Photo by Hasan Almasi
Originally, when I received this request, it came to me under the artist Michael W. Smith. A kind user who goes by the name “lost or just less found” pointed out to me that UPPERROOM is the original artist. Thank you lost! You helped the original artist be found.
UPPERROOM is a church based in Dallas, Texas. Opening its doors in 2010, it started with little pomp, much like this website.  Today, they have attracted over 100 staff who sing, write, and play music in worship nearly 20 times per week.  Pastor Michael Miller leads this organization and planted a second church in Denver. Elyssa Smith, who wrote Surrounded (Fight My Battles), leads worship at their Denver location.
A producer from global worship superstar Michael W. Smith heard Elyssa’s song on YouTube, prompting this cultural phenomenon to prominently record his own version in his 2018 live album Surrounded. His album popularized her song and catapulted UPPERROOM into the spotlight, leading to their first full-length album To The One, released on February 22, 2019.
Previously recorded work are all live alums, mixing covers with original work. This includes Live from Upper Room (2016), Moments (2018), Moments II (2018), and Moments Color 003 (2019).
Lyrics can be found at https://genius.com/Upperroom-surrounded-fight-my-battles-lyrics. While I realize that the live version has additional lyrics, this review will be for the recorded version from their album Moments.
Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site! Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review.
1. What message does the song communicate?
UPPERROOM fights their battles through prayer and remaining in tune with God’s leading, proclaiming that “You” won. Who is “You”, God or a human bodyguard lover? I can’t tell solely from the lyrics.
While I understand that UPPERROOM singing about themselves might seem self-centered, it appears testimonial in nature, much like the writings of Paul in several of his epistle’s. I cannot criticize them for this utilization of the pronoun “I”.
Side Note: To those sensitive to massive repetition, this song contains:
- This is how I fight my battles – 28 times (including derivatives)
- It may look like Iâm surrounded, but I’m surrounded by You – 17 times (including derivatives)
Score: 4/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
I will assume “You” refers to Jesus throughout these lyrics and apply a two-point penalty. Under this assumption, the lyrics are biblical.
[Verse]
Line 1: How does UPPERROOM fight their battles? This is not addressed until section Spontaneous. An interesting choice for a section name!
Line 2: This also makes little sense until we reach section Spontaneous.
Lines 3-8: Repeats line 1.
[Chorus]
Line 1: A portion of line 2.
Lines 2 and 3: Reminiscent of Psalm 23:4, Christ’s presence envelops dire scenarios, real or imagined.
Lines 4-9: Repeats lines 2 and 3.
[Bridge]
Line 1: The power of Christ’s shed blood washes away sins (Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14, Hebrews 9:22, 1 Peter 1:2, and 1 Peter 1:18-19).
Lines 2-4: Repeats line 1.
[Spontaneous]
Line 1: Repeats Verse, line 1. Serves as an introduction for UPPERROOM to give context to its meaning.
Line 2: What table is that? My best guess is what is colloquially known as The Last Supper, the meal to which Jesus instituted communion (or the Eucharist, if you’re Roman Catholic). The Bridge and the next two lines are my best clues to contextualize this phrase, with the body representing Christ’s battered body and the cup representing His shed blood (see Matthew 26:17â30, Mark 14:12â26, Luke 22:7â39, John. 13:1â17:26, and 1 Corinthians 11:23-29). This could have been much clearer.
Lines 3 and 4: That is, overcome death. He rose again (see Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20, Acts 1:3, Acts 3:15, Acts 4:33, and 1 Corinthians 15:3-8).
All other sections after [Spontaneous] derive from preceding lyrics or add nothing valuable to my evaluation. There is little point analyzing them.
Score: 8/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
This song is highly confusing to unbelievers. First, who is UPPERROOM talking about? Second, how does “You” fight battles with grace? It has a Buddhism feel to it, which is positive but confusing.
Score: 3/10
4. What does this song glorify?
If we assume God, He is glorified in in these lyrics, through His uplifting the power, power, wonder-working power in the blood of the lamb. However, the lyrics aren’t clear without examining UPPERROOM’s history.
Score: 5/10
Closing Comments
The strong asset attained from UPPERROOM’s Surrounded (fight my battles) is adherence to Biblical accuracy. Beyond that, its unclear identification of “You” diverts attention away from their otherwise decent message of Christ’s presence, shed blood, resurrection, and God’s glory.
