Lyrics
Verse 1
This was the year the glue gave out
When everything solid became a cloud
Uncertainty swirled around like dust
But home was a safe place for us
Pre-Chorus
When I look in your eyes
All I see is light
And the darkness around us gets smaller
Chorus
Today
I am thankful for you
Today
I am thankful for you
Verse 2
Are we through this valley or only halfway?
Can't tell if the sky's turning blue or more gray
Don't know what the future has coming our way
But today
I am thankful for you
Verse 3
You color the edges of all we've been through
Everything beautiful comes into view
I see what the headlines could never report
You are what's good in the world
Pre-Chorus
When I look in your eyes
All I see is light
And the darkness around us gets smaller
Chorus
Today
I am thankful for you
Today
I am thankful for you
Verse 4
Are we through this valley or only halfway?
Can't tell if the sky's turning blue or more gray
Don't know what the future has coming our way
But today
I am thankful for you
Bridge
Hand in hand
Side by side
Gratitude will be our guide
Heaven knows what we might find tomorrow
But today I am thankful for you
Today
I am thankful for you
Chorus
Oh, today
I am thankful for you
Today
I am thankful for you
Outro
Are we through this valley or only halfway
Can't tell if the sky's turning blue or more gray
Don't know what the future has coming our way
But today
I am thankful for you
Today
I am thankful for you
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
"Today" by JJ Heller is a song of gratitude for a loved one during uncertain times. The opening verse describes a year when "the glue gave out" and everything solid "became a cloud", yet home remained a safe place. The lyrics are addressed to a close companion, and the faith content is light: the only direct nod to heaven is the line "Heaven knows what we might find tomorrow."
The chorus repeats "Today / I am thankful for you" while the verses ask honest questions, such as whether the valley is nearly crossed or only halfway through. The song does not claim to know the answer. It chooses gratitude for the present and for the person beside the singer.
The bridge, "Hand in hand / Side by side / Gratitude will be our guide", sums up the idea. Listeners may connect the thankful tone to Paul's words about giving thanks, although the lyrics make no scriptural claim.
Related Scripture
- Philippians 1:3 Paul writes that he thanks God every time he remembers his friends, a similar thankfulness for people.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 The verse encourages giving thanks in all circumstances, close to the song's gratitude amid uncertainty.