When I see the beauty
Of the sunset's glory
Amazing artistry
Across the evening sky
When I feel the mystery
Of a distant galaxy
It awes and humbles me
To be loved by a God so high
What can I do but thank you
What can I do but give
My life to you
Hallelujah, hallelujah
What can I do but praise you
Every day make everything I do
A hallelujah, a hallelujah
Hallelujah
When I hear the story
Of a God of mercy
Who shared humanity
And suffered by our side
Of the cross they nailed you to
That could not hold you
Now you're making all things new
By the power of your risen life
What Can I Do? Video
What Can I Do? Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
What Can I Do? by Graham Kendrick is a timeless Christian song that speaks of gratitude, praise, and surrender to God. The song's lyrics describe the vastness of God's love and mercy, the beauty of His creation, and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. The song's message is both uplifting and humbling, as it reminds us of God's greatness and our smallness in comparison.
Meaning and Inspiration
Graham Kendrick wrote What Can I Do? in the 1980s, and it quickly became a popular worship song in churches around the world. The song's lyrics are a reflection of Kendrick's own journey of faith, as he sought to express his gratitude and love for God through music. The song's opening lines set the tone for the rest of the lyrics:
"When I see the beauty
Of the sunset's glory
Amazing artistry
Across the evening sky"
These lines describe the wonder and awe that Kendrick felt when he looked at the world around him. The beauty of nature, with its sunsets and galaxies, reminded him of God's handiwork and creativity. The song's chorus then asks the question that gives the song its title:
"What can I do but thank you
What can I do but give
My life to you
Hallelujah, hallelujah
What can I do but praise you
Every day make everything I do
A hallelujah, a hallelujah
Hallelujah"
The answer, according to Kendrick, is to thank God, give our lives to Him, and praise Him every day. The song's verses continue to describe different aspects of God's love and mercy, such as His willingness to suffer alongside humanity on the cross:
"When I hear the story
Of a God of mercy
Who shared humanity
And suffered by our side"
Finally, the song ends with a call to action, as Kendrick sings:
"What can I do but follow
The road that leads to you
What can I do but praise you
I'm alive, hallelujah
What can I do but lift my voice to sing
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah"
The song's message is clear: we are called to follow God, praise Him, and lift our voices in worship. What Can I Do? is a song of gratitude and surrender, an expression of the joy that comes from knowing and loving God.
Biblical References
The lyrics of What Can I Do? are filled with biblical references, reflecting Kendrick's deep knowledge of Scripture. The opening lines of the song, for example, echo the words of Psalm 19:1-2:
"The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge."
The song's description of God's mercy and sacrifice on the cross also draws on biblical imagery, such as Isaiah 53:5:
"But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed."
The song's call to follow God and lift our voices in praise echoes the words of Psalm 95:6-7:
"Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care."
What Can I Do? is a song that is firmly rooted in Scripture, drawing on the rich imagery and language of the Bible to express its message of praise and gratitude.
Practical Application
So how can we apply the message of What Can I Do? to our lives as Christians? First and foremost, the song reminds us of the importance of gratitude. As we go about our daily lives, it can be easy to take God's blessings for granted and forget to thank Him for all that He has done for us. The song's opening lines remind us to pause and appreciate the beauty of God's creation, to see His handiwork in the world around us, and to give thanks for His love and mercy.
Secondly, the song encourages us to live lives of praise and worship. We are called to follow God, to lift our voices in song and prayer, and to make everything we do a hallelujah to His name. This means living with an attitude of gratitude, seeking to honor God in all that we do, and being mindful of His presence in our lives.
Finally, the song reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus Christ made on the cross. We are called to remember His suffering and death, to reflect on the depth of His love for us, and to live in a way that honors His sacrifice. This means living with compassion, seeking to serve others, and sharing the message of God's love with those around us.
In conclusion, What Can I Do? is a powerful and uplifting song that speaks to the heart of Christian faith. Its message of gratitude, praise, and surrender is as relevant today as it was when it was first written, reminding us of the beauty and wonder of God's love and mercy. As we go about our daily lives, may we be inspired by the words of this timeless song to live lives that honor and glorify God in all that we do. Hallelujah!
