Travis Cottrell - What a Beautiful Name - Agnus Dei Lyrics
Lyrics
Intro
Verse 1
You were the Word at the beginning
One with God the Lord Most High
Your hidden glory in creation
Now revealed in You our Christ
Chorus 1
What a beautiful Name it is
What a beautiful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King
What a beautiful Name it is
Nothing compares to this
What a beautiful Name it is
The Name of Jesus
Verse 2
You didn't want heaven without us
So Jesus You brought heaven down
My sin was great Your love was greater
What could separate us now?
Chorus 2
What a wonderful Name it is
What a wonderful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King
What a wonderful Name it is
Nothing compares to this
What a wonderful Name it is
The Name of Jesus
What a wonderful Name it is
The Name of Jesus
Instrumental 1
Bridge 1
Death could not hold You
The veil tore before You
You silence the boast of sin and grave
The heavens are roaring the praise of Your glory
For You are raised to life again
Bridge 2
You have no rival, You have no equal
Now and forever God You reign
Yours is the kingdom, Yours is the glory
Yours is the Name above all Names
Chorus 3
What a powerful Name it is
What a powerful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King
What a powerful Name it is
Nothing can stand against
What a powerful Name it is
The Name of Jesus
REPEAT Bridge 2
Chorus 4 2X
Holy, holy are You Lord,
God Almighty Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
You are holy
Instrumental 2
REPEAT Chorus 1
Video
Travis Cottrell feat. Lily Cottrell - What A Beautiful Name / Agnus Dei (Live)
Meaning & Inspiration
Travis Cottrell's rendition of "What a Beautiful Name / Agnus Dei," released on March 9, 2018, is a powerful declaration of faith, deeply rooted in the core tenets of Christian theology. This song is not merely a musical piece; it's a theological treatise set to inspiring music, offering a profound reflection on the identity and power of Jesus Christ. The lyrical journey begins by anchoring Jesus in His pre-existent divine nature, referencing John 1:1, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." The lyrics beautifully articulate this divine presence being "hidden glory in creation" yet "now revealed in You our Christ," echoing the incarnation described in Colossians 1:15-17, which speaks of Christ as the image of the invisible God and the sustainer of all things. The recurring chorus, proclaiming "What a beautiful Name it is," centers on the name of Jesus Christ, King, highlighting that "Nothing compares to this." This sentiment resonates with Philippians 2:9, where Scripture states, "Therefore God exalted him to the highest hand and gave him the name above every name."
The second verse shifts focus to the radical grace of God's plan, stating, "You didn't want heaven without us / So Jesus You brought heaven down." This vividly portrays the divine initiative in salvation, moving from a detached existence to intimate involvement with humanity. It directly addresses the magnitude of our sin contrasted with the immeasurable extent of His love: "My sin was great Your love was greater / What could separate us now?" This is a direct allusion to Romans 8:38-39, which assures believers that "neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." The transition to the "Agnus Dei" portion, particularly in the bridges, delves into the conquering power of Christ. The line, "Death could not hold You / The veil tore before You," powerfully signifies His resurrection, fulfilling prophecies and overcoming the dominion of death. The tearing of the temple veil, as described in Matthew 27:51, is a symbolic representation of the new covenant established through Christ's sacrifice, granting direct access to God. The lyrics further assert His ultimate authority, "You silence the boast of sin and grave / The heavens are roaring the praise of Your glory / For You are raised to life again," which is a direct testament to the victory celebrated in 1 Corinthians 15:55, "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The emphatic declaration, "You have no rival, You have no equal / Now and forever God You reign," echoes the supreme sovereignty of God found throughout Scripture, such as in Psalm 93:2, which declares, "Your throne has been established of old; You are from everlasting."
The repeated refrain, "Yours is the kingdom, Yours is the glory / Yours is the Name above all Names," brings together the concepts of Christ's reign and His ultimate exaltation, as prophesied in Daniel 7:14 and affirmed in Revelation 5:12. The final chorus powerfully shifts to "What a powerful Name it is," emphasizing that "Nothing can stand against" this name. This is a direct reflection of the authority vested in Jesus, as mentioned in Acts 4:12: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." The concluding passages, returning to the "Holy, holy are You Lord, God Almighty / Worthy is the Lamb," connect to the adoration found in Revelation 4:8 and 5:12, solidifying the song's message as a comprehensive worship experience that moves from Christ's divine nature and earthly mission to His ultimate triumph and eternal reign. Travis Cottrell’s performance, by focusing on the profound message and weaving in these scriptural truths, offers listeners not just a song, but a rich theological reflection that inspires deeper reverence and understanding of the magnificent Name of Jesus.