Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning
Our song shall rise to thee
There is a sign at the sight of thee,
Merciful and mighty
God in three Persons,
God in three Persons,
Blessed Trinity

Holy, holy, holy!
Though the darkness hide thee,
Though the eye of sinful man
Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy;
There is none beside thee,
Perfect in power
Perfect in power
In love, and purity

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy Name, in
Earth, and sky, and sea
There is a sign at the sight of thee,
There is none beside thee,
God in three Persons,
God in three Persons,
God in three Persons,
God in three Persons,
Blessed Trinity

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Sufjan Stevens's song Holy Holy Holy are a reference to the hymn of the same name. The song is a worshipful and reverent ode to the Christian God, describing him as "merciful and mighty" and "perfect in power, in love, and purity." The repetition of the title phrase "holy, holy, holy" emphasizes the sacredness of God and his three-person nature as the blessed trinity.

The second verse acknowledges the limitations of human perception and the inability to fully comprehend God's glory, even though his works are all around us in the earth, sky, and sea. Despite our unworthiness, the song affirms that God is the only one who is truly holy and there is none beside him.

Overall, the lyrics to Holy Holy Holy express a deep reverence and awe for God, celebrating his majesty and highlighting his divine attributes. Through this expression of worship, the song invites listeners to join in praise and adoration of the almighty.

Line by Line Meaning

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
We acknowledge your holiness, Lord God Almighty

Early in the morning Our song shall rise to thee
We will sing and praise you in the morning, offering our devotion

There is a sign at the sight of thee, Merciful and mighty
Your presence is overwhelming and powerful, yet merciful and compassionate

God in three Persons, God in three Persons, Blessed Trinity
You are the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Though the darkness hide thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Despite our inability to see your glory through our fallen nature and ignorance, we still believe in your holiness

Only Thou art holy; There is none beside thee, Perfect in power, Perfect in power, In love, and purity
You alone are truly holy; there is none who compares to your divine nature. You are all-powerful and flawless in your love and purity

All thy works shall praise thy Name, in Earth, and sky, and sea
Everything in creation acknowledges and praises your name, on earth, in the sky, and in the sea

God in three Persons, God in three Persons, God in three Persons, God in three Persons, Blessed Trinity
We repeat our belief in the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who are blessed and sacred

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