I am not sure what Michael W. Smith’s producer saw in this song, but apparently, he saw something different than I do.
Final Score: 5.5/10
Artist Info
Track: Surrounded (Fight My Battles) (listen to the song)
Artist: UPPERROOM
Album: Moments
Genre: Rock
Release Year: 2018
Duration: 5:49
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
Updates:
03/26/2021 â After re-examining the song, and to keep this in line with other reviews, I’ve updated my entire review. I lowered its overall score, from 7.5/10 to 5.5/10.
03/27/2020 – Upon further reflection and prayer, I decided that repetition does not impact an unbelieverâs interpretation or the lyricsâ inherent glorification of God. Therefore, I updated my commentary sections 3 and 4 and updated my score in section 4, raising this review from 7/10 to 7.5/10.
03/14/2019 – Upon re-examination, I realized that I was too harsh on UPPERROOM for their endless use of repetition. While I am personally against such use, that is no reason to give it an overall 3/10 rating, especially since its Biblical score was high. Thank you Beeb294 on Reddit for pointing this out!
Related reviews:
Elevation Worship (Feat. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, & Chandler Moore) â Praise
Bethel Music (Feat. Zahriya Zachary) – Back To Life
Phil Wickham â Your Name is Holy
Matt Redman – Holy (Jesus You Are)
The Belonging Co. (Feat. Kari Jobe) – The Dove
Bethel Music (Feat. Cory Asbury and Gable Price) â Homecoming
Phil Wickham – How Great is Your Love
Comments
Becki Vowles
Totally agree very annoying and repetitious, I canât listen to it.
Tim Wylie
This song is very irritating and hard to listen to. In my opinion, this sounds like a song that was written in a rush to fill out an album. There is no meat or substance to it. For sure this is a song that should not have been released as a single.
tastywallet
Tim,
Agreed.
-TastyWallet
CAH
I love this song and plan to use it in a service when we teach about Godâs army surrounding the Arameans and protecting Elisha in 2 Kings 6. Repetition being a negative feelings incredibly subjective and like a personal preference rather than a problem.
tastywallet
CAH,
That is great! I am happy for you!
Technically speaking, all reviews are subjective. My policy when it comes to reading other reviews is to “take the meat and throw away the bones”. I hope my review gave you some meat worth thinking about.
-TastyWallet
mikeyt
I personally do like this song and I get it is repetitive, considering most of it was written spontaneously it is preety good. Also thank for trying to be neutral.
Vince Wright
mikeyt,
Sure thing!
-Vince Wright
Donna York
Coming from a prolific season of spontaneous worship myself, I would say the critique should fall on those who took the song from that moment and packaged it. It was spontaneous in its origin! She wasnât thinking about âsongwritingâ when it flowed from her spirit. And the âyouâ (reference to Jesus) makes all the more sense in this light of spontaneity because she was worshipping Him in that moment! It was personal. Intimate. My opinion: It shouldâve never been taken from that moment except by those who can experience it from that platform. When itâs performed/produced by a superstar, it loses authenticity. Wasnât meant to be reproduced. Sad that itâs become something to be criticized. Bless you, Elyssa Smith @elyssasm IG.
Apoorva Jayant
Praise the Lord
I believe the lyrics link that you’ve put up isn’t the entire song but just the chorus.
https://genius.com/Upperroom-surrounded-fight-my-battles-live-lyrics this link leads to the complete song where there are references to Psalm 23. And even though the song has repetitive lines it’s still a powerful song which can be used in worship.
In Jesus’ name
Hannah Bernice
Hmm…the song has an intended audience, GOD. Period. Once you’re in that place of worship, this song makes so much sense. It is very underrated in my opinion. Songs minister to people differently, and as a Christian musician myself, I know how great worship songs relate: portals into the presence of God. Once believers reach that level of encountering God in worship, songs like this make waves in glory. Thanks
Rebecca W Laird
I bet it was feeling pretty repetitive when they were marching around the Jericho walls …
Mark David Anthony
Plus you’ve missed the point of the song altogether bionically speaking, in my opinion, which is that THIS equals “through praise” i.e. the circling of Jericho, and praise as a weapon so to speak in II Chronicles 20:22. God bless.
Nathan Gorton
If Michael W. Smith had recorded the actual song, this wouldnât be a problem. A spontaneous worship moment can be curated and recorded, but it shouldnât be treated like a song in itself.
