Lyrics
Verse 1
When the Lord giveth, whenever He takes away
I’ll keep my praise
I’ll keep my praise
I’ll keep my praise
Cause I still owe Him, for all of my yesterdays
I’ll keep my praise
Verse 2
For the times He was all I had
I learned He’s all that I need
So if I gain nothing or if I lose everything
(To praise Him) All I need is a memory
Bridge
Oh Jesus, I remember
All I need is a memory
I’ll keep my praise
I’ll keep my praise
Verse 3
When I think of the goodness of Jesus
I sing Hallelujah
I don’t need too many reasons to sing
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Outro
To praise Him, all I need is a memory
Oh Jesus, I remember
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Memory is a song of resolve to keep praising God whatever happens. The opening line takes in both giving and taking away, echoing Job's words, and the singer promises, "I'll keep my praise," because of what the Lord has done in all of the yesterdays.
The verse recalls times when God was all that the singer had and learned that He is all that is needed, so whether the result is to gain nothing or to lose everything, a memory of His goodness is enough reason to praise. The repeated "Oh Jesus, I remember" turns remembrance into worship, and the close sings Hallelujah without needing many reasons. The theme matches Job 1:21, Psalm 103:2 on not forgetting His benefits, and Habakkuk 3:17-18 on rejoicing when everything is lost. Short and repetitive, the song suits quiet worship and gives room for personal reflection on past faithfulness.
Related Scripture
- Job 1:21 Job blesses the name of the Lord who gives and takes away.
- Psalm 103:2 The psalmist urges not forgetting any of the Lord's benefits.
- Habakkuk 3:17-18 The prophet resolves to rejoice in the Lord even when everything fails.