Once an aspiring symphony conductor, Story didn’t even know she could sing - much less write songs - until she was in her early twenties. Today, Story is not only a gifted vocalist and worship leader but also the composer of one of the most beloved worship songs of our generation - “Indescribable.” The song has topped charts and been recorded by multiple artists, but most importantly, it has helped people all over the world experience our magnificent God. Story had no idea her life would be used for such a purpose. Set to release her label debut on INO Records (Sara Groves, MercyMe, Derek Webb) in January 2008, Story is still learning that God’s plan is far deeper and wider than she ever thought possible.
So how did a string bassist from South Carolina end up penning a worship anthem known and loved by millions? It all began with a providential moment in the class registration line her sophomore year at Columbia International University.
“I was a YoungLife leader, and I saw another guy in line wearing a YoungLife t-shirt,” Story recalls. “He said he was in a band and asked me if I wanted to come play with them. I had never played in a band – it had never even crossed my mind.” The band was Silers Bald, who would later become a popular indie pop-rock band in the Southeast. The young man she met was vocalist Shane Williams, and by the time they’d made it through the registration line, Story was their newest female member.
Story started out playing string bass, graduated to electric bass, and then took a stab at vocals when the original female vocalist left. Completely out of her comfort zone but willing to trust God with her newfound vocal ability, she even tried her hand at songwriting, and their fans desired more. “The Lord taught me that it’s not necessarily what I think my strengths are. That’s not how He determines what He’s going to use,” says Story.
Five years and many road miles later, Story found herself being led a different direction musically, just as Silers Bald was on the brink of signing a deal with Essential Records. “I knew the Lord was telling me it was time for something new, and I needed to be in or out,” says Story. They amicably parted ways and Story ended up touring with folk-rock artist Andrew Peterson that spring. When her manager suggested she record an independent album with the songs she had written while in Silers, Story was still unconvinced her vocals could stand on their own: “Why would I do that?” she answered. “That would mean I’d have to sing on it!” Besides, she was out of money and didn’t have enough songs for a full record.
But those challenges were overcome when God provided more money and more songs. In 2002, Story began recording her first independent album with producer Stephen Gause and trusted that the last song she needed to round out the album would be provided. Soon after, she was driving down a mountain road, eyes fixed on the majesty of her Creator, when she started worshiping and singing, “Indescribable…uncontainable…You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name…”. Story added verses on the piano and finished the song while reading God’s own description of His power and might in Job Chapter 38. Her first record was now complete. And considering the road Story had traveled to get to this place, “Indescribable” was the perfect title track.
What brought “Indescribable” into churches all across the U.S. and the world was when Chris Tomlin recorded it for his 2004 release, Arriving, produced by Ed Cash (Caedmon’s Call, Bebo Norman, Bethany Dillon). When Cash, a longtime friend of Story’s from YoungLife circles, suggested that Tomlin use “Indescribable” as his first single, Story was shocked. “I remember saying, ‘That song will never work for corporate worship. There’s no way congregations are going to sing that!’ But it’s humbling and amazing to see what the Lord has done. When I was looking for it, I couldn’t find it. When I just started worshiping, He blew me out of the water.”
“Indescribable” flew up the AC charts where it stayed 1 for 7 weeks and in the top 15 for 50 weeks. The song was also included on the Passion CD/DVD in 2005, Tomlin’s 2006 release, Live From Austin Music Hall, and performed by Avalon for WoW Worship 2006. The list of accolades goes on, but even with millions of people now familiar with her words, Story takes no more credit for writing them than she would for creating the Appalachian Mountains. “I always think the last song I wrote was my last song. Just when my mind is completely blank and I don’t know if I’ll write a song again, God surprises me. The songs are His - I’m just the first person who gets to hear them.”
In 2005, Story released her second independent album, There Is Nothing, produced by Ed Cash and Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay). That same year she married her high school sweetheart, Martin Elvington, and moved to Atlanta to become the worship leader and women’s pastor for the arts and music community at Perimeter Church.
Shortly after inking the deal with INO Records in 2006, a trial entered Story’s life that would not only provide her with a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty, but also serve as fodder for the songs on her new record. After one year of marriage, Story’s husband was hospitalized with a brain tumor.
“There was a time he was on a breathing machine and we weren’t sure he was going to make it. I spent my whole life singing, ‘’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,’ but until Jesus took me through something where my only option was to trust Him, I didn’t really know that sweetness,” reflects Story. While supporting her husband through surgery, radiation, complications, and intense physical therapy, Story has composed new songs with meaty, real substance that have ministered to her as much as they will minister to her listeners.
“It’s hard to understand why God would allow us to go through this, but I know He works all things together for good, and I feel my new album is reflecting that. Though He leads us through valleys, that’s when we get to trust Him and draw closer to Him all the more. Though I’ve doubted, His grasp has never released, never slipped. He’s remained completely faithful to me. He has proven that He really is my foundation and my hope.”
