Michael W. Smith - King of Glory Lyrics

Michael W. Smith - King of Glory ft. CeCe Winans

King of Glory Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Michael W. Smith's "King of Glory," featuring CeCe Winans, released on March 8, 2019, stands as a powerful anthem of worship and anticipation, rooted in fundamental Christian beliefs. The song immediately establishes a prophetic declaration in its verses: "Yes, the world will bow down and say You are God / Every man will bow down and say You are King." This universal future acknowledgment of God's sovereignty prompts a present-day call to action: "So let's start right now / Why would we wait?" It encourages believers to begin the worship and submission that the entire creation will ultimately render, suggesting that the present is the time to align with this certain future reality. The addition in the second verse, "We can praise You now / In victory," reinforces this call, framing present worship not just as a waiting period but as an act performed from a place of triumph already secured in Christ.

The central theme and prayer of the song are captured in the recurring chorus: "King of Glory, fill this place / We just wanna be with You." This is a simple yet profound expression of desire for God's tangible presence to inhabit the space and hearts of the worshippers. The title "King of Glory" itself carries significant biblical weight, notably found in Psalm 24:7-10, describing the majestic entrance of the Lord. By invoking this title and asking Him to "fill this place," the song connects contemporary worship gatherings to the ancient understanding of God's dwelling among His people. The repeated plea "I just wanna be with You" underscores the intimate longing for communion with the divine, positioning relationship and presence as the ultimate goal of worship. This reflects a core biblical yearning found in passages like Psalm 73:25, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you."

The bridge expands the scope of worship beyond a single moment or place, anchoring it in the hope of Christ's return. The commitment declared here is unwavering: "So I'll sing Hallelujah 'til You come again / And I'll dance in Your presence 'til You come again." "Hallelujah," meaning "Praise the Lord," is a timeless biblical expression of worship, frequently appearing in the Psalms and Revelation. Pairing singing and dancing with the phrase "til You come again" links present, active praise to the eschatological hope of Christ's second coming. This section serves as a rallying cry, reminding listeners of the future resurrection and gathering of believers (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) and encouraging persistent worship until that glorious day. The callouts within the bridge, like "How many know Jesus is coming back again?" and "Anybody ready to give Him glory?", turn the personal declaration into a corporate affirmation and invitation, characteristic of a live worship setting. The extended emphasis on dancing in His presence signifies a joyful, uninhibited response to God's goodness and the anticipation of His return.

The repetitive structure, particularly the multiple iterations of the chorus and the extended bridge, builds intensity and fosters a sense of persistent devotion and corporate agreement. The final repetitions of the chorus introduce increasingly personal and passionate declarations, such as "I can't live without You / Can't breathe without You" and "Nothing else matters," escalating the expression of need and dependence on God's presence. This culmination reinforces the message that being with God is not just a desire but an essential element of life, surpassing all other concerns. The song effectively merges a declaration of God's future universal reign with a fervent, present-day longing for His presence and a commitment to worship until the end, making it a powerful anthem for personal reflection and corporate gathering. Its message resonates with scripture passages such as Philippians 2:10-11, which speaks of every knee bowing and tongue confessing Jesus Christ as Lord, and Revelation 5:13, depicting all creation offering praise to God and the Lamb. The yearning for God's presence mirrors themes in Exodus 40:34-35 and 1 Kings 8:10-11, where the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle and the temple.