Scream
Johnny Q. Public Lyrics


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Sounds of cymbals, harp and lyre
Sounds of timbral, song and dance

Let everything with breath praise
And I won't put my fingers on it

David played his blessed harp
And danced violently
I'll blessedly scream
I don't know how to dance
I don't know how to sing
But I'll scream, blessedly scream

Sounds of giants fill the land
If I don't play my part, trees and rocks can

Let everything with breath praise
And I won't put my fingers on it

David played his blessed harp
And danced violently
I'll blessedly scream
I don't know how to dance
I don't know how to sing
But I'll scream, blessedly scream

David played his blessed harp
And danced violently
I'll blessedly scream
I don't know how to dance
I don't know how to sing
But I'll scream, blessedly scream

Let everything with breath praise
And I won't put my fingers on it




Let everything with breath praise
And I won't put my fingers on it

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Johnny Q. Public's song "Scream" seem to reference the biblical story of David and his harp. The first two lines mention sounds of cymbals, harp, lyre, timbral, song, and dance, which are all instruments and elements that can be found in biblical worship. The next line establishes the theme of praise and everything with breath praising.


The chorus of the song is where the lyrics take a bit of a turn. Instead of saying "I'll dance" or "I'll sing," the singer says "I'll scream, blessedly scream." This seems to be an expression of worship that doesn't fit into the traditional mold. The second verse includes "sounds of giants fill the land," which could be interpreted as overwhelming obstacles or challenges that the singer feels unequipped to face. However, the singer recognizes that they still have a part to play even if they don't feel qualified.


Overall, "Scream" seems to be a song about the many ways that people can express worship and praise. It encourages everyone to participate in their own way, whether that be through music, dance, or even screaming.


Line by Line Meaning

Sounds of cymbals, harp and lyre
Musical instruments play a significant role in creating an atmosphere of celebration and worship


Sounds of timbral, song and dance
Various sounds produced by instruments, singing and dancing create a unique and harmonious experience


Let everything with breath praise
All living beings should offer praise to the Creator for the gift of life and breath


And I won't put my fingers on it
I choose not to let my own opinions or personal biases interfere with the collective worship experience


David played his blessed harp
The biblical figure of David used music to worship God and set an example for others to follow


And danced violently
David's energetic dancing showed his unbridled enthusiasm for praising God


I'll blessedly scream
Even though I may not have musical talent, I will still express my worship with joyous shouting


I don't know how to dance
One does not need to have a particular skill to worship God - any expression of the heart is acceptable


I don't know how to sing
One does not need to have a beautiful voice to worship God - any sincere praise is heard


But I'll scream, blessedly scream
I will find my own unique way to express my worship, even if it is loud and unconventional


Sounds of giants fill the land
Negative influences and obstacles can seem overwhelming and may distract from true worship


If I don't play my part, trees and rocks can
It is important to contribute to the collective worship experience, or it will be lacking and incomplete


Let everything with breath praise
The call to worship is universal and inclusive to all living beings


And I won't put my fingers on it
I will not hinder or distract from the unified spirit of worship


David played his blessed harp
The repetition of this line emphasizes the importance and impact of musical worship


And danced violently
The repetition of this line emphasizes the physical and emotional expression of worship


I'll blessedly scream
The repetition of this line emphasizes the personal commitment and joy in worship, regardless of circumstance


I don't know how to dance
The repetition of this line emphasizes the idea that any form of sincere praise is acceptable


I don't know how to sing
The repetition of this line emphasizes the idea that one's lack of talent or ability should not hinder their worship


But I'll scream, blessedly scream
The repetition of this line emphasizes the personal commitment and joy in worship, regardless of circumstance


Let everything with breath praise
The repetition of this line reinforces the call to universal worship and inclusivity


And I won't put my fingers on it
The repetition of this line emphasizes the importance of not hindering or distracting from the unified spirit of worship




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARK OWEN, NICK HEYWARD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

IKE5021

Great song..brings me back to seeing them live at Kings Island in 1996 (probably). The singer just stood motionless on the stage for what seemed liked minutes and then exploded.

Ken Kopper

Saw them live. Awesome. Too bad they only made one album.

Aaron Hollis

They didn’t just make 1 album. They put out another album later on too.

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