Jonathan's first single broke down racial barriers, becoming the first song by a black artist to be played by white radio stations in South Africa. Because Jive was headquartered in England, Jonathan decided to move there to focus on his recording career. His commitment to his craft paid off with his self-titled debut album, which received a Grammy nomination for the pop hit "Lies."
Jonathan's ability to blend his roots in African music with western pop sensibilities would be a trademark of many albums to follow, though never more refined than in his latest release.
For example, the first single from Jonathan is a rendition of the folk-rock classic "Fire and Rain." Butler breathes new life into this classic, infusing the vocals with intensity, as subtle as it is powerful. The musical arrangement is lively and soulful, indicative of his roots in World music. "Fire and Rain" is already garnering accolades from top radio programmers. Lori Lewis, program director for WSMJ in Baltimore states, "It literally gave me a lump in my throat. I walked into the studio and introduced it live on air. Vocals this great are really rare."
Gonna Lift You Up
Jonathan Butler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Johnathon Butler
You said if you be lifted, You'd draw all men to you
You said if you be lifted, You'd draw all men to you
So draw me, draw me closer
So draw me
Draw me closer to you
I'm gonna lift higher, higher
Oh Lord, I'm gonna lift you up
And I'm never gonna stop
Oh with everything I've got
I'm gonna lift you up
Gonna lift my hands
Gonna lift my voice
I'm gonna lift my worship to you
I'm gonna lift my hands and give you praise
The lyrics to Jonathan Butler's song "Gonna Lift You Up" are an expression of devotion and surrender to God. The opening line of the song is a reference to John 12:32, where Jesus says, "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself." The singer acknowledges that if they lift their praise and worship to God, He will draw them closer and they will experience a deeper relationship with Him. The repetition of the phrase "draw me closer" shows the singer's desire to be in God's presence and feel His love.
The chorus of the song is a declaration of the singer's intention to lift God higher and higher with their praise. They promise to never stop lifting Him up and to use everything they have to worship Him. The use of the word "Lord" in the chorus is a sign of respect and acknowledgment of God's authority and power. The verses describe how the singer will lift their hands, voice, and worship to God. They are not just lifting their physical body but their entire being in an act of surrender.
Overall, "Gonna Lift You Up" is a powerful and moving song that expresses the depth of a believer's relationship with God. It encourages listeners to lift their praise and worship to God and draw closer to him.
Line by Line Meaning
You said if you be lifted, You'd draw all men to you
You promised that if you were exalted, all people would be attracted towards you
So draw me, draw me closer
Thus I ask you, please bring me closer and closer to you
Draw me closer to you
It is my earnest desire to be close to you
I'm gonna lift higher, higher
My intention is to raise you up higher and higher
Gonna lift you up
I'm gonna raise you up high
Oh Lord, I'm gonna lift you up
O my God, I am going to exalt you
And I'm never gonna stop
I will not cease to praise you
Oh with everything I've got
With all of my being
I'm gonna lift you up
It is my plan to lift you up
Gonna lift my hands
I will also elevate my hands
Gonna lift my voice
My voice will also be raised
I'm gonna lift my worship to you
I will lift up my adoration and adulation towards you
I'm gonna lift my hands and give you praise
I will raise my hands and offer you my gratitude
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP
Written by: ISRAEL HOUGHTON, JONATHAN KENNETH BUTLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind