Newsboys - Strong Tower Lyrics
Lyrics
Strong and mighty
Strong to save us
Like a fortress
Never failing
Strong in battle
Strong in kindness
When we stray, Lord
You're strong to find us
When the winds come hard against us
You are steadfast, You are true
When the ground beneath us trembles
Your foundation never moves
Chorus:
Strong tower
High and glorious
Strong tower
Mighty in love
Our refuge
Our defender
Strong tower
Lord above
Strong to lead us
Through the shadows
Strong to carry
All our sorrows
When the enemy surrounds us
Closing in as darkness falls
Though his armies rage against us
They can never scale these walls
Strong tower
High and glorious
Strong tower
Mighty in love
Our refuge
Our defender
Strong tower
Lord above
Bridge:
You are my shelter, my shield
You are the home I could never deserve
Here I will serve, ever under Your gaze
Here I will serve, ever singing Your praise
Strong tower
High and glorious
Strong tower
Mighty in love
Our refuge
Our defender
Strong tower
Lord above
Strong tower
Lord above
Strong tower
Lord above
Video
Strong Tower
Meaning & Inspiration
The Newsboys deliver a profound declaration of divine steadfastness with "Strong Tower," a pivotal track released on January 1, 2005, as part of their album *He Reigns - The Worship Collection*. This song immediately establishes itself not as a mere pop anthem but as a deeply rooted theological statement, a musical testament to the unchanging nature of God amidst a world of constant flux. It wastes no time in inviting individuals to consider the ultimate source of security and solace, drawing upon ancient biblical imagery to articulate an evergreen truth.
At its heart, "Strong Tower" explores the foundational biblical concept of God as an impregnable refuge, a source of unwavering strength and protection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of divine attributes, beginning with God's inherent might and His power to bring salvation. This reflects countless Scriptures, such as Psalm 18:2, which declares, "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." The song goes on to praise God's strength in battle, a nod to His sovereignty over all adversaries, and His surprising strength in kindness, which reminds us that divine power is not only for judgment but also for tender pursuit and restoration, as illustrated in the parables of the lost in Luke 15. The emphasis on God's ability to "find us" when we stray speaks to His relentless grace and persistent love, a comfort to anyone who has felt lost or distant.
The song’s pre-chorus beautifully articulates the human experience of vulnerability and the divine response to it, a sentiment universally understood. When the "winds come hard against us" and "the ground beneath us trembles," it speaks to life's inevitable storms—financial hardship, relational strife, illness, or existential doubt. In these moments, the song asserts God's unwavering character: "You are steadfast, You are true," and "Your foundation never moves." This echoes the wisdom of Matthew 7:24-27, where Jesus speaks of building one's house upon a rock, and the unshakable nature of God described in Psalm 46:1-3, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way." It is a powerful reassurance that our ultimate stability is found not in circumstances or human efforts, but in the divine anchor.
The recurring chorus serves as the central affirmation, a resounding declaration of God’s identity and role: "Strong tower, High and glorious, Strong tower, Mighty in love. Our refuge, Our defender, Strong tower, Lord above." This is a direct invocation of Proverbs 18:10, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." It's more than just a place of physical safety; it's a spiritual stronghold, a sanctuary for the soul. The description of Him as "high and glorious" speaks to His transcendence and majesty, while "mighty in love" reconciles His power with His compassion, a hallmark of Christian theology. To call Him "our refuge" and "our defender" solidifies His active role in protecting and shielding His people, a theme woven throughout the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 91:2). The phrase "Lord above" underscores His supreme authority and sovereignty over all things, confirming that His protection is absolute because His reign is ultimate.
As the song progresses, it delves into God's active guidance and defense in spiritual warfare. "Strong to lead us through the shadows" reflects God’s role as the Great Shepherd, navigating us through life's darkest valleys, as Psalm 23:4 famously states, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." The subsequent lines addressing the "enemy surrounds us" and "darkness falls" highlight the reality of spiritual opposition. However, the song offers profound comfort by proclaiming that "Though his armies rage against us, They can never scale these walls." This is a declaration of God's impenetrable defense, reminding us that spiritual battles are fought under His banner, and His protection is absolute against the schemes of the adversary, aligning with principles of spiritual warfare found in Ephesians 6:10-18. It powerfully conveys that the believer’s security in Christ is divinely guaranteed.
The bridge brings the message to a deeply personal level, shifting from declarative praise to intimate commitment: "You are my shelter, my shield, You are the home I could never deserve. Here I will serve, ever under Your gaze, Here I will serve, ever singing Your praise." This part of the song expresses a heartfelt response to God's immense faithfulness. Recognizing God as "home" speaks to a deep sense of belonging and unconditional acceptance, a grace that is freely given, not earned. It transitions into a vow of lifelong devotion, a promise to serve and praise Him continually. This commitment is born not out of obligation, but from the experience of His profound protection and undeserved love, a natural outpouring of gratitude for the refuge found in Him. "Strong Tower" ultimately serves as an inspiring anthem for all who seek an unshakable foundation, directing hearts and minds to the eternal strength and loving defense found solely in God, encouraging a life lived in trust and devoted praise.