Here is the full song:
V1:
Thereâs a table that Youâve prepared for me,
In the presence of my enemies:
Itâs Your body and the blood Youâve shed for me,
This is how I fight my battles.
Pre-Chorus:
And I believe You overcome,
And I will lift my song of praise for what Youâve done.
Chorus:
This is how I fight my battles,
This is how I fight my battles,
This is how I fight my battles,
This is how!
V2:
In the valley I know that Youâre with me,
And surely Your goodness and Your mercy follow me;
So my weapons are praise and thanksgiving,
This is how I fight my battles.
Bridge:
It may look like Iâm surrounded, but Iâm surrounded by You;
It may look like Iâm surrounded, but Iâm surrounded by You.
When it comes to doctrine, we really canât peg Elyssa. Itâs not her fault that MWS, and every other artist since, decided to throw out the verses and pre-chorus and just sing the chorus and bridge as if thatâs the entire thing.
AskingSeekingKnocking
I first heard this song while on sabbatical and visiting a congregation who’s lead pastor was at that moment in the hospital. His son was leading worship and from the looks of things, other children were sitting near me. This song came right from the son’s heart and deeply encouraged me in my challenges as well. Life changing, unforgettable worship. Sometimes a song just needs the desperate heart seeking God rather than the critic analyzing. At least that’s what this Berean thinks. So glad to see this much needed site!
tastywallet
Asking,
I understand what you mean! That is one of the biggest drawbacks of this site, that it only shows a critical, Scriptural examination (with a touch of bias, I admit). However, I still hope it gave you something worth thinking about.
I am glad you think that my site is much needed. It helps me also, to think more about the music I hear.
-TastyWallet
William Bauer
I love this song. I can not do it without God. The simple message contained within the lyrics means a lot to me. Even in the most difficult circumstances my hope is in the Almighty. I have hope because I believe. Even when all seems lost.
Amy
I agree with much of your assessment – my own frustration with the song was that the “this” is never actually stated. So how do you fight your battles? Upon more research (the SongSelect website by CCLI) I was surprised to find that this song actually has verses that put the chorus into context. If only the whole song had been recorded…
tastywallet
Amy,
Thank you for commenting! I had not thought about using CCLI as part of my research on an artist’s intentions and thoughts behind their song. I primarily use Google for that purpose.
-TastyWallet
Eric Stone
Um, I don’t think that “how” the singer fights her/his battles has to be explicitly stated. If a Viking swung a battle-axe and said, “This is how I fight my battles,” the only thing left to guess would be whether he was explaining a specific swing technique, the energy with which he fights, etc., not the fact that he uses an ax rather than a broadsword. If I’m not being plain enough, someone singing worship is explaining demonstratively that this is an act of warfare. I realize this may not be obvious if you’re not familiar with the biblical concept of worship as warfare. Of course, there may be multiple meanings, as they touch on belief and the elements of the Lord’s Supper: “how” could mean by deliberate faith, by “remembrance” of Jesus’ sacrifice, or any other thing referred to in the song. They’re all acts of worship.
And my two mites on the repetition issue: many folks’ reaction to it is similar to the first experience of most white folks going to most black churches. Different groups of people value and connect with different features of worship. I appreciate the writer’s open attitude about this feature he dislikes.
Mark David Anthony
THIS equals PRAISE. II Chronicles 20:22, and refers more directly to the singing of the song itself. THIS, this praising I’m doing right now, is how I/we fight my/our battles… And the it may look like I’m surrounded is about how God opened their eyes to see that they weren’t surrounded by the enemy because they and the enemy were surrounded by the angel armies of the living God in 2 Kings Chapter 6.
Randi Thacker
The repetition is different for sure. The song just has to speak to you on another level. My son’s 10 year old friend won his battle from leukemia last month. Max loved this song. He had pictures taken holding a poster saying “This is how I fight my battles” . Max loved the Lord.I think to truly understand this song you have to live it. But.. I can see how someone would think the constant repetition was a little much
Hannah Bernice
Wow! I stopped working due to employer issues but I’ve prayed and worshipped with this song constantly. If you know your Bible scriptures, your spirit will resonate with its words and music. It’s powerful. Anyway, my boss called me and wants me back to work. God is good. God bless Elyssa Smith and UPPERROOM.