On a regular basis, Story gets to share this hope with the 100+ women she ministers to through her job at Perimeter Church; and it’s not a job she’s giving up anytime soon. After all, the opportunity to pour into others’ lives and treasure each moment reminds Story that she is just a passenger on this remarkable journey.
“Mine is not the perfect voice or the perfect life. My life is as messy as the next person’s, and God is using me to speak to the church. For this season of my life, God has really blessed me with some insight into who He is and what that has to do with me. For some reason He just gives it to me in song form.”
With the way inspiration comes to Laura Story, it’s exciting to wonder what will be around the next mountain bend…
Your Name Will Be Praised
Laura Story Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To the end of the day
Your name will be praised, Jesus
Your name will be praised
From the prophets of old
To the mouths of babes
Your name will be praised, Jesus
Glory to You, Exalted One
Who gave Your life away
Glory to You, our Risen King
Jesus, Your name will be praised
Your name will be praised
For the gift of new life
For Your mercies each day
Your name will be praised, Jesus
Your name will be praised
Through the darkest of nights
When we can't find out way
We will walk by faith not sight, Lord
And Your name will be praised
Glory to You, Exalted One
Who gave Your life away
Glory to You, our Risen King
Jesus, Your name will be praised
Your name will be praised
For who You are
For what You've done
For what You've yet to do
The song we raise
This day we proclaim
All glory to You
All glory to You, Exalted One
Who gave Your life away
Glory to You, our Risen King
Jesus, Your name will be praised
Your name will be praised
Your name will be praised
The lyrics of Laura Story's song Your Name Will Be Praised express a deep sense of adoration and worship towards Jesus Christ. The opening lines of the song state that from sunrise to sunset, Jesus' name will be praised, indicating a never-ending praise and worship. The next lines describe the vast range of people - from the prophets of old to the mouths of babes - who will praise Jesus' name. The lyrics suggest that Jesus' name has been revered since ancient times, and people of all ages acknowledge Jesus' greatness.
The chorus of the song glorifies Jesus, the exalted one, who gave his life away and rose from the dead. The lyrics proclaim the name of Jesus Christ as the only one that deserves this level of praise, and that his name will indeed be praised for all of eternity. The second verse acknowledges that Jesus' name will be praised for the gift of new life, for his mercies, and for guiding us during times when we cannot find a way.
Overall, the song's lyrics express gratitude, thankfulness, and devotion to Jesus Christ, who is exalted above all else. The lyrics aim to inspire individual and collective worship of Christ, acknowledging his greatness as the risen king.
Line by Line Meaning
From the rising sun
From the beginning of the day
To the end of the day
Until the very end of the day
Your name will be praised, Jesus
Your name will be honored and glorified, Jesus
Your name will be praised
Your name will be celebrated and exalted
From the prophets of old
From the ancient prophets of the past
To the mouths of babes
To the innocent and young who speak of You
Glory to You, Exalted One
You deserve all glory, You who are High above all
Who gave Your life away
You sacrificed Your life for us
Glory to You, our Risen King
You are our King who rose from the dead
For the gift of new life
For the blessing of renewed life
For Your mercies each day
For Your acts of kindness and forgiveness each and every day
Through the darkest of nights
Even during the most difficult and trying times
When we can't find out way
When we are lost and can't find our path
We will walk by faith not sight, Lord
We trust in You and not just in what we can see
For who You are
For Your character and nature
For what You've done
For all that You have accomplished and achieved
For what You've yet to do
For all that is yet to come from You
The song we raise
We lift up our voices in song
This day we proclaim
We declare this day the glory of God
All glory to You
We give all honor and praise to You
All glory to You, Exalted One
You are the one who deserves all honor and glory
Your name will be praised
Your name will be celebrated and exalted
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JOHNNY MAC POWELL, LAURA MIXON STORY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Betsy Hall
Yes, His name is praised---for He is the same --yesterday, today, and forever---He never changes-His redeeming love--His forgiveness--the gift of his salvation--all of His goodness and promises---Yes Glory to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit!!!!!!
SantaFe19484
"For who You are
For what You've done
For what You've yet to do"
Such wonderful lyrics, especially the last line!
Joelyn Reyes
Reggae
destiny casada
totally true that is his name will always be praised till the day that the trumpet sounds it will be praised forever and ever you are amazing God yes you are!!!!!
Lovejesusandmusic
Thank you Jesus
MizraimG
What a lovely song. The music and the lyrics are just perfect. Thank you for sharing it.
justine garida
Your name will be praise <3
Isabelle Lourenco
I will try to praise your name at all times of day, but have a hard time praising God all day. I will praise you for life and new mercies day by day. I walk by faith and not by sight.
Yukina Kagamine
can somebody give me the guitar chords? thank you ^_^
Alexis Elia
Amen to that brother :)