
Thoughts on "Worthy Of My Song" by Phil Wickham
Phil Wickham’s Worthy of My Song is a powerful declaration of God’s worth and goodness through every season.
While the meaning of the song is clear, there are moments Wickham references that might make you think twice about introducing it in a congregationals context, but these moments are an opportunity to pour even more meaning into the song.
First, let's look at the lyrics for Worthy Of My Song by Phil Wickham:
I'm gonna sing 'til my heart starts changing
Oh, I'm gonna worship 'til I mean every word 'Cause the way I feel and the fear I'm facing Doesn't change who You are or what You deserveI give You my worship
You still deserve it You're worthy, You're worthy You're worthy of my song I'll pour out Your praises In blessing and breaking You're worthy, You're worthy You're worthy of my songI'm gonna live like my King is risen
Gonna preach to my soul that You've already won And even though I can't see it, I'm gonna keep believing That every promise You make is as good as doneI give You my worship
You still deserve it You're worthy, You're worthy You're worthy of my song I'll pour out Your praises In blessing and breaking You're worthy, You're worthy Jesus, You're worthy of my songWhen I sat by that hospital bed, You were worthy
And she could barely lift her head, You were worthy After all those tears were shed, You were worthy I'll never stop singing Your praise I'll never stop singing Your praiseAnd in the blessing, in the pain, You are worthy
Whether You say yes or no or wait, You are worthy Through it all, I choose to say, "You are worthy" I'll never stop singing Your praise No, I'll never stop singing Your praiseAnd when I finally see Your face, I'll cry worthy
And when You wipe these tears away, I'll cry worthy Above every other name, You are worthy I'll never stop singing Your praise No, I'll never stop singing Your praise
The lyrics on the bridge are clearly recalling a very specific experience and to sing such intimate lyrics could feel disingenuous in a congregational context. So how should we approach it? Fortunately Wickham, I think very intentionally, gives us a clear path. While the first time through the bridge is very intimate and specific, the next time through brings it back to an expression that is true for all of us.
From a musical standpoint, you can use that first time through as free worship or even better to call out a specific experience that your congregation experienced together. “When Beth was told it was cancer You were worthy. When this old church basement flooded You were worthy. Reminding our community of trials experienced together can both bond the group together and add so much more meaning to the song.
My guess is whatever experience Wickham is referring to brought so much meaning to him as he wrote the song that he needed to include it. What an opportunity this song gives us to do the same.
You can learn to play Worthy Of My Song and over 600 songs on guitar, bass, drums, keys and vocals on Worship Artistry.