Steve Barhydt
Normally this song earns an instant ‘MUTE’ when it comes an the radio as it is the epitome of repetition. However, thanks to Amy for pointing out the full version by UPPERROOM.
Having listened to the original version on YouTube, I have to say that I love the message of the song. (it’s still way too repetitive, but, at least it makes sense.)
Why Michael W. Smithâs version skips the verses, thereby crippling that wonderful message, is beyond me.
Don’t get me wrong, the song will still get muted but at least it will be because of style not content đ
tastywallet
Steve,
Thanks for your thoughts, I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
-TastyWallet
Lizzie
I think anyone who doesnât like repetition will not like Heaven… because what do the angels say all day, everyday? Holy, Holy, holy (xâs infinity) lol.
Worship comes from the heart.. and sometimes one simple phrase gives you such revelation.. thatâs all you can say.
Emi
Yeah I was disappointed today hearing Michael W Smith’s version for the first time. Usually his songs are good and I didn’t realize it doesn’t always have the verses. We always sing the full version at church and this is where I mostly hear it. I guess we’ve been doing the “live version?” https://genius.com/Upperroom-surrounded-fight-my-battles-live-lyrics
That’s weird for only the live version to have the verses…
Matt
Just stumbled upon this website today, and loving the reviews – thanks TastyWallet, keep up the good work!
It seems there a bit of confusion in the comments about the story of this song and UPPERROOM did a song story video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBN6mrptAWk) that explains the very spontaneous journey of the initial song, including the initial version that’s the subject of review here. That video inspired Michael W. Smith’s producer, and is why there’s no verse on his version either. (I suspect in the context of his event it made sense too, as a response to another song – or maybe not, I wasn’t there). It’s a funny time to be alive – songs getting released and gaining traction before they’re truly finished. I was so pleased when they added the verses which alleviated the lack of context given in the chorus and bridge section, and it would be great to have a review including the verses here as I think that’s the intended finished version (and the one we do at our church, and love!).
tastywallet
Matt,
Thank you for giving me some context to this song! When I get some extra time, I’ll take a look at the longer, more complete version as its own review.
-TastyWallet
Brandon Jones
Bro, I’m triggered. Kidding, but seriously I absolutely love this song. I’m going through some of the most difficult things I’ve ever gone through and this song is basically on repeat in my earbuds. The repetition honestly helps me be able to pray and cry out to God WHILE I am singing. I just love the words and the song though, I can see how the repetition would get annoying you didn’t absolutely love what was being repeated.
Vince Wright
Brandon,
That made me audibly laugh out loud, thanks for that!
I understand, thanks!
-Vince Wright
Laurie
I understand how this can be annoying to some but as a worship leader, I have to tell ya it’s powerful everywhere I go. There ‘s something about it! You can analyze it until the cows come home but there is no denying there is anointing here and “somebody” can relate! A whole “lot” of somebodies can relate!
Vince Wright
Laurie,
I am happy for you! I hope that my review still gave you something worth thinking about.
-Vince Wright
Mark Stripling
When all the verses are added, the song is much more meaningful. The constant repitition of the new style Christian songs is annoying, and this song carries it to the max. But I travel in ministry, and wherever you find people who just get lost in worship, this is a powerful, stirring song. For those whose lives have never been turned upside down by some life disaster, this song would not have the same impact as it would upon those who are in the middle of a desperate storm, crying out to know there is a higher power available to fight the battles that they know are too big for them alone. There is no one like the One who sacrificed his body and shed his blood on the cross to fight our battles. Whoever sings this song in a praise setting can do their own arrangement to make it much less repetitive. Thank God our enemies who try to surround us are surrounded themselves! “Fear not, for they that be with us are more than they that be with them!”
Vince Wright
Mark,
Thanks for your comments! Yes, many people can identify with the themes presented with this song. I agree with that point.
-Vince Wright
Sarah
My husband cannot stand this song! He refuses to sing it in church. He seems to think it’s weird and I guess doesn’t sit right in his spirit. For me, I just can’t take singing the. same. lyrics. so. many. times. over. that. you. want. to. scream. Yep the repetitive I agree with you- did they even put effort into writing this song?!?! I usually just stop singing after a few times through and wait impatiently for it to end. Why our church likes it so much, I don’t know. It’d be fine if it were 90 seconds, but NO we have to drag it out for 5+ minutes. Whine, cry, whine.
Vince Wright
Sarah,
Thanks for your comments! I appreciate your thoughts.
