Frontman Omega Levine and Drummer/Producer Sam de Jong formed New Zealand’s Parachute Band in 2007, picking up from where the original Parachute Band (1996-2006) had left off. Already, the band has toured relentlessly throughout America, Africa, Asia, the UK and Europe.
Now in their fifth year as a unit, the band stands on a strong line-up of four albums: ROADMAPS & REVELATIONS, TECHNICOLOR, LOVE WITHOUT MEASURE and their latest, MATINS:VESPERS.
Their first self-produced effort, LOVE WITHOUT MEASURE was recognised by the New Zealand music industry in 2011, garnering a New Zealand Music Award for Best Gospel/Christian Album.
From their inception, Parachute Band’s intent has been to take New Zealand’s leading worship songs and introduce them to the world. And these songs have travelled – Grammy Award-winning worship outfit Casting Crowns recorded a version of the band’s song ‘Mercy’ on their album UNTIL THE WORLD HEARS. The band has also found camaraderie with former Delirious? Frontman Martin Smith, who contributed guest vocals on LOVE WITHOUT MEASURE track ‘It’s You’.
Smith has continued to work with the Parachute boys, recruiting them as his band for a string of dates in 2010 and 2011.
The band’s strength is in their ability to avoid the musical stereotype of their genre. They’re constantly seeking experimentation; delivering solid worship themes within songs that channel the indie fervour of Arcade Fire and the instrumental invention of Sigur Ros and Bon Iver. This kind of crossover chemistry saw the band take out the People’s Choice Award at the mainstream 2008 NZ Music Awards.
Glorified
Parachute Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stand in awe, of your cleansing grace.
Who am I, that you would care for me?
I glorified the one who died for me.
Chorus:
Glorify, glorify
Let the earth tremble at your name
Let your name be lifted up and glorified
Verse 2:
Into your hands, I commit my life
Day by day as a living sacrifice
Who am I that you would care for me?
I glorify the one who died for me
The opening lines of Parachute Band's song Glorified indicate that the singer is approaching God's sacred space with a sense of reverence, and is humbled by the concept of being cleansed by God's grace. The lyrics suggest that the singer may feel unworthy of this grace, or may be acknowledging the magnitude of God's forgiveness. The phrase "who am I, that you would care for me?" is particularly poignant, and serves to underscore the singer's sense of humility and gratitude.
The chorus of the song is particularly compelling, as the singer implores the listener to "glorify" God's name, and to lift God up for all to see. The powerful and commanding language of the chorus is a call to action, urging the listener to acknowledge God's greatness and to tremble in awe of His glory. The repetition of the phrase "let your name be lifted up and glorified" further underscores the importance of giving God the recognition and adoration He deserves.
The second verse of the song has a similar theme to the first, with the singer committing their life to God as a "living sacrifice" and once again expressing their awe at God's mercy and care for them. The use of the phrase "who am I" is once again employed to indicate the singer's sense of unworthiness or humility before God.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord I come into your Holy place.
I am seeking entrance to your sacred dwelling.
Stand in awe, of your cleansing grace.
I am filled with reverence for your purifying mercy.
Who am I, that you would care for me?
I am humbled that you would take notice of me.
I glorified the one who died for me.
I pay tribute to the one who gave his life for mine.
Glorify, glorify
Majestic, powerful, praiseworthy.
Let your name be lifted up and glorified
May your renown be exalted and celebrated.
Let the earth tremble at your name
May all creation quake at the sound of your name.
Into your hands, I commit my life
I entrust my existence to your care.
Day by day as a living sacrifice
Each day I offer myself wholly to you.
Who am I that you would care for me?
I am amazed that you would take any interest in me.
I glorify the one who died for me
I elevate and honor the one who sacrificed himself for me.
Contributed by Dominic C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.