In You, I live and move and have my being
You are my life, my joy and peace
You have been so good, You have been so kind
You are the reason I can lift my hands
My glory and the lifter of my head
I will testify for all eternity
Your goodness, Your goodness is over me
Your mercy, Your mercy, You gave to me
When you shed Your blood on the cross
Your goodness, Your goodness is over me
Your mercy, Your mercy, You gave to me
Hallelujah, You have been so good
Hallelujah, You have been so good
In You, I live and move and have my being
You are my life, my joy and peace
You have been so good, You have been so kind
You are the reason I can lift my hands
My glory and the lifter of my head
I will testify for all eternity
Your goodness, Your goodness is over me
Your mercy, Your mercy, You gave to me
When you shed Your blood on the cross
Your goodness, Your goodness is over me
Your mercy, Your mercy, You gave to me
Hallelujah, You have been so good
(You have been so kind, hallelujah)
Hallelujah, You have been so good
Your goodness, Your goodness is over me
Your mercy, Your mercy, You gave to me
When you shed Your blood on the cross
Your goodness, Your goodness is over me
Your mercy, Your mercy, You gave to me
Hallelujah, You have been so good
Hallelujah, You have been so good
You are good and Your mercy endures
Forever and ever and ever
Let Your people rejoice and be glad
And let them rejoice in their king
Hallelujah, You have been so good
Hallelujah, You have been so good
Hallelujah, You have been so good
Hallelujah, You have been so good
You are so good, You are so good
You are so good, You are so good, oh
You are so good, oh, Jesus, You are so good, oh
You are so good
Hallelujah, You have been so good
Hallelujah, You have been so good
Hallelujah, You have been so good
Hallelujah, You have been so good
Hallelujah, You have been so good
Hallelujah, You have been so good
[Repeat to end]
So Good
So Good Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on April 23, 2021, the song "So Good" is a collaboration between two esteemed Nigerian worship leaders, Nathaniel Bassey and Ada Ehi. This track serves as a powerful declaration of God's character and actions, delivered through a blend of heartfelt sincerity and vibrant praise. The song's foundation rests on the central theme of God's undeniable goodness and enduring mercy, positioning Him as the source of life, joy, and peace for the believer.
The lyrics open with profound statements affirming complete dependence on God, stating, "In You, I live and move and have my being." This sets the tone for a song that is deeply rooted in the believer's relationship with the divine. Phrases like "You are my life, my joy and peace" highlight the all-encompassing nature of God's presence and influence in the singer's existence. The core assertion, "You have been so good, You have been so kind," is the central pillar, serving as the reason for offering praise and lifting hands in worship.
The song elaborates on the specific manifestations of God's goodness and mercy, emphasizing that these divine attributes are "over me" and were "gave to me." The lyrics explicitly link this mercy and goodness to the sacrifice of Jesus, stating, "When you shed Your blood on the cross." This connection underscores the Christian understanding that ultimate goodness and mercy are demonstrated through the redemptive act on the cross. The response to this understanding is a commitment to "testify for all eternity."
Key phrases within the lyrics draw upon established biblical language. The declaration "In You, I live and move and have my being" directly echoes the words found in Acts 17:28, where the Apostle Paul addresses the Athenians concerning their unknown god. Similarly, the affirmation "My glory and the lifter of my head" resonates with expressions of trust and hope found in Psalms, such as Psalm 3:3. The later addition "You are good and Your mercy endures forever" is a direct quote or paraphrase of numerous scriptures, including Psalm 100:5 and Psalm 136, which are central to expressions of thanksgiving in worship.
The repetitive structure of the song, particularly the recurring declaration "Hallelujah, You have been so good" and "You are so good," serves to reinforce the central message and build an atmosphere of worship and adoration. This repetition is a common feature in praise and worship music, encouraging congregational participation and deep reflection on the truth being sung. The invitation for God's people to "rejoice and be glad" and "rejoice in their king" shifts the focus from individual testimony to a corporate response of praise, further solidifying its function as a worship anthem.
Ultimately, "So Good" is a powerful musical offering that encapsulates the gratitude and awe of a believer reflecting on God's unfailing goodness and sacrificial mercy. It is a call to remember God's actions, acknowledge His character as the source of life and peace, and respond with unending testimony and jubilant hallelujah. The collaboration of Nathaniel Bassey and Ada Ehi brings together two voices known for leading worship, creating a song that is both personal in its declaration and communal in its invitation to praise.