-Vince Wright
Julie
Repetition is poweful! Psalm 136 repeats “His love endures forever” 26 times!
Vince Wright
Julie,
Thank you for your thoughts! In the case of Psalm 136, the repeated line “His love endures forever” has a theological base that supports it, as opposed to, say, a repeated Chorus or Bridge, which adds nothing to its theology. It seems to disengage the mind, as opposed to Psalm 136, which utilizes it.
-Vince Wright
Adam Macey
The “table” she refers to is from Psalm 23:5, not The Last Supper table:
You prepare a TABLE before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
ckujawa
I thought very much the same way about this song…especially when it showed up in a Sunday worship set I had to play. I didn’t even practice it that’s how much I can’t stand the song (because of the repetition, which I couldn’t get past to see the scripture it’s based on). BUT…Sunday rolled around and I had forced myself to practice it beforehand…and what happened that morning changed my view of the song IN CERTAIN SETTINGS. It was powerful…and had been set up well to address the ambiguity of why we’re saying “this is how I fight…” over and over. It was a powerful declaration of reliance on God. Would I listen to it otherwise? Nope. The song is WAY too repetitive…and as you rightly pointed out, sounds outright lazy.
Vince Wright
ckujawa,
Thanks for your thoughts! I appreciate it.
-Vince Wright
Lee
Iâm also generally not a fan of repetition, but the power of this song builds and builds boiling over into one of the most powerful worship songs ever performed.
julia
This song is beyond annoying to me. First of all, it begins by stating this is how I fight my battles but does not go deeper into how explicitly that is done. Yes we are surrounded by the Lord, but that’s not the answer to the premise the song brings up in the first place. And I don’t get why the same very few words that don’t flesh out the truth are to be repeated ad infinitium. Are we supposed to leave our thoughtful minds at the door when we walk into the sanctuary?
mikeyt
I do get it i feel like it is preety obvious she is talking about worship is”how i fight my battles”. Maybe not I don’t know
CUC
I can see how this song can be empowering to some people who perhaps are currently going through personal battles. What doesn’t sit well with me is that some churches consider this worship. I fail to see the worship on this song, yes it may have some biblical references, but it seems that it was mostly written from man to man for spiritual encouragement, and not from man to God as worship. But that’s just my opinion.
Khalil Kaimo
I constantly have negative thoughts repeat in my head, especially during trying times. So having a song that repeats lyrics over and over is helpful to replace and battle back those kinds of thoughts and replacing them with praise and worship. “This is how I fight my battles”, praising God in the middle of a storm, trusting Him and His divine plan for me.
And the “it may look like I’m surrounded but I’m surrounded by You”, as soon as I heard those lyrics I thought of,
âDonât be afraid,â the prophet answered. âThose who are with us are more than those who are with them.â And Elisha prayed, âOpen his eyes, Lord , so that he may see.â Then the Lord opened the servantâs eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
2 Kings 6:16â-âŹ17 NIV.
I understand that the repitition may be annoying to some, but for me, it’s like I’m reprogramming my brain, forcing it to praise God instead of following the negative thoughts, trusting Him and His plan for me, that He will be with me through everything, that I’m not alone.
God bless you all đđźâ¤ď¸
Vince Wright
Khalil,
Thank you for your comment! My mom would agree with you.
-Vince Wright
Bryan Cook
I am totally appalled by the sanctimonious statements and positions taken by the review and many of the comments.
Clearly, speaking of LAZY, the versus comments were not taken into consideration … at least not fully. There is nothing but GLORY TO GOD AND HIS SON, Jesus the Christ.
Actually, it is a very good thing King David didn’t write and sing his songs while you all walked the planet. He would have been skewed for being religious as many of his psalms said the same things over and over.
Goodness, people, “my victory’s in Jesus name” cannot be bad. Spend time on something else.
Bryan Cook
I meant verses (not versus) in the second paragraph. There is more to the song than the chorus.
Vince Wright
Bryan,
Thank you for your honest comment; However, I’m confused and distressed by your post. I gave section 4 a 10/10, so I’m not sure how ” the versus comments were not taken into consideration ⌠at least not fully” in the context of God’s glorification. Can you elaborate?
Also, I’m perfectly fine with David’s Psalms. For example, Psalm 118 repeats the same phrase after each line; However, he also builds upon the repeated line’s truth each time he states it. It could be a responsorial Psalm in the way that the Roman Catholic Church often does things, where the priest will say something and the congregation responds out loud.
