David Bloom’s name might not be instantly recognizable, but his song, “You Deserve It,” resonates deeply within the world of gospel music. This powerful anthem, crowned Song of the Year at the Stellar Awards and nominated for a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance/Song, is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a testament to faith, perseverance, and the unexpected blessings that arise from life’s valleys. Bloom, the songwriter behind this impactful piece, shared with the Journal of Gospel Music the heartfelt journey of how this now-iconic gospel music song came to be.
Interestingly, “You Deserve It” wasn’t initially crafted with commercial aspirations. It wasn’t written for a specific artist or strategic placement within the gospel music industry. Instead, it emerged from a deeply personal and vulnerable space. “It came during a low moment in my life,” Bloom explains. In times of personal struggle, he sought solace at the piano, using music as a form of prayer and emotional expression. “You Deserve It” was born from one of these spontaneous, prayerful sessions, taking shape in a mere five minutes. This raw, authentic origin is perhaps part of what makes the song so relatable and powerful within the landscape of gospel music songs.
Bloom introduced the song to his praise team at Kingdom Impact Global Ministries in Fayetteville the very next day. The positive reception was immediate. “They liked it and we sang it the following Sunday,” he recalls. The congregation embraced it just as enthusiastically, and “You Deserve It” became a staple in their Sunday services, a testament to its immediate impact as a gospel music song within a church setting.
The song’s journey from local church favorite to international gospel anthem took an unexpected turn when Bishop Cortez Vaughn visited Bloom’s church for a conference. Impressed by “You Deserve It,” Bishop Vaughn requested to take it back to Kansas. Later, JJ Hairston encountered the song at a concert hosted by Bishop Cortez. This organic spread, fueled by word-of-mouth and the song’s inherent appeal, highlights the power of gospel music songs to transcend boundaries and connect with listeners on a spiritual level.
As “You Deserve It” traveled, it evolved. Bishop Cortez Vaughn and Demond Reed, recognizing its simplicity and powerful message, adapted it to their own styles and shared it in different cities. JJ Hairston, known for his contemporary gospel sound, infused his signature “flair,” ultimately shaping the song into the version that would captivate audiences worldwide. This collaborative, organic evolution is a fascinating aspect of how gospel music songs can take on new life and reach wider audiences.
Months before recording the song, JJ Hairston approached Bloom about including “You Deserve It” on his album. For Bloom, this was a dream realized. “All my life, I’ve wanted to be a writer,” he confesses. His aspiration wasn’t to be a performer, but to craft songs that resonated with people and facilitated a connection with God. Hearing the final version recorded by JJ Hairston was an emotional moment. “When he sent the final version to me, I cried. It was like a dream come true.” This marked a significant milestone in Bloom’s journey as a writer of gospel music songs.
The accolades that followed were overwhelming. When JJ Hairston informed Bloom of the Grammy nomination, his reaction was disbelief and profound gratitude. “I wanted to pass out! I was at a loss for words. It seemed like it was all happening overnight.” Despite feeling unprepared for the rapid success, Bloom acknowledges a lifetime of preparation in his craft. The announcement of “You Deserve It” as Stellar Awards Song of the Year brought another wave of emotion. “My knees got weak,” Bloom describes. The award triggered a reflection on his entire journey, recognizing that past challenges had paved the way for this moment of triumph. “I realized that God takes us through moments for an even greater moment. I felt like that was my greater moment. That was what the pain, everything that I went through, was all about.” This perspective underscores the themes of faith and resilience often found in gospel music songs.
While Bloom recognized the local popularity of “You Deserve It,” its global impact surpassed all expectations. Its chart-topping success on Billboard, millions of YouTube views, numerous awards, and translations into different languages are a testament to its universal appeal within the realm of gospel music songs. The song’s reach extends beyond mere popularity; it has touched lives in profound ways. One woman shared a moving story of her father battling cancer, finding solace and strength in “You Deserve It.” Playing the song daily, she witnessed his gradual improvement, ultimately believing it contributed to his recovery. This anecdote exemplifies the powerful and often healing nature of gospel music songs, offering comfort, hope, and inspiration to listeners in diverse circumstances.
David Bloom’s story is a compelling example of how a deeply personal expression of faith, born from a moment of vulnerability, can blossom into a globally recognized gospel music song. “You Deserve It” is more than just an award-winning track; it’s a narrative of faith, perseverance, and the extraordinary journey of a gospel music song that touched hearts worldwide.
