Yesterday, I raised concerns with the popular song “Above All” by Michael W. Smith. For some time, I have taken theological issue with the central lyric of the song:
Like a rose / Trampled on the ground
You took the fall / And thought of me
Above all.
Those last two lines have always made me stumble because of the way they seem to eclipse God with humanity. I’ve always heard them as making the claim that Christ thought more of me than he did of God—which I argued reverses the God-centered nature of the universe and the cross.
For that reason, I was theologically opposed to the song. While I could sing the rest of the song with delight, I always cringed as the chorus neared. Hence, I set out to write these reflections so as to expose the errant chorus. However, a funny thing happened along the way—I read the lyrics again (and again) and this time in context.
Unlike any time before, I read the chorus in light of the whole song. Not surprisingly, reading it context provided greater light. But surprisingly, I had to adjust my thinking for I realized that if I (or we) let the song define its own terms—a principle of general hermeneutics—it does not ascribe humanity to a place higher than God. In fact, the song rightly retains a high view of God’s sovereignty and the dignity assigned to humanity, as the pinnacle of creation.
A Few Words About “All”
I am quite familiar with the three-letter word “all.” I spent my entire dissertation wrestling with the passages in Scripture that tell us that God desires all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4) and that the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people (Titus 2:11). These are only two of many proof-texts for general atonement, the view that Christ died for all people without exception.
Briefly stated, these “all” passages along with the “world” passages (e.g., John 1:29; 3:16, 17, 18; 5:40; 6:32-51; 12:48; 16:8-11; 2 Cor 5:19; 1 John 2:2; 4:14) create a formidable argument against definite atonement, the view that Christ death effected salvation for a countless multitude but not every single person. And without fail the prevailing argument for the “all” and “world” passages goes like this—“all means all, and that’s all all means.” Yet, as is pointed out by advocates of definite atonement (and is admitted by most opponents of definite atonement), the context of “all” makes all the difference in the world.
Of course in the discussion about the extent of the atonement, differences of opinion swell because different theological positions employ different hermeneutical approaches. In this post, I am not trying to take on that debate. Only to point out my own inconsistency as I came to “Above All.”
Here’s what I mean: when I interpret 1 Timothy 2:4, for instance, I explain understand “all men” to be referring to all kinds of men, previously explicated in the previous verses (vv. 1–3). When Paul says that he “urge[s] that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high position . . .” his language (“for kings and all who are in high position”) is an appositional explanation of “made for all people.”Therefore, the all is not “all without distinction,” but all kinds of people—rich and poor, weak and powerful, etc.
I believe the same sort of distributive principle is at work in Titus 2. Paul addresses old and young, men and women, slaves and masters. Then in verse 11, he states that “the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.” In context, I understand all people to be defined by the previous verses. Paul believes that all kinds of people may find salvation through Christ, not just Jewish men.
When it comes to these verses in Scripture, I have always interpreted the “all” in light of the preceding context. However, ironically, I had not done that with Michael W. Smith’s popular song.
Seeing the Whole Song
Just what does “all” mean in “above all”? The only way to answer that is to consider the whole song. Experientially, most worshipers (in church) never see all the lyrics to this song at one time, because they are given the song in a series of artistic PowerPoint slides. However, since every song is unit to itself, it is vital to see the whole thing. That we don’t usually see entire song lyrics (in our use of video projection), we ought to remember how media manipulates the message.
In this case, it is difficult to read/think/sing the chorus and remember the way that the stanzas define the terms, so we need t to read the song in its entirety:
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
These stanzas cycle and repeat, but this is it. And what we must observe, as I did with the lyrics above, is the way that “above all” is used in the first two stanzas. Before climaxing at the chorus, “above all” is used no less than eight times, plus three other places where “above all” is implied by means of an ellipse.
In each instance (eleven total), the statement compares God to some aspect of creation (powers, kings, nature, created things, wisdom, the ways of man; kingdoms, thrones, wonders, wealth, and treasure), and in each instance God prevails over creation. The lyrics explicitly affirm God’s eternality (end of stanza 1) and his infinite nature (end of stanza 2). In truth, the two stanzas have an incredibly high view of God and his sovereignty.
