Hillsong UNITED - Father, I Lyrics + Chords
Lyrics
Majesty.
Wonderful.
Holy Lord.
Emmanuel
Prince of peace.
Righteous one.
Sacrifice.
Crowned as King.
Chorus:
Father I adore You
I live each day for you
Jesus I love you
I give my life to you
Video
Father
Meaning & Inspiration
Hillsong UNITED’s "Father, I," released on January 16, 2002, as part of their album *To the Ends of the Earth*, serves as a foundational anthem of worship, distilling the immensity of God into a concise yet powerful declaration of devotion. The song’s essence lies in its profound adoration and surrender, echoing the very heartbeat of Christian faith. It’s a direct address, a personal and communal response to the overwhelming character of the Creator, moving from recognizing who God is to affirming a life lived entirely for Him.
The opening lines immediately launch into a cascade of divine attributes, painting a majestic portrait of God. "Majesty," "Wonderful," and "Holy Lord" establish God’s supreme authority, awe-inspiring nature, and perfect purity, aligning with descriptions found throughout Scripture, such as Psalm 145:5, which speaks of the glorious splendor of His majesty. The subsequent naming of "Emmanuel" brings an intimate connection, reminding us of God’s presence with us, a promise first given in Isaiah 7:14 and fulfilled in Matthew 1:23. This moves into "Prince of peace" from Isaiah 9:6, celebrating Christ’s role in bringing ultimate reconciliation and tranquility. Acknowledging Him as the "Righteous one" affirms His perfect justice and moral integrity, a truth reiterated in 1 John 2:1. The progression continues to the pivotal "Sacrifice," which directly points to Jesus’ atoning work on the cross, as Hebrews 9:26 states He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Finally, "Crowned as King" culminates this adoration, recognizing His ultimate reign and sovereignty, a truth powerfully declared in Revelation 19:16, where He is proclaimed King of kings and Lord of lords. Each title is not merely an adjective but a profound theological statement, building a comprehensive understanding of who the worshiper is addressing.
The chorus then transitions from recognizing God's character to declaring a personal, unreserved response. "Father I adore You, I live each day for you" is a double commitment. Adoration is a deep reverence and worship, as seen in Psalm 95:6, "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!" The promise to live each day for Him encapsulates the call to full surrender and dedication, mirroring Romans 12:1-2, which urges believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. This isn't a passive observance but an active, daily pursuit of His will. The declaration "Jesus I love you, I give my life to you" shifts focus to Christ, articulating a profound personal affection and complete surrender. Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of this love in John 14:15, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." Giving one's life to Him signifies a willingness to deny oneself, take up the cross daily, and follow Him, as Jesus instructed in Luke 9:23, a radical reorientation of existence where self is exchanged for Christ's Lordship.
"Father, I" is more than a song; it's a catechism in melody, guiding the worshiper through the attributes of God and culminating in an unreserved pledge of devotion. It serves as a powerful reminder that true worship involves both intellectual understanding of who God is and a personal, heartfelt response of love and obedience. This track encourages every believer to articulate their faith with clarity and conviction, inspiring a life lived in humble service and profound reverence for the God who is Majesty, Wonderful, Holy, Emmanuel, Prince of Peace, Righteous, Sacrifice, and King. Its enduring appeal lies in its straightforward yet profound articulation of core Christian beliefs, inviting everyone to embrace a deeper, more surrendered walk with Christ.