Lyrics
Verse 1
Many are they increased that troubled me
Many are they that rise up against me
Many there be which say of my soul
There is no help for him in God
Chorus (x2)
But thou, oh Lord are a shield for me
My glory and the lifter of my head
Thou, oh Lord are shield for me
My glory and the lifter of my head
Verse 2
I cried unto the Lord with my voice
And he heard me out of His holy hill
I laid me down and slept and awaked
For the Lord sustained, for he sustained me
Chorus (x3)
Thou, oh Lord are a shield for me
My glory and the lifter of my head
Thou, oh Lord are shield for me
My glory and the lifter of my head
Credits & Song Information
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir’s live recording frames the song as a communal declaration: fear and surrounding opposition give way to confidence in God as shield, glory, and sustainer. The choir-centered delivery strengthens the contrast between the verses’ distress and the repeated refrain’s assurance.