Raye, Collin - The Eleventh Commandment Lyrics

Probably the most powerful song I’ve ever listened to

I still cry when I hear this song.

[Verse 1]
She hears his heavy breathing in the dark
His footsteps coming closer down the hall
She's so ashamed, she's daddy's secret love
She wants to cry, she wants to die, but he can't get enough

[Verse 2]
The bruises on his face will go away
Mom keeps him home from school 'til they fade
She's sorry he was born and tells him so
He takes it in, he hangs his chin, he ducks another blow

[Chorus]
Did God overlook it
What ought have been written
The eleventh commandment
Honor thy children

[Verse 3]
He cries for hours, cries and never stops
He shakes so hard his little cradle rocks
He'll never have the chance to be brand new
He'll never walk, he'll never talk, he's addicted too

[Chorus]
Did God overlook it
What ought have been written
The eleventh commandment
Honor thy children

[Bridge]
Thou shalt not kill
Thou shalt not steal
Thou shalt not take the Lord's name in vain
Thou shalt not cause thy children pain

[Chorus]
God does not overlook it
What ought have been written
The eleventh commandment
Honor thy children
Honor thy children

I can't believe this and Garth Brooks song "The Thunder Rolls" were banned on some radio stations.. Because they deal with actual family violence .. No child or spouse should ever have to endure an abusive parent or spouse.. NEVER!!!

After all these years I still cry everytime I hear this song 🎶.

Wow..i can say this is the most emotional song this singer ever had.

John 13:34 11th Commandment. Beautiful song. 💖 *A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

How did he love us? Sacrificially. Selflessly. Without regard to his own rights or needs. If we all loved each other like this no one would ever be abused.

This song has been a favorite for some time but has been weighing heavy on my heart this past month

still ending coming back this song.

I have a 3 year old girl and being an abused kid myself when I was young, I really dont want her ever going thru what i went thru so I keep her close to me all the time sometimes maybe a little too much and she deserves to play and be around her cousins, but being abused by someone close to me I'm never leaving my kid with anyone, family or not. Some grow up to be abusers and some dont and I thank God I turned out okay cos I get to help others and I love kids so much I want 50 😍😊

My mom was abusive toward me growing up,emotionally neglectful,and i already made up my mind i wouldn't want children,because i am scared i would be an abusive mom. The abuse left me with a lot of mental problems and i wouldn't want to pass on to any kids

She hears his heavy breathing in the dark
His footsteps coming closer down the hall
She's so ashamed, she's daddy's secret love
She wants to cry, she wants to die, but he can't get enough
The bruises on his face will go away
Mom keeps him home from school till they fade
She's sorry he was born and tells him so
He takes it in, he hangs his chin, he ducks another blow

Did God overlook it
What ought have been written
The eleventh commandment
Honor thy children

He cries for hours, cries and never stops
He shakes so hard his little cradle rocks
He'll never have the chance to be brand new
He'll never walk, he'll never talk, he's addicted too

Did God overlook it
What ought have been written
The eleventh commandment
Honor thy children

Thou shalt not kill
Thou shalt not steal
Thou shalt not take the Lord's name in vain
Thou shalt not cause thy children pain

God does not overlook it
What ought have been written
The eleventh commandment
Honor thy children
Honor thy children

Then you won’t know

whos in charge

They say there's a such thing as karma no there's a such thing as God's justice

I would just like to point out that even if there were an eleventh commandment, that sadly wouldn't make people obey it.

Holly Atherton So sad but true

Such a beautiful, powerful song! I have to believe that if God were to dictate the Commandments today, there would be something in there about "honoring thy children".

The POWER of music. One of my all time favorite artists Colin Raye.

Jesus: "A new commandment I write unto you; that you love one another."

Exactly!

hiding behind computers listening to a tearful song... as more children are abused or die. its nice to talk about making a change but in all actuality it is a pipe dream said by those of wealth and comfort. to make themselves feel better when they turn their heads anytime it is openly apparent in public people are abusing their children. But again on the other side of the coin there are people who get decent and good parents in trouble losing their kids they are just correctly punishing for some minor wrong oh well.

Making a change doesn't have to be a pipe dream. It can start with you taking that first step.

I saw Collin Raye in concert and he had the whole crowd in tears singing this song

this is so sad. we seriously need to stop child abuse. 😢

sad stop the child abuse

WOW  CHILL'S & HEAVY TEARS.  Amen to Collin's asking why not have a 11th Commandment ?  I even wish for a 12th Tho shalt not abuse .
Love Sisie  in Ky

Children deserved to be loved, not to be abused.

Lets just pray for those who are being abused

Prayer is nice but I say let's not "just" pray for them that are abused.  Let's try our best to prevent it as well.  We should report it to the proper channels if we suspect it and not do it ourselves as well.  Once that has been done pray for the child to find a nice loving home who will not abuse the child. :)  Or if it is too late pray for the child to fly to heaven fast on the wings of an angel.

