One of the first names that come to mind when I think of Contemporary Christian music is Michael W. Smith. His list of accomplishments includes several Grammy’s, and Dove awards for his work in the CCM business. His rendition of the song Above All will be the subject of this edition of Life & Lyrics. The lyrics begin with a description of God the Father and how he is above and beyond everything ever imagined. That in fact there is no way to measure in human terms what God is worth. So the phrase “above all” in the verses refers to God the Father. The song then switches to Jesus, and how he poured out his blood for us and for our salvation. He is compared to a rose being trampled on the ground. Then the song gets very intimate and personal in how it mentions “me”. Even as the song is sung by thousands at the same time, the meaning can impact each individual on a deep personal level. That Jesus lived and died for me. That he loved me above all else. That I am somehow worthy of his love. Let’s remember that we are all worthy of his love and sacrifice, and that we are asked to do the same, love others as we have been loved.
Remember to tune in to Great Catholic Music Radio Hour. Sundays at 1pm.
“Above All” Songwriters: Paul Baloche, Lenny LeBlanc
Above all powers
Above all kings
Above all nature
And all created things
Above all wisdom
And all the ways of man
You were here
Before the world began
Above all kingdoms
Above all thrones
Above all wonders
The world has ever known
Above all wealth
And treasures of the earth
There’s no way to measure
What You’re worth
Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all