Tim Hughes’ iconic worship song, “Here I Am To Worship,” has touched hearts globally, becoming a staple in churches worldwide. But the story behind these powerful Words To Song Here I Am To Worship is perhaps as inspiring as the melody itself. Born from a moment of personal reflection and sparked by an unexpected source – a Stephen King movie – the song’s journey from a simple idea to a global anthem is a testament to the profound impact of humble beginnings and divine inspiration.
Tim-Hughes
From Sheffield University to Worship Anthems: The Genesis of a Song
In his late teens, Tim Hughes, then a history student at Sheffield University, found himself deeply moved by the passage in Philippians 2 that eloquently describes Jesus’ humility. This chapter, often referred to as the “Christ Hymn,” vividly portrays Jesus, who, despite being God, “made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant.” This powerful imagery of divine humility resonated deeply within Hughes.
Speaking to Premier Christianity magazine, Hughes recounted how his songwriting process began as a direct response to this scripture. “I began, as often we do, to worship out of response to that,” he shared. The initial lines, “Light of the world, you stepped down into darkness, opened my eyes, let me see,” emerged from this moment of reflection. He also conceived the poignant line, “I would never know how much it cost, to see my sin upon the cross.” However, the chorus remained elusive, leading to frustration and the temporary shelving of the song.
Stephen King’s “The Green Mile”: An Unlikely Catalyst
Months later, inspiration struck in an unexpected place – a movie theater. Hughes watched “The Green Mile,” a film based on a Stephen King novel. The movie’s central theme of substitutionary sacrifice, where one person takes on the punishment of another, profoundly impacted him. He saw echoes of the crucifixion and Christ’s sacrifice.
“The themes of the cross and sacrifice were so powerful, and I began to sing this song again,” Hughes explained. The movie reignited his desire to complete the song. He revisited the verses, but the chorus still proved challenging. His initial attempts at a chorus felt inadequate, even “embarrassingly bad” in his own words.
Finding the Missing Piece: A Chorus Emerges
Driven to complete the song, Hughes delved into his archives of musical ideas, sifting through old cassette tapes. He unearthed a melody that resonated with the verses he had already written. This melody became the foundation for the chorus, providing the missing piece he had been searching for.
Hughes elaborated on the lyrical direction of the chorus: “The verses speak about what Jesus has done, and the chorus needed to be a simple, ‘Well, I’m going to respond by worshipping you, bowing down, saying that you’re my God.'” This realization led to the powerful and universally relatable chorus, “Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down, here I am to say that you’re my God.” The words to song here i am to worship finally took complete form, creating a cohesive and impactful worship experience.
Overcoming Doubt: Matt Redman’s Initial Hesitation
Despite the breakthrough, Hughes’ confidence in the song wavered when he shared it with his friend and fellow worship leader, Matt Redman. Redman’s feedback was less than enthusiastic. As Hughes jokingly recalls, Redman suggested, “Maybe you could use the chorus as a little tag thing. I’m not sure the rest is particularly strong.”
While Hughes playfully labeled this “sabotage,” Redman’s initial reaction highlights the subjective nature of creative work and how even well-respected figures can have differing opinions. However, this initial doubt didn’t deter the song’s ultimate trajectory.
From Conference to Global Stage: The Song’s Explosive Rise
Hughes initially shelved the song for about a year, unsure of its potential. However, a pivotal moment arrived at a conference where he decided to introduce “Here I Am To Worship.” The response was immediate and overwhelming. The song resonated deeply with the congregation.
Mike Pilavachi, the founder of Soul Survivor, recognized the song’s power instantly. He approached Hughes, proclaiming, “You’re going to lead that song every week for many, many years. It will go all over the world.” Hughes, initially skeptical, soon witnessed the truth of Pilavachi’s words. “It was interesting was just how explosive the song was,” Hughes reflected. This experience marked a turning point, leading him to join Soul Survivor church as their worship leader after finishing university.
Recording in a Classroom: Humble Production for a Powerful Song
The recording of “Here I Am To Worship” mirrored its humble origins. SonicFlood members Jason Halbert and Dwayne Larring produced the song, opting for a unique and unconventional recording environment. Instead of a professional studio, they transformed a children’s classroom in the Soul Survivor church warehouse into a makeshift recording space.
Hughes vividly remembers the surreal experience of recording vocals surrounded by “teddy bears, dolls, and Lego.” This unusual setting underscored the song’s organic and grassroots beginnings, contrasting with its subsequent global reach.
A Song That Unites Generations: Enduring Impact
“Here I Am To Worship” quickly transcended age and denominational boundaries. Its simple yet profound words to song here i am to worship and its heartfelt melody connected with worshippers across the globe. Hughes recounts a powerful experience at a Worship Together conference in San Diego, where the congregation continued singing the chorus for fifteen minutes after the band had stopped playing.
This spontaneous and prolonged worship exemplifies the song’s ability to move people deeply and facilitate genuine connection with God. “Here I Am To Worship” stands as a testament to the power of vulnerability, the inspiration found in unexpected places, and the enduring impact of simple, heartfelt worship. The journey of these words to song here i am to worship from a student’s quiet reflection to a global anthem continues to inspire and uplift worshippers worldwide.
Derek Walker- Follow
