What makes So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt by Keith Green notable?

This album is significant for its candid exploration of faith and doubt, resonating deeply within the Christian community. It features standout tracks like Oh Lord, You're Beautiful, which became a staple in worship services and remains influential in Christian music today. Released in 1980, So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt was Keith Green's fourth studio album. By this time, Green had solidified his place as a prominent figure in contemporary Christian music, following his breakthrough success with albums like No Compromise in 1978. This record continued his mission of blending musical artistry with spiritual messages, pushing boundaries in faith-based music.

How many songs are on So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?

So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt has 10 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt

Keith Green · 1980

39 min · 10 tracks · contemporary Christian music

A spirited blend of folk-inspired melodies and earnest lyrics that challenge the listener's faith and commitment.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Oh Lord, You're Beautiful — This track epitomizes Green's ability to blend heartfelt devotion with simple yet profound melody, making it a beloved classic in worship settings.
→
So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt — The title track critiques complacency in faith through memorable storytelling and catchy hooks, serving as both a warning and an encouragement.
→
Grace by Which I Stand — This song encapsulates the theme of reliance on divine grace, showcasing Green's lyrical depth and vulnerability while connecting deeply with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album features strong songwriting with varied tempos but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a call-and-response structure, engaging the listener right from the start.
Several tracks incorporate shifts in tempo, moving from upbeat folk-inspired melodies to slower, reflective moments.
The lyrics often address themes of faith and doubt directly, with personal anecdotes woven into the songwriting.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt

The moment shifts from playful questioning about returning to Egypt to a serious reflection on the consequences of turning away from faith.

This transition emphasizes the tension between comfort and conviction, highlighting Green’s skill at addressing complex spiritual dilemmas.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt 4:36
2 Pledge My Head to Heaven 3:52
3 If You Love the Lord 4:06
4 Romans VII 3:25
5 Lies 3:43
6 I Want to Be More Like Jesus 4:21
7 Unless the Lord Builds the House 3:57
8 Oh Lord, You're Beautiful 4:17
9 You Love the World (And You're Avoiding Me 2:38
10 Grace by Which I Stand 4:49

What to play next

Listen next

The Keith Green Collection

1981

Go back to

No Compromise

1978

Full Keith Green discography Artists like Keith Green

contemporary Christian music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata