I Am They - Gratitude Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
All my words fall short, I got nothing new
How could I express all my gratitude?
I could sing these songs as I often do
But every song must end and You never do
Chorus
So I throw up my hands
And praise You again and again
'Cause all that I have is a hallelujah, hallelujah
I know it's not much
But I've nothing else fit for a King
Except for a heart singing hallelujah, hallelujah
Verse 2
I've got one response, I've got just one move
With my arm stretched wide, I will worship You
Chorus
So I throw up my hands
And praise You again and again
'Cause all that I have is a hallelujah, hallelujah
I know it's not much
But I've nothing else fit for a King
Except for a heart singing hallelujah, hallelujah
Bridge
So come on, my soul
Don't you get shy on me
Lift up your song
'Cause you've got a lion inside of those lungs
Get up and praise the Lord
Come on, my soul
Don't you get shy on me
Lift up your song
'Cause you've got a lion inside of those lungs
Get up and praise the Lord
Come on, my soul
Don't you get shy on me
Lift up your song
'Cause you've got a lion inside of those lungs
Get up and praise the Lord
Chorus
So I throw up my hands
Praise You again and again
'Cause all that I have is a hallelujah, hallelujah
I know it's not much
But I've nothing else fit for a King
Except for a heart singing hallelujah, hallelujah
Video
I AM THEY - Gratitude (Chapel Sessions) feat. Cheyenne Mitchell
Meaning & Inspiration
The song "Gratitude" by I Am They, released as part of their Chapel Sessions on September 16, 2022, is a profound outpouring of worship that transcends mere words. The central theme revolves around the inadequacy of human expression in the face of divine greatness. The lyrics poignantly capture a feeling that ordinary language and even meticulously crafted songs fall short of fully conveying the depth of one's thankfulness to God. This sentiment echoes the psalmist’s struggle in Psalm 119:169, where he cries out, "Let my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word." The song acknowledges that while singing is a common form of worship, its finite nature contrasts with the eternal, unending presence and love of God. This is beautifully illustrated by the contrast drawn between "every song must end" and "You never do," highlighting the everlasting nature of the divine. The repeated invocation of "hallelujah" serves as a humble offering, recognizing that all one possesses – even something seemingly small or imperfect – is ultimately a gift from the King, meant to be returned in praise.
The song’s narrative moves from an initial feeling of verbal inadequacy to a powerful, physical act of worship. The phrase "throw up my hands" signifies surrender and a willing yielding to God’s sovereignty. This gesture is not one of defeat, but rather an embodiment of joyful submission and an open invitation for the Holy Spirit to move. It calls to mind the posture of prayer and adoration described in scripture, such as in Psalm 63:4, "So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands." The second verse emphasizes a singular response: "I've got one response, I've got just one move. With my arm stretched wide, I will worship You." This simplicity underscores that true worship is not about complex rituals or eloquent pronouncements, but a direct and unadulterated devotion. It’s a declaration that in the face of God’s immensity, the most fitting response is to offer oneself completely, as described in Romans 12:1: "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."
The bridge of "Gratitude" acts as an urgent and inspiring call to the worshiper’s own soul, urging it to overcome hesitation and fully embrace its purpose. The imagery of "a lion inside of those lungs" is particularly striking, evoking strength, courage, and an uncontainable spirit that is meant to be unleashed in praise. This metaphorical lion represents the inner power and potential that God has placed within us, which finds its ultimate expression in glorifying Him. This encouragement to not be shy and to "lift up your song" resonates with the powerful command found in Psalm 150:6, "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!" The repeated exhortation to "praise the Lord" emphasizes the active and deliberate nature of worship, which is meant to be a vibrant, life-affirming act. Ultimately, "Gratitude" is more than just a song; it's a theological statement on the nature of true worship—an act born from an awareness of divine immensity, expressed through humble, surrendered, and uninhibited devotion, recognizing that our highest calling is to give back to the One from whom all things proceed.