Israel Houghton - Again I Say Rejoice Lyrics
Lyrics
Chorus:
Rejoice in the Lord always
and again I say, and again I say.
Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say,
and again I say rejoice.
Verse:
Come bless the Lord. Come bless the Lord.
And bless His name, His holy name, declaring He is good.
Pre-Chorus:
O that men would praise Him. O that men would praise Him.
Bridge:
O that men would praise His name,
Praise His name to the ends of the earth.
O that men would praise His name,
Praise His name to the ends of the earth.
O that men would praise His name,
Praise His name to the ends of the earth.
O that men would praise His name. Again I say, again I say
(repeat)
Again I say, again I say. Again I say, again I say.
Video
Again I Say Rejoice - Israel & New Breed
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on March 6, 2012, as a foundational track from the album *Decade*, Israel Houghton's "Again I Say Rejoice" stands as a vibrant declaration within contemporary worship music. The song is not merely a tune but a profound spiritual exercise, anchoring its entire message in a cornerstone of New Testament teaching. It draws directly from the Apostle Paul's instruction in Philippians 4:4, a verse penned from a prison cell, yet brimming with an unshakeable joy: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" This context lends immense weight to the song's repetition, transforming it from a simple refrain into a deliberate, faith-filled command, urging believers to cultivate joy not as a fleeting emotion dependent on circumstance, but as a steadfast posture rooted in God's unchanging nature.
The profound message of "Again I Say Rejoice" unfolds through its compelling lyrics, guiding us from personal declaration to a universal call for praise. The chorus, with its insistent rhythm and direct quotation, functions as a spiritual anchor, compelling individuals to actively engage in rejoicing. This isn't a passive recommendation; it's an imperative, echoed in scriptures like 1 Thessalonians 5:16, which similarly enjoins, "Rejoice always." The power of the repetition "and again I say, and again I say rejoice" reinforces the idea that this joy is a choice, a discipline, and a deep wellspring of strength accessible even amidst life's inevitable challenges, a constant truth in a variable world.
Moving beyond the individual’s resolve, the verse then broadens the scope, inviting communal worship: "Come bless the Lord. Come bless the Lord. And bless His name, His holy name, declaring He is good." This mirrors numerous psalms that call for collective adoration, such as Psalm 103:1-2, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!" and Psalm 34:1, "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth." It emphasizes that acknowledging God's inherent goodness—a truth expressed in Psalm 100:5, "For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever"—is the very wellspring from which our capacity to rejoice flows. Blessing His name is an act of recognizing His character and sovereignty, thereby fueling our joy regardless of our present reality.
The pre-chorus and bridge then elevate the song's aspiration, moving from personal and communal blessing to a global plea: "O that men would praise Him." This longing for widespread adoration resonates with the heart of many Old Testament prophets and psalmists. Psalm 67:3 declares, "Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!" The song extends this plea even further, desiring praise "to the ends of the earth," a vision found in Isaiah 42:10 and Psalm 98:3, which speaks of God revealing His salvation to all nations. This demonstrates a deep spiritual yearning for every corner of creation to acknowledge God's majesty and worthiness. The repeated cry in the bridge—"Again I say, again I say"—at this juncture not only reiterates the command to rejoice but also infuses it with an evangelistic fervor, a passionate desire for all humanity to encounter the transformative power of God’s goodness and respond with praise.
Ultimately, "Again I Say Rejoice" serves as a powerful theological statement woven into accessible worship. It’s an anthem that meticulously builds a case for persistent joy, not as an ethereal feeling, but as a mandated spiritual practice, deeply rooted in God's unchanging nature and goodness. The song guides us through an intentional journey: from the personal choice to rejoice, to the communal act of blessing God's name, and finally, to the universal longing for all of creation to offer Him praise. It's a profound reminder that our joy, when rooted in the Lord, is an unassailable fortress, a testament to faith that extends its invitation to every soul on the planet, encouraging unwavering devotion and an ever-present spirit of celebration for who God is.