With the exception of Psalm 118, David’s writings repeat ideas without copy + pasting the same words over and over again. As do the writings of Paul and some of King Solomon. In my opinion, this is a more creative way of repeating an idea than relying on word-for-word refrains.
-Vince Wright
Bryan Cook
Again, more typos … sorry I cannot type all that well.
In the third paragraph, I meant to say, ” He would have been SKEWERED for being REPETITIOUS as many of his psalms said the same things over and over.”
Listen to the verses as sung by the writer (Elyssa Smith) of the song here … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx6mfAgHDsY&list=TLPQMjMwNDIwMjDSbOyAQNnEyQ&index=1
It will change your view.
Vince Wright
Bryan,
You may want to consider an app like Grammarly for your browser/phone/smart device. It helps me catch typos before I post comments!
-Vince Wright
Fred Flinstone (@FredFli64523076)
The whole song is actually closer to 10 minutes, and has more to it than the main chorus recorded by Smith. Here’s the original:
Vince Wright
Fred,
I suppose it depends on which version. The linked video is around 10 minutes. The Amazon link is closer to 5. Go figure.
-Vince Wright
Gerald
I was praying about this song yesterday and reflecting on how repetitive it was and how i felt Godâs spirit in it and how encouraging the lyrics, as simple as they were still led me into Godâs presence. I recalled conversations with church members about some of the songs we play and how repetitious they were. I thought to myself, âmaybe they needed to hear those words over and over. Maybe they are hearing but not listening to it.â The Lord promised the Israelites the promise land, led them to it and told them to take it. Even though they had witnessed some of the greatest miracles in the Bible they still didnât listen. As Christians we still do not always listen. That being said I would rather enter Godâs presence with a few anointed lines that repeat over and over than some elaborate weâll written song that some one wrote just to be writing a song. Iâm not saying there are not some elaborate well written songs that arenât anointed by the power of God, Iâm just saying some of the most powerful words say so little but mean so much more when we listen. Besides, how is the best way to remember important things…….repetition.
On another note, I can see how non believers or new believers might not understand this song. âThis is how I fight my battlesâ purposes a question. âHow do I fight my battles?â Christians that have been in the Faith for a while usually know. Praying, praising, fasting, being in in his presence, obedience etc. etc. I will say it is very refreshing to sing this chorus and reflect on how you fought different battles in life though the Lord.
âIt May look like Iâm surrounded but Iâm surrounded by you.â those words are my new screensaver. Probably the most powerful words in the chorus. I think about Paul and Silas surrounded by prison walls and their praises to God brought the prison walls down. I think about the three Hebrew children being obedient to God and not bowing. They looked like they were surrounded by fire but They were surrounded by the fourth man in the fire. These things cause me to reflect at all the times it looked like I was surrounded by the work of the enemy but Godâs protection was actually surrounding me.
In conclusion, if God is speaking through something and it sounds repetitive…..listen harder.
Vince Wright
Gerald,
Thank you for your comments!
You make a lot of good points about the power of repetition and how it is useful for meditation and reflection; However, I still find it annoying. I think the comparison to Israel’s stubbornness is not the same as they were told repeatedly over the span of months/years/decades rather than in rapid succession in many of such songs that I’ve deducted points. I’ve also noticed that they occur more frequently within the live version as opposed to an album version.
-Vince Wright
Emeka Nwegbu
Repetitions are common in the psalms. Psalm 136. The full song is beautiful. If you are at ease you will not appreciate it.
Alayne
A friend sent me this song 2 years ago, when I was in the midst of incessant battle from the Provincial foster care agency I worked for, my foster sons First Nations band and and their school. I disliked the song, but played it on repeat, because the repetition met the cadence of attack I was under. I was under battle and I knew it. I didnât need complex theological words, my mind needed to be reminded to be a posture of praise, repeatedly. When I consider the table represented in this song, Iâve always imagined the table in Psalm 23.
It is now one of my favorite songs, and I play it often!
Vince Wright
Alayne,
Thank you for your comments! Praise God that He used repetition to minister to you.
-Vince Wright
Teena
Behind the song :
https://youtu.be/OBN6mrptAWk
Jorge
I believe you should review this song based on the full lyrics used in the 10 minute video that has previously been provided.