Yeah, we need to help when and where we can. But prayer never hurts either.

@mariel damagon  YES PLEASE DOWe suffer badly all our life after the abuse PTSD Google if u would like. Lets just say by GOD'S mercy & grace & sending my angel who is my mom to help I'm alive today
may GOD bless you keep praying
love Sissie in Ky

Then can you help me pray for someone?
There's a kid I know here in Sweden, he's probably right now in his father's house being tortured. I just heard that his father demands the boy's mother to give him the boy's pass 'cause he's gonna fly to another country to sell the boy. And to make the long story short, the police is the reason the kid is trapped in his father's house. And me and my family, who are trying to help the mom and the son, we don't have the Social Service on our side. They tell us the mother is the one who's torturing him.

I'd really appreciate if people see this and can pray for him, my sisters and I are gonna tell the police from other parts of Sweden and try to tell other people. But I think we need more prayers. Because we need help from God.
The boy turned 8 yesterday.

That is absolutely heartbreaking! I'll pray for him.

:D My list of prayers gets longer every day. ;)

 "God does NOT overlook it. What ought have been written, the Eleventh Commandment, "honor thy children.""

actualy God said spare the rode spoil the chils and if they insesently continue to disobey take the child to the elders of the city they will take him to its gate and stone him that he may die

The rod was in reference to the shepherd's rod. And if you look at what a Sheperd's rod was used for in Biblical times it was used to Protect the sheep if they were in danger (aka to guide them away from it) and it was used to beat off predators like wolves. The rod WAS NEVER used to beat the lamb(child). People misread and misinterpret that scripture all the time.

wow that makes sense never thought of what that meant
Thank You
And God bless you

I cannot, no matter the reality of this...go for a song that questions God...He didn't do this to them...He IS THEIR SALVATION.....

I pray for you. God Bless...

I'm praying for you as well

That last pat though, "God does not overlook it." He's saying that no, God did not overlook it and answering his own question.

@Sal G How can you say something like "I met him a few times...and many more" . which is it, a lot of times or a few times...and maybe, just maybe, he did not care for you and just put up with you. He sang  several songs about children, his love for his own, and how others should be treated. He is in this song, asking a question that he answers in the end. Did God overlook the 11th commandment? He then says how God did not overlook the 11th commandment. Collin went thru the death of his young granddaughter recently, not by any abuse or any kind, but she was sick. I watched shows that he was on, talk shows, late night, etc. and all I can say to you is that you have a body that you can move to walk across the floor, or  a hand that can use a remote and not listen to any song this man sings. I choose to listen to every beautiful song that he has ever sung, over and over again. I wish he was still recording today, because his kind of singing, telling the stories that he does, is very much needed in the country music scene right now, where just about everything is about going to the bars, partying, one night stands, and so much more. I pray for people like you who don't seem to think to very highly of most people. I also pray that so many of these people who are abusing their own children will grow a heart  and realize what they are doing and stop before they end of killing that child. Martina McBride also did a song on child abuse and her song was beautiful but sad also.

@Deborah Berg HAHAHA....Sure...That's it..Again judging, and gosh you put a LOT of thought into that. But sorry, you are SOOO off it's not funny. Have a Blessed Day. 

This was so hard to watch.😢

And a hard thing to listen to. God loves the little children. He says that their angels are always watching. Ever beholding his face. These sins against the most vulnerable will not go unpunished. The angels are awaiting the Lord's command before the bowls of wrath are poured out. God is giving them space to repent before it's too late.

this is why my husband and i are becoming foster care/adoptive parents.  we need to help protect these children of God's.  People have freedom of choice but it doesn't mean they make the right choices. many children need advocates

It made me cry it is so sad.

I think it makes you think !  Not that GOd overlooked..  But man overlooks looks it.. closing their eyes..  THis breaks ya heart if you have one...

I hate this song it implies Jesus the one who was super busy didn't love children after he welcomed them and blessed them. God who said that he hated it and was going to destroy the people who sacrificed the their children in fire. Jeremiah 7:31. To be perfectly honest this song is full of lies and disgusts me that it's painted the person who created and loved children as forgetting them.

I cannot tell if you're kidding or you're grammatically challenged...

"God does NOT overlook it. What ought have been written, the Eleventh Commandment, "honor thy children."" He clearly states this towards the end of the song...

Likes/Dislikes aren't cutting it. Where is my Facepalm button?

Who could dislike this? What horrible pieces of shit you are.

Weep for the children they are insistent bless there souls over 1 million kids cry out for help we egnore it the parent's shold b aboused like they do there children

I am a survivor of child sexual abuse at the hands of my father. The abuse was severe for many years. I often thought that God forgot about me. After he died, I stayed away from church for many years and left God behind. I am now a social worker who helps kids like me. I now believe that God put me through what I went through to bring me to who I am now. I am a God fearing Christian who helps kids like me who had no one to help them. God didn't overlook me.

