One of the ways I like to focus my writing is to analyse the lyrics of a song; typically a worship song. I find this a good discipline that complements my service in my church’s worship ministry. I think, in the early days, this technique was taught to me as a way to go deeper with songs in the worship of our God.
Do you sometimes feel God is trying to reach you through a song? The signs can sometimes be just that – through the independent selection of the same song – God will get your attention through that one song and draw you close to Him. Build My Life, written and composed by Housefires, was chosen by three different groups/individuals as a song for worship in the space of one whole week.
Verse 1
Worthy of every song we could ever sing
Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring
Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
We live for you
From a grammatical perspective each lyric here implies a “You are” at the start. God, You are worthy of every song, all the praise, every breath. From the beginning, the focus of my attention is drawn to God, and rightly so as He is the object of my/your worship. It does not matter where I am in my life, or what I am doing, for when I worship You, nothing else matters.
Verse 2
Jesus the name above every other name
Jesus the only one who could save
Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
We live for you
Oh we live for you
Jesus, may Your name be exalted above any and every name. There is power and personification in Jesus. Calling out “God” can sound impersonal, but to cry out “Jesus” adds in a personal relationship and connection, there is recognition – for believers like myself, that Jesus is my Lord and Saviour. Jesus, it is Your name that offers salvation and healing. I think of Peter in Acts chapter 3, verse 6:
“Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
When lines are repeated in a song, they embed the right attitude and mindset. Every single moment in my life should be a moment lived in worship and service to our Saviour.
Chorus
Holy there is no one like you
There is none beside you
Open up my eyes in wonder
And show me who you are
And fill me with your heart
And lead me in your love to those around me
Ascribing holiness helps me to remember that God is sovereign and indeed unique; there is no one like or equal to You. As I elevate God to His rightful place in my life, I ask You for help. And not help in a selfish way, but really in the most appropriate way – God, help reveal to me how I am to live and see the world around me. Help me to love those around me, especially those who are hard to love. Change and transform not just my heart, but also the people who receive Your love through my actions or words.
In the original song design, the transition from chorus to bridge has an interlude where the melody of the upcoming bridge is played. I love this time of free worship, where I can press into my Holy God. Even though He is far above and exalted, incredibly this same God wants to connect with me and have an intimate relationship. As I focus on that awesome fact, the bridge lyrics become my natural response.
Bridge
And I will build my life upon your love, it is a firm foundation
And I will put my trust in you alone and I will not be shaken
These are all positive statements declaring what I will and want to do in response to receiving so much love and attention from You, my Heavenly Father. You Lord, Your love is the basis and firm foundation on which I will build my life. It is solely and completely on You that I place my trust. When I do that, I know my life and world cannot be shaken.
The bridge of Build My Life is clearly where the song draws its title from. The declarative anthem gives me boldness to proclaim God is our beginning and end. What better way to start your life in Christ? What better way to express and align our hearts and minds? God’s love is more than enough for any one of us.
I find that researching the background of a worship song is useful for providing greater context to the songwriter/band. Often, I will have my own reasons and personal impact from a song but when I find out that it was written with other events in mind, this changed my perspective. Sometimes, God and His Word is like that. The same words become alive, particularly when the Holy Spirit helps to discern greater meaning from the Gospel, or in this case, a God-inspired worship song. Thank you Housefires.
Nic works by day as a Business Analyst Consultant whilst, outside of business hours, maintains an IT support & website services business. He volunteers with 89.9 LightFM (Christian Community Radio). Nic has served for over twenty years in his local church, beginning first with worship (vocals & keys) but branching out to cover technology needs, life group leading and event management.
Nic Lee works by day as a Business Analyst Consultant whilst, outside of business hours, maintains an IT support & website services business. He volunteers with 89.9 LightFM (Christian Community Radio). Nic has served for over twenty years in his local church, in worship, technology consulting, life group leading and event management.