The chorus then turns to the crucifixion, that point in history, where Christ is most humbled (Phil 2:5–8). This is the place where God’s love is most powerfully demonstrated (Rom 5:8; 1 John 3:16: 4:7–12), and the place God intends to save us. It is in response to the cross, that we sinners should sense our greatest unworthiness and his most tender and compassionate love. So far so good.
Above All Created Things
The only remaining question: What about the final “above all” in the chorus. For many people, these two words have ruined the rest of this God-exalting song. They suppose that the lyrics become man-centered and too concerned with man’s need for self-esteem. I share those concerns and have until this inquiry—first drafted two years ago—voiced them concerning this chorus.
However, reading charitably and in the context of the whole song (not just in the singular PowerPoint slide), I think it is best to understand “and thought of me above all” as “and thought of me above all creation.” In other words, the chorus is not meant to put man over God, nor is it in this moment on the cross aiming to turn the tables. Rather, it seems to be saying—based on the context—that the God of creation has chosen to create redeem humanity in a special way, just as he made mankind in a special way—in his own image (Gen 1:26–28).
Lyrically, this reading does the best justice to the meaning of “above all” in the song. It also does the best justice to the high view of God in the song. And it does the best justice to the theology of Christ’s death—namely, he laid down his life for his sheep, his bride, his church, his children. Jesus did not die generically for creation; he died especially for humanity. And even more specifically, he did not die for the old order. He died to make an entirely new humanity, a new creation purchased and produced by his death and resurrection. As 1 Timothy 4:10, Jesus did not die in general; he died especially for those who believe.
Conclusion
Therefore, after a decade of wincing at Michael W. Smith’s popular song, I can with renewed zeal sing “Like a rose / Trampled on the ground / You took the fall / And thought of me / Above all.” Indeed, it is a glorious truth that the God who is above all things, made himself lower than the angels that he might redeem a people for his own possession. In his death, he did not simply make a way for us to come to him. He came to us and above all created things, he raised us up to heavenly places with him. That is a glorious truth and worth singing without reservation.
*****************************
A Post Script
You might wonder why we should exegete a non-inspired song. In truth, I’ve never done it before now. But it shows at least three important things:
- We should take seriously the songs that we sing in corporate service. Though our primary task is to interpret the Scriptures; it may at times be necessary and worthwhile to apply the hermeneutical tools sharpened with biblical exegesis to the songs we sing, never forgetting that unless the song directly quotes Scripture, it is not the inspired and inerrant word of God.
- Music leaders should be capable interpreters. They should be able to rightly handle the word of truth (Scripture) and with a biblical worldview, they should be able to test and approve all the songs that they would bring to the church.
- Finally, as a very competent and theologically-minded music leader shared with me, it should be remembered that most people in the pews will not naturally think this precisely about the songs we sing. Therefore, if this song is to be used, it should be introduced and explained. We cannot assume that people will naturally draw the right conclusions just by hearing the lyrics. Rather, knowing the self-centered tendencies of our American culture, we should be aware of Romantic lyrics that (unintentionally) bolster a sentimental type of love that assumes the cross and centers God’s love on bolstering our self-esteem.
As was outlined above, the song Above All does not have to bolster self-love. But it can. May song leaders and preaching pastors lead their congregations to think wisely about this song and all songs, until with purified hearts and glorified bodies we all sing:
“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:9–10)
Soli Deo Gloria, ds
Via Emmaus 
In the past, I have had the same struggle with that song. However, like you, I had not considered it in its full context. Dr. Shrock, thank you for sharing this. It has caused me to reflect and reconsider how I see this song!
Thanks, Theron. I hope you are doing well. Are you still in Indy?
You’re welcome. I am. Hope you are doing well too! I am still in Indy; I am actually pursuing my Master’s degree with Capital Seminary at their Indy site (which is on Crossroads’ campus). Each course is blended-online and on-campus.
