Fred Hammond - Thank You (I Won't Complain) Lyrics
Lyrics
There's a praise
That lives deep in my heart
And it says
Oh Lord I love You
I am blessed
When I think of Your goodness to me
It comforts me daily
But there are times in my life
When things don't work out right
And my burdens are heavy
And there's no joy in sight
Put my eyes back on You
For You've always come through
And with this simple refrain
I will bless You, bless You
Lord You've been
Good to me
You made the way
I could not see
Your love came in
And lifted me
And now, I won't complain
Through the years
You been there
To dry my tears
There is not
A closer friend
Than You
Oh Lord You have been
So good to me
More than this world could ever be
I really want to thank You
Lord I won't complain
Lift my hands
Give You praise in the midst of each storm
'Cause You are worthy
When life's sorrows and heartaches rush in
I will remember (You are still worthy)
Let the words of my mouth
Leave no room for doubt
Because down through the years
You've been faithful
And when I think it all through
Oh Lord it's been You
Who's been there all the time
And I'm grateful, grateful
Lord You've been
Good to me
You made the way
I could not see
Your love came in
And lifted me
And now, I won't complain
Through the years
You been there
To dry my tears
There is not
A closer friend
Than You
Lord I know that You know what's best for me
Even when my weary eyes can't see
I really want to thank You (really want to thank You yeah)
Lord I won't complain (Lord I won't complain)
Let the words of my mouth
Leave no room for doubt
Because down through the years You've been faithful
When I think it all through
Oh Lord it's been You
Who was there all the time and I'm grateful
Through it all
Through it all You've been there for me
Through it all
Through every trial, every heartache You've been there
Through it all
Every tear that I've cried Lord You've been there
I lift my hands and I give You the praise
Through it all
Down through the years every step that I had to take
Through it all
You've been there any time I'm falling
Through it all
All You've been there to hold me tight through the crazy times
I lift my hands and I'll give You the praise
You've been good
You've been good when I think of all You've done
You've been so good
It makes me want to shout for joy and give You glory
You've been good
There is no one like You, You've been so good yeah
I lift my hands and I give You the praise
Let's say thank You
Thank You
I won't complain
Instead I'm gonna say
Thank You
Thank You
I'll lift my hands and I'll give You the praise
Through it all
Through it all You've been there every day of my life
You've been so good
You've been so good and I lift my hands to give You praise
Let me say
Thank You (6 times)
I won't complain
Instead I'm gonna say
Thank You (6 times)
I won't complain
Instead I'm gonna say
Thank You (4 times)
Somebody say it
Video
Thank You (I Won't Complain)
Meaning & Inspiration
Fred Hammond's "Thank You (I Won't Complain)," released on October 31, 2006, as a standout track from his pivotal album *Free to Worship*, emerges as more than just a song; it's a profound spiritual blueprint for navigating life's inevitable challenges with a posture of unyielding gratitude. The release itself solidified Hammond's continued legacy as a leading voice in contemporary gospel, offering a message desperately needed in a world prone to disillusionment. Its essence is a direct conversation between the believer and the Divine, exploring the inherent human struggle between hardship and faith, ultimately choosing to glorify God through it all.
The song immediately establishes a foundation of inherent worship, articulating a praise that "lives deep in my heart" and an acknowledgment of God's comforting goodness. This initial sentiment beautifully sets the stage, echoing the psalmist's consistent call to remember and declare God's benefits, as seen in Psalm 103:2, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." However, the narrative swiftly pivots to a universal human experience: "But there are times in my life / When things don't work out right / And my burdens are heavy / And there's no joy in sight." This honest depiction of despair is crucial, for it is within this struggle that the song's ultimate power is revealed. It’s in these moments of trial, when the path is unseen, that the resolve to "put my eyes back on You" becomes a powerful act of spiritual will, mirroring the encouragement in Hebrews 12:2 to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
The core declaration, "Lord You've been good to me / You made the way I could not see / Your love came in and lifted me / And now, I won't complain," is the turning point, a powerful pivot from potential grumbling to resolute thanksgiving. This choice to "not complain" is not a denial of pain or difficulty, but a conscious decision to elevate perspective, drawing strength from past divine intervention. It resonates deeply with Philippians 2:14, which exhorts us to "do everything without grumbling or arguing," understanding that such a posture honors God. The lyrics affirm that God has been a constant presence, "through the years... there to dry my tears," portraying Him not just as a distant deity but as "a closer friend," a relationship hinted at in John 15:15 where Jesus calls His disciples friends.
As the song progresses, it emphasizes the importance of praising God "in the midst of each storm," a counter-intuitive yet deeply biblical response to adversity. This echoes the example of Job, who, despite immense loss, declared, "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised" (Job 1:21). It is a reminder that God remains "worthy" regardless of our circumstances, a truth that anchors faith when life's sorrows "rush in." The commitment to ensure that "the words of my mouth / Leave no room for doubt" underscores the intentionality of this gratitude, recognizing God's unwavering faithfulness "down through the years." This fidelity is a cornerstone of Christian faith, consistently highlighted in Scripture, such as in Deuteronomy 7:9, which states, "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God."
The repeated affirmation, "Lord I know that You know what's best for me / Even when my weary eyes can't see," encapsulates a profound surrender and trust in divine wisdom, a sentiment beautifully articulated in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This isn't blind optimism but a faith-filled recognition of God's sovereign plan, even when it diverges from human expectation. The extended outro, with its repetitive, almost meditative chant of "Through it all / You've been there for me" and the emphatic "Thank You (I won't complain)," transforms the song into a personal declaration of worship and steadfast assurance. It encourages listeners to internalize this powerful truth, fostering a spirit of enduring praise that transcends momentary setbacks and anchors itself in the eternal faithfulness of God, ultimately inspiring a joyful and unwavering "Thank You" in every season of life.