Yes it will! You are a survivor and can do anything you want!

This is my favorite song. I have a story, and it's my story. I am a survivor.

You're right. Besides, you don't have to spank them if it's not necessary. You just have to teach them right from wrong. That's how I interpreted that saying; if you don't teach your child right from wrong, they will become the very people we lock up everyday. But, like you said, that never justifies abuse.

Even if you are not a country music or Collin Raye fan you should listen to this at least once.

very good My cousin had anger issues till she was in her late teens. Then we found out she was being molested by her babysitter and blaming her parents for not seeing it. As soon as she testified against him she did a complete turn around.

Weep not for the children who endure, for they will find peace, in this world or the next, Weep for the souls that can hurt the children. for as long as I A true man walk this earth, there shall never be peace for them, no matter what world they flee to.

so sad what people do to there children don't they now that we are the futer i mean come on people take care of the futer

This song was actually made for the fort Wayne sexual assault treatment center in fort Wayne Indiana..... I used to work there! He did an amazing job on this video!

"Spare the rod, spoil the child" only refers to people who don't discipline their children for their mistakes. However, that does NOT justify abuse. I don't care who you are, that rule does not justify abuse, only a spank here and there.

I had a priest tell me that child abuse, in regardds to the sexual abuse I survived, fall under the commandment "thou shalt not kill" because part of that child's soul is murdered. Who God intended them to be is forever changed by those actions. I still cry when I think of that conversation because I really felt like someone understood the impact that had on me. It wasn't the worst abuse any child has ever gone through, but it was enough to rob me of my innocence, my trust.

I cannot understand why child's advocate rights groups have not made this song their anthem.

Childhelp has in a way done this. I am extremely proud of Childhelp for helping abused and neglected children for many years.

Such an absolutly powerful song.

This song has always been one of my favourites and incredibly tear-inducing, but this video was especially powerful.

I just heard this song for the first time.... When I was 12, tired of both sexual and physical abuse from my mother's second husband, I attempted suicide. It was not planned. I went into the bathroom to get 2 aspirin for a headache and next thing I knew I was waking up in ICU. I was given the choice... home or the State hospital... I spent 6 months in the hospital. No child should ever have to go through abuse. The abuser should be set to die for that crime of taking away a child's innocence.

This song gets to me every time I hear it. When I was little (7-10) I was sexualy abused by my biological father... luckily when I was 10 somebody (IDK who) found out and reported it. I was always afraid that he would get out of jail and find me. He always told me that if I told bad things would happen. One good thing came out of it though... I want to be a social worker after I get out of school. I'm a sophomore in high school and I still have college but it WILL happen.

I got so mad earlier. I told my friend about this song and she blew it off. She said in the bible it says spare the rod spoil the child and as long as the rods no bigger than your thumb you can beat them with it as much as possible. I'm like WTH thats so messed up!

o my gosh i cant believe someone can do that i just cant

GOD DOES NOT OVER LOOK IT!! These sick people who abuse their children will have to answer to him one day.

This song was very, very sad. I cannot fathom how anybody could absue their children. I will say a prayer for any and all abused children (and adults too) tonight and pray that God delivers them from their abusers.
And to any of you who were and are begin abused remember this; you are not alone. God is always there and he will always love you.

this song really makes me cry...cause there are millions of people in the world who abuse there kids and think nothing of it like the sick son of a bitches they are. they need to be shot.

@flyleafangirl first off: what you claim was the eleventh commandment was not a new commandment, but an encompassing answer to the meaning of the original commandments which had been abused and misused by the pharisees.

Second: ephesians 6:4

Third: the concept that blasphemy is composed of suggesting traits of god that are not expressly stated biblically is the sole reason for degradation of scripture, for examples of righteous men doing so see: psalms/job/christ.

My 3 children want to perform this song for our provinces yearly festivals..they are 8, 7, and 4.

@flyleafangirl He is not trying to have the authority of God. He is saying that God doesn't over look the abuse and neglect. They will be dealt with and IF there were 11 Commandments that should be the 11th.

@ambaybay777 ur an increadable person. and i admire people like u who choose to come out of it as a stronger person. God bless you!

profound.

If there was an 11th commandment, then honoring children would probably be it.

@IronButterfly1151976 I believe that "honor thy children" has always been and always will be a commandment, just not included as an official "Ten Commandment." And the fact that Christ Himself said that an abuser of children would be better off killed than ever born says that God certainly does not overlook it. And I'm sorry for your suffering as a kid. I was abused too, but no disability came out of it.

