The song “Above All,” penned by Michael W. Smith and Deborah D. Smith, holds a significant place in contemporary Christian worship. Its powerful melody and seemingly profound lyrics have resonated with congregations worldwide. However, a closer examination of the song’s central chorus, particularly the lines:
Like a rose / Trampled on the ground
You took the fall / And thought of me
Above all
has sparked theological debate and, at times, misinterpretations. Initially, some listeners, including myself, have stumbled over the phrase “thought of me above all,” perceiving it as potentially diminishing God’s glory by seemingly prioritizing humanity in Christ’s sacrifice. This interpretation suggests a human-centered perspective, where Christ’s love for individuals overshadows His devotion to God the Father.
However, a deeper, contextual reading of the entire song reveals a richer and theologically sound message. By analyzing the lyrics in their entirety, and understanding the intended meaning of “above all” within the song’s framework, we can appreciate the song’s profound message about God’s sovereignty and the extraordinary value He places on humanity within His creation. This article aims to unpack the nuanced meaning of “Above All Song,” address initial concerns, and offer a hermeneutically sound interpretation that aligns with a God-centered worldview.
Re-evaluating “Above All” Through Contextual Understanding
The initial discomfort with the phrase “thought of me above all” often arises from isolating the chorus from the verses. This approach neglects a fundamental principle of interpretation: understanding any text within its surrounding context. Just as biblical exegesis emphasizes considering verses within their chapter, book, and the broader scriptural narrative, interpreting song lyrics requires considering the chorus in light of the verses and the overall message of the song.
To illustrate this point, consider the word “all.” In everyday language, “all” can have different meanings depending on context. For instance, “all students passed the test” doesn’t necessarily mean every single student without exception, but rather, all students in a specific group being considered. Similarly, in theological discussions about the extent of atonement, biblical passages using “all” (e.g., 1 Timothy 2:4, Titus 2:11) require careful contextual interpretation to understand whether “all” refers to every individual without exception or “all kinds” of people.
This principle of contextual interpretation is crucial when approaching “Above All Song.” To truly grasp the meaning of “above all” in the chorus, we must first examine how the phrase is used in the preceding verses.
“Above All” in the Verses: Establishing God’s Supremacy
The verses of “Above All Song” meticulously build a picture of God’s absolute sovereignty and supremacy over all creation. The song opens by declaring:
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
Stylized text design of "above all" representing the worship song "Above All Song" by Michael W. Smith, discussed in this article about its theological meaning.
This opening stanza immediately establishes God’s position as preeminent over every aspect of existence. “Above all powers” and “above all kings” emphasize His authority over all earthly and spiritual dominion. “Above all nature / And all created things” broadens this supremacy to encompass the entire created order. Furthermore, “above all wisdom / And all the ways of man” highlights God’s infinite knowledge and understanding, surpassing human intellect and endeavors. The line “You were here / Before the world began” powerfully affirms God’s eternal nature and His role as the uncreated Creator.
The second stanza continues this theme of divine exaltation:
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
Here, “above all kingdoms” and “above all thrones” reiterate God’s sovereign rule over all earthly realms and governments. “Above all wonders / The world has ever known” underscores the incomprehensible magnificence of God, exceeding any marvel humanity has witnessed or conceived. “Above all wealth / And treasures of the earth” contrasts temporal, material riches with God’s immeasurable worth, emphasizing His infinite value beyond any earthly possessions. The stanza concludes with “There’s no way to measure / What You’re worth,” further solidifying God’s transcendence and incomprehensibility.
Across these two stanzas, the phrase “above all” is consistently used to elevate God above various aspects of creation. This repetitive structure is not accidental; it serves to firmly establish a theological foundation of God’s absolute supremacy before the song transitions to the chorus and the focus on Christ’s sacrifice.
The Chorus: “Above All Creation,” A Love for Humanity Within God’s Sovereignty
Having established God’s supreme position “above all” creation in the verses, the chorus then shifts focus to the crucifixion:
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
The chorus poignantly depicts Christ’s suffering and sacrifice. “Crucified / Laid behind a stone / You lived to die / Rejected and alone” vividly portrays the physical and emotional anguish of the crucifixion. The metaphor “Like a rose / Trampled on the ground” powerfully illustrates Christ’s vulnerability and humiliation.
It is within this context of Christ’s sacrificial love that the phrase “thought of me above all” appears. The crucial interpretive question is: what does “above all” refer to in this final line of the chorus? Given the consistent usage of “above all” throughout the verses to denote God’s supremacy over creation, the most hermeneutically consistent and theologically sound interpretation is to understand “above all” in the chorus as “above all creation.”
Therefore, “thought of me above all” should be understood as “thought of me above all created things.” This interpretation does not diminish God’s glory or place humanity above Him. Instead, it highlights the astounding truth that the God who is sovereign “above all” creation, in His infinite love, chose to focus His redemptive plan specifically on humanity, the pinnacle of His creation, even amidst the immensity of the cosmos.
This understanding aligns with the biblical narrative of creation and redemption. Genesis 1:26-28 describes humanity as created in God’s image, signifying a unique status and dignity within creation. Christ’s incarnation and sacrificial death are specifically for the redemption of humanity, His bride, His church (Ephesians 5:25-27). While God’s love extends to all creation, His redemptive love is particularly focused on humanity. As 1 Timothy 4:10 states, Christ is “the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.”
Conclusion: Embracing the Full Meaning of “Above All Song”
By interpreting “Above All Song” contextually and understanding “above all” in the chorus as “above all creation,” we can fully appreciate the song’s theologically rich message. It is not a song that elevates humanity above God, but rather a powerful expression of God’s immeasurable love for humanity within the framework of His absolute sovereignty. It celebrates the glorious truth that the God who reigns “above all powers, above all kings,” chose to humble Himself, take on human form, and sacrifice Himself for our redemption.
Therefore, we can sing “Above All Song” with renewed understanding and appreciation. The line “thought of me above all” is not a statement of misplaced human-centeredness, but a profound declaration of God’s extraordinary love for humanity, a love that is all the more astonishing when considered against the backdrop of His infinite majesty and dominion “above all” creation. This song serves as a powerful reminder of both God’s transcendent greatness and His intimate, personal love for each of us, a love demonstrated most profoundly in the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
Post Script: The Importance of Theological Discernment in Worship Music
Analyzing “Above All Song” underscores the crucial need for theological discernment when selecting and engaging with worship music. While music powerfully connects us with God and facilitates corporate worship, it is essential to ensure that the lyrics we sing are theologically sound and contribute to a God-centered worship experience.
Music leaders play a vital role in this process. They should be equipped to critically evaluate song lyrics, ensuring they align with biblical truth and promote a proper understanding of God and His Word. Furthermore, when introducing songs that might be open to misinterpretation, like “Above All Song,” it can be beneficial to provide brief explanations or theological context to guide congregations toward a deeper and more accurate understanding of the song’s message.
Ultimately, our aim in worship is to glorify God and draw closer to Him. By engaging with worship music thoughtfully and discerningly, we can ensure that the songs we sing contribute to this purpose, fostering a worship experience that is both emotionally moving and theologically sound, centered on the greatness and glory of God who is, indeed, “above all.”