Thanks for your analysis. The song was actually written by Paul Baloche and Lenny LeBlanc. Here’s a link to a story recounting the song’s development http://www.leadworship.com/resources/thoughts5.html
LeBlanc contributed the controversial line of the chorus. According to the last line of his account from the link, it seems your original critique is warranted. Since I enjoy playing this song on guitar, though, I’m going to keep your more favorable analysis in mind. :-)
Jeffery, thanks for the song’s backstory. I wrote after our church had played the song and I was wrestling with its theology. At the end of the day, I’m not sure most people will spend this much time thinking about the song’s theology, but I do hope musicians like yourself will tag-team with their pastors and grow together as theologians and exegetes of Scripture and hymnody.
Blessings, ds
Good post, Dave. Thanks for being generous in your analysis. The trend these days is to take the opposite stance, so I in particular appreciate it. There’s sort of a similar problem I encountered recently with “I Stand Amazed”:
“When with the ransomed in glory
his face I at last shall see
T’will be my joy through the ages
to sing of his love for me.”
The last line always gave me pause, and I’ve generally avoided leading it as I’ve tried to be careful with the words I’m asking the congregation to say to one another. I’ve heard many critiques of it as well in books and at conferences, and perhaps I’ve contributed to those. But in context I’ve reconsidered it. It was especially hard for me to critique it in light of Gal 2:20.
Both songs remind us how important the role of the song/worship leader is. It’s not just about playing songs well, is it? Glad you are taking your theological training to lead your church in song (and theology)!
Thank you… Very helpful insight…. Finally put my heart at peace whenever I sing that song.
Hi, I have been struggling with the last line of this song for a completely different reason. My understanding of “And thought about ME above all”, is that that he thought of me, LINDA HARRIS above all, when our dear Lord was dying on the cross. It’s the ME that bothers me. I believe Jesus thought about US all. It seems so arrogant to sing that to each other. A preacher wouldn’t say from the platform that Jesus thought about him ( inset preachers own name here) above all.
Praise God ! I finally read a good insight about the song that I love .
For a non theologian person like me , a simple minded one ; who in hearing and reading the word of GOD ; I came to understand that the “ all powerful creator sent His son to die for the redemption of my soul “, and He taught of “ me” above all His creation , above all His creation even above the powerful angels . So when I first heard the song, I was blessed by it and it set my heart to worship Him through that song , grateful for such truth .
I never even question the lyrics for it does speak the love of GOD to us , to me and for me.
I am guessing that is whats in the heart of the song writers Mr. Lenny Le Blanc and Paul Baloche. To have pen this song to glorify ,and worship the creator through this song .
I don’t understand of how some well known theologians and Pastors ( I have read some who blog a negative critique abt it) put a different meaning to each words and interpret it in some “ bad light”, blog about “ how false “ such lyrics was . Destroying instead of building up … why?
This is whats wrong with some theologians and Pastors who think because they got the degree, they have the right to critique an artist, a music and song writers who I knew wrote and composed those songs out of inspirations and gratefulness in their heart to worship GOD through their talents . Those are God given talents that doesn’t just come because you want to profit and take glory for it. (Putting lyrics and music together is not easy as composing your thoughts in writing a blog to critique . )But I know “twitting “and blogging does.
What happened to verse 1Thes.5:11, I think a lot of theologians who develop a fault finding spirit for the sake of publishing something on their blog forget this verse always.
I would like to see these Pastors and theologians , composed a song/ music that “intersect with and inform our hymnody” to justify their “ hermeneutics” , which will speak and inspire a lot of people to worship GOD.
Could somebody read my problem with the last line and help me understand it. To me it reads that when Jesus died on the cross He thought about ME, LINDA HARRIS above ALL, that being above YOU and any other person. If the wording was He thought about US above all, I would agree.
Yes, song writing is difficult, trying to fit truths to fit with the music. I have just written a song for our group of adults with learning difficulties to sing in church. I still think it is imperative that the words we sing are in spirit and truth. If they are not truth we should not sing them.
Still waiting for David Schrock to get back to me.
If the whole world knew they had someone in their corner who they could turn to and loved them above all else we would probably not have very many problems in the world. If I grasp that I need nothing else then the One who gave His all for me , the rest of my relationships would fall in place.
Men. . . this is a problem. . . STILL.
