Richard Smallwood - Everything That Hath Breath Lyrics
Lyrics
Everything that hath breath
Everything that hath breath praise him
Everything that hath breath, praise ye the lord
Everything that hath breath
Everything that hath breath praise him
Everything that hath breath, praise ye the lord
Everything that hath breath
Everything that hath breath praise him
Everything that hath breath, praise ye the lord
Everything that hath breath
Everything that hath breath praise him
Everything that hath breath, praise ye the lord
Clap your hands
Everything that hath breath, lift your hands and praise him
Praise ye the lord
He is worthy of our praise, come on, let's praise him
Praise ye the lord
If he's been good to you, lift your hands and praise him
Praise ye the lord
Lift your voices to the sky and praise him
Praise ye the lord
Everything that hath breath
Everything that hath breath praise him
Everything that hath breath, praise ye the lord
Everything that hath breath
Everything that hath breath praise him
Everything that hath breath, praise ye the lord
Stomp your feet
Everything that hath breath, lift your hands and praise him
Praise ye the lord
He is worthy of our praise, come on, let's praise him
Praise ye the lord
If he's been good to you, lift your hands and praise him
Praise ye the lord
Lift your voices to the sky and praise him
Praise ye the lord
Everything that hath breath
Everything that hath breath praise him
Everything that hath breath, praise ye the lord
Everything that hath breath
Everything that hath breath praise him
Everything that hath breath, praise ye the lord
Hey, yeah
Come on everybody and praise the lord
Praise him [repeat]
Everything that hath breath
Everything that hath breath praise him
Everything that hath breath, praise ye the lord
Everything that hath breath
Everything that hath breath praise him
Everything that hath breath, praise ye the lord
Video
Richard Smallwood & Vision - Everything That Has Breath
Meaning & Inspiration
Richard Smallwood's seminal live album, *Adoration - Live in Atlanta*, released on April 30, 1996, introduces the profoundly impactful worship anthem, "Everything That Hath Breath." This powerful composition immediately establishes its core message through its very title, drawing directly from the ultimate exhortation in Psalm 150:6, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!" From its inception, the song serves as a clarion call, a divine mandate for universal praise, reflecting Smallwood's enduring commitment to crafting music that inspires uninhibited worship and deep spiritual engagement.
The song's profound essence lies in its relentless, yet ultimately uplifting, repetition of the central phrase, creating an immersive atmosphere designed to sweep all into a unified expression of adoration. This isn't merely a suggestion but a potent declaration of creation’s fundamental purpose. The lyrics, though simple in their structure, are immensely weighty in their theological implications. "Everything that hath breath praise him" is a constant refrain that echoes the biblical truth that all life, by virtue of its existence, owes its praise to the Creator. This concept is foundational, emphasized throughout Scripture, from the intricate design of the universe in Genesis 1 to the celestial worship described in Revelation 4:11, where heavenly beings declare God worthy of glory, honor, and power because He created all things. Smallwood orchestrates a musical experience that translates this ancient truth into a living, breathing encounter, compelling a recognition of God's sovereignty over every living being.
Beyond the fundamental call to praise, the song ingeniously interweaves actionable directives, transforming passive listening into active participation. The commands to "clap your hands," "lift your hands," "stomp your feet," and "lift your voices to the sky" are not merely performance cues; they are deeply rooted in biblical expressions of worship. "Clap your hands" resonates with Psalm 47:1, a joyous affirmation of God’s triumph. "Lift your hands" directly invokes passages like Psalm 134:2 and 1 Timothy 2:8, signifying surrender, reverence, and supplication. While "stomp your feet" might appear less explicitly defined in direct praise commands, it embodies the full, unreserved physical commitment to worship often associated with dancing, shouting, and exuberant celebration found throughout the Psalms and historical accounts of Israelite worship, signifying a complete surrender of the body in praise. "Lift your voices," a staple of corporate worship, directly aligns with Psalm 95:1-2, urging a joyful noise to the Lord. These collective actions build a sense of unity and shared purpose, guiding each individual into a holistic expression of devotion where body, soul, and spirit are engaged in glorifying God.
Crucially, the song provides a compelling rationale for this universal praise: "He is worthy of our praise" and "If he's been good to you." The first declaration echoes the heavenly chorus in Revelation 5:12, proclaiming Christ's worthiness to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise. This is not contingent on personal experience but is an immutable truth about God's intrinsic character. The second statement, "If he's been good to you," personalizes this universal truth, inviting individuals to reflect on their own experiences of divine grace and faithfulness. This resonates with Psalm 107:1, which begins, "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" It transforms the command into a heartfelt response, acknowledging that God’s goodness, demonstrated in myriad ways, serves as a powerful impetus for genuine thanksgiving and adoration. This particular line connects the abstract call to praise with the tangible blessings and provisions experienced in daily life, making the worship profoundly personal and experiential.
The repetition throughout the composition, far from being monotonous, is a deliberate and effective spiritual tool. It builds momentum, allows the message to penetrate deeply, and creates a spiritual resonance that encourages an unceasing focus on the divine. This structure mirrors the cumulative nature of worship, where each repeated phrase or action deepens the worshiper's connection and devotion. "Everything That Hath Breath" culminates as an anthem that transcends individual differences, uniting everyone in a singular, powerful declaration of God's glory. It serves as a timeless reminder that our very existence is a gift, and our highest calling is to use the breath given to us for His praise. This song inspires not just a moment of worship but a lifestyle of continuous adoration, echoing its biblical foundation to "Praise ye the Lord" with every breath we take.