Karen Clark Sheard - Song of Praise Lyrics
Lyrics
Yadada yada da da dada
Yadada yadada
Yadada yada da da dada
Yadada yadada
Yadada yada da da dada
Yadada yadada
Yadada yada da da dada
Yadada yadada
What used to be mourning has turned into dancing
What used to be sadness has turned into joy
What used to be struggle has now made me stronger
I used to feel hopeless, but now I got so much to live for
What used to be mourning has turned into dancing
What used to be sadness has turned into joy
What used to be struggle has now made me stronger
I used to feel hopeless, but now I got so much to live for
This joy that I have, the world didn't give it
The world didn't give it, and they can't take it away
This joy that I have, the world didn't give it
The world didn't give it, and they can't take it away
This joy that I have, the world didn't give it
The world didn't give it, and they can't take it away
This joy that I have, the world didn't give it
The world didn't give it
The world didn't give it
The world didn't give it
The world didn't give it
The world didn't give it, and they can't take it away
I may not be able to change what's happening around me
But I won't let that change the joy that's within me
I may not be able to change what's happening around me
But I won't let that change the joy that's within me
I may not be able to change what's happening around me
But I won't let that change the joy that's within me
I may not be able to change what's happening around me
But I won't let that change the joy that's within me
I may not be able to change what's happening around me
But I won't let that change the peace that's within me
I may not be able to change what's happening around me
But I won't let that change the peace that's within me
I may not be able to change what's happening around me
But I won't let that change the love that's within me
I may not be able to change what's happening around me
But I won't let that change the love that's within me
I may not be able to change what's happening around me
But I won't let that change the praise that's within me
I may not be able to change what's happening around me
But I won't let that change the praise that's within me
I may not be able to change what's happening around me
But I won't let that change the joy that's within me
I may not be able to change what's happening around me
But I won't let that change the joy that's within me
I may not be able to change what's happening around me
But I won't let that change the peace that's within me
I may not be able to change what's happening around me
But I won't let that change the peace that's within me
The praise that's within me
The praise that's within me
The praise that's within me
The praise that's within me...
Video
Song of Praise
Meaning & Inspiration
Karen Clark Sheard's "Song of Praise," released on August 22, 2024, is a powerful declaration of enduring faith and the transformative nature of divine joy, even amidst life's unavoidable adversities. The song’s central theme revolves around the profound shift from hardship to triumph, articulating a narrative of profound spiritual renewal. The opening lines immediately establish this contrast, painting a picture of past despair – mourning, sadness, struggle, and hopelessness – that has been decisively replaced by dancing, joy, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose. This arc echoes the biblical promise of restoration found in Isaiah 61:3, where God promises to "bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." The lyrics powerfully convey that this elevated state is not a product of worldly circumstances but a divine gift, as she emphatically states, "This joy that I have, the world didn't give it... and they can't take it away." This sentiment directly aligns with Jesus' words in John 14:27, where He says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
The song's strength lies in its unwavering focus on the internal fortitude granted by faith. Sheard acknowledges the reality of external pressures, admitting, "I may not be able to change what's happening around me." However, this acknowledgment serves not as a point of surrender but as a foundation for her resolute stance: this inner peace, love, and praise will not be diminished by outward turmoil. This resilience is a testament to the kind of steadfastness encouraged in Philippians 4:7, which promises that "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." The repetition of "the praise that's within me" at the song's conclusion serves as a final, resonant affirmation of this inner worship, a wellspring of strength that is consistently nurtured and expressed regardless of external conditions. "Song of Praise" offers a profound encouragement to cultivate this unshakeable spirit, reminding listeners that true fulfillment and enduring joy are gifts from above, capable of sustaining us through every season of life.