Thanks for the analysis of the äbove all” song. Dr Shrock. One’s first response in hearing the song is always. . .kind of positive. .. and Calvary centered.. . .our unworthy state, our depraved state which needed the Lord in all He is.
But the problem remains – “thought of me”
The problem I have with such modern lullaby-like rhythms is that they can tend to dull the reasoning. so gently and softly and . . somehow sonorific, honorific but end with our minds and hearts not questioning anything. The Lord Jesus said “You shall love the Lord with all your heart, all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength ( Mark 12:30)
But carried with the subliminal r hymn of’ “above all” the tendency toward some kind of musical hypnotism.. The more one listens to the hymns – as you surely did Dr Shrock – the more “agreeable” ‘to the lullaby effect acts on the mind – and the mind no longer questions anything.
“”Thought of me”- notice this is centered on “‘me’ singular. But surely “God so loved the world. . .”(John 3:16). . .not just little me Edson. . or David.
“Thought of me”? . . . surely the salvation plan was indicated even in Genesis 3, long before any of us were around.
But oh you ask “Did the Lord not know of me?”
Good question : but raised in the wrong context.. . unless if W B Smith and us leap from Genesis 1 and 2 to Calvary and thus ignoring Genesis 3.
The song leaps from the creation bliss to crowning “me above all” and ignores the sinfulness of sinful man.
I find this very different from the Psalm 139 portrayal of who God is and what He has done. There the Psalmist admitted (in praise) : “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high: I cannot attain to it”(Verse 6). Then later he says “How precious are thy thoughts unto me O God, how great is the sum of them!!! The same God said “My thoughts are not your thoughts. .”(Isaiah 55:8) His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. . .including the thoughts of the song writer!!!
One notices that in the Psalm 139 the “me” is included with the the focus is still praise to the most High. The Psalm does not center on the Psalmist. Thus turned on the Lord the Psalmists eyes point us
to the same Lord: our eyes are on the Lord, not on the writer.
Problems? Yes, problem still.
Of course others have commented that the song is not really a Gospel song.It ends on the Crucifixion and the death. This “Jesus’ ends in the grave! Period.
The Christ of all the Gospels has a glorious appearance – He shows up – after the grave.Thus He secured the justification of faith in all He said and did. . . faith in Him. Even doubting Thomas is convinced.
The “above all” Jesus is one for whom one can feel sorry for he is “”like a rose trampled on the ground.” That is all he is now. Period.
O maybe one can be thankful that ;he thought of someone. But gratitude was not what the Lord was seeking : Thomas confessed and declared “My LORD and my God.” Mere gratitude is not enough.
It is sad that what was supposed to be a glorious awakening and climax in the “above ” all song ends in the grave.. . . unless the “me'” only one being “thought of”‘ to occupy the scene above all!
Besides one has to wrestle with what was that “Jesus”thinking of? With Adam when God created him it is clear what He was thinking of – viceroy ship without the vice of sin. With the WB Smith the point of having a ‘me”is at best unclear, at worst controversial. The eschatological vission in the book of Revelation does not (repeat) does not al at focus on humanity. That visision is a revealtion of who the Lord Jesus Christ is. One reads through the book and highlights the tittles by which reference is made to the Lord. How amazing . . . right from the first chapter . .the Alpha and Omega, the One who liveth and was dead and behold He lives forevermore, the Amen,, the Lord of Lords. . . (and closes, chapter 22) the Alpha and Omega. Divinity, not humanity is revealed.
In contrast who the the “above all me’ is or will do henceforth no one will ever know. . . unless the ‘me” crowns himself ” above all”‘ Such self idolatry is what this world really loves. . . . .as in the Mormon Church “man” who in the end is “god.” This is a gross violation of Scripture.
Calvary and the resurrection were great and amazing demonstration of Gods Agape . . . too great to be portrayed with slap-dash careless of LeBlanc who contributed the controversial line of the ‘above
all”chorus.
A song which starts with mention of “me’; was written by Charles Wesley.
And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Saviour’s blood?”
Died He for me who caused His death
For me who Him to death pursued?
Amazing Love! how can it be
That Thou my God should st die for me?