Caedmon's Call - I Exalt Thee Lyrics
Lyrics
For Thou, O Lord, art high above all the earth
Thou art exalted far above all gods
For Thou, O Lord, art high above all the earth
Thou art exalted far above all gods
I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee
I exalt Thee, O Lord
I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee
I exalt Thee, O Lord
Video
The Gathering - Caedmon's Call
Meaning & Inspiration
Caedmon's Call offered the world a profound declaration of faith with their rendition of "I Exalt Thee," released on December 24, 2008, as part of *The Gathering*. This song, rather than relying on complex melodic structures or intricate instrumentation, deliberately places its strength in the power and clarity of its message, serving as a timeless anthem of adoration that transcends its musical form. Its purpose is singular: to affirm the supreme sovereignty of God and to invite a personal, vocal response of worship from every individual.
The song immediately establishes its theological bedrock with the lines, "For Thou, O Lord, art high above all the earth." This opening segment is a direct affirmation of God's transcendence, His existence and nature far surpassing the limits of human comprehension and earthly dominion. It echoes the psalmist's awe in Psalm 113:4, which states, "The LORD is high above all nations, his glory above the heavens." This truth grounds us, reminding us that there is a divine order, a Creator whose thoughts and ways are infinitely superior to our own, as Isaiah 55:9 proclaims: "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Recognizing God's exalted position above all the earth instills both a profound reverence and a comforting sense of His ultimate control over all creation.
The declaration deepens with the subsequent phrase, "Thou art exalted far above all gods." This is not merely a comparative statement but an absolute truth proclaiming the unique and unchallenged deity of the Lord. In a world often filled with competing allegiances and idols—whether they be wealth, power, self, or fleeting pleasures—this line forcefully asserts that there is no legitimate rival to the one true God. Scripture consistently reinforces this exclusivity, as seen in Psalm 97:9, which unequivocally states, "For you, LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods," and in Jeremiah 10:10, declaring, "But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the eternal King." This segment of the song serves as a powerful reminder of God's singular reality and supreme authority, challenging us to place Him alone at the zenith of our devotion.
Following this robust affirmation of God’s nature, the song shifts to the core human response: "I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, O Lord." This repeating refrain is the heart of the worshipful declaration. It is a personal and direct acknowledgment of God's worthiness, a deliberate act of lifting Him up in our hearts and with our voices. To "exalt" means to elevate, to glorify, to hold in highest regard. It's a command for our souls to recognize and declare His rightful place. This sentiment mirrors the communal call to worship found in Psalm 34:3: "Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together." It is not a passive observance but an active, intentional choice to place God above all else in our daily lives, giving Him the preeminence He deserves in every thought and action.
The profound power of "I Exalt Thee" lies in its intentional simplicity. It eschews lyrical complexity for direct, unwavering truth, making its message universally accessible and deeply resonant. The repetition is not merely for memorability but serves to reinforce the unwavering truth being declared, building a crescendo of conviction within the worshipper. This straightforward approach allows the message itself to shine brightly, unencumbered by musical embellishment, demonstrating that the potency of worship stems from the truth proclaimed, not from performance. It beckons us to quiet our distractions and join in a timeless, unified declaration that spans generations and cultures, echoing the ceaseless worship of heaven itself, where God is constantly exalted (Revelation 4:8-11).
Ultimately, Caedmon's Call offers us more than just a song; they present a direct call to worship and an invitation to deeper devotion. "I Exalt Thee" encourages us to continually align our hearts with the undeniable truth of God’s supreme sovereignty and His incomparable nature. It challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a vibrant, vocal expression of adoration, recognizing that our ultimate purpose is to lift up the name of the Lord above all others, every single day. This song serves as a constant spiritual anchor, reminding us to regularly affirm the unparalleled greatness of our God.