Dave
Wow. I think the reviewer is thinking too hard, listening to “influencers” too much, and not praying enough. To publish ratings from 3 to 7.5 suggests someone who is applying the parameters of personal preference to something holy. Some of the comments here also suggest ratings based on professional music viewpoint. As for me and my house, we will choose foolishness over conventional “wisdom”. Be blessed and worship Him in spirit and truth.
Vince Wright
Dave,
Thank you for your comments!
Though my earlier review contained personal preference about repetition, that was since removed in this present review. My chief complaint is that the lyrics aren’t clear about who “You” is, which you haven’t addressed in your rebuttal.
-Vince Wright
Dave
Vince, I apologize for the slow response back to you. I have really come to appreciate your work and site. More and more often I am coming here to review songs that we might consider utilizing in worship. You are truly anointed to these works and this forum. In this particular case, I think you continue to be caught in the trap of genre and style. Live worship versions are not the best test for songs, in that there is no way to really understand the context of what was going on in that time and place. Earlier someone published the original lyrics. Read them again. I think that we get too focused on style, and in assuming someone has zero knowledge of who God is. The song can truly be used in many ways, with many styles. The lyrics may not be 100% what you are looking for, but there is no way to claim they are not scriptural. Personally I have lived some battles, and relate to what she is talking about. Maybe that connection is what draws me to the song, and I readily admit my positive bias in that regard. Please keep on doing what you are doing. Blessings and best wishes my friend.
Dave
One quick footnote Vince, if you look at the lyrics, the song writer has capitalized “You”. In our tradition, that is a strong clue to who is being addressed, and is a proper way to show respect to our Creator, God, and King. It is certainly a legitimate point that someone not familiar with our traditions would not understand the intent.
Vince Wright
Dave,
Thank you for your comments!
My criticism isn’t so much about style, but more on how clear the lyrics are in terms of who they point to. Capitalizing “You” makes it a proper noun, but that doesn’t necessarily indicate clarify. Also, I never said they aren’t Scriptural! Section 2 received 8/10, which only lost points because the lyrics are vague outside of assuming it’s about God/Jesus/etc.
-Vince Wright
Sarah
Just stumbled upon this site and I guess I’m confused as to why there’s a need to be so critical about worship songs. As a writer and a musician, I feel like this criticism takes so much of the poetic artistry and emotion and heartfelt praise out of the lyrics. With this song in particular, if you’re a believer, you know who the “You” is referring to…it’s not hard. If you aren’t a believer and you hear this song, most likely you know that you’re listening to a Christian song…again, not hard to guess who the song is about, but if the unbeliever is in a worship setting with believers, they have the ability to ask for clarification. I’m not seeing any problems here. It almost feels like this site is for literalists who aren’t good at poetic interpretation of meaning. As for the repetition, if I love the melody of a song, I can repeat it all day long. If I don’t love the music…not so much. Not sure why repetition annoys people apart from that…maybe just because not everyone is a fan of music/singing? But I don’t think Jesus minds the repetition of our worship.
D
I feel the exact same way as you do. This website has many fair critiques for most of the songs, but there are so many nitpicks like “not making it clear who the ‘You’ is” when it is obviously about God. Imagine if somebody took every single verse of the BIble literally; you know how many hands and eyes would be cut off and gouged if they never looked at the context? That’s the exact problem with some of the reviews on this website. It’s like wondering who “God” is in John 3:16 and then hiding behind the argument that it’s not clear in the verse if it’s the God of the Quran or of the Bible. Context is everything, and if you remove or ignore it for criticism or whatever point you are making, those claims are invalid.
Vince Wright
Sarah, D,
Thank you for your comments!
First, the reason why I am critical of worship songs is the scope I’ve set for my reviews. The scope does not include how the lyrics are used (e.g.; church setting, worship concert, Christian radio, etc). People can use any song any way they wish to use it and interpret it however they want within churches, youth groups, and Christian radio. However, if you understand the scope I’ve used for these reviews, then it should make it easier to see how I’ve drawn my conclusions.
