Travis Cottrell - Hallelujah Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1:
You are my life, You are my breath
You are my hope, My righteousness
You broke the curse sin had on me
You saved my life, You set me free
Chorus:
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Praise the Lord
Verse 2:
Sustainer God, Almighty King
I come to rest under Your wing
Bowing my knees, I call Your Name
Lifting my hands, I give You praise
Video
Travis Cottrell feat. Lily Cottrell - What A Beautiful Name // Agnus Dei // WT Session
Meaning & Inspiration
Travis Cottrell’s "Hallelujah," released on January 1, 2003, as part of the album *Unashamed Love*, emerges as a profoundly moving declaration of faith, meticulously crafted to articulate the very essence of Christian redemption and worship. This song is far more than a simple praise chorus; it serves as a lyrical roadmap from spiritual brokenness to triumphant freedom, resonating deeply with anyone who understands the transformative power of divine grace. Its message centers on God as the all-encompassing provider and savior, worthy of endless adoration.
The core meaning of "Hallelujah" is a comprehensive narrative of salvation, detailing the believer's absolute dependence on God, the breaking of sin's power through Christ, and the subsequent call to unreserved praise. It reflects a personal testimony intertwined with universal theological truths, guiding the worshiper through a journey of recognition, deliverance, and humble submission. The song invites us to acknowledge God's sovereignty and His active role in every facet of our existence, from the breath we draw to the hope we cherish, ultimately inspiring a spontaneous overflow of gratitude and reverence.
The opening lines immediately establish God as the fundamental source of life itself, declaring "You are my life, You are my breath." This powerful statement echoes the biblical truth found in Acts 17:25, which proclaims that God "gives to all people life and breath and everything." Moving beyond mere existence, the song proclaims "You are my hope, My righteousness," pointing to God not just as the origin of all things, but as the sole provider of future assurance and our very standing before Him. This resonates with Romans 5:1, where we are justified by faith, and Philippians 3:9, speaking of righteousness that comes from God through faith in Christ. The profound impact of Christ’s sacrifice is then vividly captured with "You broke the curse sin had on me," a direct reference to the liberation from sin’s dominion and eternal consequences, deeply rooted in Galatians 3:13, where Christ became a curse for us. The concluding lines of the first verse, "You saved my life, You set me free," encapsulate the glorious reality of salvation and spiritual emancipation, a truth powerfully articulated in John 8:36, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed," and Romans 8:2, speaking of the law of the Spirit of life setting us free from the law of sin and death.
The chorus, a simple yet potent repetition of "Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Praise the Lord," serves as the inevitable and joyful response to the profound truths laid out in the verses. "Hallelujah" itself is a timeless Hebrew exclamation, translating to "Praise Yahweh" or "Praise the Lord," a universal declaration of adoration found throughout Scripture, most notably in Revelation 19:1, where a great multitude in heaven cries out "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God." This chorus is not just a call to praise, but an expression of the heart overwhelmed by God’s goodness and redemptive work, a celebratory shout acknowledging His supreme worthiness.
Verse two transitions to an explicit recognition of God’s attributes and the physical posture of worship. "Sustainer God, Almighty King" elevates our understanding of God, portraying His unfailing power and unending care, echoing Nehemiah 9:21, which speaks of God sustaining His people, and Revelation 19:6, declaring the Lord God Almighty reigns. The image "I come to rest under Your wing" beautifully conveys a sense of seeking refuge, protection, and comfort in God’s unfailing presence, a comforting metaphor frequently found in the Psalms, such as Psalm 91:4, "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." The act of worship is then described with "Bowing my knees, I call Your Name," signifying humility, submission, and sincere invocation, reflecting Philippians 2:10-11 where every knee shall bow to Jesus. Furthermore, Joel 2:32 reminds us that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Finally, "Lifting my hands, I give You praise" illustrates a tangible and heartfelt expression of adoration, a practice encouraged in various psalms, including Psalm 63:4, "So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands."
Travis Cottrell’s "Hallelujah" is a comprehensive theological anthem, offering more than just an engaging song structure; it provides a robust theological framework that encourages deep reflection and active worship. It serves as a compelling reminder of God's unyielding nature as life-giver, hope-bringer, and liberator, prompting a response of profound gratitude and unreserved praise. This song inspires not only with its lyrical simplicity but with its biblical depth, compelling anyone who hears it to join in the eternal declaration: "Hallelujah, Praise the Lord."