Tell me who, who, who
Can do the things You do
Ain't nobody now
Ain't nobody never
Tell me who put the sun and stars in place
Who-put the outer into space
Who-put a nose on every face
Who-put a wave on every sea
Who-put the breath in you and me
Who-put the sting in the bumblebee
Tell me who-put the warm in the fire's glow
Who-put the cold in the winter snow
Who-put the wet in H2O
Who-put the bang in the thundercloud
Who-put the groundhog in the ground
Who-put the milk in the farmer's cow
Tell Me Who
Tell Me Who Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Chris Tomlin's song "Tell Me Who," featured on his 2018 album *Holy Roar* with the official song video released on February 1, 2019, serves as a powerful declaration of God's unmatched creative power. As a prominent voice in contemporary Christian music and worship, Tomlin often crafts songs that invite listeners to focus on the character and work of God. "Tell Me Who" fits this pattern, presenting a series of rhetorical questions that highlight the wonders of the universe and life itself, prompting the listener to consider the sole being capable of such magnificent feats. The song's backdrop is an invitation to worship through acknowledging the undeniable evidence of a divine Creator in the world around us.
The core meaning of "Tell Me Who" is a celebratory recognition of God as the unique and singular architect of all creation. Through its questioning structure, the song points to various elements of the natural world – from celestial bodies like the sun and stars to intricate details like breath in humans and the patterns on the sea – and implicitly asks who but God could bring these things into existence. It asserts that there is no one else, nor has there ever been anyone else, capable of performing such acts. This focus on God's exclusive ability in creation serves to magnify His power, wisdom, and sovereignty, positioning the song as both a song of wonder and a declaration of faith in the Creator.
The themes explored in "Tell Me Who" resonate deeply with numerous passages throughout scripture. The fundamental concept of God as the Creator of all things is central to the biblical narrative, beginning with the accounts in Genesis chapter 1, which detail the sequential acts of creation by divine command. The song's questions about the vastness of space and the intricacies of life echo declarations found in passages like Psalm 19:1, which states, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands," and Romans 1:20, which teaches that God's eternal power and divine nature are "clearly seen from the creation of the world, being understood through what has been made." Furthermore, passages in Job (chapters 38-41) and Isaiah (chapter 40) similarly highlight God's incomparable control over the elements and creatures, emphasizing that only the Creator possesses such comprehensive power.
Ultimately, "Tell Me Who" functions as an inspirational anthem that directs attention away from the complexities of the world and towards the simple yet profound truth of God's authorship. By focusing on the visible evidence of His power in creation, the song encourages a sense of awe and wonder, fostering worship and deepening faith. It serves as a reminder that the same God who placed the sun in the sky and breath in our lungs is intimately involved in the details of His creation and our lives, providing a foundation for trust and adoration. For listeners, it's an opportunity to pause, look at the world through a lens of faith, and join in declaring the unmatched greatness of the One who made it all.