Second, my point is that, based on the lyrics alone, it’s not clarified if “You” is God or some other person/being. An easy fix is to include something that would only be attributable to God (e.g.; omniscience, omnipresence, eternality, etc.), a proper name (e.g.; Heavenly Father, Holy Spirit, Christ, etc.), or an act that points us to God (e.g.; cross, miracles, great flood, judging the living and the dead, etc.). Without these elements, song lyrics become indistinguishable from secular music. For example, consider the following:
[Chorus]
You are so beautiful
To me
You are so beautiful
To me
Can’t you see
[Post Chorus]
You’re everything I hoped for
You’re everything I need
You are so beautiful to me
To me
[Verse]
Such joy and happiness you bring
Such joy and happiness you bring
Like a dream
A guiding light that shines in the night
Heavens gift to me
You are so beautiful to me
If you heard this in church, do you think we’d be singing about Jesus? This song is a secular song, You Are So Beautiful, released by Joe Cocker in 1974. If churches want to use this song to worship God, that’s their choice. However, it’s no more clear that UPPERROOM is talking about God than Joe Cocker is.
Third, I can’t speak for other people, but I examine things contextually, not literally. When it comes to Scripture, I examine verses within the context of a passage, within the context of a chapter, within the context of a book, within the context of a covenant, within the context of the Bible. However, I examine song lyrics in isolation because they are usually written that way.
Fourth, I’ve noticed that some people embrace repetition while others don’t prefer it. The side note is for the latter group.
-Vince Wright
Christopher Babb
This song is basically the same as “Raise a Hallelujah” by bethel. Very repetitive, with the main point of the song being that God fights our battles for us and we call out to him through prayer and worship. You gave that song a 10/10 or something like that. You gave this one a horrible grade even though they are basically the same. The only real difference being the word Hallelujah being used on repeat in the bethel song. Using the word Hallelujah does not inherently make a song more biblical. Either both of these songs are good or both are trash. Your grading scale is plagued with error and bias my friend.
Vince Wright
Christopher,
Thank you for your comment!
The chief difference is clarity. Surrounded isn’t clear on who “You” is, which incurs a heavy penalty in my reviews. Raise a Hallelujah is much clearer, stating in Spontaneous, “Everything to You, Jesus”.
-Vince Wright
chrisconte
I am grateful to the Berean Test for the hard work of ensuring truth is part of the songs we sing. There is much to be concerned about when it comes to the often self-centered worship we see in today’s music, including the some of the worship music of today. I encourage you to be kind and focus on your strengths in matching lyrics to scripture and allow artistic elements such as the use of repetition to pass unreviewed.
Laurel E. Kardison
Psalm 23:5: Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
A prophecy for Christ, and arguably, those under Jesus Christ’s reign (table verse). Christ covered us and protects us by the Elements, by His sacrifice of body and blood (on the cross and represented at the Passover table, Communion)… His blood saves us, His Name casts out foul spirits, and His death atones for us and satisfies the wrath of God against our sin.
How do we fight our battles? By Him alone. He satisfied all by His sacrifice.
Psalm 139: Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, âSurely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,â …
“You” is not the band, her boyfriend, or Buddha. This is a song that is based after David’s Psalms.
When we think we are surrounded by devils, evil, negativity, fear, etc, we are truly surrounded more-so by the Holy Spirit as Christians.
She goes on to adlib, “This is how I fight my battles…I PRAY!!” Which is a very anointed part of the song SHE sings. I’m not familiar with the MwS version.
Hope this puts it in biblical context.
Dave
Laurel, I very much agree with your thoughts and biblical context. From the start, the review of this song has headed one direction, and it has never recognized your points. The idea that the review was initially not based on the entire song, by the original song writer, in context with that worship moment, is telling. Much credit should be given for the changes made in the review as this discussion has progressed, but it still seems like there is a defense of the original position embedded here. Criticisms of style are legitimate, and personal, and are what they are. The other context, which I have stated in a prior comment, is that of the live worship experience. If you have ever or never been to The Upper Room to worship, it is influential upon a person’s perception of the song, and how it is grounded in worship of our Creator. The Upper Room is a special place, with passionate, genuine, and real worship. Not everyone would connect with their style. The author of the (entire) song is a gifted and committed worship leader and song writer. All that being said, the biblical context is solid, as is the passion for our God, and recognition that He is what empowers us to live in this world.
Jolee
Before I listened to this song, I wondered if the writer of this song was bored and just wrote that and paid no attention to detail. Now listening to it again, I honestly feel that the song is saying that UPPERROOM is “surrounded by the presence of God.” they’re praising God for everything he’s done. upperoom is basically praying in this song. I do love it but I feel like the writer(s) could’ve done better.