For He’s my rooftop in the rage of the storm
He’s my protector, there will never be no harm
He is the bread that sits on my table
My God can do it, He’s truly able
I’m gonna serve Him, I’m gonna serve Him
I’m gonna serve Him, I’m gonna serve Him
Try my Jesus, try Him out
He’s worthy to be served
He’s my mountain top when I was down in the valley
He’s my road to Damascus when I lived in an alley
He’s the good, good Shepherd that watches over me
He’s my hope, He’s my joy, He’s my victory
He’s my mountain when I was down in the valley
He’s my road to Damascus when I lived in an alley
He’s the good, good Shepherd that watches over me
He’s my hope, He’s my joy, He’s my victory
It pays, it pays to serve Him, it pays to serve Him
It pays, it pays to serve Him, it pays to serve Him
It pays, it pays to serve Him, it pays to serve Him
It pays, it pays to serve Him, it pays to serve Him
(to serve Him, to serve Him)
He's My Roof Top (Live At Haven Of Rest Missionary Baptist Church, Chicago, IL/2020)
He's My Roof Top Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The song "He's My Roof Top," performed by gospel giants Ricky Dillard and the late Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson, is a powerful declaration of faith and the multifaceted role of God in the believer's life. Released in 2020 and captured live at Haven Of Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, IL, the recording conveys the vibrant energy and deep conviction characteristic of a live gospel worship experience. The setting itself underscores the song's message, positioning it within a community of faith celebrating divine faithfulness.
The lyrics unfold as a series of testimonies, each line attributing essential aspects of life and salvation to God. He is depicted first as a source of ultimate protection and security, providing shelter "in the rage of the storm" and ensuring that "there will never be no harm." This imagery resonates with biblical portrayals of God as a fortress and refuge, a safe haven amidst life's trials. Beyond protection, the song acknowledges God as the provider of basic needs, "the bread that sits on my table," emphasizing His role in sustaining life both physically and spiritually. The affirmation "My God can do it, He's truly able" serves as a foundational statement of belief in God's omnipotence and capability to meet every need and overcome any obstacle.
A central theme emerges with the repeated declaration, "I’m gonna serve Him." This is not merely a statement of intention but an earnest commitment, framed by the invitation to "Try my Jesus, try Him out," asserting His worthiness of devotion. This call to service transitions into an exploration of God's intervention in moments of despair and transformation. He is the uplifting presence when one is "down in the valley," becoming the "mountain top." The powerful line, "He’s my road to Damascus when I lived in an alley," directly references the transformative conversion of Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), signifying God's ability to bring about radical change and lead someone from darkness or lowliness into purpose and light. The imagery shifts again to the nurturing guidance of "the good, good Shepherd," a classic biblical metaphor for God's care for His people (Psalm 23, John 10). Ultimately, God is celebrated as the source of spiritual and emotional fulfillment: "He’s my hope, He’s my joy, He’s my victory," encompassing the full scope of salvation and blessing.
The song culminates in a fervent emphasis on the benefits and rewards of dedication, repeating the phrase "It pays to serve Him." This reinforces the idea that a life committed to God is not without return; it yields blessings, peace, and ultimate triumph. The repetition in the lyrics builds an anthemic quality, suitable for a congregational setting, encouraging listeners to join in affirming their own commitment and acknowledging the abundant grace received from serving God. The simplicity and directness of the language, combined with the powerful scriptural allusions and the dynamic energy of the live performance context, make "He's My Roof Top" a moving expression of faith, trust, and the profound relationship between the believer and their divine protector, provider, and guide.
