Jim Reeves - We Thank Thee Lyrics

We Thank Thee

We Thank Thee Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Jim Reeves' song "We Thank Thee" offers a profound expression of gratitude centered on the wonders of creation and the blessing of life itself. The lyrics unfold as a heartfelt prayer of thanks, acknowledging the simple yet essential gifts bestowed each day. From the dawn of a new day and the opportunity to work the land, symbolized by fields of new mown hay, to the fundamental elements like sunshine and the very air we breathe, the song lays a foundation of appreciation for existence. This initial verse sets a tone of humble recognition for the sustenance and environment provided.

The song expands its focus to encompass the broader natural world, giving thanks for the life-giving rivers, the cheerful presence of birds, the steadfastness of trees, and the vastness of the deep blue sea. This section highlights the beauty and diversity of God's creation, suggesting that every part of nature is a source of wonder and gratitude. The repetition of the phrase "Oh Lord we thank Thee" serves as a recurring refrain, reinforcing the direct address to the divine source of these blessings and emphasizing the depth of the thankfulness being expressed.

Further verses delve into specific details within nature, appreciating the bloom of every flower, the activity of birds and fish, and the subtle illumination provided by the light of the moon. These lines reiterate the idea that gratitude can be found in even the seemingly small or common aspects of the world around us. The lyrics also express thanks for the physical capability to perceive these wonders, acknowledging the gift of being "born with eyes to see these things," which is recognized through daily acts of prayer and kneeling.

The song continues by giving thanks for the agricultural landscape – the fields where clovers grow and the pastures where cattle roam. This points back to the connection with the land and the provision it offers. Crucially, the final verses move beyond the material and natural world to acknowledge the ultimate gift: "Thy love so pure and free." This elevates the song from a mere appreciation of creation to a recognition of the divine love that underpins it all, identifying love as the most significant blessing for which thanks is given. The song's message is clear: gratitude should be a central part of daily life, focused on both the physical world and the spiritual reality of divine love, as perceived and appreciated through thankful eyes and prayer. The video for this song was released on April 27, 2009, bringing this timeless message to a wider audience in a visual format.

The thematic elements of the song resonate deeply with various scriptural concepts. The gratitude for creation echoes passages found in Psalms, such as Psalm 19 which declares the heavens tell the glory of God, or Psalm 104 which marvels at the details of the created order, from rivers and birds to trees and the sea. The general call to give thanks is a central theme throughout the Bible, particularly in books like Psalms and Philippians, urging believers to be thankful in all circumstances. The specific mention of God's pure and free love aligns with core Christian teachings on divine grace and unconditional love as expressed in the New Testament. The act of kneeling in prayer is a universal symbol of reverence and humility before God, frequently depicted in scripture as the posture of supplication and thanks. Overall, the song encapsulates a biblical worldview that sees the world as a testament to divine glory and calls for a constant attitude of grateful appreciation for both physical and spiritual blessings.