IListeners and viewers are frequently astounded by the voice and personalit… Read Full Bio ↴IListeners and viewers are frequently astounded by the voice and personality of Bishop Paul S. Morton. Whether in a televised appearance with childhood friend, Aretha Franklin, or in his capacity as the senior pastor of Greater St. Stephens Full Gospel Church in New Orleans, Bishop Morton is a powerful force in the spreading of "the good news." His is a voice of exceptional range and beauty, but it is something on the inside that gives him such authority. He freely acknowledges that that something is the power of the Holy Ghost.

Born into a preaching dynasty in Canada -- his mother, father, brothers, and sisters all received a calling -- Morton left the family fold to follow God's directive to go to New Orleans, where he became affiliated with the then-small Greater St. Stephens Church in 1972. Under Morton's inspirational leadership, the church has become the largest African-American church in the state, with three locations in the city. The church's numerous ministries include teaching and outreach programs, a home for "seasoned citizens," a housing development, and a school. He married a daughter of the church; his wife, Elder Debra B. Morton, is now co-pastor, with her own powerful ministry. The three Morton children are all musically talented and participate in the work of the church. Pianist son Paul Morton Jr. is the author of one of the church's most compelling songs, "Let Him In."

The Bishop's influence in the gospel community in New Orleans, the nation, and the world cannot be overstated. The visionary preacher is the founder of the Full Gospel Movement, which in just a few years has become a worldwide phenomenon. It is based on the right use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, as stated in scripture. Morton has the remarkable ability to encourage the best in others; the church motto is "Striving for Excellence," and a number of new churches have been spawned out of the mother church to help spread "the good news." Full Gospel Fellowship churches have been founded in countries throughout the world.

Bishop Morton has used his influence as a renowned preacher and singer to further the Biblical injunction to preach the gospel to all nations. He has a daily radio show, and a nationally broadcast television show. His award winning CDs, such as Healing Hands,We Offer Christ, As For Me & My House, and Crescent City Fire, are stirring tributes to the One he serves. Truly, the message is in the music. The CDs contain many of the artist's most popular gospel hits, such as "Your Tears" and "God's Got Those Healing Hands." Morton is ably backed by the Stellar Award winning Greater St. Stephens Full Gospel Baptist Church Choir. The Bishop also appears with the Full Gospel Baptist Mass Choir on its CD which he produced, A New Thing/Experience the Fullness. His charismatic style combines sincerity with talent, with which he seeks to "change a generation" through his ministerial exhortations to accept salvation and follow Christ. ~ Rose of Sharon Witmer, All Music Guide

Grateful
Bishop Paul S. Morton Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Looking back over my life
I can see how good you been to me
(Lord you been good)
You brought me over hills and mountains
(Thank you Jesus)
And I am so thankful?
Yes I am (yes I am)
You see I just wanted to let you know

Just how much I love you so
'Cause if it hadn't been for you
(Lord if it hadn't been for you)
On my side
I never could have made it through those times

You made a way (oh yea)
(Yes you did)
You brought me through
(You brought me through)
(Oh Lord)
(You brought me through)
You heard my prayer
(I just want to thank you that you heard my prayer)
(Oh yea)

When I didn't know Just what to do
(Just what to do)

Overall Meaning

In Bishop Paul S. Morton's song "Grateful," the lyrics express gratitude and thanksgiving to God for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon the singer throughout their life. The first few lines reminisce the good times and acknowledge the presence of God as a constant support system throughout. They praise God for being there and guiding them through life's struggles and challenges, be it crossing mountains or hills, and thank Him for being so good to them.

In the next set of lines, the singer emphasizes the unconditional love they have for God and how much they owe their success and survival to Him. They thank Him for making a way for them and bringing them through the difficult times, acknowledging that they could not have got through it without God's support. The singer then remembers the time when they did not know what to do, how to act or whom to turn to, yet God heard their prayer and came to their rescue.

In essence, Bishop Paul S. Morton's "Grateful" serves as a reminder of God's unconditional love and support, and how everything good that happens in our lives is a result of His grace and mercy.

Line by Line Meaning

Looking back over my life
Reflecting on my past experiences

I can see how good you been to me
I can see how many blessings and positive outcomes I've received because of your grace

(Lord you been good)
Thanking God for being good to me

You brought me over hills and mountains
You helped me overcome obstacles and challenges in my life

(Thank you Jesus)
Expressing gratitude to Jesus for his help and support

And I am so thankful? Yes I am (yes I am)
Feeling extremely grateful for everything I have received

You see I just wanted to let you know
I want to express my appreciation

Just how much I love you so
Just how much I love and cherish God

'Cause if it hadn't been for you
Because without your help

(Lord if it hadn't been for you)
Thanking God for his support

On my side I never could have made it through those times
I would not have been able to overcome challenges without God's help

You made a way (oh yea)
You provided me with a solution or path to navigate through obstacles

(Yes you did)
Affirming that it was indeed God who provided the solution

You brought me through (You brought me through) (Oh Lord) (You brought me through)
You helped me overcome the difficult times

You heard my prayer (I just want to thank you that you heard my prayer) (Oh yea)
Thanking God for answering my prayers and providing guidance when I needed it most

When I didn't know Just what to do (Just what to do)
During times of uncertainty or confusion, God provided me with direction and clarity

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JUDITH ABBOTT, BRUCE DUNSTAN, PAUL GRECO, DARREN HAMER, NIGEL HUNTER, ALICE NUTTER, LOUISE WATTS, ALLEN WHALLEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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