person can make. It offers freedom from old grievances, creates opportunities for reconciliation and reflects Christ's call to extend mercy without limits. The message is simple, practical and timeless: forgive, let live and move forward in peace.