@shilohman07 Christ Himself even said that if anyone should offend these little ones, it were better that a millstone were hanged about their neck and they were drowned than if they were ever born. That tells you how much He disapproves of child abuse.

First heard this song while driving on the Interstate. Had to pull over. Got the CD. Listened again carefully. I ve watched this video several times without comment. This should be the Anthem against Child abuse. Mr Raye sings it as he beleives it. We can all have an opinion on what God thinks, I 'll keep mine to myself. But the 11th Commandment would have been appropriate. Seens like it was just overlooked. What with the other 10 that onone really obeys. just an opinion.

Song gives me shivers whenever I listen to it..

I guess 9 people accidently hit the dislike people because of their tears on this video too....

God did not forget His little ones, He focuses more on them then the adults.Children are people too, dont hurt them.

Continued- Are you aware that close to 4 children a day aere killed everyday because of child abuse? there is more than enough reasons for this video to be made. I do realize that there are a pelnty of spelling and possible grammar errors in this and the last post, but that is because of the fact that I have learning disabilities from the abuse that I suffered as a child. I left them there on purpose. You are something else by not listening to the entire song before stating your opinion.

bumpenhour, If you listen to the song, you will notice that he does say that. He specifically states that GOD DOES NOT OVERLOOK IT. Collin Raye is stateign that it was written, just not as a commaandment. I cannot count the number of people that hve been helped by this song. It does so much to help heal those that have been abused. I cannot thank Him enough for writing and rpoducing it. I like the longer veresion where he talks about Orange county CA even better as he give statics with it.

Love this song!!!

8 people have cold hearts, no compassion and they obviously support child abuse. if these arent the reasons then those people should comment back and tell us why before they get caught

8 people are heartless

No Child or Teen or a person should be abused, They did nothing wrong.. and some people just effin sicken me.. Why is it nice or why would you even effin consider hurting someone as an okay thing? People are just so mean and messed up in this world.. Its just wrong! I haven't experienced it.. But I know people who have and Its really sad. To all whose had a rough life with abuse I keep you in my prayers, You really deserve happiness and a life without the pain! God Bless!

i cant belive how people can be so cruel y cant parents just treat there kids with respect kids should not be beaten i hate that so much y people y

This song always makes me cry. I have never been physically or sexually abused, but I feel mentally and emotionally abused at home...and it affects my personality a tad...

I almost cried :'( Really.. A very meaningful song...

I wish I could find them all I have 5 nieces and a nephew

This is heartbreaking. I don't know how anyone can abuse a child, let alone their own. May God bless and keep them, Abused children will have a special place in Heaven.

it wasnt your bad it was just a mistaken identity. I have grown from mine because I refuse to let it get me down. I can help someone through theirs. Ive been there I know and I understand what they are going through.

@fireflyinsanity What do you mean

Wow. This is incredibly well-done. I have a secret attachment to songs like this. Alyssa Lies, The Little Girl(john Michael montgomery) Ask Me(Amy Grant) My name is Luca(susan Vega) Hell is for Children (pat benatar) and even Dear Mr. Jesus. I spent my childhood trying to disapear. From my mother. I would do ANYthing in my power to save others from that. these songs have given me back my life.

There shouldn't have to be a Commandment like this because it should be automatic. You made that child, your responsible for there care. Not like this. You don't want a child, shoulda thought of that before.

The seed we sow are the crops we must reap!

fuckin sucks

I had some crazy bad stuff happen to me as a child, and this brought it all back... What an amazing and powerful video!

The ironic thing is today, I asked my teacher where the commandment 'honour thy children' was.

@KeldanElite Thanks!

@ggglllllll Well I felt like i needed to say it lol

@MissILoveMusic13 Good for you!! :)

@rotckid Nice.

This a really good song and i'll admit I am a 13 year old but I still think Honor thy children would be a good commandment because we deserve to be loved along with our mothers and fathers!!
I only just found this song and it made me feel lucky so i'm going to go and give my parents a hug and a kiss and say I love them.
They'll think i've gone crazy!!!!!! haha =)

@ggglllllll ya and after that cut off his dick.... but thats just me

@keefer2111 Nice. I would have prob hung him by the legs inside his house and shut all light from the room, come back at random times of the day beat him up for about 3 months, but thats just me.

While this is a very disturbing song and video, it is one of the most important songs and videos of all time. Thank you Mr. Raye for having the heart and soul to do this. Not for the money but for the message. It caused me to become involved. Come on you 1st ladies. You want a cause. This one is it. But wait, where was Hillary? Barbara? and the great Michelle? On this issue, nowhere to be found. To hurt a child is to kill a soul. Get involved!!!!!

I have a 7 year old son. This song brought tears to my eyes when I first heard it. How could anyone do such things to children?

Wow. That was powerful. Brought tears to my eyes.

i can't see how anyone could do that, they'd have to be heartless bastards