You were
You are
Evermore shall be
Living word
So we join
As the angels sing
Holy
Holy
Holy
All the earth
Sky and sea
Will exalt thee
Casting down
All our crowns
Lay them at your feet
Only You are holy
You alone are holy
There is none beside You, God
Only you are worthy
You alone are worthy
There is none beside You, God
Holy
Holy Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s song “Holy,” released on December 2, 2022, arrives as a powerful contemplation of God's supreme nature, moving past mere description to evoke a posture of worship and reverence in response to His absolute purity and majesty. The core message revolves entirely around the unparalleled holiness of God, setting Him apart from everything else, not just in power or love, but in His very essence. This theme is foundational to understanding the divine, reflecting the awe experienced throughout Scripture when encountering the divine presence. The song doesn't just state that God is holy; it endeavors to draw people into the weighty reality of that truth, prompting a deep sense of humility and adoration. Much like the seraphim crying out in Isaiah 6:3, declaring "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory," the song echoes this heavenly refrain, emphasizing the thrice-repeated declaration which signifies ultimate holiness and perfection. It resonates with the vision in Revelation 4:8 where the four living creatures endlessly proclaim the same truth, highlighting that the holiness of God is a central focus of worship in heaven. Engaging with this song feels like being invited into that celestial court, overwhelmed by the sacredness that defines the Almighty. It calls to mind passages like Leviticus 11:44, where God commands His people, "Be holy because I am holy," establishing His character as the standard for human conduct and the ultimate object of our pursuit. The musical arrangement and Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s vocal delivery serve to amplify this profound subject, creating an atmosphere conducive to encountering the divine. The arrangement isn't just background; it's integral to conveying the sense of awe, perhaps building in intensity or maintaining a hushed reverence, leading the listener into a space of worship described in Psalm 29:2, "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness." It compels us to remember that the ground we stand on in His presence is holy, as Moses was told in Exodus 3:5, demanding our respect and complete surrender. "Holy" is more than a worship song; it's a theological reflection set to music, a reminder that before we can comprehend God's love or power, we must first grasp His utter, untainted holiness, the attribute that separates Him from all creation and establishes Him as uniquely worthy of all glory, honor, and praise, just as Psalm 99:9 encourages us to "Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy." This song successfully translates that foundational biblical truth into a contemporary expression of worship, urging those who hear it to stand in awe and declare with all their being that He alone is Holy.